10 TOP Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh Municipality (2026 Activity Guide)

hotel de ville de Hô Chi Minh au Viet Nam

Didn't know what to expect for a water puppet show. And iT turned out to be quite unique and interesting. The show was in Vietnamese language using their traditional songs and instruments. Worth a visit in HCM!

This cathedral is located right in the middle of historical buildings in Saigon. Across the road is the General Post Office.

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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 featuring signage and markets

2. 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

3. 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

4. Saigon River

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.

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Saigon River showing a river or creek, a city and boating

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 heritage architecture and night scenes

6. Long Hai Beach

Stretching east from the sleepy village, Long Hai Beach is a stretch of pristine sand and is considered by many to be one of Vietnam’s finest beaches.

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Long Hai Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as an individual female

7. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Ho Chi Minh's Notre Dame Cathedral with its neo-Romanesque architecture proudly dominates the Vietnamese city's skyline. Along with French colonisation came Catholicism, and with Catholicism came the need for a cathedral. Work began in 1880 and took quite a few years to complete, with all bricks, tiles and windows being imported all the way from France.

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Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica which includes street scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

What to do in Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Popular places to visit

Ben Thanh Market

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.

Aerial view of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and the illuminated Bui Vien party street at night, Vietnam.

Bui Vien Walking Street

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.

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.

Ho Tram Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Ho Tram Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Phuoc Thuan. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.

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.

Saigon River

Gain a fresh perspective of the city skyline with a boat ride. Venture along the twisting waterways to small villages and an immense set of wartime tunnels.

Lion dance on lunar new year in saigon vietnam

Saigon Square

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.

Opera House featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

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.

Long Hai Beach

Spend lazy days at this idyllic beach, sipping cocktails in resort bars, swimming in warm waters or dozing off in the shade.

Areas of Ho Chi Minh Municipality

District 1

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in District 1. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and HCMC Museum, and jump on the metro at Opera House Station or Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

Top view aerial of Mai Chi Tho road, Thu Thiem peninsula and center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with development buildings, transportation, energy power infrastructure. View from District 2

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 The Most Holy Redeemer Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market featuring night scenes, markets and street scenes

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

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 a few things travellers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Union Square or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Ben Thanh

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

Little Japan

4/5(44 area reviews)

Take time in Little Japan to visit attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Opera House Station to see more of the city.

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