Best Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam is one of the most famous destinations in Southeast Asia and Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is one of the most important cities in the country and therefore one of the most visited. The capital of South Vietnam during the war, it is now a major financial centre, a haven of local cultural heritage and the setting for some very interesting attractions.

Tour the famous Cu Chi tunnels, visit the Buddhist temple of Giam Lac, discover the sweeping views of the city from the observation deck of the Bitexco Financial Building, see the War Remnants Museum and tour the Reunification Palace are some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Read more about each of them below.

If you want one of the best experiences Ho Chi Minh has to offer, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a must. These intricate subterranean passages retrace the vibrant and complex history of the Vietnam War, which kept the region on edge between 1955 and 1975.

Located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels played a crucial role in the Viet Cong's resistance strategy during the conflict. Constructed by hand with astonishing skill, the tunnels allowed North Vietnamese guerrillas to move stealthily underground, surprise US forces and gain safe haven.

The Cu Chi Tunnels guided tour, often included among the best tours of Ho Chi Minh City, is an immersive experience that will take you back to the days of war. Expert local guides will tell you fascinating stories about the construction and use of these passages. In addition, on these tours you can also explore the trenches, bunkers and secret hideouts that demonstrate the tactical cunning used by the Viet Cong.

The Cu Chi tunnels are physical testimonies to the tenacity and creativity of those who built them. On the tour, you will learn how the guerrillas lived, supplied themselves and communicated in these narrow underground galleries and, if you are up for it, you can descend into the depths to experience the tunnels for yourself.

Vietnam is considered one of the countries with the largest number of Buddhist faithful and this means that all cities have a large number of religious buildings. Ho Chi Minh City is no exception and here you can visit Giam Lam, a Buddhist temple that is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Founded in the 18th century, the temple has stood the test of time and historical vicissitudes to become one of the most revered places of worship in the region. Its name, Giac Lam, means "Virtuous Adornments", reflecting the essence of the Buddhist practice that flourishes here. During your visit you will be struck by the pagoda, with its intricate carvings and ornaments replicating sacred stories.

Also, at the heart of the temple, the statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, presides over the prayer hall. During the tour you can also access the gardens surrounding the temple, which offer a haven of meditation in a serene setting that is hard to find elsewhere in chaotic Ho Chi Minh City.

Note also that the history of Giac Lam is intertwined with the evolution of Buddhism in Vietnam. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the devotion of generations of monks and worshippers who have helped to preserve and enrich the spirituality of the place, which is why this temple is considered the epicentre of Buddhism in the country.

Hi Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an ancient city, but since the 1970s it has undergone a financial explosion that has seen it merge its traditions with the winds of modern change. One of these changes was manifested in the construction of a large number of skyscrapers, which offer panoramic viewpoints. Bitexco Financial Tower is one of them, and is well worth a visit for the best views of the city.

This iconic tower has a total height of 262 metres and offers an observation deck from which you can see the whole spectrum of the Vietnamese metropolis. During your visit, you can also take a glassed-in lift that will show you the first sweeping views of this unique destination.

From the observation deck you can see how the skyscrapers intertwine with the bustling local markets and how the avenues are completely surrounded by lush greenery. The Saigon River, meandering between the buildings, enhances the architectural and cultural richness of Ho Chi Minh City, which you can discover from a bird's eye view.

Also, visiting the Bitexco Financial Tower observation deck is one of the best things to do at sunset in Ho Chi Minh City, so you can combine the orange colours of the setting sun with some of the city's historical monuments on the skyline, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace.

If you want to see the true profile of Hi Chi Minh City, you can't miss out on a motorbike tour through the bustling streets of the city. Part of the best tours in the destination, these tours will allow you to discover the vibrant and chaotic pulse of Vietnamese urban life.

Motorbike tours allow you to explore a variety of the city's iconic sites and hidden secrets. From local street markets, such as Ben Thanh Market, to alleyways lined with small food stalls, you'll find ways to dive into the local idiosyncrasies.

The route of these tours usually includes stops at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace, where an expert local guide will share fascinating stories about the city's past. In addition, motorbike tours will give you the opportunity to venture into local neighbourhoods, experiencing the authenticity of Vietnamese life and enjoying the hospitality of the people.

The Vietnam War was the sad showcase that put the country in the world's media and is also one of the reasons for tourists to visit this destination. Therefore, touring the War Remnants Museum, which houses the most famous exhibition on the subject, is an irreplaceable plan for any traveller planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

This museum contains a collection of military remnants, photographs and exhibits that narrate the horrors and aftermath of the Vietnam War. The exhibition is presented as a moving testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese civilian people in the face of the challenges of war.

In its galleries you will find striking elements, such as a vast collection of weapons used during the conflict and the famous 'Agent Orange Room', which documents the devastating effects on the population and the environment of the herbicide that was used to spray the rice fields. Exhibits detail history from multiple perspectives, presenting the reality of the war through documents and testimonies of those who lived through it.

The confluence of authenticity, sensitivity and historical awareness makes this museum a must-see for those who wish to understand the complexity and humanity behind historical events.

One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to take a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. These evening tours will not only take you on a leisurely stroll along the meandering waters of the river, but also allow you to discover some of the region's rich gastronomic delights.

The cruise will sail under illuminated bridges and in front of illuminated skyscrapers, all the while enjoying a typical Vietnamese dinner. Traditional dishes such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls are just some of the delicacies usually served on board, allowing you to savour the authenticity and diversity of the local cuisine.

In addition, the cruise usually also includes musical performances during the itinerary, which will take you over the Nguyen Van Tam Bridge and Ben Thanh Wharf. If you plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City in winter, which is the city's dry season, you can opt to discover the panoramic views from the boat deck.

There is no way to experience Ho Chi Minh City without visiting Ben Thanh. This market, with its vibrant energy and dazzling phosphorescent colours, stands as one of the city's most popular and iconic sites. Located in the heart of District 1, Ben Thanh is a melting pot of culture, commerce and Vietnamese authenticity.

A visit to Ben Thanh is a multi-sensory experience that will immerse you in the fast pace of local life. During the visit, which is often included in the best tours of Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore the aisles lined with stalls selling food, clothes, handicrafts and local products, bringing you closer to a variety of offerings. From aromatic spices to handmade weavings, every corner of the market is a taste of the Viennese essence.

In addition, at Ben Thanh Market you can bargain with vendors for prices, a popular local custom, so you can buy many items at bargain prices. Apart from shopping, the market is also a popular dining destination due to the large number of food stalls on offer.

An architectural monument that has been a witness and protagonist of Vietnam's rich history, the Reunification Palace was built in 1966 and is a reflection of mid-20th century modern architecture, with clean lines and a design that fuses functionality with grandeur. Its distinctive butterfly-wing shape and sweeping gardens evoke elegance, despite its tumultuous significance.

This palace is intrinsically linked to Vietnam's past, being the scene of crucial events that led to the reunification of the country. It was here that, in 1975, a Viet Cong tank burst through its gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the unification of the country. The building, formerly known as the Independence Palace, was renamed to symbolise national unity.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to tour the historic halls, presidential offices and conference room, where key decisions for Vietnam's destiny were made. You can also learn about the history of one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, which was taken by Dutch photographer Hugh Van Es and bears witness to America's flight from the imminent fall of Saigon.

One of the best ways to dive into the cultural richness of Ho Chi Minh City is to visit the Mariamman Temple, an architectural gem that stands as the only Hindu temple in the city. This sacred site, built in the 19th century, is a living testimony to the religious diversity that has flourished in Vietnam ever since.

This temple is notable for its architecture, which combines vibrant colours and intricate sculptures that pay homage to the Hindu deity Mariamman, the goddess of rain. It also marks the meeting point for the Hindu community, which is mainly made up of Tamil immigrants, and despite being a religious minority in Vietnam, has maintained its cultural and spiritual importance over the years.

If you want to visit other Hindu temples, you should opt for some of the full-day tours from Ho Chi Minh City and visit other nearby towns such as Di An and Thuan An.

If you want to experience one of the best aspects of Ho Chi Minh City, which is culinary, you can't miss exploring Ben Nghe Street on a food tour. This lively street is a culinary paradise offering a variety of local dishes. By participating in these tours, you will have the opportunity to discover the essence of Vietnamese culture.

One of the delicacies you can't miss is the bánh mì, a sandwich that fuses French and Vietnamese influences. This preparation consists of a baguette stuffed with ingredients such as roast beef, coriander, pickled carrots and mayonnaise.

Another iconic dish you can try on Ben Nghe Street is pho, a noodle soup that has become an icon of Vietnamese cuisine. Prepared with beef or chicken bone broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs and slices of meat, pho is one of the country's most traditional preparations.

For those looking for something more adventurous, bánh xèo is an intriguing choice. These crispy rice pancakes, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and fresh herbs, offer a perfect combination of textures and flavours. And beyond the tastings, you can also marvel at the local ambience of this street, which is a favourite with locals and a place where they mingle with tourists.