Things to do

20 Awesome Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Ho Chi Minh City which was formerly called Saigon is indeed Vietnam's largest city with a fusion of numerous cultures and history.

This is a busy city during the day and night; the people are friendly, and it has impressive French colonial architecture, markets, and much more.

Besides appreciating the ancient pagodas, Ho Chi Minh City is full of fun with its energetic street life for anyone interested in exploring the city. Here is a list of awesome things to do in Ho Chi Minh.

1. Discover The Underground Cu Chi Tunnels

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These are located about 35-60 kilometers from the city center and give a view of what the Vietnam War was like. Tourists walk through the numerous tunnels and, at the same time, find out the ingenuity of the Viet Cong.

You can visit the tunnels every day from 7 AM to 5 PM; ticket prices differ for Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. People can move through the tight corridors, observe the pitfalls, and hear about life in the galleries.

A professional guide will be able to give great insights about the tunnels and their importance. The locations are spacious and clean and the people working there are courteous and informative.

2. Learn About Vietnam's History And War Remnants

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This museum continues to depict the true nature of the Vietnam War through several displays. The tanks and helicopters that are exhibited are very real and help remind the brutality of the war.

There is also impersonation of Tiger Cages; prisons where prisoners lived in very appalling environments. Agent Orange's display focuses on the effects created by chemical weapons, which cause grave harm not only to the environment but also to human lives existent within that environment.

This Ho Chi Minh city tour is probably going to give you a great tour of their stories and struggles toward independence. Kindly allow 2-3 hours to cover the whole distance.

3. Visit Ho Chi Minh City's Parks In The Morning

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Tao Dan Park is best viewed on a morning when people are jogging, having aerobics, playing badminton or simply taking a morning stroll. The park has shaded walkways and a peaceful environment.

Thus, it is a good place to get an insight into the serene side of the city. Watch people jogging, playing football, or dancing at September 23 Park. One could grab a cup of strong coffee the city is famous for and behold the bustling neighborhood mornings.

In the evenings, parks such as Le Van Tam Park, and Gia Dinh Park, become favorite Vietnam Ho Chi Minh city places to hang around and have recreation.

4. Go To The Bến Thành Street Food Market

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This big and lively market is found at 134 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. Here you can try an array of Vietnamese cuisines which include pho and Banh mi. The market brings alive the sound of food sizzling and the smell of spices.

This attracts tourists seeking to have a feel of the markets. Located in District 1, the area is accessible by taxi or on foot. Savor the many dishes of Vietnam here in this food temple, operating from 9 AM to 12 PM.

A visit to restaurants leads to other attractions such as Bui Vien Street for a night out or enjoy a walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

5. Take A Mekong Delta Boat Tour

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You should rent a boat and glide through the Mekong River and visit beautiful islands like the Unicorn Island. Go to a local honey-bee farm and taste honey tea and coconut candy.

A hand-rowed sampan cruise will be another experience to go rowing through the canals with coconut trees lining and enjoying the rural sceneries. This journey holds a brief look at the rural Vietnamese experiences which includes getting to taste unique fruits.

Through the Mekong Delta tour, you travel away from this crowded city and, hence, get closer to both nature and people.

6. Attend A Performance At Saigon Opera House

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This wonderful piece was built in the late 1800s by French architects and is evidence of the cultural history of the city. The Opera House performs ballet, concerts, and theater based on both Vietnamese and global culture.

Visitors marvel at the structure which has a beautiful colon facade, carvings, sculptures, and other enrichments of the French colonial period. Inside, the auditorium is configured with red velvet-like seats and beautiful balconies that add to the old charm.

Check the official website and get an idea about the running and upcoming shows. A performance here falls under the list of best things to do in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Buy Fresh Flowers At Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

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Here people can buy fresh flowers at quite reasonable prices. This market has all sorts of flowers including roses, lilies, and orchids; thus suitable for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, etc.

Visit areas with eye-popping decorated stalls brimming with tonnes of flowers and get mesmerized by the energy. The night is different when it comes to markets; it becomes a food haven for the visitors.

If you wish to purchase some lovely flowers or just want to watch delightful scenes and inhale the sweet fragrance of flowers then Ho Thi Ky Flower Market should be on your list of places to visit in Saigon.

8. Take An Evening Stroll At Nguyen Hue Walking Street

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This pedestrian street is 790 meters long and runs from the Saigon River to the City Hall. It has both heritage and modern high-rise architecture. People go around window shopping, enjoying roasted corn, watching street performances, and smelling burgers from McDonalds and international cuisine.

Shell your way through the famous statue of Ho Chi Minh and walk through the specialized addressed Cafe Apartment Building with cafes on different floors. At weekends, streets next to it are closed to car traffic, which only adds to the intensity of the pedestrian zone.

9. Admire French Colonial Architecture

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One of the popular Ho Chi Minh City things to see are French colonial buildings. The Saigon central post office is an architectural marvel of its own with grand structural design along with considerable iron workings done by Gustave Eiffel.

Learn more about Notre Dame Cathedral with influences of Gothic and neo-Roman architecture, using limestone imported from France. Visit the Saigon Opera House built to host cultural performances; this fine building features statues on its exterior.

Additionally, see the structure of the People's Committee Building which features clear influences of French colonial architecture.

10. Relax At One of Several Rooftop Bars

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If you want to have some cocktails with better views and in a more classy environment, visit the Social Club Rooftop Bar in the Hotel des Arts Saigon. Catch the sunset while listening to music, with a rooftop and an infinity pool.

Or try Pullman Saigon Centre's Rooftop Bar on level 31 for a beautiful city profile inclusive of such key landmarks as Bitexco Tower. Here, you can relax with a new twist on the classics during the Happy Hour.

For something more colorful try Cocoon Rooftop for techno nights and tiki-theme cocktails. The rooftop bars give a new perspective during nighttime.

11. Wander Around The City On Cyclo Ride

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Riding a cyclo is typical in Vietnam. You travel cutting through traffic jams and visiting such places as Reunification Place, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office.

Since this is an environmentally friendly tour, tourists get an opportunity to follow local people and walk through markets with a dynamic vibe. Some of the cyclo tours are guided and the guide usually provides information regarding each of the places visited so the whole tour is informative and fun.

Whether it is a one-hour tour or a half-day tour, it is an entirely different things to do Ho Chi Minh City because you are out in the street, basking in the fresh breeze.

12. Send Letters To Loved Ones From Saigon Central Post Office

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Write messages to relatives and friends from this building that has both French colonial and Asian features. Buy tax stamps and postcard souvenirs, and take a look at the interiors of the active and warm environment.

Look at the historic maps and murals painted on the walls and take as many nice photos as you can. The post office is currently situated in District 1 and therefore can conveniently be reached by public transport, taxis, or motorbikes.

The ideal time is in the morning or the afternoon; you will not be restricted by the crowd and can move around freely. It's an experience of actually socializing traditionally.

13. Sip Coffee At The Cafe Apartment

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Situated on 42 Nguyen Hue Street, this architectural marvel turns into a dynamic place especially at night due to the lighting. The Cafe Apartment has nine floors where you can find a variety of cafes, fashion boutiques, and other conceptual spaces.

Sip a cup of coffee at one of the independent coffee cafes, like Po Coffee which gives the impression of classic time with the updated facilities. The lively and cozy atmosphere and interesting choice of interior design make this place one of the most beloved among the inhabitants of the city and numerous guests.

The building has its background in the sixties; it was used as dormitories for the government and the military.

14. Take Your Kids To Suoi Tien Theme Park

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Entertainment, culture, and adventure are the services provided at this theme park. Have a family day at the water park; there are slides and water-spitting fountains for the kids and a faux beach for the grown-ups.

You can take an adventurous trip to the Dinosaurs Valley and if you want to spend some time in a scary place the Ghost House is the best. Allow your children to play in an indoor play structure Kingdom of Future Geniuses.

There are roller coasters, a gigantic Ferris wheel, and one of the several Buddhist temple tours. If you go hungry, there are enough places around to keep a gourmet busy throughout the day.

15. Witness The A O Show

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This Lune Production show mesmerizes its public by combining bamboo circus, gymnastics, dance, and live music. All of these are framed against the moving backdrop of the cultural shift from rustic Vietnam life to a modern city one.

The essence of this story is illustrated through captivating aerial performances and modern dance prominent at the Saigon Opera House in combination with the Southern Vietnamese works' songs.

It is worth watching for anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnamese culture in the performance arts. The A O Show will allow a visitor to come and watch a fantastic performance that will give a glimpse of Vietnamese culture.

16. Explore The Tue Thanh Assembly Hall

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Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City? It will be refreshing to visit the Tue Thanh Assembly Hall and get acquainted with architectural novelties and historical facts concerning the building.

Sited within the laid base of the city, this hall provides information on the social and religious life of people. Capture pictures of these designs and discover some of the cultural aspects attributed to the building in the city.

This place is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural beauty and every corner tells a story. Also, visit the colorful streets and local markets nearby and observe the mix of classical and contemporary Vietnamese life.

17. Shopping At Sài Gòn Square

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One cannot afford to miss a shopping experience in Sai Gon Square. It is the place to visit to see a live marketplace featuring fashion apparel, gadgets, and souvenirs. Buy clothes, shoes, and accessories for less!

Find copies of branded products and services of high quality. Walking through the area is comfortable due to ample air conditioning making the environment clear for strolling through several stalls.

Negotiate with suppliers to gain the best price on the products. Shop around in both Sai Gon Square 1 and 3 so you get a variety of outlets. Strategically located near Ben Thanh Market you can enjoy shopping and trips together.

18. Head To Bui Vien Street For A Wild Night Out

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This street comes alive at night and as the sun goes down this place has very many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Visit popular spots like Hair of the Dog and 11:11 Club for perfect party nights.

To get breathtaking views of the city it is advisable to visit rooftop bars such as Chill Skybar. Make a walk through the street, feel the atmosphere of music, dancing, and tasting the delicious street foods.

From chilled-out restaurants to late-night entertainment joints, Bui Vien Street has it all for a planned night out.

19. Delve Into History At The Independence Palace

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This is a special palace where people can learn about this country's history and traditions. It was constructed between 1962 and 1966 and was situated to house and provide working space for the President of South Vietnam.

On April 30th, 1975 it was overrun by North Vietnamese tanks – the final day of the Vietnam War. Today people visit its lavish areas such as the Banquet Hall and the Presidential Office and learn Vietnam's history.

Adults have to pay 40,000 VND to get inside the hundreds of rooms in the palace and discover how it was involved in Vietnam's reunification.

20. View The City From Bitexco Financial Tower

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This over 262-meter tall, doomed building is one of the major landmarks of the city. You can go to the Saigon SkyDeck sitting on the 49th floor to get a round view of the city.

There are interactive maps and binoculars that assist in locating the interested landmarks. Subsequently, visitors can sit at the bar or purchase souvenirs at the gift shop placed within the building.

The shape and form of the Bitexco Financial Tower is based on the lotus flower, which is the national symbol of Vietnam and represents its energy and desire.