25 unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam (hồ chí minh), formerly known as Saigon or Sai Gon, is honestly not what I expected from South Vietnam. It’s vibrant, bustling and loud, with neon lights, music, bars, 1000 restaurants and another 1000 cafes. Here are plenty of unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a city with more restaurants and cafes.
This city gets my award for Foodie City of Vietnam. Origin of the Banh Mi, Banh Canh and Hu Tieu (and a lot more!), you’ll be eating fresh, crisp and crunchy summer rolls and drinking fresh fragrant smoothies on every street corner. It also comes with a rich history, diverse culture, and excellent theatre, this city offers a tonnes of things to do for travellers visiting this beautiful city.
Whether you’re into history, a backpacker, a foodie, or an avid explorer, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone and it’s full of quirky places to explore, make sure you explore all the unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the top 25 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, making sure to include all the must-visit attractions and experiences. Ho Chi Minh City is one of my favourite cities in Vietnam, and you’ll see why when you arrive!
I can also recommend the hospital, if you need to go, haha. Poor Mikey had a bite of some kind from Cambodia which needed antibiotics and we had a great speedy process through the doctors and hospital system. So rest assured, if you need any sort of medical treatment, it’s pretty good here too.
If you’re looking for a 2 day itinerary, 3 day itinerary or more, just pick your favourites from the below and get going!
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam travel blogs:
The Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam
The amazing Hanoi Incense Village
25 unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
You might find some of these are unusual things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the city is bustling with things to do so I thought I’d pull together a list of my favourite things. There’s loads to do: head to party central on Walking Street and Sen Water Park, either way, you’re bound to have a great time!
Vietnamese Street Food Tour
This is a MUST in Ho Chi Minh – I cannot stress this enough. One of the best unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. If you miss a foodie tour in Ho Chi Minh, are you even living life?
Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary adventure by joining a Vietnamese street food tour. There were some incredible foods that I loved, and some other foods that weren’t my favourite thing in the world (Vietnamese shrimp pizza is not my thing) but you will love sampling all the different dishes. But certainly meets the requirement for best activities Ho Chi Minh City.
We tried an incredible sticky rice banana desert dish from the street which has recently won international awards across the globe and is listed on CNN. We tried Sample local delicacies, such as banh mi, pho, and fresh spring rolls, while learning about the city’s gastronomic heritage. There are tonnes of foods that are said to have originated in Ho Chi Minh (Sai Gon) and frankly, all I did here was eat. No regrets.
On our Food Tour we tried 11 different foods and drinks (11!) but the foods and drinks are spaced out throughout the night, and the tour guides will tell you some other, interesting local facts about the history of the city. Scoot around on a motorbike – dont worry, it’s an easy rider, meaning you have drivers take you around.
Here are 7 foods that are said to have originated in Ho Chi Minh / Saigon:
- Banh Mi: Ho Chi Minh City’s Banh Mi is a beloved Vietnamese sandwich filled with a delightful combination of ingredients such as grilled meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Com Tam: Originating from Ho Chi Minh City, Com Tam showcases fragrant broken rice topped with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce, creating a satisfying and flavourful dish.
- Hu Tieu: Ho Chi Minh City’s Hu Tieu is a comforting noodle soup featuring thin rice noodles in a flavoursome broth, topped with various proteins like pork, shrimp, and beef, making it a popular and hearty dish.
- Banh Xeo: Ho Chi Minh City’s Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour batter and filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
- Bo Bia: Hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, Bo Bia is a unique spring roll wrapped in rice paper and filled with julienned vegetables, Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and herbs, providing a tasty and refreshing culinary experience.
- Banh Canh: Ho Chi Minh City’s Banh Canh is a delightful noodle soup featuring thick and chewy rice or tapioca noodles served in a flavourful broth with toppings such as seafood, pork, or crab meat.
- Che: Ho Chi Minh City is known for its diverse range of Che, traditional Vietnamese desserts, including Che Ba Ba, a sweet soup with taro, sweet potato, and cassava, Che Bap, a sweet corn pudding, and Che Dau Xanh, a mung bean sweet soup, yum!
The AO Show: where Vietnamese theatre meets Cirque De Soleil
Think of it as Traditional Vietnamese theatre combined with riveting circus. I’ve heard it compared to cirque de Soleil, but it’s not quite that; there’s a lot of traditional, funny theatre too.
You’ll get a better understanding of Vietnamese culture and art by attending the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This captivating performance showcases traditional Balinese-inspired theater, combining acrobatics, dance, music, and storytelling.
Be amazed by the skill and grace of the performers as they bring ancient Vietnamese tales to life on stage. The AO Show offers a unique and unforgettable cultural experience – watching these actors perform incredible flips on bits of bamboo is something pretty special. Tickets start from £25 /$30USD which is a bargain imo, so get booking!
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Central Post Office
This is a bizarrely European-style Roman set of buildings right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh; make sure you visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and head over to the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Head inside and admire the buildings that date back to colonial times; sadly, when I visited the Notre Dame was under construction but the Central Post office is a vibrant, light building that’s reminiscent of the Huge domed train stations back in London.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market
We actually stayed opposite Ben Thanh Market and I loved it! Indulge in a sensory feast at Ben Thanh Market, where you can browse through an array of stalls selling everything from clothing and handicrafts to yummy street food stalls.
We actually stayed opposite Ben Thanh Market and it was great being able to pop down at any time to buy fresh fruit, Vietnamese coffees, street food, clothes, shoes… everything, to be honest! Well worth a visit (or two). This is a great Ho Chi Minh night market you’ll want to visit too!
Get lost in the literary world at Book Street
This is right next to the Central Post Office, it’s perfect for a little stroll, picking up some books, interesting post cards and art. Book Street is a haven for book lovers. Take a leisurely stroll along this vibrant pedestrian street lined with bookstores and cafes.
Browse through a wide selection of books, including local literature, international bestsellers, and antique editions. Relax in one of the cozy cafes, sip on a cup of coffee, and explore the world of paper and print. Book Street is the perfect spot to unwind, discover new reads, and embrace the literary charm of Ho Chi Minh City.
Admire the panoramic views from the Bitexco Financial Tower
Ascend to the sky-high Bitexco Financial Tower and enjoy breathtaking views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline from its observation deck, making it one of the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Party on Bui Vien Street / Hue walking street
Bui Vien Street is essentially a ‘party street‘, lined with clubs and bars blasting out multiple tunes, recruiters are calling you in for buckets full of alcohol, craft beers, and dancers sway on podiums. It’s honestly a bit crazy, but also quite fun just walking down the street, it does remind me of Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Enjoy the buzzing neon lights and just soak up the ambiance; it’s a lot of fun! People sometimes call it ‘walking street,’ but that is far from the truth as the sidewalks are crammed with bar and restaurant tables, parked motorbikes and you’ll be forced to walk down the centre of the street itself and you’ll occasionally have cars and motorbikes alongside you, but moving very slowly due to the crowds.
Moreover, the constant flow of cars and motorbikes adds to the chaos but it’s honestly a sight to see. Just be wary about staying too close to this street; we were about 1 street away and could hear the clubs banging music until the early hours of the morning; at least 5am!
Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City nightlife
Here are ten bars and night clubs (other than Bui Vien Street) in Ho Chi Minh City that are often highly regarded and definitely one of the fun and best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re a Ho Chi Minh nightlife girl, looking for pick up bars in Ho Chi Minh or just generally into Vietnam nightlife, then this might be for you!
- Apocalypse Now in Ho Chi Minh City is a legendary nightclub that promises an unforgettable night of dancing, live music, and an energetic atmosphere.
- Chill Sky Bar: Located on the 26th floor of the AB Tower, Chill Sky Bar has some pretty breath taking views of the city skyline, a sophisticated vibe, and a wide selection of cocktails.
- Lush Nightclub: A popular nightclub in District 1, Lush features multiple floors, pulsating music, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists.
- Broma: Not far from the iconic Saigon Opera House, Broma is a rooftop bar known for its laid-back vibe, creative cocktails, and panoramic views of the city.
- Apocalypse Now: This long-standing nightclub in District 1 is a favourite among partygoers, featuring a lively dance floor, live music performances, and a diverse crowd.
- The Observatory: A hub for electronic music lovers, The Observatory hosts local and international DJs, offering a unique underground club experience.
- Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar: Nestled atop the Caravelle Hotel, Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar offers a classic setting, live music, and stunning views of Saigon River and the cityscape.
- Air 360 Sky Lounge: Situated on the 22nd floor of the Ben Thanh Tower, Air 360 provides a chic rooftop lounge experience with panoramic city views, live music, and an extensive drink menu.
- Glow Skybar: Located in the heart of District 1, Glow Skybar offers a trendy rooftop setting, delicious cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere, particularly during happy hours.
- Envy Club: This stylish nightclub features a modern design, cutting-edge sound system, and a line up of local and international DJs, ensuring a night of non-stop dancing and entertainment.
Visit the Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church)
Did anyone scream instagrammable? Because this church is it. Bizarrely, this church is another European-Roman-esque style building in north Ho Chi Minh and is well worth a visit, as well as one of the cool attractions to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
You’ll love the pastel beauty of the Pink Church, officially known as Tan Dinh Church. This iconic landmark stands out with its unique pink exterior and Gothic architectural style. I can recommend the cafe opposite, Cộng cafe. I had a coconut cocoa frappe that I will continue to dream of unitl this day, and the coffee is very good here too. They do lots of interesting and unusual specialty drinks, frappes and smoothies with a great view of the pink beauty that is Tan Dinh Church.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels on a guided tour
Venture outside the city and discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. It’s honestly amazing and is an absolute must if you want to witness something incredibly unique and understand more about the Viet Cong and how they crawled through tonnes of tunnels to outsmart their opponents. We booked onto a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour and everything was sorted for us; totally worth it!
Explore the War Remnants Museum
Honestly, I found this museum really hard to visit, but it is something I think everyone should do. Delve into the history of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum, where you can see vintage photographs from surprisingly graphic exhibits and learn about the war.
It was quite interesting to see the exhibits and videos about how unpopular the Vietnam war was with both locals and American troops who defected from the army. Huge numbers were against fighting here, with 1000s of soldiers quietly protesting (or loudly protesting in some cases).
The photo exhibits were very moving; graphic photos of young children left behind and families torn apart. As a daughter and granddaughter of refugees, I found this place very moving and difficult to witness at times, but such is the nature of war and it is very important to see and remember how awful things get during times of turbulence.
Understand history at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Expand your understanding of the city’s history at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, which exhibits artifacts and documents highlighting the development of this vibrant is bustling fun city.
Cruise along the Mekong Delta
Personally I enjoyed the Mekong Delta, even if there were plenty of tours and tourists everywhere,, the boat ride was utterly beautiful. Witness the captivating beauty of this fertile region, learn about coconut sweets and production of coconuts, enjoy a performance from some local singers, go on a local boat ride. There’s so much to do and local villages to visit, I would highly recommend this as a day trip.
Explore the enchanting Cao Dai Temple
Visit the Cao Dai Temple, a unique religious institution that combines elements of various faiths in a peaceful fashion, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Witness a fascinating Cao Dai ritual and admire the temple’s intricate architecture.
Pay homage to Hồ Chí Minh at the Reunification Palace
Explore the Reunification Palace, a significant historical site where Hồ Chí Minh once worked, and gain insights into Vietnam’s reunification process.
Discover the beauty of Vinh Trang Pagoda
Escape the bustling city and venture to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist temple renowned for its beautiful gardens, intricate architecture, and tranquil ambiance. We saw this pagoda on our tour to the Mekong Delta.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city’s most revered temples. Marvel at its intricate architecture, vibrant colours, and serene atmosphere. You’ll love it!
Visit the spa and get a Ho Chi Minh Massage
Get yourself ready for the ultimate relaxation experience by treating yourself to a massage in Ho Chi Minh City, where skilled therapists and tranquil spa settings await to rejuvenate your body and soothe your senses.
Stop by the Fine Arts Museum
Enjoy the Fine Arts Museum, one of the fun attractions in Ho Chi Minh City; home to a huge collection of traditional and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Honestly, some of the fusion of modern & traditional art is mind blowing. Some of the huge pieces are a little pricey but they are honestly stunning. and it’s worth going to see.
the best of Vietnamese coffee
Savour the aromatic flavours of Vietnamese coffee by visiting one of the city’s charming coffee shops. Don’t miss the chance to try the traditional drip coffee or the famous ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). Every single day we ordered the famous Vietnamese drip coffee and it’s fairly strong, so if you need, ask for some extra hot water to water it down. Try the egg coffee if you’re keen to try one of the best unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Wander through Chinatown in District 5
Enjoy the famous District 5, also known as Chinatown. Explore its bustling markets, visit colourful temples, and savour authentic Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine. Yum! Definitely one of the iconic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Take a cooking class
One of my favourite things to do in a city is book onto a food cooking class; one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. You learn so much about the flavours, the spices, the fragrances… it’s a hands-on culinary experience by joining a cooking class. Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine from expert chefs and you can take this learning home with you. Shop for ingredients at local markets, and enjoy the delicious, yummy dishes you get to prepare. I always do this in foreign countries, and I know new dishes to cook when I get home.
Shop for art at the Ao Dai Museum and Boutique
Discover the elegance of Vietnam’s traditional attire, the ao dai, at the Ao Dai Museum and Boutique. Browse through stunning collections, learn about the history and significance of this garment, and even purchase your own tailor-made ao dai.
Experience the nightlife at Saigon Skydeck Rooftop Bars
Enjoy one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with a memorable night out at one of the city’s rooftop bars. Enjoy panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline, sip on refreshing cocktails, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city after dark. It’s a view worth seeing!
Is the floating markets in Vietnam worth it?
I’m not sure I can recommend this one and I’m torn about how I feel about it – the Cai Rang Floating Market is sometimes an add on experience to the Mekong delta tour. I had high expectations for the floating markets having been to the ones in Bangkok, but the floating markets in Vietnam is a dying trade. I travelled 3+ hours to get here before 7am and only 2 boats approached us to sell some fruit. I kept thinking… only 2 boats? In Bangkok’s floating markets, I had an entire day’s worth of shopping, hundreds of vendors to choose from, yes, maybe it was a little touristy but it was vibrant, loud and interesting.
Because of investment into infrastructure in Vietnam, local vendors sell at indoor markets and no longer need to trade on the waters. The only people left trading on the waters are for tourists, and they try to sell you fruit by the kilo.
Out of pity, I tried to buy some fruit but I kept explaining I didn’t need a kilo of fruit as I was flying out that evening and it was a difficult bartering process. We stopped at a small over-the-water shop and browsed some local foods and that was about it. The waters here are quite murky and it’s not the most photogenic places with litter scattered on the riverbanks. I am not sure I can recommend this one but let me know if you have a different experience.
That’s it! I hope you enjoy your trip to Vietnam, and it is everything you hope it to be!
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam travel articles:
Things to do in the Hue Imperial City
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