12 Must-Do Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

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Ho Chi Minh City hits you like a shot of Vietnamese coffee—strong, energizing, and totally unforgettable. Within hours of arriving, I found myself zooming through the chaos on the back of a motorcycle, weaving between thousands of other riders on my way to Ben Thanh Market. The energy of this place is absolutely electric, and I couldn’t get enough.

The things to do in Ho Chi Minh City kept me buzzing for days. From getting lost in the stunning time capsule of the Reunification Palace to slurping the best pho of my life in bustling alleyways, this city is a feast for all your senses. Let me show you around the spots that made me fall hard for Vietnam’s most exciting city.

Must-See Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City? Spend the day shopping at Bến Thành Market, explore the historical War Remnants Museum, or admire the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the Bitexco Financial Tower. Whether you’re into history, culture, or city views, Ho Chi Minh City has plenty to offer.

1. Bến Thành Market

If there’s one place that captures the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s Bến Thành Market. This iconic marketplace is packed with food stalls, souvenir vendors, fabric shops, and locals haggling with practiced ease. It’s loud, chaotic, and completely addicting. I dropped by on my first day just to browse and ended up staying for hours, snacking on banh xeo and picking up a few handmade gifts.

The real magic of Bến Thành is in the interactions. Vendors are chatty and warm, and you’ll learn a lot about local culture just by asking questions. It’s also one of the best places to try authentic Vietnamese street food like pho, goi cuon, and chè.

Whether you’re into people-watching, bargain hunting, or just soaking in the buzz, this market offers a sensory overload in the best way possible. Come hungry—and ready to explore.

2. War Remnants Museum

A visit to the War Remnants Museum hits differently. It’s not flashy or sugarcoated—it’s raw and emotionally heavy, and that’s the point. Inside, the photo galleries and preserved military equipment tell sobering stories from the Vietnam War. Some of the images are hard to look at, but they offer an honest look at the impact of war on real people.

I remember standing in front of a U.S. tank outside, trying to imagine what it must’ve felt like for locals during that time. It’s one of the few tourist spots where silence feels natural.

If you want to understand the resilience of the Vietnamese people, this is where you begin. While the experience is heavy, it’s also important. The museum gives context to the city’s past, and it’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict—and why peace matters so much today.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Tucked in the middle of District 1, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a stunning piece of French colonial architecture that feels almost surreal in this tropical city. The bright red bricks were shipped from Marseille, and the twin bell towers rise 190 feet into the sky. It’s a peaceful spot that contrasts the chaotic energy of the surrounding streets.

I passed by during a mid-morning walk and ended up sitting on a bench out front for a while, just watching the mix of tourists and locals. You can’t go inside right now due to ongoing restoration, but the exterior is more than worth a visit.

The cathedral is right across from Saigon Central Post Office, so you can hit both spots in one go. For architecture lovers or anyone curious about Vietnam’s colonial past, this landmark is a must-see.

4. Bitexco Financial Tower

For an unbeatable view of Ho Chi Minh City, head straight to the Bitexco Financial Tower. This 68-story skyscraper stands out with its helipad jutting out like a spaceship—and it’s not just for show. Take the elevator to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor, and you’ll get a full panoramic sweep of the sprawling city, including the Saigon River cutting through it all.

When I visited around sunset, the city looked like it was glowing. You could see everything from tiny motorbikes zipping through traffic to massive residential blocks stretching out to the horizon. There’s also a café at the top if you want to enjoy the view a little longer.

It’s not the cheapest attraction, but the perspective you get is worth every đồng. Bitexco blends modern ambition with Saigon’s ever-changing skyline—and it’s cool to see the city from this high up.

5. District 1’s Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street in District 1 is chaotic, loud, and a little gritty—but that’s what makes it fun. It’s packed with bars, street food stalls, tattoo parlors, and hostels, all buzzing late into the night. If you’re the type who likes to dive into a city’s nightlife, this is the place to do it. The crowds are a mix of backpackers, locals, and street performers adding energy to every corner.

I ended up here one night after dinner and didn’t leave until 2 a.m.—every time I tried to walk away, something else pulled me back in. You’ll find cheap beers, live music, and plenty of people watching.

Just be ready for sensory overload. Bui Vien is loud, wild, and completely unforgettable. It’s not polished, but that’s the point. It’s a snapshot of Saigon after dark, and it’s unlike anywhere else in the city.

6. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Tucked inside a quiet residential neighborhood, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most atmospheric temples I’ve seen in Ho Chi Minh City. The air inside is heavy with incense, and every corner glows with red candles and intricate carvings. Built in 1909, it combines Taoist and Buddhist traditions with vivid statues of gods, warriors, and mythical creatures.

I stopped by on a weekday morning, and the place had this eerie calm to it—locals were lighting incense and offering prayers while stray cats wandered around the courtyard. You won’t find any flashy displays here, but the energy feels real.

It’s not overly touristy, and you get a genuine look into local spiritual life. If you need a break from the traffic and noise, this place is a peaceful change of pace. It’s easy to reach, and worth squeezing into your itinerary.

7. Museum of Vietnamese History

For anyone wanting to go deeper than just war history, the Museum of Vietnamese History is a great stop. It’s located near the Saigon Zoo, and the building itself is gorgeous, with a mix of French colonial and Asian design. Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient tools and Cham sculptures to artifacts from different Vietnamese dynasties.

I went expecting a quick walk-through, but ended up staying over an hour. There’s more to see than you might think, and the exhibits are arranged in a way that gives you a full timeline of Vietnam’s past. It’s not a high-tech museum, but the content is rich and well-curated.

It’s a refreshing change from more modern attractions. If you’re curious about how Vietnam evolved beyond just recent events, this is a solid place to start. It’s informative, low-key, and worth the detour.

8. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda stands out for its clean, modern design and peaceful atmosphere. Located in District 3, it’s the largest Mahayana Buddhist pagoda in the city, complete with a tall seven-story tower and a massive statue of the Reclining Buddha. This is where locals come to pray, meditate, and escape the bustle of daily life.

I wandered in during the late afternoon and was struck by how calm everything felt, even though the city outside was buzzing. A few monks were walking around, and you could hear soft chanting in the background.

It’s not as colorful as some other temples, but it feels intentional—minimal and spiritual, without distractions. If you’re interested in Buddhist culture or just looking for a quiet, reflective moment in the middle of your day, this is a great stop. Plus, the architecture is beautifully detailed up close.

9. Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also called the Municipal Theatre, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most striking colonial-era buildings. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret, it’s an elegant spot that hosts opera, ballet, and concerts. Even if you don’t catch a show, the building’s exterior is worth a visit for its ornate facade and grand staircase.

I booked a ticket to see the A O Show here, and it was one of the highlights of my trip—Vietnamese culture meets Cirque du Soleil vibes. The inside of the theater is stunning, with plush red seats and chandeliers overhead.

It’s small enough to feel intimate but grand enough to feel special. Whether you’re into performing arts or just want to experience a bit of old-world glamour, the Saigon Opera House is a classy, worthwhile stop in the city center.

10. Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street is the city’s backpacker hub—and it absolutely delivers on energy. It’s located in District 1, just a few blocks from Bến Thành Market, and it’s lined with hostels, coffee shops, bars, and street vendors. You’ll see travelers eating banh mi curbside or planning their Mekong Delta trip over iced coffee.

I stayed at a small guesthouse nearby and found myself walking this street several times a day. It’s super convenient, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.

At night, the area transforms with live music, bright lights, and a mix of locals and tourists all out to have a good time. While it’s more commercial than cultural, it’s still a fun way to see the city’s social side. Think of it as the pulse of Saigon’s backpacker scene—fast, loud, and full of surprises.

11. Tan Dinh Church

You’ll spot Tan Dinh Church from blocks away thanks to its unexpected pink color. It’s one of the oldest and most photographed churches in the city, located on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3. Built by the French in the 1870s, its bright façade and Romanesque features make it a standout amid the city’s concrete and glass.

I stumbled across this church on my way to lunch and had to stop. The exterior is Instagram-famous, sure, but the inside is just as peaceful and detailed. Tourists often pass it by in favor of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but this one’s just as beautiful with fewer crowds.

It’s an easy addition to any walking route around the city and a good example of Vietnam’s Catholic heritage mixed with bold local character. Definitely bring your camera—it’s one of the most photogenic places in town.

12. Le Van Tam Park

In the middle of a hectic city, Le Van Tam Park is where things slow down. Located in District 1, it’s a favorite among locals for jogging, group workouts, and early morning tai chi. It’s clean, shaded, and has enough walking paths to stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing.

I stopped by here one morning just to catch my breath from the traffic, and it ended up being a relaxing hour watching kids play and seniors dance to K-pop in the square. There aren’t big monuments or must-see landmarks inside, but that’s what makes it refreshing. It’s more about atmosphere.

Grab a Vietnamese iced coffee and find a bench. It’s a great way to get a sense of everyday life in the city. If you’re craving greenery in a concrete jungle, this park delivers a welcome reset.

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