Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
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Top 10 attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Pham Ngu Lao
When it comes to Ho Chi Minh City, no one is unaware of Pham Ngu Lao. Named after the Vietnamese national hero Pham Ngu Lao, the old street is just an ordinary road. What we commonly refer to as the old street is actually an area comprising Pham Ngu Lao and several surrounding roads, a paradise for backpackers. Here, the streets crisscross, with hotels of various grades and budget hostels scattered throughout the neighborhood. Along the roadside, you'll find a wide array of travel agencies, foreign currency redemption locations, restaurants of diverse cuisines, Western eateries, bars, cafes, and shops selling local specialty products—everything you could need. This is the old quarter of Ho Chi Minh City, where the daily life of ordinary people unfolds vividly before your eyes. Travelers of all skin colors can be seen here—some carrying backpacks while searching for accommodation on the streets, others strolling around after setting down their packs, and still others capturing the moment with their cameras. In short, every expression of a backpacker you'd hope to see can be found here. Meal Restaurants from around the world offer a rich variety of flavors. Here you can taste local snacks, and the delicious food from nearby street stalls is no less impressive than that of upscale restaurants. No wonder this place never sleeps—you can always find something tasty even in the middle of the night. You can try the coconut milkshake at Allez Boo, a blend of coconut juice, ice cubes, and milk, and even scoop out the coconut flesh with a small spoon. Alternatively, head to the eatery at the end of the old street for a bowl of beef meatball rice noodles paired with iced coffee—the unique taste is something only you can experience. Or, order a steamed beer crab at some obscure little shop; its thick, tender meat practically melts in your mouth, with an intoxicatingly fresh and sweet flavor. Don't miss the roadside rice skin snacks, available in various flavors—crispy and delicious. And for the girls, there's a variety of ice creams to enjoy, perfectly complemented by tropical fruits. Nightlife The midnight in the old quarter is even more brilliant with lights, and the night is enchanting. The shops on the old street are also the main shopping spots in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many tourist crafts here, allowing you to stroll slowly at night and carefully pick. At night, many sleepless backpackers come out to wander, looking for cafes, snack shops, and juice stalls, making it very lively.Ho Chi Minh City · 1.3 km from downtown
Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory
The Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is the premier spot for panoramic city views. This modern skyscraper stands as one of the city's iconic landmarks with its impressive height and distinctive architectural design. Located on the upper floors, the observatory offers visitors breathtaking vistas of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant urban landscape and the Mekong River winding through the metropolis. At sunset, when the skyline turns golden, the view becomes particularly spectacular. Equipped with high-powered telescopes and interactive information screens, the observatory helps visitors identify and learn about the city's major landmarks and historical context. A café and souvenir shop allow guests to enjoy refreshments while soaking in the city's charm. More than just a sightseeing destination, the Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory serves as a perfect window to experience Ho Chi Minh City's energy and modernity!Ho Chi Minh City · 3.2 km from downtown
Saigon River Princess Cruise
Admire the city's landmarks as you float down the river; sights such as Thu Thiem Bridge and Vietnam Telecom Tower can be seen from the deck. Dine on a variety of local and international dishes, including vegetarian and children's menus. Don't miss your chance to sail to the city in the evening on an unforgettable dinner cruise with Saigon River Princess Cruise! Ho Chi Minh City · 1.8 km from downtown
Ho Chi Minh City Hop-on Hop-off Bus
The Ho Chi Minh City Hop-on Hop-off Bus offers a convenient and comprehensive way for travelers to explore this vibrant city full of historical charm. As a flexible sightseeing service, the bus allows travelers to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City's iconic landmarks and rich culture during a comfortable journey. The Ho Chi Minh City Hop-on Hop-off Bus features a double-decker design with an open-top level, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city while traveling. The bus route passes by Ho Chi Minh City's major landmarks, including the famous Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market. Each attraction is accompanied by professional guide commentary, offering rich insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture, enabling visitors not only to see but also to deeply understand the unique charm of Ho Chi Minh City. The Ho Chi Minh City Hop-on Hop-off Bus offers flexible boarding and alighting service, allowing visitors to freely choose their stops based on personal interests and schedules to explore each area's unique features. Whether it's shopping, dining, or visiting museums, the bus conveniently takes visitors to their destinations. This sightseeing experience is perfect not only for first-time travelers to Ho Chi Minh City, but also offers locals a fresh way to rediscover their city's charm.Ho Chi Minh City · 812m from downtown
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is one of the five outstanding museums in Vietnam. The War Remnants Museum is a place to call for world peace. The museum is not only a place for patriotic education in Vietnam, but also an important place for tourists to visit. The content of the exhibition is divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. The indoor part uses pictures, maps and text to describe how the US military used advanced weapons and inhumane methods to kill Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Even though the name of the museum has changed, the content has not changed. The interpretive languages used in the museum include Vietnamese, English and Chinese. Interestingly, the vast majority of these images depicting U.S. atrocities are from the United States. There are real objects on display in the museum. The outdoor part is a display of aircraft, artillery shells and various gas bombs used by the US military during the Vietnam War. There is also a French-made guillotine shipped to Vietnam in the early 20th century, which was fully used between 1959-1960 and is chilling to watch. There are eight themed exhibition halls in the museum, and the display themes are: historical truth, photo collection of current affairs of international photojournalists who died in the Indochina war, photo collection of current affairs of Japanese photographers, prison system, crimes of the war of aggression, "white dove" children The Department of Education and people from all over the world supported the Vietnam War of Resistance.Ho Chi Minh City · 517m from downtown
Churches in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam · Ho Chi Minh City
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Water puppet show is Vietnam's "national quintessence" and one of Vietnam's characteristic traditional folk stage shows. It has a history of more than 800 years. Although "water puppets" originated in North Vietnam, they have been slowly relocated to Ho Chi Minh City over the past decade due to their popularity with foreign tourists. The performance method is to set up a stage on the pool, and the actors who are immersed in the water in the background manipulate the puppets with long lines or bamboo poles, and sing, read and play with the accompaniment on the spot, so that the puppets can vividly interpret various Vietnamese folklore stories. There are many performance venues for water puppet shows, especially the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, which lasts about 45 minutes. △ The show performed on the water △ Use live Vietnamese traditional instruments △ The show is mainly about Vietnamese folktales and legendsHo Chi Minh City · 611m from downtown
Independence Palace
Independence Palace was once the office of the French Governor in Vietnam. It is now a venue for government meetings and heads of state receptions. It is also an open historical site for both domestic and foreign visitors. The Palace is 3 stories high with two side buildings and a basement. There is a luxurious meeting room on the first floor; a credential submission room, a presidential VIP room, a banquet hall, and a presidential office on the second floor; and a movie room and entertainment room on the third floor. Reunification Palace is surrounded by trees, with a large lawn in front of the main entrance and a fountain.Ho Chi Minh City · 352m from downtown
City Sightseeing Bus Saigon
City Sightseeing was created in 1999 in Seville, Spain and this tour is still the back bone of our worldwide operations. Starting with just four tours in 2000 and initially as a joint venture between UK based Ensign Bus and newly established City Sightseeing Spain, City Sightseeing is now a well-known feature in almost 100 locations worldwide which span six of the seven continents. Our bright, cheerful and fun-filled red open top buses are sought after by tourists and visitors to some of the world's top destinations. Saigon is an amazing mix of cultures. Founded over fifteen centuries ago, it didn't become an important city until the arrival of Vietnamese settlers from the north in the 17th century. Colonisation by the French 200 years later saw a European influence that lasted some hundred years. Independence came via two long and bloody wars that also left their mark. With your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket, you'll be able to discover every stunning facet of Saigon. And you can choose between our Saigon City Tour (Red Line) and our Chinatown Tour (Blue Line). Hop on the bus at any of our stops and then decide where to hop off first.Ho Chi Minh City · 737m from downtown
Saigon Central Post Office
The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a French colonial post office built in the 19th century. The exterior of the Post Office resembles an elaborate train station. Wherever you look, everything is intricately designed and decorated. The dates of the Post Office's construction (1886-1891) are inscribed beneath the large clock over the main entrance. Walk into the Post Office and you'll find a spacious lobby with a classically arching ceiling, round windows, hanging chandeliers, and stunningly gorgeous wall lamps, among other decorative features. Beneath the old map on the wall, there are classic phone booths from which you can make international calls. While visiting the Central Post Office, consider mailing a postcard home.Ho Chi Minh City · 336m from downtown
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Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Pham Ngu Lao
Ho Chi Minh City · 1.3 km from downtownSaigon Central Post Office
Ho Chi Minh City · 336m from downtown
Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City · 819m from downtown
Tan Dinh Church
Ho Chi Minh City · 1.2 km from downtown
Mekong River Delta
Vietnam · Can Tho
Bui Vien
Ho Chi Minh City · 1.5 km from downtown
Saigon River
Ho Chi Minh City · 45.3 km from downtown
Jesus Christ Statue
Ho Chi Minh City · 65.9 km from downtown
People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City · 574m from downtown
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City · 239m from downtown
What travelers say about Ho Chi Minh City
cientravelAugust 17, 2026
5.0
Bui Vien Street is a lively spot to experience Ho Chi Minh City after dark! 🌃✨ Lots of restaurants, cafés, street food, and entertainment. Great for a fun evening walk and people-watching. 🇻🇳
Pham Ngu Lao
M52***60September 26, 2026
5.0
I didn't have high hopes, but overall it was very good, exceeding my expectations. The weather was also quite nice today. I would highly recommend it if you're visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Although I've been to many cities, I still highly recommend it.
Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory
Gerry WambeekOctober 20, 2026
5.0
Yes worth taking the trip. Lovely ship and friendly crew. Good views of the city. The cocktail where made nicely
Saigon River Princess Cruise
fran_chickenoilOctober 24, 2026
5.0
Had such a great experience with the Ho Chi Minh City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus! 🌃✨ Traveled with friends, and it was such a fun and affordable way to explore the city at night. Perfect for enjoying the city lights, taking in the views, and seeing HCMC from a different perspective. Great value for money, too! Highly recommend it if you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Would definitely book again! 🚌❤️
Ho Chi Minh City Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Pham Anh DuySeptember 27, 2026
5.0
Đây là một địa điểm rất đáng để đi trong chuyến hành trình tìm hiểu.
War Remnants Museum
April HuangOctober 21, 2026
4.0
The Kim Long Water Puppet Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City is the top choice for watching water puppet shows and is ranked number one on the must-see list.
Water puppetry is a unique traditional folk art of Vietnam with a history of nearly a thousand years. It originated in the rural ponds of the Red River Delta, later entering the royal court and being listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. During performances, actors stand in waist-deep water, hidden behind bamboo curtains, and use long bamboo poles and ropes to manipulate puppets, depicting stories of farming, fishing, and folk tales on the water's surface. A traditional band provides live accompaniment throughout the performance.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
E58***40October 17, 2026
4.0
Not much to see here. The place is small and hot with no air conditioning. You get to see how the government officials would live their lives and how they would host their guests at the different rooms within the palace. Ticket isn’t experience but really not much to see
Independence Palace
qinqin_7301June 3, 2026
5.0
Saigon city centre has a pretty nice skyline and also antique buildings at the same time, definitely worth a try to take a bus tour around !
City Sightseeing Bus Saigon
SIARHEI.FILATAUOctober 6, 2026
5.0
Overcrowded, with traders of souvenirs. But still works and looks historically attractive
Saigon Central Post Office
