Places to Visit and Things to do at Ho Chi Minh City

Places to Visit and Things to do at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. Here is Detail of ho chi minh city nightclub and museum of fine arts

Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City used to be known as Saigon although this was officially changed after Ho Chi Minh unified Vietnam following the Vietnam War. As such, Ho Chi Minh City is a place that is steeped in some of the most important modern history in the world, and you will find references to this on every street corner. ho chi minh city nightclub If you want to learn more about the period of reunification in Vietnam, ho chi minh city nightclub then you can visit monuments, museums and spots used during the Vietnam War like the Cu Chi Tunnels, but you will also find a vibrant modern side to the city at the same time.

Despite its historic and cultural significance, Ho Chi Minh City is also one of the most dynamic spots in Vietnam, and you can see this through the cutting edge buildings and the exciting nightlife on offer here. If you want to sample some of the local delights, ho chi minh city nightclub then the street food scene in the city is also one of the best in the country, and you can happily spend your days eating your way around ho chi minh city nightclub, or join a dedicated food tour.

1. Explore the Mekong River & Delta on a boat

What’s better than starting your journey by exploring the scenic beauty in a Ho Chin Minh tour. Start from the city on a minivan or a bus and head to the Mekong Delta and My Tho & Ben Tre Islands. You’ll be mesmerized by the views you come across on the way: the green rice fields and picturesque rural setup are sure to leave you speechless. Sail over the mighty Mekong river on a motorboat. Walk or cycle around the Island village. In short, get closer to nature on the very first go!

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnel can be termed as one of the renowned iconic attractions of Ho Chi Minh CIty as it is a part of the extensive underground network. It was used by the Vietnamese congress as a hideaway during various wars.

3. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most important places to see in ho chi minh city from a shopping point of view. Visiting this place, you will be able to purchase cheap clothes, souvenirs, accessories, textiles, electronics goods and much more. In the course of the day time, the market sells fresh produce and groceries whereas after the sunset, this place completely transforms into a street food hub.

Ho Chi Minh is a city in action. The more you explore, the more you will appreciate the balance it strikes between ancient and modern. Markets are the best place to experience this fusion. A tour to the buzzing and vibrant Ben Thanh market is among the top things to do in the Ho Chi Minh City District 1. The market comes alive at night with more than 3000 stalls selling just about everything right from grocery, glassware, fresh meat, vegetables, clothes, etc. If Ben Thanh is not enough for you, also check out Cai Rang River Market – a huge wholesale floating market and Cho Lon – the Chinese Market too.

Timings:
– Day Market: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
– Night Market: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

4. Independence Palace

If you are a history buff and loves to explore the ancient part while in Vietnam then Independence Palace is definitely the best spot for you. The palace isn’t utilized much any longer like it was before; it’s a chronicled relic of a period that finished just 40 years prior. In the sprawling grounds are clear indications of how everything finished, with a tank smashing through the front door and conveying the Vietnam War to an end

5. War Remnants Museum

If you are a history buff and loves to explore the ancient part while in Vietnam then Independence Palace is definitely the best spot for you. The palace isn’t utilized much any longer like it was before. ho chi minh city museum it’s a chronicled relic of a period that finished just 40 years prior. Ho chi minh city museum of fine arts In the sprawling grounds are clear indications of how everything finished, with a tank smashing through the front door and conveying the Vietnam War to an end

The War Remnants Museum documents the brutality of the Vietnam War. ho chi minh city museum of fine arts Taking a tour of this museum is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh for history lovers. On display are the retired military vehicles such as “Huey” helicopters, attack bombers, ho chi minh city museum and M48 Patton tank in the front yard. There is a horrific collection of texts and photographs relating to the war. There are few other interesting museums in the city that you can visit including ho chi minh city museum of fine arts, Museum of Fine Arts and The Museum of Traditional Medicine.

6. Explore the Mekong River & Delta on a boat

7. Embrace Saigon’s Coffee Culture

Vietnamese people are quite passionate about their coffee. And you’ll find cute coffee shops on virtually every corner of the city.

If you want to get some work done, check out The Workshop in District 1. They have coffee-snob-worthy brews, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating for everyone. If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy coffee shot, Padma de Fleur is a florist turned coffee shop where your beverage comes served with a tiny bouquet. And L’Usine is an upscale coffee shop with some delectable American breakfast classics.

There are also several reliable coffee shop chains around town if you just want to get a quick coffee fix on the go. Phuc Long Coffee (pronounced “phoop lawm“) is our favorite classic Vietnamese coffee and Cong Caphe serves up some of the best coconut coffee in the country.

Also, while egg coffee may have originated in Hanoi, you’ll still find plenty of cafes serving up amazing egg coffee in Saigon. Try the amazingly cute Goc Ha Nội coffee shop tucked down a little alleyway off of Bui Vien Street or the hip Okkio Cafe near Ben Thanh market.

For more recommendations, read our post about the best coffee shops and cafes in Ho Chi Minh City.

8. Eat Seafood on Vinh Khanh Street

Have you been dreaming about slurping snails out of their shells while sitting on a tiny plastic stool on a busy street in Saigon? Well, you’re in luck because Vinh Khanh Street is lined with restaurants serving all types of fresh, tasty seafood. Figuring out how and what to order can be tricky so check out our complete guide to eating snails in Vietnam!

9. Suối Tiên Theme Park

Suối Tiên Theme Park is an amusement park that is home to a number of entertainment areas specially made for kids and fun loving childrens. The landscapes and attractions present in the amusement park display the history and legends of vietnam. Some of the most loved attractions of this park are its rides such as Roller Coaster, Air Bicycle, Space Drop Tower, Ferris Wheel, Bull Riding, and many more.

10. Thien Hau Temple

Thien Hau Temple is located in district 5 and it happens to be a 19th century old place of worship that is dedicated to Lady of the Sea, Goddess Mazu of Buddhist religion.

You will come across a number of intricate carvings and lanterns on the exterior of the temple and the interior walls are fashioned with vibrant dioramas that depict some of the scenes from a chinese city. The main dias of this place of worship has got three statutes of Mazu that are flanked by her guardians.

11. View the city from the top of Bitexco Saigon Skydeck

12. Stroll along the Pedestrian Mall

Nguyen Hue Street is a wide pedestrian-only area that runs directly in front of the People’s Committee, all the way to the river. It is off-limits to vendors and motorbikes so it is one of the only places in the city where you can walk without being concerned about getting hit or hassled.

There is a large, picturesque statue of Ho Chi Minh and a fountain that puts on a show in the evenings. Not only is it a lovely place to have a stroll, but the street is also lined with quaint coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and shops. Be sure to stop into Apartment 42 (sometimes called the “Cafe Apartments”) – an old apartment building that now contains trendy shops and eateries! If you’re facing the People’s Committee, it’s on the right-hand side, you can’t miss it.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

On the Southern side of Vietnam lies this booming city, Ho Chi Minh. There are a number of things to do in this highly energetic and buzzing city of Vietnam. Once a French Colony, Ho Chi Minh is studded with many French colonial landmarks that let tourists live the interesting history of Vietnam. Like any other city, this too has a past which still remains in the memories of the people of Vietnam. Here, life is fast but lifestyle moves at its own pace. This city will teach you to find peace even in the middle of hustle – bustle. Now, let’s have a look at the interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh for a satisfying vacation.

1. Engage in a visual treat of Water Puppet show

The 45-minute-long Water Puppet Shows tell stories of Vietnam in an absolutely fascinating way. Stories that are closely associated with the spiritual life of Vietnamese is performed on the surface of a water pool. The puppets are handles by skilled artists through bamboo sticks and strings under the water. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra gives the musical support. Do not miss the water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

2. Try a hand in cooking at Vietnamese Cookery Centre

Established in 1999, Vietnamese Cooking Centre is the country’s first professional. Cooking centre that offers lessons to tourists and professional chefs. Located in the French Colonial-era building on Dong Khoi, the morning. Classes start with chef-instructor guiding and taking the participants through Ben Thanh Market guiding. Then about the local ingredients required for the day’s menu. The cooking lessons take about 3 hours, during which you can learn to create classic Vietnamese dishes like fresh spring rolls, caramel pork in a clay pot, lotus-stem salad, etc. Take a cookery lesson as a souvenir before leaving the city. The cooking classes are exciting for those who are looking forward to some interesting Ho Chi Minh City activities.

If your are looking for an unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, then you can explore your taste in apparel fashion and styling. Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s top spot for quality tailoring. You can get any kind of fabric from either the local shops or any high end store of the city. Take cutouts of you desired designs and style and get them tailored here at a much cheaper cost. You’ll surprise with quality and fineness of the work done by these professionals.

3. Listen to Live Music

There are quite a few live music venues in Ho Chi Minh City where up-and-coming locals sing American hits. One of our favorites is at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market, directly across the street from the souvenir market that bears the same name. Every Tuesday and Saturday night from 7:30 – 9:30 pm they have young artists performing your favorite hits. Plus they have a bunch of food and drink vendors for you to choose from!

Yoko Cafe is another great music venue in town. They have a wide variety of acts from blues to pop to acoustic. The space is small so be sure to arrive early if you want a table. Check their Facebook page to see what shows are coming up. Regardless of the artist, you’re sure to have a great time!

4. Bottoms up with fresh local Beer

Ho Chi Minh has a number local bars at the street corners. Where you can sip some fresh beer or “bia hoi”. First introduce by the Czech’s, “bia hoi” is beer free of preservatives and thus should consume immediately. This will also not hurt your pocket. Look out for the hand-scrawled Bia Hoi signs.

5. Engage in local entertainment at Saigon Opera House

If you are the kind who love to add that extra spice to your tour with art and entertainment. Head straight to the historic Saigon Opera House. Enjoy Vietnamese style of performing art mixed with acrobatics, theatre, and music. Vietnamese folk music played with 17 traditional instruments in the AO Show and The Dar Show. Which is a live performance of energetic rhythm with tribe instruments are just brilliant. This is one of the interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night.

6. Party on Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien is the backpacker street of Saigon. It’s similar to Khao San Road, but not quite as crazy. Filled with bars playing dance music, small beer shops with plastic tables spilling into the street, restaurants. Coffee shops, and boutiques – you can see why backpackers love it.

Bui Vien is label as a “walking street” but that is most certainly not true. ho chi minh city nightclub The sidewalks are fill with parked motorbikes and restaurant tables. So you’ll be forced to walk in the street most of the time. And cars and motorbikes frequently drive on Bui Vien. ho chi minh city nightclub So they’ll be whizzing by you while you make your way down the crowded street.

Start your evening at a bar with outdoor seating so you can watch the madness unfolding around you. And later you can wander into whatever bar seems the liveliest! No doubt you’ll be partying here until the wee hours of the morning.

7. Dine on Dumplings in Chinatown

Chinatown is located in District 5 and is a great dining option. If you are sick and tired of Vietnamese food. The dumplings here rival those that you’ll find at the best dim sum. Restaurants in Hong Kong, and for a fraction of the price!

We loved Sủi Cảo Đại Nương but ordering was a bit confusing. You can order your dumplings fried, steamed, or in soup (or order all three as we did).

How to reach Ho Chi Minh from India?:

Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh serves as both International and Domestic airport. Various flights companies like Malindo Airways, Air India, Malaysia Airlines. Thai AirAsia connect this city with the major Indian cities including – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, etc.

How to travel within the city?

Rapidly developing the public transport within Ho Chi Minh is making mobility easy. The best way to travel here is taking a bus with over 150 routes across the city. Just buy a map from the Ben Tanh Bus Station and purchase a single side ticket. Apart from this, there are meter taxis and motorbike taxis for tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). At the time of writing, the conversion rate was ~23,500 VND to $1 USD. So if we say that something costs 100,000 VND, that’s just about $4.33 USD.
Make sure you pick up a local Vietnamese SIM card. ho chi minh nightclub vietnam Internet is incredibly cheap and you’ll find. It’s quite handy to have for using Google Maps and Grab to get around town.
Instead of taking taxis, download Grab – it’s the Uber of SE Asia! You can just type your address into the app rather than having to explain it to the driver. And you don’t need to negotiate the price before getting in.
Saigon is organize into “Districts”, or neighborhoods. The “ex-pat community” is in District 2 and the “backpacker area” is in District 1. We live in District 4 because it is centrally located, ho chi minh city museum but less expensive than District 1. Each District has its own unique offerings – for more info on the different districts. You can check out our ex-pat guide to Saigon!
For more Vietnam travel tips, read our list of 15 things to know before visiting Vietnam!

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