Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Sai Gon, in the south of Vietnam, is hectic and supercharged. At its heart, the beautiful buildings remind us of its colonial history, the wholesale trade in Chinatown, modern buildings, crowded markets, trendy bars, etc. Everything contributes to making this economic capital a modern city.

What to see in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub, is a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. From iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic Cu Chi tunnels to lively markets and street food scenes, the city offers endless sights to explore. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss in Ho Chi Minh City!

The Notre-Dame Cathedral

Located just 1.3 km from Ben Thanh market, Notre Dame Cathedral is the most visited tourist destination in Saigon. Situated on the main street of District 1, this iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Built by the French between 1863 and 1880, the cathedral features a striking blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, modeled after Notre Dame de Paris. Its twin bell towers, reaching a height of over 58 meters, dominate the skyline and can be seen from various points in the city.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and an atmosphere of serene grandeur.

Saigon Central Post Office

The Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office is a beautifully preserved remnant and is perhaps the largest post office in all of Southeast Asia. This iconic building, located in the heart of District 1, is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and history.

Saigon Central Post Office is a fully functional post office, from where you can send and receive mail, buy stamps and postcards, make international calls and exchange foreign money.

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office offers a unique blend of practical utility and historical charm, making it an essential stop on any tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

The Reunification Palace

Former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975, when soldiers from the North made a brutal intrusion with their tanks, thus symbolizing the end of the war against the United States.

Today, the Reunification Palace is open to the public and serves as a museum. Visitors can explore the vast rooms and corridors, which remain largely unchanged from their original state. Highlights include the president’s office, the war command room with its old maps and communication equipment, and the subterranean bunkers designed to withstand bomb attacks. The palace grounds also feature beautiful gardens, a helipad, and a collection of military vehicles, including the tank that ended the war.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited museums in Ho Chi Minh. Display of helicopter carcasses, deadly bombs and other death devices used by the Americans against the Vietnamese people.

Many photos taken during the conflict, and photos of the little girl burned with napalm, are shocking and reflect the hell and the cruelty of the time.

Some images may be shocking, especially those of children, distorted by gent orange, a toxic gas widely spread by American bombs.

Thien Hau Pagoda

Located in the heart of Chinatown in Cholon. Founded in 1835 by Chinese from Canton, this magnificent temple is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of sailors. It has been said that Thien Hau can cross oceans on a carpet and ride the clouds to save people in trouble on the high seas.

The architecture is influenced by the typical Chinese style with an intricate decoration of porcelain dioramas all over the roof. These dioramas show scenes from a 19th-century Chinese city and depict themes from Chinese religion and legends.

Ben Thanh Market

The largest covered market in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city, colorful and very lively. Has over 3,000 stalls that sell everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, to clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Known for its delicious street food, including local dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh fruit smoothies.

• Vietnamese Coffee: Renowned for its rich flavor, Vietnamese coffee makes for a perfect gift. Consider buying a traditional phin filter to go with it.
• Silk Products: From scarves to ties, the market offers a variety of silk items that showcase Vietnamese craftsmanship.
• Handicrafts: Look for handmade items such as lacquerware, bamboo products, and embroidered fabrics that highlight local artistry.
• Ao Dai: The traditional Vietnamese dress, available in various colors and designs, is a beautiful and unique souvenir.
• Dried Fruits and Nuts: Local dried fruits, such as mangoes and jackfruit, along with cashews, make for tasty and portable gifts.

The FITO Museum

It is the first private museum that brings together a treasure of documents relating to traditional medicine, traditional medicinal plants, traditional pharmacy, traditional remedies, and traditional elixirs.

The pharma FITO pharmaceutical production plant adjoins the museum and provides an opportunity to observe the production of herbal medicines.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most striking places in the history of the Vietnam war. A veritable underground city made up of networks of more than 250 km of tunnels where the Viet Cong waged their war of resistance against American troops.

A unique experience and you will realize the extremely harsh living conditions of Vietnamese soldiers during the war. It should be noted that the entrances to some tunnels have been widened for visitors. Without it, most of us would not be able to enter it!

Cao Dai Temple

Tay Ninh is the seat of the Cao Dai religion, a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity and the cult of “genies”. The Main Temple, whose diversity of styles is striking and walks in the sacred spaces. You will attend the midday religious ceremony (duration 1 hour). A colorful spectacle in one of the most original architectural settings.

Can Gio Mangrove

50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio mangrove has been classified as a natural park and biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 2000. Rich in fauna and flora (with more than 200 species of fauna and 52 species of flora), Can Gio is a good choice for those who like to venture into ecotourism.A day of discovery of the mangroves of Can Gio in private with a driver and guide, boat trip, at your leisure, organized by Hanoi Voyages, will be an unforgettable experience.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis bursting with energy and activities. From exploring historical landmarks and vibrant markets to savoring street food and enjoying the nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Discover the best things to do in this vibrant city!

A gourmet evening on a Vespa

Experience the local nightlife and savor tasty food and live music as you take a seat on vintage Vespas through the bustling streets of this city.

Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan nightlife of this bustling city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis in our central city location while watching the world go by while sipping our first drinks and sampling delicious snacks.

Your driver will then zoom around the bustling streets of Saigon as you discover some of the famous highlights of this bustling city.

Savor the best flavors in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers. From flavorful street bites to refined Vietnamese cuisine, every corner offers something worth tasting. Here are some of the most iconic and delicious local dishes to enjoy during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Pho – Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken and fresh herbs
• Com tam – Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, egg, and pickles
• Banh mi – Crispy Vietnamese baguette sandwich with meat and pickled vegetables
• Hu tieu – Southern-style noodle soup with pork, shrimp, or squid
• Bun bo Hue – Spicy beef noodle soup, originally from Hue
• Goi cuon – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs

Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard “Bonsai”

Beautiful evening dinner-cruise aboard “Bonsai”, Buffet style on the Saigon River. At the beginning of the evening, transfer to Bach Dang port for a 2-hour cruise on the “Bonsai” dragon boat on the Saigon River with panoramic view and illuminated city. A gourmet dinner served on board with culinary specialties prepared by a great chef from Ho Chi Minh City. 

When to go to Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, meaning it is warm and humid year-round. However, the weather does change with the seasons, and choosing the right time can make your experience more enjoyable.

The dry season (December – April)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Ho Chi Minh. During these months, the weather is hot but more comfortable, with less rainfall and lower humidity compared to other times of the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), making it ideal for sightseeing.

This is also festival season in Vietnam. Travelers can witness the lively atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), usually celebrated in late January or February, when streets are decorated with flowers, and families gather for traditional festivities.

Best things to do during the dry season:

• Explore Ben Thanh Market and shop for local handicrafts.
• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office.
• Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

The rainy season (May – November)

From May to November, Ho Chi Minh experiences its rainy season, characterized by frequent afternoon showers. While it might sound inconvenient, the rain rarely lasts all day. In fact, mornings are often clear and sunny, giving you plenty of time to explore before the downpour.

The upside? Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella, this season offers a more relaxed way to experience the city.

Best things to do during the rainy season:

• Visit indoor attractions such as the War Remnants Museum or Saigon Opera House.
• Enjoy local food tours and taste pho, banh mi, and fresh tropical fruits.
• Sip Vietnamese coffee in a cozy café while waiting for the rain to pass.

No matter when you go, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh — from cultural landmarks and street food adventures to day trips beyond the city. The key is to plan your activities around the season to make the most of your journey.

How many days to visit Ho Chi Minh

With its mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and delicious street food, the city has endless attractions for travelers. But the big question is: How many days should you spend in Ho Chi Minh to truly experience it?

Whether you have just one day or two days, you will find plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh that make your trip worthwhile. Let’s break it down.

If you have 1 day to discover Ho Chi Minh City

In-depth discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with its colonial districts and Chinatowns.

• Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Visit to Poste Centrale in memory of Gustave Eiffel.
• Visit to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. Visit to the War Museum.
• Visit the Thien Hau pagoda located in the heart of Chinatown in Cholon.
• Visit Ben Thanh, the largest covered market in the heart of Ho Chi Minh, colorful and very lively.

If the timing permits, visit a lacquer factory renowned for the quality and originality of its creations or an explanatory tour of the different stages of this meticulous and artistic work.

If you have 2 days to discover Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City tour

In-depth discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with its colonial districts and Chinatowns.

As in option 1.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cao Dai – Cu Chi

Departure for Tay Ninh, seat of the Cao Dai religion, a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and the cult of “genies”.

👉 Ready to explore the best of Ho Chi Minh? Let Hanoi Voyages craft a fully customized itinerary tailored to your pace and interests. Contact us now and start planning your unforgettable journey to Vietnam!

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is the best choice — you’ll be close to all the action, from historical landmarks and shopping to nightlife and the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh.

Luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh

Park Hyatt Saigon

• Location: 2 Lam Son Square, District 1 – overlooking the Opera House.
• Price: From $265–300 per night.

• Park Hyatt Saigon is one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, offering French colonial architecture, luxurious interiors, and award-winning restaurants. A stay here guarantees elegance and five-star service.

Caravelle Saigon

• Location: 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1 – right next to the Opera House.
• Price: From around $220–300 per night.

Caravelle Saigon is a historic five-star hotel known for its elegant rooms, rooftop bar with city views, and world-class facilities. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.

La Siesta Premium Saigon

• Location: 180-188 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1 – just a short walk from Ben Thanh Market.
• Price: Around $120–150 per night.

This boutique-style hotel combines chic design with personalized service. Highlights include a rooftop infinity pool, sky bar, and authentic Vietnamese dining, all in a prime location for exploring the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh.

Mid-range hotels in Ho Chi Minh

If you’re looking for comfort without breaking the bank, Ho Chi Minh offers many excellent mid-range choices. Some popular picks include:

• Hotel Nikko Saigon – Spacious rooms and an outdoor pool, about 10 minutes from Ben Thanh Market.
• Liberty Central Saigon Riverside – Great views of the Saigon River and close to nightlife areas.
• Fusion Original Saigon Centre – A stylish hotel located inside Saigon Centre Mall, ideal for shopping lovers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant destination brimming with exciting activities and attractions. From historical landmarks to bustling markets, there is no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re visiting iconic sites, indulging in local cuisine, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Hanoi Voyages ensures a memorable and enriching experience. Ready to discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City? Book your tour with Hanoi Voyages today and embark on an unforgettable journey!