A Curated Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vietnam’s southern gem, Ho Chi Minh City, radiates an irresistible charm where timeless heritage meets urban dynamism. Also known as Saigon, this bustling metropolis embraces vibrant contrasts, blending colonial architecture and sacred pagodas with sleek skyscrapers and lively street scenes.

Famed for its historical depth and cosmopolitan energy, there are countless things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that captivate every traveler’s heart. Whether you are exploring war relics and riverside landmarks or indulging in flavorful street eats and the city’s effervescent nightlife, starting your Vietnam adventure here is your best bet.

Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City 

Drawing insights from Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor, here are some of the must-include things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in your itinerary. 

1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels 

An enduring testament to ingenuity and resilience, the Cu Chi Tunnels stand as one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary wartime legacies. Spanning over 250 kilometers, this intricate underground network, painstakingly built over 25 years by North Vietnamese forces, served as both a defensive stronghold and a lifeline during the Vietnam War. 

Beneath the unassuming landscape, visitors can venture into its dim, narrow corridors that once sheltered living quarters, command posts, and even makeshift hospitals. Within these subterranean passages, the Vietnamese orchestrated ingenious guerrilla strategies that confounded one of the world’s most formidable armies. 

A visit to Cu Chi offers not only a visceral glimpse into wartime endurance but also a haunting reflection on the power of human determination.

2. Go Through the War Remnants Museum

As one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most poignant landmarks, the War Remnants Museum serves as a powerful testament to the realities and repercussions of the Vietnam War. Operating under the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the institution is dedicated to the pursuit of peace through education and remembrance. 

Housing over 20,000 documents, photographs, artifacts, and films, with 1,500 regularly featured across eight thematic exhibitions, the museum offers a profound, unflinching look into the nation’s wartime past. Since its establishment, it has welcomed more than 15 million visitors from around the world and continues to attract hundreds of thousands annually. 

3. Visit Ben Thanh Market 

Among the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the iconic Ben Thanh Market is an experience that captures the city’s vibrant soul. As one of Saigon’s oldest and most bustling landmarks, this central market houses over 1,500 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and textiles to handmade crafts and local delicacies. 

The grand clock tower marks its main entrance, leading visitors into a maze of colorful aisles brimming with the scent of spices and roasted coffee. Here, you can shop for silk scarves, lacquerware, and embroidered keepsakes, or sip locally loved brews from brands like Trung Nguyen and Mr. Viet Coffee. 

4. Enjoy the Nightlife on Bui Vien Street

For travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, one of the most thrilling things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to dive into the energy of Bui Vien Street. Often called the “Backpacker District” or “Western Street,” this iconic thoroughfare bursts to life after sundown with neon lights, pulsating music, and the mouthwatering aroma of street food. 

Whether you are sipping Vietnamese coffee, sampling late-night delicacies, or joining the crowd for live music, Bui Vien embodies the city’s bold spirit. For an even richer experience, consider a guided night tour that showcases this electric strip alongside Saigon’s best nightlife gems.

5. Watch an Incredible Show at Saigon Opera House

A visit to the Saigon Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most captivating things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a glimpse into the city’s refined colonial past and vibrant art scene. Constructed in 1898 during the French Third Republic’s flamboyant architectural era, this neoclassical landmark has been declared a National Relic and remains a crown jewel among Ho Chi Minh City’s attractions. 

Within its grand facade, audiences are treated to world-class performances ranging from bamboo cirque and contemporary dance to orchestral concerts and official state events. Even if you don’t step inside for a show, pausing by its ornate entrance to admire its intricate details and secure tickets for another evening promises an experience rich in elegance and history.

For travelers seeking depth, diversity, and discovery, exploring the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City unveils more than just attractions, as it reveals the soul of Vietnam itself. If you are ready for the next adventure, consider heading to one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit here. 

Editor’s Choice: 2026 Travel Guide: 10 Safest Cities in the World

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