Choose from 36 Fun Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
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Jade Emperor Pagoda
Built at the turn of the 20th century and dedicated to the Taoist god, Emperor Jade Chua Ngoc Hoang (or the God of Heavens), the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a working temple that’s widely considered to be one of the finest and most atmospheric in Ho Chi Minh City.
Beneath a roof adorned with elaborate depictions of dragons, birds, and animals, this fascinating pagoda is filled with exquisite gilt woodcarvings and reinforced papier maché statues of various Buddhist and Taoist deities.
The statue of the Jade Emperor, shrouded in robes and flanked by his guardians, resides in the dramatically named Chamber of 10 Hells. Out the door and to the left of this main chamber is a semi-enclosed room presided over by Thanh Hoang, the Chief of Hell, sitting alongside his red horse, while the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, an important part of any Taoist temple, has an altar on the top floor.
To the right of the treelined courtyard in front of the temple grounds is an overcrowded tortoise pond, earning the temple its nickname, Tortoise Pagoda.
Practical Info
Due to its location in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda can be easily accessed from various parts of the city on foot. Alternatively, it can be reached via taxi or public bus.
Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: 7am-6pm
From $ 26
Pham Ngu Lao Street
Ho Chi Minh City's answer to Bangkok's Khao San Road, Pham Ngu Lao Street boasts dozens of affordable guesthouses, cheap pubs, and backpacker-focused restaurants. In fact, Saigonese know it simply as the backpacker district. Despite the noise, traffic, and chaos, Pham Ngu Lao is a mecca for travelers looking to experience Saigon's unfiltered energy.
The Basics
In the heart of District 1, within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum, Pham Ngu Lao is a favorite destination for travelers on a budget. Even if you're not staying here, you might find yourself visiting for the cheap-beer stalls, high-energy backpacker nightclubs, or affordable international fare.
Most Ho Chi Minh City tours eschew the charms of Pham Ngu Lao Street. Thanks to the quantity of accommodation here, however, it's a stop on HCMC hop-on hop-off bus tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting"”or staying in"”Pham Ngu Lao Street is a great way for younger, solo backpackers to meet other backpackers.
- Drive-by bag snatchings can be an issue on Pham Ngu Lao"”don't use your phone close to the sidewalk edge, and walk holding your bag on the side away from the road.
- The best way to help Saigon's street kids, who are often trafficked, is to donate to a charity that looks after them, such as Blue Dragon Children's Foundation.
How to Get There
Pham Ngu Lao Street is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, close to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and other attractions. The 109 shuttle bus stops at Pham Ngu Lao Street on its way from the airport, about 6 miles (9 kilometers) away. It's about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the train station, a journey best made by taxi or motorbike taxi.
When to Get There
Lively street life coupled with pavement cafes and bars give Pham Ngu Lao its energy, so you're best off visiting during dry season, roughly November through April. That's particularly true if you're staying in the street's budget guesthouses, as Pham Ngu Lao Street accommodation tends to have extremely limited communal space.
The Original Pham Ngu Lao
Pham Ngu Lao may be a byword for backpacker misbehavior and curbside drinking nowadays, but it takes its name from a Vietnamese hero. The original Pham Ngu Lao (1255"“1320) was a Vietnamese general who beat back the forces of the Mongol and Chinese emperor Kublai Khan. He's worshipped as a god in some parts of Vietnam, and most cities have a street (or two) named after him.
Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 15
Tuong Van Pagoda
This one of a kind pagoda tucked into the mossy green hillside of the An Phu Mountain in a true oasis for travelers seeking a sense of internal calm amid the serene beauty nature. Vast landscapes and crystal clear waters stretch for miles around the towering Tuong Wan Pagoda. A fresh water well sits at the entry to Tuong Van and visitors who choose to navigate the grounds will find massive statues of well-known gods surrounding the traditional religious structure. While the pagoda is typical for Vietnam, Tuong Van’s placement in the lush foliage outside Ho Chi Minh City makes it a destination for travelers.
Practical Info
Intrepid travelers can hike to the top of An Phu Mountain for epic views of Vietnam countryside. Tuong Van Pagoda is approximately half way down the mountain and proves a perfect respite on the way back to sea level.
Address: An Phu Mountain, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
From $ 112
Saigon River
The Saigon River, the fast-flowing main artery of Ho Chi Minh City, is flanked by both modern skyscrapers and rural villages that give insight into old Vietnamese traditions. Used by locals to escape the urban bustle, the riverbanks are dotted with picnic benches and greenery, making for a pleasant refuge from the metropolitan mania of Saigon.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Saigon River, and to get a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City from the water, is during a cruise on either a traditional Vietnamese junk boat or speedboat. Most tours depart just before sunset, when the evening light casts a magical glow on diverging waterways and floating villages, and include free-flowing alcoholic drinks and Vietnamese-style dishes. If you have limited time, speedboat tours along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels are a popular choice.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Saigon River is a must for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, and romantic sunset river cruises are ideal for couples.
- Combine sightseeing with traveling by using the river to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- If cruising, bring sunscreen and a hat, as some boats don’t provide shade.
How to Get There
The Saigon River twists and turns throughout most of Ho Chi Minh City, so wherever you are in Saigon, you’re bound to be close to the river. Most cruise tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of making your way to the river yourself.
When to Get There
Sunrise and sunset are undoubtedly the most atmospheric times to experience the Saigon River. In southern Vietnam, the rainy season falls between May and November; visit outside of these months for cooler temperatures and far fewer downpours.
The Best Wandering Along the Saigon River
With its hurtling mopeds and dense traffic, Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t lend itself well to leisurely walking. However, if you follow the path from Ton Duc Thang Street along the Saigon River, you’ll find a refreshingly uncluttered path that reveals French colonial naval buildings, local fishing traditions, the old Saigon banking district, and much more.
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 35
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
The Gothic twin bell towers of this classic cathedral stretch high into the skyline, marking this as a destination for those looking to escape the buzz of Ho Chi Minh and find some quiet contemplation. Saigon Notre-Dame’s striking red façade and towering stone archways were constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its unique architecture is not the only draw to this iconic city landmark. In 2005, visitors reported seeing tears flow from the eyes of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on religious pilgrimage.
Practical Info
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral) is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh between Le Duan and Nguyen Du near the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is a block northeast of the Reunification Palace.
Address: Between Le Duan and Nguyen Du, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
My Tho
For a convenient tour of the Mekong Delta, My Tho is the most popular jumping off point, thanks to its close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City. Organized tours from the city are common and easy to find, and they include the bus ride down, a boat ride along the river canals, and stops at local attractions. These riverside stops can include visits with local beekeepers and coconut-candy makers, and village tours, before stopping for lunch at a riverside restaurant. In the village of My Tho itself, you can relax at a riverfront café and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, where three Buddha statues sit among the lush temple gardens. Just outside the village, the Dong Tam Snake Farm breeds cobras for food, snakeskins, and to produce anti-venom, and you can visit the farm to see various cobras and pythons on display.
Practical Info
Getting to My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City is a little more than an hour drive, and if you’re coming as part of an organized tour, bus transportation is often included. Otherwise you can catch a bus from Mien Tay bus station.
Address: My Tho, Vietnam
From $ 9
Sao Beach
There’s little to do at Sao Beach (Bai Sao), on Phu Quoc Island’s southern tip, and that is precisely its appeal. Among the Island’s—and some say, the country’s—most beautiful beaches, Sao Beach is little more than a thin strip of fine, white sand flowing into a clear shallow bay, a shape that earned it the nickname Fingernail Beach. The sliver of sand affords enough space for sunbathing and, occasionally, a beach volleyball game, while the hilly jungle interior looms large behind—a fringe of palms forms the boundary with a few bending toward the sea to lend shade. Small dining shacks share the sand by positioning their plastic chairs and umbrellas waterside—the perfect vantage for watching bobbing boats or splashing children.
Practical Info
There are only two basic hotel/hostels on Sao Beach, which means it’s a lot less crowded than popular Long Beach—and visitors have to work to get here. To do so, you’ll have to either rent and drive your own motorbike (from $5-$12 per day), or hire a taxi for the day for around $35USD. Though it’s pricier than paying for two one-way taxi trips, if you’re heading via taxi we’d recommend the full-day option as taxis can sometimes be scarce near the beach. Sao Beach is down a dirt road just north of Dam Beach and both are a few kilometers from the southern port town of An Thoi. Note that because of the beach’s remote location, the seaside restaurants tend to be a bit pricier than other Island locations.
Address: Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
From $ 60
Central Post Office
Few major cities count the post office among their top tourist attractions, but the classic interior of Saigon Central Post Office continues to be a favorite destination among travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time.
Completed in 1891, the design of this architectural landmark mimics an old world European railway station with mile-high ceilings, a larger-than-life portrait of Ho Chi Minh and a centrally located clock face. These rich details are what manage to draw even the travelers who arrive with plans to purchase stamps or mail postcards, to pause and soak up the brilliant interior, which includes hand-painted maps of the old city.
Practical Info
The Central Post Office is located near the corner of Nguyen Du and Cong xa Paris, within walking distance from the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral.
Address: Nguyen Du and Cong xa Paris, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
War Remnants Museum
A must-visit when in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnants Museum is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war. The grounds house American planes, tanks, helicopters, and weaponry captured during the Vietnam War. Pictorial displays cover everything from the My Lai Massacre to the traumas of Agent Orange and the work of war correspondents.
The Basics
Set in District 3, in the heart of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, not far from Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum provides the perfect introduction to the Vietnam War. You don’t need a tour to visit: English signage is clear, tickets are easy to find, and the often shocking visuals speak for themselves.
History-focused south Vietnam tours often bundle the War Remnants Museum with the Cu Chi Tunnels for a rewarding day out. If pressed for time, the War Remnants Museum is also a regular stop on Ho Chi Minh City day tours, along with sites, such as the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, although history buffs will want more time at the museum than most city tours allow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many Vietnam War images on display are very graphic: Parents and sensitive travelers may wish to avoid.
- The museum’s perspective is, unsurprisingly, anti-American.
- There is an on-site souvenir shop.
How to Get There
The War Remnants Museum is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, and bus routes 14, 28, and 06 run to the museum. Self-driving Ho Chi Minh City is not for the faint-hearted. Apps, such as Grab, can remove the haggling element from motorbike and car taxi transport. If you’re aiming to check off a number of downtown Ho Chi Minh City sights in one day, a HCMC tour makes sense.
When to Get There
The War Remnants Museum opens early in the day, seven days a week, but closes for lunch between 12pm and 1:30pm. This Vietnam War museum is as popular with Vietnamese as it is with tourists, so it’s worth planning your visit to avoid weekends and major Vietnamese holidays, such as Tet, or arriving as early in the morning as you can.
Tracing the History of the Vietnam War
Between about 1955 and 1975, the Vietnam War changed the shape of Vietnam—and altered America’s position in the world for good. Travelers interested in exploring Vietnam War history further can explore tunnel and cave sites, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels or the cave complex on Cat Ba Island, and tour prisons, such as Hanoi’s Hoa Lo, or even hike the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Tao Dan Park
Located just south of The Independence Palace, Tao Dan Park is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest and most serene parks known for the more than 1,000 large and mature trees that populate the space. The park is home to unique plant sculptures of various animals like dragons and tigers and replicas of Nha Trang's Cham Tower and Hung King Temple. The street Truong Dinh bisects the park, and on the northeast side of the street, you can find a modern sculpture garden.
Many locals visit the park early in the morning to walk or practice tai chi, and the nearby Tao Dan Cafe is known as the “bird café” for the groups of birdkeepers who congregate here to show off their cages of songbirds. At the northern corner of the park, you can see the historic building of the former Cercle Sportif, a colonial-era French sporting club that is now the Worker’s Club, with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Practical Info
Tao Dan Park is located in District 1 near the center of Ho Chi Minh City, about a 14-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It’s open 24 hours a day and free for all to visit.
Address: Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 40
Vietnam Cookery Center
You can get first-hand experience with authentic Vietnamese cooking at the Vietnam Cookery Center. Started in 1999, it is the country’s first professional cooking center offering lessons to both tourists and professional chefs, and it’s located in a French Colonial-era building on Dong Khoi, at the heart of the city. Morning classes start with a visit to the open-air Ben Thanh Market with the chef-instructor to learn about local produce and help select the ingredients 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, and much more, and then you can sit down with your classmates to share the meal you created together.
Practical Info
Vietnam Cookery Center is located on Dong Khoi in central Ho Chi Minh City, a 12-minute walk from the riverfront. Classes happen every day, twice a day. The price for a morning class with the market visit is $39 per person. For morning classes without the market visit, or afternoon classes, the cost is $34 per person.
Address: 4th Fl, # 26 Ly Tu Trong St., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Admission: $34
From $ 55
Paris Square
Paris Square may be a bit on the touristy side, but it’s the perfect hub for travelers looking to explore the key landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City in a single stop. The Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office are all within walking distance and the tree-covered parks, Versace Plaza and bustling cafes make for perfect places to people watch.
Find local workers gathering under the shade of towering trees while enjoying an al fresco lunch. And as the sun sets, watch street vendors, local traders file into the streets as church-goers head off to evening prayer. No matter the time of day, Paris Square is a perfect place to relax with a cold beer and a warm meal while the city passes by.
Practical Info
Paris Square is located between Nguyen Du and Le Duan near the Central Post Office, Notre Dame and the Reunification Palace.
Address: Nguyen Du and Le Duan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 24
Thien Hau Temple
The Cholon neighborhood, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is dotted with traditional Chinese-style pagodas and temples, including one of the neighborhood’s most popular places of worship, the Thien Hau Temple. Built by Cantonese immigrants in the early 19th century, this temple honors the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau (more commonly named Mazu).
Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.
Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.
Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.
Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.
Address: Thien Hau Temple, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City is housed in a French colonial-era building that was once the mansion home of Chinese-born Mr. Hoa, the wealthiest man in Saigon at the time. As well as displaying fascinating modern art and historical pieces dating back to the 4th century, the building itself is of interest, with period details such as elaborate tiles, stained-glass windows, and even a working antique lift.
The museum is arranged across three levels and features a varied collection, including sculptures and ceramics, plus oil, silk, lacquer, and traditional woodcut paintings incorporating different styles. There is also a collection of ancient Buddhist and Hindu wood and stone figures, with larger statues scattered around the grounds and in the museum's central courtyard (accessed via the rear of the building).
Along with contemporary art, the museum features archaeological exhibits from across Asia, dating back to the Cham and Khmer eras. There is also a museum shop, with a good selection of prints available for sale.
Practical Info
The Museum of Fine Arts is located at Pho Duc Chinh Street, right near the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1.
Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: 10,000 dong
From $ 39
Saigon Opera House
The Saigon Opera House, aka Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theater, is a landmark piece of French colonial architecture. (Saigon was the colonial name for Ho Chi Minh City.) Built in 1897, it is home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, but is best known for evening cultural shows, such as A O and Teh Dar.
The Basics
The Saigon Opera House is an easy walk from other colonial-era masterpieces, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Basilica. As a landmark building, it’s a regular stop on Ho Chi Minh City tours. The only way to experience the interior is to buy tickets for a performance. Some Saigon Opera House ticket packages include round-trip transfers.
Cultural performances, such as the A O Show and Teh Dar, typically blend acrobatics, dance, drama, and tribal or folk elements. The Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra offers classical concerts, opera, ballet, modern dance, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cultural shows at the Saigon Opera House are a must for fans of acrobatics.
- Architecture buffs should sign up for the short theater tours before each performance.
- Ticket prices vary according to not only the show but also seat class.
How to Get There
An easy walk from other District 1 attractions, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House sits on Lam Son Square. The 49 bus stops here, as do some hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tours. The Grab app takes the strain out of negotiating with motorbike and 4-wheeled taxi drivers in Ho Chi Minh City.
When to Get There
As with other Vietnam tourist attractions, the Saigon Opera House gets insanely busy over the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) holidays. Evening is the best time to appreciate the spectacular 19th-century facade, which is dressed up in lights, and, of course, to enjoy a performance. Book ahead of time when reserving show tickets for weekends.
The Colorful Past of Saigon Opera House
Designed by French architects in the Belle Epoque style, the Saigon Opera House opened to the public in 1900 under the name of Theatre de Saigon. Theater companies from both France and Vietnam performed. After being damaged during World War II, it served variously as a theater, a refuge for French citizens, and home to part of the government of South Vietnam.
Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 15
Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone
Within the Can Gio Mangrove Reserve, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is located within a section of forest between the Vam Sat and Long Tau Rivers that was destroyed during the Vietnam War, now regrown and protected as a wilderness park. Visitors here can explore Bat Swamp to fish for crab or spot for flying foxes hanging from the tree branches, and there’s a crocodile farm where you can take a boat tour and toss fish treats to the hungry reptiles. A 50-foot-tall wildlife observation tower offers a great vantage point for birdwatching or taking panoramic pictures of the marsh wilderness, and at Monkey Island you can stroll island trails among thousands of monkeys.
Practical Info
Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is a 1-hour-and-40-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City, and tours can be arranged either by car or by boat that include entrance fees, meals, and transportation.
Address: Ly Nhon commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 107