Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Sai Gon, in the south of Vietnam, is hectic and supercharged. At its heart, the beautiful buildings remind us of its colonial history, the wholesale trade in Chinatown, modern buildings, crowded markets, trendy bars, etc. Everything contributes to making this economic capital a modern city.

Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis teeming with captivating attractions, caters to every traveler's desire. Whether you seek the allure of ancient charm or the pulse of modern energy, the tranquility of serene havens or the exhilaration of bustling streets, the artistic soul or the enigmatic allure, Hanoi Voyages meticulously crafts each tour to unveil the city's unique essence, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience.

• A few kilometers from Ho Chi Minh, the network of Cu Chi tunnels is the history page of the Vietnam War period and a striking place.

• The Caodaist Temple of Tay Ninh, the seat of the Caodaism religion, is a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and the cult of “genies”.

• South of Ho Chi Minh, the beautiful beaches of Vung Tau are the weekend refuge for the Saigonnais. At the gates of Ho Chi Minh, place the floating markets of the Mekong, in the meanders of the king river and its tropical and aquatic universe.

What to see in Ho Chi Minh City

The Notre-Dame cathedral

Located just 1.3 km from Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral is the most visited tourist destination in Saigon. Situated on the main street of District 1, this iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Built by the French between 1863 and 1880, the cathedral features a striking blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, modeled after Notre Dame de Paris. Its twin bell towers, reaching a height of over 58 meters, dominate the skyline and can be seen from various points in the city.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and an atmosphere of serene grandeur.

Central station in memory of Gustave Eiffel

The Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office is a beautifully preserved remnant of the French colonial era and is perhaps the largest post office in all of Southeast Asia. This iconic building, located in the heart of District 1, is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and history.

Saigon Central Post Office is a fully functional post office, from where you can send and receive mail, buy stamps and postcards, make international calls and exchange foreign money.

The Central Post Office is more than just a postal facility; it is a cultural landmark that offers a glimpse into Vietnam's colonial past while serving the modern needs of its people. It's a popular spot for photography, with its beautiful façade and vibrant interior providing a picturesque backdrop. The site is also home to a souvenir shop where you can purchase unique mementos of your visit.

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office offers a unique blend of practical utility and historical charm, making it an essential stop on any tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

The Reunification Palace

Former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975, when soldiers from the North made a brutal intrusion with their tanks, thus symbolizing the end of the war against the United States.

Today, the Reunification Palace is open to the public and serves as a museum. Visitors can explore the vast rooms and corridors, which remain largely unchanged from their original state. Highlights include the president’s office, the war command room with its old maps and communication equipment, and the subterranean bunkers designed to withstand bomb attacks. The palace grounds also feature beautiful gardens, a helipad, and a collection of military vehicles, including the tank that ended the war.

The War Museum

One of the most visited in Ho Chi Minh. Display of helicopter carcasses, deadly bombs and other death devices used by the Americans against the Vietnamese people.

Many photos taken during the conflict, and photos of the little girl burned with napalm, are shocking and reflect the hell and the cruelty of the time.

Some images may be shocking, especially those of children, distorted by Agent Orange, a toxic gas widely spread by American bombs.

Thien Hau Pagoda

Located in the heart of Chinatown in Cholon.

Founded in 1835 by Chinese from Canton, this magnificent temple is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of sailors. It has been said that Thien Hau can cross oceans on a carpet and ride the clouds to save people in trouble on the high seas.

The architecture is influenced by the typical Chinese style with an intricate decoration of porcelain dioramas all over the roof. These dioramas show scenes from a 19th century Chinese city and depict themes from Chinese religion and legends.

Ben Thanh market

The largest covered market in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, colorful and very lively.

Has over 3,000 stalls that sell everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, to clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Known for its delicious street food, including local dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh fruit smoothies.

The lacquer factory

A lacquer factory renowned for the quality and originality of its creations and an explanatory tour of the different stages of this meticulous and artistic work.

The FITO museum dedicated to traditional Vietnamese pharmacy

It is the first private museum which brings together a treasure of documents relating to traditional medicine, traditional medicinal plants, traditional pharmacy, traditional remedies, and traditional elixirs.

The pharma FITO pharmaceutical production plant adjoins the museum and provides an opportunity to observe the production of herbal medicines.

Cu Chi tunnels

One of the most striking places in the history of the Vietnam War. A veritable underground city made up of networks of more than 250 km of tunnels where the Viet Cong waged their war of resistance against American troops.

A unique experience and you will realize the extremely harsh living conditions of Vietnamese soldiers during the war.

It should be noted that the entrances to some tunnels have been widened for visitors. Without it, most of us would not be able to enter it!

Cao Dai Temple

Tay Ninh is the seat of the Caodaism religion, a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and the cult of “genies”.

The Main Temple whose diversity of styles is striking and walks in the sacred spaces.

You will attend the midday religious ceremony (duration 1 hour). A colorful spectacle in one of the most original architectural settings.

Can Gio Mangrove

50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio mangrove has been classified as a natural park and biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 2000. Rich in fauna and flora (with more than 200 species of fauna and 52 species of flora), Can Gio is a good choice for those who like to venture ecotourism.

A day of discovery of the mangroves of Can Gio in private with a driver and guide, boat trip, at your leisure, organized by Hanoi Voyages will be an unforgettable experience.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh

A gourmet evening on a vespa

Experience the local nightlife and savor tasty food and live music as you take a seat on vintage Vespas through the bustling streets of this bustling city.

Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan nightlife of this bustling city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis in our central city location while watching the world go by while sipping our first drinks and sampling delicious snacks.

Your driver will then zoom around the bustling streets of Saigon as you discover some of the famous highlights of this bustling city.

Savor flavors

We will be happy to take you to one of the favorite establishments in our address book in HO CHI MINH, renowned for its specialties.

• “Banh khot” from Vung Tau (small pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric and prawns).

• “Goi cuon” called “spring roll”.

• “Com tam” (steamed broken rice with grilled pork, pork rind sprinkled with ground grilled rice, fried eggs, carrots, pickled white radishes and cucumber slices).

Fish, seafood, vegetables and grilled meats

Enjoy dinner cruise aboard “Bonsai”

Beautiful evening dinner-cruise aboard “Bonsai” Buffet style on the Saigon River.

At the beginning of the evening, transfer to Bach Dang port for a 2-hour cruise on the “Bonsai” dragon boat on the Saigon River with panoramic view and illuminated city.

A gourmet dinner served on board with culinary specialties prepared by a great chef from Ho Chi Minh City.

Flash show

Bamboo show (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

A unique and breathtaking show! An acrobatic troupe that evolves on giant bamboos, to the rhythm of live tribal music! Something “never seen”, recognized as a cultural heritage by Unesco.

When to go to Ho Chi Minh

It is much warmer there, all year round. Alternation of the rainy period and the dry period

• Dry period: from December to April. Temperature can reach 35°.

• Wet period: May to November with violent and short showers at the end of the afternoon.

Best time for traveling to Ho Chi Minh City is in the dry seasons for sure.

How many days to visit Ho Chi Minh

If you have 1 day to discover Ho Chi Minh City

In-depth discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with its colonial districts and Chinatowns.

• Visit of Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Visit of Poste Centrale in memory of Gustave Eiffel.

• Visit of the Reunification Palace, former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. Visit to the War Museum.

• Visit the Thiên Hau pagoda located in the heart of Chinatown in Cholon.

• Visit Ben Thanh, the largest covered market in the heart of HCM, colorful and very lively.

If the timing permits, visit a lacquer factory renowned for the quality and originality of its creations or an explanatory tour of the different stages of this meticulous and artistic work.

If you have 2 days to discover Ho Chi Minh city

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City tour

In-depth discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with its colonial districts and Chinatowns.

As in option 1.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cao Dai – Cu Chi

Departure for Tay Ninh, seat of the Caodaism religion, a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and the cult of “genies”.

In the afternoon, departure for one of the most striking places in the history of the Vietnam War: the Cu Chi tunnels, a veritable underground city made up of networks of more than 250 km of tunnels where the Viet Cong led his war of resistance against American troops.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh

Nhat Ha hotel Saigon

Located in a prime location in downtown Ho Chi Minh City with easy walking access to major shopping areas, tourist attractions and shopping malls.

4 star hotel, sophisticated architecture with spacious rooms and a variety of dining options, from Asian to Western cuisine. Whether you are a traveler or a business home, with family or a group of friends, you will enjoy our breathtaking views, our warm atmosphere combined with a warm welcome and impeccable services, making you “feel at home”.

The Myth Dong Khoi Saigon Hotel

A place where ylang ylang-scented air refreshes your skin and sincere smiles make you feel at home. Where hushed modern spaces and singular design house relics of Saigon’s historic past – stained glass details, wrought iron roses and treasured local artifacts.

At Myst, you feel the beating heart of this charismatic city – the scents, the sights, the sounds and the tastes.

M Hotel Saigon

The first hotel of the group was built in 2018. We are delighted that you experience the superior quality of accommodations and the most sincere and caring services that we strive to provide.

You have the best of both worlds with the view of the skyscrapers and a glimpse of ordinary Saigonese life.

Hotel des Arts Saigon

Combined with classic French Indochina charm and timeless chic, the hotel is as much an art museum as it is a 5-star hotel. Reliving romance and luxury, which offers all the comforts of the 21st century.

The hotel des arts building is a modern work of art both inside and out. Guests can peruse the owner’s personal collection of paintings and antiques, which adorns every wall and room of this distinctive establishment.

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant destination brimming with exciting activities and attractions. From historical landmarks to bustling markets, there is no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're visiting iconic sites, indulging in local cuisine, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Hanoi Voyages ensures a memorable and enriching experience. Ready to discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City? Book your tour with Hanoi Voyages today and embark on an unforgettable journey!