Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

Opera House which includes theatre scenes, a city and night scenes
Saigon River which includes a lake or waterhole, a city and a high-rise building
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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Ben Thanh Market showing markets and shopping

2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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Dong Khoi Street which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and shopping

4. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.
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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing zoo animals and a park

5. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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Opera House featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture

6. War Remnants Museum

Established in 1975, in what was once an American administration building, this museum documents the ravages of Vietnam's wars with both France and America, although the vast majority of displays focus on the latter.
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A sobering collection of artillery, documentation and graphic exhibitions depict the effects of the Vietnam War.

7. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.
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Vincom Center Shopping Mall which includes signage and a fountain

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What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Popular places to visit

Ben Thanh Market showing markets and shopping

Ben Thanh Market

4/5(119 reviews)

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market
Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street

4/5(80 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Bui Vien Walking Street
Dong Khoi Street which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi Street

One of two major commercial centers in Ho Chi Minh City, this street has high-end shops, cafés and restaurants as well as some of the city’s finest architecture.

Dong Khoi Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and shopping

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Pham Ngu Lao Street
Saigon Square

Saigon Square

4/5(82 reviews)

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Square
Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing zoo animals and a park

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

4/5(29 reviews)

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden
Opera House featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

4/5(63 reviews)

This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

4.5/5(106 reviews)

A sobering collection of artillery, documentation and graphic exhibitions depict the effects of the Vietnam War.

War Remnants Museum
Vincom Center Shopping Mall which includes signage and a fountain

Vincom Center Shopping Mall

4/5(36 reviews)

Two buildings packed with some of the finest designer brands in the world make up the city’s largest shopping hub.

Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Areas of Ho Chi Minh City

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District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of District 1. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or HCMC Museum while you're exploring the area.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring night scenes, markets and street scenes

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Benthanh Street Food Market while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum featuring interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office showing interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Union Square or Dong Khoi Street while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
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Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Ho Chi Minh City which includes night scenes, street scenes and signage

Little Japan

4/5(44 area reviews)

Travellers come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House while you're in town.

Little Japan

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.