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12 Unmissable Things to Do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

Table of Contents

Updated on April 29th, 2024

From some of the world’s most delicious street food, to the impressive French architecture, the harrowing history and the madness of the roads, a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. After my recent return to Asian soil, here I share my list of unmissable things to do in Saigon.”

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

It has been a long time since I last set foot on Asian soil, so when my friend moved to Singapore, I was excited to return. And while there, wouldn’t it be a shame not to explore further? We chose Vietnam as our destination, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hoi An to be exact.

I’ll be honest, Saigon wasn’t high on my list after visiting once before with my husband . We had enjoyed it, but I had no urgent desire to return. My friend on the other hand had never visited and when she told me she had always been intrigued by the city it was more a matter of, why wouldn’t we go?

And I’m so pleased I did.

If you have ever been interested in the history of Vietnam, then you must visit Ho Chi Minh City. Here you get a real sense of its French colonial background at every turn through the style of the architecture. Add to this the intoxicating mix of beautiful French influenced bakeries, paired with the aromatic Asian flavours of Vietnam. The food is hard to resist.

And then of course there is the American-Vietnam War. For those of us not directly impacted, my education has come from the Hollywood films on the subject. Although these are harrowing, this is only one side of the story.”

From the essential War Remnants Museum to climbing into the Cu Chi Tunnels themselves, there is so much more to learn.

But this is just the start of what this city has to offer. So, here is my list of 12 unmissable things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

For more of my adventures in this fascinating continent, check out my first-time visitors guide to Cambodia , how to see orangutans in Borneo and read some of my crazy travel stories from Indonesia HERE .

This post may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission, but you will not pay any extra charges. Please note that I have very rarely received any freebies and have never taken a Press Trip. My opinions, reviews and recommendations remain my own and most activities are self-funded. For more information see my disclosure

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon?

Saigon was the name of the city and the centre for the US military personnel and the South Vietnamese during the conflict. When they effectively lost the war and the North Vietnamese claimed the city in 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The two names are interchangeable, but most locals refer to it as Saigon, I think mainly because it is slightly less of a mouthful!

Where to stay in Saigon

I chose to stay at the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel  and for me it was perfect. The hotel sits right on the river, is very central and has comfortable rooms. There is also a rooftop pool and a great happy hour on cocktails at the pool bar. Breakfast is a feast and if you sit at one of the window tables you get treated to some early morning bridal photo shoots, practically every day.

If that’s not to your taste, then scoring highly on TripAdvisor, check out the Vinpearl Landmark 81  or the Myst Dong Khoi  as well. The Park Hyatt  also comes recommended for its excellent cocktails with a view. Alternatively, use the map below to find the best location and price point for your trip.

Crossing the road

And before we dive into my top things to do in Saigon, just a note on crossing the road. If you’ve never been, you may wonder why I’m addressing this at all, let alone right at the start. If you have been, you know exactly why!

Basically, Ho Chi Minh City is home to around 8 million mopeds. And whenever you want to cross a main road, it can feel like all of them are heading at you at the same time!”

Not all roads have crossings either so before you go be prepared to feel terrified every time you do it! Here is my guide:

• When you want to cross and there seems to be no break in the traffic, raise your hand in an obvious way.
• When things quieten down a little on the road, step off the pavement watching the oncoming traffic all the time.
• Hold your hand out and keep looking at the oncoming traffic. Walk slowly.
• Don’t run. Don’t stop. Trust me and the mopeds WILL avoid you.
• Finally, when you reach the other side, breathe a huge sigh of relief…until the next time you need to do the same!

The first time you do this is terrifying but each time you do, it feels slightly less scary.

So, now we’ve got that out of the way, here is my list of the best things to do in Saigon.

Night Street Food Tour with Street Food Man

If there is one activity not to miss on any trip to Saigon, it’s taking a street food tour. I cannot recommend this one with Street Food Man  highly enough. Vietnamese food is a treat for the eyes and the palate but for those of us unfamiliar, some guidance on how to approach the dishes is essential to savour them at their best. In addition, the street food scene is where you can get some of the most authentic flavours to sample.

I went on a private tour as I was visiting with a friend. Not only did we get delicious food (nine courses in total), but we also got the opportunity to see the city at night, on the back of an iconic scooter. A mainstay for any trip to Ho Chi Minh City! Our guides were engaged and engaging, giving us an insight into the various districts of the city as well as regions within Vietnam and the food for which they are famous. I advise taking the tour early in your visit as it will give you the confidence to search out the food you enjoy most during your stay.

We also got to sample some beers and homemade banana sake as well as explore a flower market and some of the more residential areas of the city.

I also have to say, I felt totally confident as a passenger on the scooter too, even in the torrential rain we had during our evening. This is a must do activity in Saigon.”

War Remnants Museum

Another unmissable thing to do in Saigon is to visit the War Remnants Museum . It is not an easy place to explore and can be harrowing at times but to understand the history of the country and its people it is a must-do activity. It costs 40,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong) to enter and is cash only. That’s a bit more than US$1.60 at today’s exchange rate. You can opt for an audio guide for an additional 80,000 VND but the museum is so well documented that I chose to read my way around.

I advise that after exploring the vehicles and weapons outside, you follow the order recommended and start at the top of the building. This helps to put everything in context. Expect to stay for at least a couple of hours to truly digest the atrocities described. The museum not only covers the war itself but also the aftermath as a fourth generation is now impacted by the effects of Agent Orange.

I found the exhibition confronting at times but also fairly balanced. So, brace yourself but do not miss it off your itinerary.”

If you love museums, then also check out the HCMC Museum for an in-depth understanding of the history of the city and the man after whom the city is named also has his own Ho Chi Minh Museum . Make sure you get the right one to cover your area of interest. But if art is more your thing, then don’t miss the Fine Arts Museum .

Cu Chi Tunnels

While we’re on the subject of the war, next on my list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to take a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can get a real flavour of the realities of the war for the local people. The tunnels lie approximately 50 kilometres outside the city and tours to the tunnels alone take half a day . If you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t fancy going down into the tunnels yourself, it is still worth a visit for a greater understanding. There were originally 240 kilometres of tunnels in the area, 40 kilometres remain to this day.

Although I heard that the tunnels themselves have been enlarged for tourists, our guide insisted several times that this was not the case.”

During the visit, we had the chance to go underground a couple of times. The first was to get a feel for how small the entrances were where the Viet Cong used to hide, waiting to attack. It was an opportunity to climb into one of the tiny holes and close the hatch so it could barely be seen from above. Although quick it is an experience I will never forget.

We could then choose how far we went along the dark tunnel warren. They now have exit points every 20 metres and if you choose to do the full length it is 100 metres. Be aware that for the final 20 metres, you are literally crawling on hands and knees. I made it to 20 metres, bent over fully and feeling the walls on my back and sides all the way. It was enough for me!

You can also choose to pay extra to shoot an AK-47 yourself. You will be charged per bullet (6,000 VND) so be aware that the costs can add up quickly. I chose not to, as did everyone on my tour. Hearing the rounds being fired added a frightening authenticity to the whole experience.

I learned a lot about the war and its impact on the local people. Our guide was passionate about his subject and the facts he shared were brutal. But again, it is a must-do for anyone visiting Saigon. There are many options of tours to choose from, take your pick from the most popular ones below:

So, we can now move on from the war to explore another amazing out-of-town excursion…

Mekong Delta

Another essential trip out of town is to plan a visit to the iconic Mekong Delta. The Mekong River is the 10 th longest in the world. On a day trip, you can only really see the gateway to the area, about 2 hours drive from Saigon. On the day I spent in the Mekong, we took a boat on the mighty river before exploring one of the smaller tributaries on traditional rowing boats. This was followed by a bike tour around one of the islands, visiting several cottage industries along the way before we discovered an (unfortunately) unimpressive floating market.

The barges were large and far from “bustling” with local trade. The wares were displayed by a few examples tied to the mast of the boats. For a more thriving market, you will need to travel further into the delta to an area not reachable on a day trip from the city.”

We finished up the tour with a visit to one of the ancient houses with all its intricate wood carvings on display. Here we tucked into a delicious traditional lunch (although be warned we were charged an extra 200,000 VND for this. Check what is included before you book). Many companies offer the Mekong and Cu Chi Tunnels in one tour. I was glad I kept them separate but there are plenty of tour agents to choose from depending on how long you have and what type of experience you are hoping for.

Next, back into the city for some impressive architecture left behind by the French.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Unfortunately, when I visited the Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral it was undergoing a huge renovation project so its iconic 60-metre bell towers were hidden by scaffolding. In addition, the interior has been closed since the pandemic. The original building was constructed during colonial times, between 1863-1880, with every brick being imported from France. Apparently, its stained glass windows are equally as impressive on the inside.

Central Post Office

Next door to Notre Dame Cathedral sits the old Central Post Office . Again, it was built by the French as its style suggests and is well worth a look inside for its grand concourse, high arched ceilings, historical maps, and impressive mosaic. And there are also plenty of places to buy souvenirs should you feel the need.

Peoples Committee Building

A stunning architectural building designed and constructed during the French colonial times (around 1900). The building was originally the Hotel de Ville  or City Hall. Although not open to the public, it is an impressive central landmark day and night with a stunning facade.

The Rex Hotel takes its place in the history of Vietnam. The hotel was the site of the US military command press conferences during the war and the regular hangout of military officials and war correspondents alike. It is centrally located so if you fancy treating yourself to a stay, it is a great spot. Use the link HERE  to check prices and availability.

However, even if you don’t fancy staying, it is worth popping up to the rooftop bar for a cocktail with a view.”

Opera House (Municipal Theatre)

Another impressive colonial-style piece of architecture on this list of things to do in Saigon is the stunning Opera House. It was built in 1897. Admiring the building is one thing but you can also choose to watch a performance. For tickets use the link HERE .

Reunification Palace (also known as the Independence Palace)

In comparison to the French colonial buildings at the opposite end of the park (Notre Dame and the Central Post Office), the Reunification Palace  sits as a prime example of modernist 1960’s architecture. This was once the seat of government and home to the president. However, after taking a central role in the history of Vietnam, it is now a museum open to visitors. Here you can explore the grand reception rooms, presidential living quarters and in the basement, the war room and a warren of tunnels.

Ben Thanh Market

For an authentic market experience, then head to Ben Thanh which is centrally located in Saigon. The market serves locals with food and vegetables but is also a great stop for tourists on the hunt for the perfect souvenirs. Be prepared to negotiate prices on anything you would like to purchase. As always in these situations, smile and be generous with your negotiations. Ultimately if it is more than you are prepared to pay, be ready to walk away.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Unfortunately, I missed this iconic building as time ran out on my trip but it appears in all other lists of things to do in Saigon so it would be a shame to miss it from this one. The pagoda was built in 1909 to honour the Taoist god (Jade Emperor). It is said to be one of the best and most atmospheric temples in the city. It features stunning wood carvings and Buddhist and Taoist mythological statues created from reinforced papier mâché.

So, that’s it for my unmissable things to do in Saigon. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did but please, take care when crossing those roads! ?

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Sue Cockell

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16 comments.

To learn that Ho Chi Minh City has deep French colonial roots intrigues me. I would love to see that influence in its architecture and food. I never knew that. Great tips shared about street crossing, that might take me a while to get used to trusting the mopeds that wizz by will not run you over. Glad you got to re-visit this destination and have a fresh perspective of all that it has to offer.

Thank you Renee & knowing how much you love France, it would be a really interesting place for you to visit. And crossing the road is a scary prospect but amazing how quickly you get used to it!

Visiting an area that has been ravaged by war is always heart wrenching. Great that you got to visit again and enjoy the experience with your friend. As always great tips and advice too, Sue.

Thank you Alma! Glad you found the advice useful too.

On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Vietnam but we have just not got it on the planning board yet. We would definitely want to visit Ho Chi Minh City and get that sense of history. So many good spots to visit. But I never realized that crossing a road was such an adventure!

Thank you Linda & I have no doubt you will love it too when you do get there. Just be careful on those roads! 😉

I was terrified crossing the street in HCMC!! Thankfully a moped took pity on me and, literally, had me use him as a shield crossing 10 lanes of traffic. Great post, made me remember my time there not so long ago!

Thank you Heather, glad it brought back some (mainly!) good memories. And the first time crossing is terrifying enough with someone, can’t imagine how scary I would have found it on my own.

I loved Saigon and the FOOD!! Oh my. I ate so many noodles and Bahn Mi. :). I would love to go back and see more and stay longer.

Thank you Laureen & I couldn’t agree more about the food! It was just delicious…especially the Banh Mi. I can’t wait to return already too!

Wonderful memories, thank you Sue. The Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta. One could never forget the experience of crossing the road, the French architecture, the everything that Saigon has to offer and particularly the wonderful, wonderful street food.

Thank you Marilyn & glad to hear it stirred up these lovely memories for you as it clearly is a place you love too.

Such a beautiful destination! Adding it to my bucket list.

Thank you Maninder & it definitely deserves a spot on your list!

We are off to Vietnam on New Years Day and I was interested to see the Rex Hotel which is where we will be staying. We are off to Phan Thiet for a wedding and Im wanting to buy some clothes rather than take them but being a larger size was wondering where to shop. Im a size 12 US. We are halfway through our vaccination programme.

Thank you Jen & I’m very jealous of your trip! I think there are probably tailors that can help you anywhere in Vietnam but “the place to go” is Hoi An for its amazing tailors. I went on the same trip & got a number of clothes made to measure…& shoes & even a bag. If you get a chance then include Hoi An in your itinerary & allow a couple of days for them to get everything finished. However, I am sure you will also be able to find some excellent tailors in Saigon too. Maybe try Google or send a message to your hotel, I’m sure they will be able to recommend a place. I hope that helps & have a fantastic trip.

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I aim to inspire women in mid-life to embrace the power of solo travel. I have been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years having visited over 80 countries across 6 continents. Here I share my travel tales, tips & recommendations to help you rediscover yourself while exploring the world. I’d love for you to join me on the journey.

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Top 19 Saigon Tourist Attractions – What Are They?

• by Chau Nguyen
• September 28, 2022
• 12 minutes read

I’ve been in Saigon for almost a decade. When I first moved here, I, too, asked my friends who were locals to recommend places to visit on weekends. Now it’s my turn to show you some of the tourist attractions in Saigon. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. notre dame cathedral-symbol of saigon, 2. independence palace – reunification palace, 3. ben thanh market, 4. ho chi minh city post office (next to notre dame cathedral of saigon), 5. landmark 81 – the tallest building in vietnam, 6. city opera house, 7. ho chi minh city museum of history, 8.southern women’s museum – a unique cultural tourist destination in saigon, 9.nha rong wharf – ho chi minh museum, 10. zoo and botanical garden, 11. cu chi tunnels, 12. can gio eco-tourism area, 13. buu long pagoda aka thailand temple, 14. nguyen hue walking street, 15. bui vien western street – the best for partying, music and drink, 16. beer alley: lost in hong kong, 17. starlight bridge – the most beautiful pedestrian bridge in saigon, 18. saigon river – a beautiful, poetic river in the heart of the city, 19. hanh thong tay night market.

• Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Notre Dame Cathedral is a well-known tourist site in Saigon that every visitor should see. The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, is another name for this church.

This church has a unique design. The design features a main section, two side sections, and two additional chapels. The cathedral’s total seating capacity is 1200 people.

If you’re seeking for tourist attractions in Saigon, Notre Dame Cathedral should undoubtedly be on your list. The complex’s architecture is particularly distinctive, with a stunning blend of Roman and Gothic forms. This structure is a proud emblem for the people of the Saigon Diocese. A vast campus with many trees surrounds this Saigon tourist attraction, allowing you to capture many wonderful shots.

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street

If you want to spend a day in Saigon learning about the country’s culture and history, the Independence Palace is a terrific place to start. This is a well-known building in Saigon that has survived the country’s resistance war against the US in order to defend the country.

Independence Palace is also one of Saigon’s tourist sites that has been designated as a special national monument. If you get the chance to visit the city named for Uncle Ho, you should make a stop here to experience and explore this one-of-a-kind work.

The Independence Palace’s feng shui architecture is slightly oriental, but every element of the building demonstrates a distinct modernism. You can observe how each item in the old form gets saved over time right here. Every year on April 30 and May 1, this Saigon tourism site gets a big number of visitors.

• Address: Quach Thi Trang Square

Ben Thanh Market is a popular tourist destination in Saigon. This is a market in the city center, with major roads on all four sides, making it highly easy for transportation. This is a must-see place for shopaholics.

You can select from hundreds of products ranging from antique to modern. This is also one of the tourist attractions in Saigon where you can eat traditional dishes at reasonable pricing. You can also buy a variety of products as gifts following your vacation.

• Address: No. 125 Cong Xa Paris Ben Nghe, District 1

The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is a popular tourist attraction in Saigon. Every year, hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit the building because of its unique architecture. From 1886 to 1891, this work was constructed during a five-year period. Gustave Eiffel, a prominent French architect, created this post office. This location’s unique gold paint also contributes to stunning check-in images.

Every detail within this Saigon tourist site astounds visitors with its delicate elegance. The distinctive design style of the roofs, arched doors, and tile floors… You may also purchase numerous types of souvenirs here. This is a significant tourist attraction in Saigon that you should not miss during your visit.

Want to know more about Saigon beside of tourist attraction? Visit our Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide page.

• Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District

One of Vingroup’s key projects in Ho Chi Minh City is the Landmark 81 building. This work has a maximum height of 470m and is currently the highest structure in Vietnam.

Landmark 81 is a popular tourist spot in Saigon. You can have fun with a variety of utility services, relaxation, and entertainment needs here. This building houses the Vincom Center Landmark 81 commercial center, which allows you to shop comfortably with leading brands from around the world.

• Address: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

If you are seeking for a tourist site in Saigon that offers professional art performances such as drama, Cai luong, opera, and so on, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a good choice. This is also the most notable and distinctive architectural work in Vietnam today.

This Saigon tourist attraction has an area of up to 2016 m2, and it was designed by a number of well-known architects. The structure not only reflects the majesty and grandeur of the outside, but also the modernism of the inside, which is filled with modern sound and light.

Visitors can get a brief look at the theater’s performance schedule. With a seating capacity of 1800 people, you and your family can enjoy professional performances by domestic and international art organizations.

• Address: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

The Vietnam History Museum, which was built in 1929, is a popular tourist site in Saigon. This work was once known as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum.

Visitors to this tourist attraction can view historical items. Currently, the museum houses tens of thousands of objects, 25,000 books, and numerous valuable documents. Aside from sightseeing and exploring, many travelers come here to learn more about archeology, history, ethnology, and so forth. For those interested in this topic, the Vietnam History Museum is an excellent tourist site.

• Address: No. 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Ward 7, District 3

Visitors to the Southern Women’s Museum will discover and interact with many objects, photographs, and documents linked with the image of Vietnamese women. The Traditional House of Southern Women – a work established with the intention of promoting patriotism as well as preserving good cultural traditions of women – was the former name of this tourist spot in Saigon.

• Address: No. 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4

Nha Rong Wharf is a tourist spot in Saigon that holds numerous memories, imprints, and images of the great President Ho Chi Minh. This location takes us back to our country’s resistance wars against France and America.

Visitors to this tourist attraction can now examine many relics and documents related to President Ho Chi Minh’s life. This is also one of the best tourist spots in Saigon for learning more about the country’s history and expressing a sense of patriotism in every Vietnamese.

If you are traveling with children, the finest and most memorable option is to take them to the zoo. One of the most well-known zoos in Ho Chi Minh City is the Zoo and Botanical Garden. You may comfortably explore over 1000 animals and over 2000 varieties of distinctive flowers and plants.

This Saigon tourist attraction also features a variety of interesting games, such as a tram, plane, fishing, spinning horse, and rollercoaster…. These games are incredibly appealing to children, and this will undoubtedly be a popular tourist site. Furthermore, this is a lovely check-in place for you to save time when visiting this city.

• Address: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District

This is a popular tourist location near Saigon that people visit for short trips or experiences on weekends. Cu Chi Tunnels is today one of Saigon’s most popular tourist sites, attracting a great number of visitors every day.

This tourist attraction was once a military system, a base of resistance for the Vietnamese army and people. Currently, many historical victories, relics, and works related with our army’s and people’s valiant battle are still preserved here. Coming here, guests can experience hiding under a small tunnel, or gaze at the warehouse, kitchen, office… all of which are completely underground.

• Address: 30/4 Tourist Area, Thanh Thoi Street, Long Ha, Can Gio

Can Gio is a popular site for tourists who want to enjoy leisure in Ho Chi Minh City’s only coastline area. There are not only tourist attractions on the beach, but you can also visit the mangrove ecosystem and several beautiful island communes. Can Gio is one of our suggestion for beaches near Saigon that you can experience with under $100.

This tourist site in Saigon is around 50 kilometers from the city center, so you can travel by vehicle or motorcycle, which is very convenient. If you have the opportunity to stay at Can Gio eco-tourism region for around two days, you should visit numerous perfect tourist attractions such as Vam Sat tourist area, monkey island, Thanh An island commune, and so on.

First time to Saigon? Check out what to prepare with latest article: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City first time? All you need to know.

• Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9

If you are a spiritual tourist, Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see tourist attraction. This temple has incredibly colorful and splendid construction, similar to that of a castle, but it retains the solemnity and majesty of a temple tourist destination.

Buu Long Pagoda is a popular tourist destination in Saigon, located about 25 kilometers from the city center. This temple was constructed in 1942 and was repaired till 2007. The pagoda’s building is distinguished by an exceedingly harmonious blend of Indian and Thai cultures, as well as the Nguyen Dynasty’s own architectural style.

• Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1

If Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake walking street is well-known, Saigon’s Nguyen Hue pedestrian street is well worth a visit on weekends. With a length of 670m and a width of 64m, this route was formally opened as a pedestrian street in 2005. Visitors can walk comfortably here and engage themselves in numerous fascinating activities of Saigon’s inhabitants and young.

The street is also a feature, with two enormous fountains, a system of green trees, and beautiful lights… offering you a wonderful experience when you arrive in Saigon. You can also eat numerous excellent delicacies sold on the street at this Saigon tourist hotspot. This is a must-see tourist attraction in Saigon at night.

• Address: Bui Vien – Pham Ngu Lao – De Tham, District 1

Bui Vien West Street is a popular tourist location in Saigon among young people. This location is comparable to Hanoi’s Ta Hien street in that it offers a range of cuisines and nightlife activities.

Visitors to this tourist location can enjoy spectacular music performances at bars, pubs, and other venues. This is certainly a type of relaxation that should not be overlooked when visiting this exciting city. The site is at its busiest throughout the weekend, bringing you the most exciting experience, so plan your visit on Saturday or Sunday for the most epic atmosphere.

• Address: 175/19 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

If you want to visit a popular tourist spot in Saigon, the Lost in Hong Kong beer alley is the most fascinating option. You will be checking in at the same location as in the movies. Furthermore, the led lights, lantern lights, and neon signs are made to look like they are on a real Hong Kong street.

Visitors can enjoy various distinctive foods and bold beer on this street in addition to touring and snapping photos. Beer Alley: Lost in Hong Kong has long been known as a delightful and relaxing weekend getaway.

• Address: Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7

The Starlight Bridge is one of popular nighttime Saigon tourist attractions. This is a bridge that connects Dao Canal in Phu My Hung to Crescent Lake. The Starlight Bridge is a must-see for anybody who enjoys walking, exercising, and having fun in the evenings.

This bridge has a water spray system with magnificent LED lights, which is one of its unique features. If you have the opportunity to visit Saigon at night, you should come here to witness the water. Many travelers have captured this moment in gorgeous check-in images.

• Address: Ben Bach Dang

Many visitors to Ho Chi Minh City prefer a unique kind of tourism, which is to walk along the Saigon River and explore the city from various perspectives. Visitors can also take a boat trip to observe the various architectural works on both banks of the river.

The Saigon River is a popular tourist attraction in Saigon. This river is a portion of the river that originates in Southeast Cambodia and runs for up to 230 kilometers. You should use speedboats for the best experience; the voyage may take many hours, but it will provide you with highly exciting experiences.

• Address: 10/2 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District

Hanh Thong Tay night market is a must-see tourist attraction in Saigon for shopaholics. This is a wholesale market with a wide range of products sold at the lowest wholesale prices in Saigon.

This is also a popular tourist destination because the market is like a true shopping paradise, with visitors able to purchase products such as clothes, bags, and accessories… One enjoyable activity here is bargaining; don’t worry, the shop owners are very kind and will give discounts when possible.

This tourist location, however, is also fairly congested as a market, so tourists should be cautious with personal belongings and belongings to prevent being stolen. Furthermore, you may enjoy a variety of Saigon snacks in the market’s little stores. Experience at Hanh Thong Tay night market promises to make your trip more exciting.

The top 19 prominent Saigon Tourist Attractions listed above are our local recommendations; we hope this helps you organize your vacation accordingly.

— VietnamEZ Local Guides team

More Saigon travel guides:

• Travel to Ho Chi Minh City first time? All you need to know.
• The Best Itinerary for 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City (by local expert)
• Saigon Cuisine – A Fusion of Diverse Cultures
• 30 Delicious Saigon Local Foods Worth Exploring

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Chau Nguyen

Sai gon traffic jam and where to find them, where can i find the best hanoi pho check out these local suggestions, leave a reply cancel reply.

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15 Best & Unique Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for First-timers

To have a perfect Vietnam experience, you can’t miss your tour of the highlight of Vietnam- Saigon.

As the formal capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly named Saigon) witness the variation of the era through the Vietnam War and shows its vitality with modern marvels. 

Note the following 15 best and unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you are a first-timer. 

3 Days Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Top 1. visit the reunification palace depicted on the 200000 vnd note.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening Time: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

When you get the 200,000 VND on hand, you may notice the image. It’s an iconic historical Saigon attraction of Vietnam- the Reunification Palace.

Formerly known as the Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ and constructed between 1962 and 1966.

The building served as the official residence and workplace of President Nguyen Van Thieu (South Vietnamese president) during the Vietnam War.

On April 1975, the palace marked a historical point when a North Vietnamese (won) tank crashed through its gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

To get into the Reunification Palace, visitors can get a glimpse into Vietnam’s history and politics and the style and atmosphere of the 1970s- a combination of modernist design elements and traditional Vietnamese features.

You’ll visit many rooms opening to the public including the President’s office, banquet halls, communication facilities, and the sprawling gardens. 

Top 2. Have a Drink at A Rooftop Bar to See the Skyline of the Tallest Tower in Vietnam

Landmark 81 Address: Vinhomes Central Park, 208 Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh Street, Ward 22, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Opening Time: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

In your  Vietnam tourism  2023 of Saigon, it must be a cool thing to have a drink at a rooftop bar to admire a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Surpassed the Bitexco Financial Tower, Landmark 81 completed in 2018, is the tallest tower in Saigon, Vietnam, and even Indochina.

The tower stands at approximately 461.2 meters (1,513 feet) tall and is the best site to meet the city’s skyline.

You can have a drink at the luxurious and renowned rooftop bar-“Layla – Eatery & Bar”.

The bar is located on the 75 th floor of Landmark 81. Standing on the bank of Saigon Dong Nai River, you can obtain an aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline, including iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Opera House.

And guests at Layla - Eatery & Bar can indulge in a diverse selection of cocktails, premium wines, and other beverages, along with a delectable menu of international and Vietnamese cuisine .

Top 3. Mail Vietnamese postcards to your friends at Central Post Office

Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening Time: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

The Central Post Office is one of the most popular Vietnam attractions and famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.

It was completely constructed in 1891 when Vietnam was still under French colonial rule. You must never know the architecture was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Visitors can view the blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles, and observe its grand arched windows, high ceilings, a large clock on the front, and the spacious hall.

You may mail Vietnamese postcards to your family and friends with the characteristic card. Various types of postcards are supplied for you, including landscapes and landmarks, cultural and historical sites, traditional Vietnamese art, street scenes and markets, food and cuisine, cute and quirky designs, festivals and celebrations, and personalized postcards.

It will really be a remarkable thing for Saigon tour that lasts forever, as the memory, the souvenir.

Top 4. Watch the Amazing Water Puppet Show Close to Vietnamese Mythical Stories and Legends

Recommendation: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening Time: 5:00 pm – 7:45 pm

The water puppet show is a traditional Vietnamese art form, where puppeteers perform with wooden puppets on a water stage.

Pace into the mythical stories told in the amazing puppet show with live traditional music, and you can have an immersion enjoyment and acknowledgment of Vietnamese culture. 

Among plenty of specific stories in the theater, "The Legend of the Golden Turtle" is a popular Vietnamese folktale telling the story of a magnificent turtle living in a lake. The story highlights themes of kindness, humility, and the importance of using power wisely. Receive the blessing from this water puppet show.

The ticket prices of shows at the theater range from around 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND (approximately $9 to $18) and are slightly lower for children. Remember to check the show times and make reservations in advance!

Top 5. Join a Fantasy Vietnamese Cooking Class with a Local Market Tour

For a complete immersion into local life and to discover the diverse culinary heritage of Vietnam, consider joining a fascinating Vietnamese cooking class that includes a guided Vietnam food tour of the vibrant local market.

With the guidance of the local people arranged by the cooking class, you’ll have a unique local market experience to buy your cooking ingredient and learn about Vietnamese cuisine culture.

Along your way, you can view the local life of Vietnam, meet the local people, and also learn about Vietnamese cuisine with the introduction of your guide.

After your market tour, you’ll have a hands-on experience learning cooking techniques and preparing your Vietnamese dish, such as pho (noodle soup), spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and various stir-fried dishes.

You can choose various VIetnam food tour to explore Vietnamese cuisine with an exemple here:

4 Days Ho Chi Minh Food Tour

Top 6. stroll along nguyen hue street and stop at quaint coffee shops in “café apartment”.

Café Apartment Address: 42 Nguyễn Huệ Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Nguyen Hue Street is a hot site for both locals and tourists that deserves to visit. The street is a prominent and bustling pedestrian street located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (District 1), Vietnam.

Located in the center of Saigon, the street stretches from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building (also known as the City Hall) to the Saigon River.

Leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Street, you’ll find various shops, cafes, and restaurants to experience the city’s urban lifestyle. You can also witness the stunning and beautiful statue of Ho Chi Minh. 

Stop at the internet-famous site of Café Apartment , the once-abandoned old building.

After hanging over the first-floor bookstore, you can visit the rest floors to view café in different styles. Sitting on the floor with a cup of café, you can enjoy a wonderful and exciting time in Saigon with the admiration of the sunset and Nguyen Hue Street.

Top 7. Haggle in Saigon’s best & most authentic market-Binh Tay Market

Address: 57A Thap Moui Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening Time: from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

If you want a slice of the authentic daily life of Saigon, Binh Tay Market must be a great site to provide you with the best and most authentic experience.

You can regard it as the traditional market in your own country where you can buy the most local things.

Built by the French in the 1880s, Binh Tay Market is located right in the center of the largest Chinatown in Vietnam and serves the local Chinese population of the city with a wide range of the finest fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as poultry, meat, and seafood from across the country.

And in the busiest wholesale market, you’ll see many stalls in the narrow aisles with various goods- textiles, fabrics, handicrafts, souvenirs, electronics, and more. The ideal place to buy gifts for your family and friends! Moreover, you may meet vendors not only from all over Vietnam but from neighboring countries.

Brilliant and local atmosphere to immerse yourself in Saigon!

Top 8. Learn about the Devastating Effects of Agent Orange at the War Remnants Museum

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening Time: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Vietnam War is often the scar for Vietnam, the whole world.

Formerly known as the "Museum of American War Crimes", the War Remnants Museum records the history and evil of the Vietnam War , including the use of a chemical weapon like Agent Orange, the effects of napalm bombing, and the brutalities of the conflict. 

Get into the museum to learn about the devastating effects of Agent Orange.

Agent Orange was a herbicide and defoliant used by the United States military as part of its chemical warfare strategy during the Vietnam War.

Through the vast collection of relative photographs, artifacts, and information, Visitors often leave a somber understanding of the lasting impact of war and the importance of promoting and treasuring peace and reconciliation.

Top 9. Bui Vien Street is the Heaven of Nightlife in Saigon to Party until Early Morning

Located in District 1 (the central district) within walking distance of many popular Vietnam attractions, it’s a nice choice to tour the street after your daily time for the nearby attractions visit. Enjoy one of the best things to do in Saigon at night for optimal nightlife in Bui Vien Street to party until early morning.

Various activities are provided for your heavenly nightlife in Saigon. You can have a street food exploration to try some authentic Vietnamese food like Pho, Banh Mi, Goi Cuon, etc.

Find various vendors to taste Vietnamese drinks like traditional Vietnamese coffee of Ca Phe Trung , and specific tropical fruit smoothies. Cool down the city’s hot and humid while you are shopping for unique gifts there!

You may enjoy the lively atmosphere in the themed bars and nightclubs with live music, dancing, and entertainment.

Or you can choose to have a people-watching to observe the vibrant local life in Vietnam with a seat and engagement of a “Bia Hoi” experience on the roadside. The different experience of nightlife!

6 Days Vietnam Tour from Saigon to Hanoi

Top 10. taste of local meaty & juicy vietnamese baguette and pho.

If you ask “What is the famous food of Vietnam?” to find where and what to eat on Google. The Vietnamese baguette (Banh Mi) and Pho must occupy the list of the top 2.

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of clear broth, flat rice noodles, and tender slices of meat. The flavorful and aromatic dish is typically garnished with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime, and chili peppers.

There are two main types- Pho Bo (beef pho) and Pho Ga (chicken pho). You can enjoy your pho in the well-known Pho Hoa Pasteur and Pho Le.

Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese baguette or sandwich that has gained popularity worldwide. With the fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences, Banh Mi has mouthwatering flavors and textures.

Traditionally, the filling with various ingredients includes thinly sliced grilled or roasted meat, with vegetarian and vegan versions available. Layered with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and pickled vegetables like carrots Daikon Radish, and cucumber, you can be served with a zesty and crunchy taste. Shops such as Banh Mi Huynh Hoa and Banh Mi Thuy are recommended.

Or you can choose to go on your street food tour, you can find both delicious Pho and Banh Mi even anywhere with other top local snacks exploration.

Top 11. Strike a Pose in Front of the Enchanting “Pink Church” like a Castle

Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening Time: Monday to Saturday: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saigon owns a “Pink Church”- the Tan Dinh Church. Officially known as "Đức Bà Tân Định" or "Tân Định Parish Church", Tan Dinh Church is a beautiful and historic Catholic church located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

The Romanesque and Gothic architecture completed in 1876, featured a distinct pink façade with intricate detailing and beautiful stained glass windows.

Step inside the church, and you can witness the full pink in almost any corner- you’ll see high ceilings with intricate arches, walls adorned with religious artwork, statues of saints, and colorful stained glass windows.

Tan Dinh Church has been a place of worship, solace, and celebration for generations of Catholics in Ho Chi Minh City. And such a romantic church with the color pink that may really make you feel like staying in Disney or Barbie World! Strike a pose and take a picture to record the wondrous castle-like “pink church” in Saigon!

Top 12. Take an Old-school Vespa Tour Cross around Ho Chi Minh’s Bustling Streets

To explore the city of Ho Chi Minh City, taking an old-school Vespa is a wonderful way.

This Vespa is the classic and iconic Vespa scooter. With the entertainment of freedom on an old-school Vespa, you can cross around Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets easily and immersive feel the local daily life as a Vietnam resident.

With the tour guide about Ho Chi Minh City , you can visit the popular Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets like the street in the article just mentioned- Bui Vien Street, and other streets like Dong Khoi Street.

5 Days Mekong River Cycling Tour

Top 13. spoil yourself with a traditional medical vietnamese spa.

Enjoying a traditional medical Vietnamese spa after a day or several days of traveling is a gorgeous thing!

The spa is dedicated to promoting wellness, balancing energies, and providing holistic healing experiences.

There are some common treatments you might meet- herbal medicine, acupuncture and acupressure, cupping therapy, moxibustion, Vietnamese massage, and medicinal baths and saunas.

Choose a reputable spa with experienced practitioners to ensure safe and effective treatments. Traditional Medical Vietnamese Spas shops such as Hoang Yen Spa in District 1 and Sen Spa in District 3 are recommended.

Top 14. Crawl around One of the Underground Wonders in the Global- Cu Chi Tunnels

Address: 122 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Phu My Hung, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening Time: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War , is a famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City and it’s one of the top 10 attractions to do in Vietnam .

The Cu Chi Tunnels were initially used by the Viet Cong, the communist guerrilla fighters, as a hiding place, communication route, supply route, and living quarters during the war. They were strategically designed to provide shelter and protection from bombings and ground attacks.

Explore the tunnels, you can gain insights into the harsh time and ingenious tactics of the Viet Cong. Crawl through narrow sections of the tunnels, experience the dark and cramped conditions firsthand, and see examples of the traps and obstacles.

So if you are interested in Vietnam War, never miss the Cu Chi Tunnels. And Indochina Tour recommends you take a Cu Chi Tunnels tour for around 5 to 6 hours.

Top 15. Get off the beaten path to take a sampan to the floating market in Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is not far from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a brilliant choice to take a sampan to the floating market and floating village in Mekong Delta. 

In the early morning, you’ll get up to tour the well-known Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho with the company of bright sunrise shining on the sparkling water.

Having a relaxing tour in Can Tho and cruise through the floating market, you’ll see local vendors selling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. Communicate with friendly people and buy specific objects.

Apart from the floating market, there are a great many floating villages scattered throughout the Mekong Delta.

You can start a Mekong River Cruise and try a homestay in a floating market to experience the daily life on the water and engage in fishing with fishermen.

“Floating” in Mekong Delta is a really fantastic thing for visitors to adventure the featured culture!

10 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour with Can Tho

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the must-see city in Vietnam for first-timers with sufficient cultural or natural landmarks, ancient or modern trails, etc.

After reading the 15 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, you must obtain what things to do in Saigon in 2023. And we  IndochinaTour , a professional travel agency, is glad to plan your Vietnam tour with all your preferences and popular things. 

Moreover, with a Saigon travel guide, you can fully dive into a local experience like a local resident to leave an unforgettable memory of the city!

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23 Things To Do In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): Top Attractions!

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Are you ready for some action?

Saigon (also officially known as Ho Chi Minh City or locally in Vietnamese as Sài Gòn) is Vietnam’s most booming up and coming city, a places where the action never stops.

In this post I’m going to go over 23 of what I think are the top things you can do and see when you’re in Saigon.

Get ready to dodge motorbikes, navigate through market alleys, inhale some incense smoke at temples, and squat on the sidewalk while  slurping down bowls of hot noodles .

But first, let’s begin with a little bit of useful information…

Where to stay in Saigon?

While I was in Saigon, I walked around some of the most popular areas to stay, and here’s some information about some of the top choices:

Dong Khoi: Upscale options

Many of the large 5 star hotels are located in the Dong Khoi area of Ho Chi Minh City – it’s known as being one of the most prestigious areas of the city.

You’ll find hotels like the classic Hotel Majestic Saigon  and the famous Continental Hotel Saigon , located adjacent to the Opera House.

If you’re looking to stay in a fancy five star hotel, surrounded by French colonial architecture and lush cafes, Dong Khoi is one of the best areas to base yourself during your stay.

Pham Ngu Lao (District 1)

Sort of like Bangkok’s Khao San road, the area of Pham Ngu Lao , and also Bui Vien Street, is the most famous budget backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City.

There are dozens of hotels, guest houses, and hostels along these two streets, ranging from very budget to mid-range, and I even noticed a few (sort of out of place) higher end hotels on Bui Vien Street as well.

Since this area is dominated by foreign backpackers and travelers, Pham Ngu Lao is also a big party nightlife area, and among the hostels are numerous bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors.

If you want to be right in the thick of the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, with plenty of restaurants (many international restaurants) and nightlife options, and just a short walk from the famous Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao is a good area to look for accommodation.

Ben Thanh Market area

Just a short walk across the park from Pham Ngu Lao is the most well known central area of Ho Chi Minh City, the area that surrounds the landmark Ben Thanh Market .

There are plenty of hotel options in the streets surrounding the market, and this is the area where many tour groups stay.

Many of the hotels around Ben Thanh Market are mid range to upper level, but the location is extremely central and there are plenty of attractions and things to do in the area.

I’d say the Ben Thanh Market area is one of the best places to base yourself.

Where did I stay?

I stayed on Pham Ngu Lao for a few days, but then I transferred to LeBlanc Saigon Hotel , a family run guest house in a local friendly neighborhood just north of Tao Dan Park.

It’s out of the main touristy area, so it’s more of a local experience, but the hotel is very nice, family run, and the Vietnamese food in the area is fantastic. I would highly recommend it.

A Few Tips on Safety

You may read some stories of theft and snatching in Ho Chi Minh City.

And just like any fast and busy city, there’s always going to be a risk of carrying belongings with you. One of the main safety concerns in Ho Chi Minh City are thieves swiftly swinging by on motorbikes and grabbing bags or mobile phones or cameras, right out of your hand.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:

• Phone – Never pull out and use your mobile phone facing or open to the busy street. When I busted out my phone I usually went to the side of the street, and tried to duck into a business patio and sheltered myself with the wall.
• Camera – Likewise with a camera, you sort of have to use your own discretion of when and when not to be holding your camera out in the open to take photos. Again, try to have your back against a wall or stand to the back of parked motorbikes when you take photos of the open roads to provide a bit of a bunker.
• Wallet – I typically like to keep my wallet in my front right pocket, and then I like to keep some small money in my left pocket. When I buy something small on the streets, I just reach into my left pocket to pay, rather then having to take out my entire wallet. Use whatever system works best for you, but it’s a good idea to have some small money to buy small things, where you don’t have to take out your full wallet.
• Touristy areas – The majority of muggings happen in touristy shopping areas, so use extremely caution with your valuables in these areas.

However, just to reassure you, many of the people in Saigon are extremely friendly and very kind.

When I was eating street food and walking around Saigon, I was greeted by dozens of friendly people. So don’t be too uptight, enjoy and experience as much as you can, but do take some precautions as mentioned above.

How to get around Saigon

Just like in Bangkok, there are many different methods of getting around Saigon, and you may have to take a couple of methods to get somewhere you want to go.

Though I’ve heard a rail or subway system may be in the plan, as of now, it’s all ground transportation in Saigon.

From the Airport to the City

If you fly into Saigon, you’ll arrive at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

From there, the easiest way to get to your hotel is probably to take a taxi. Walk outside of the airport, take a left, and you’ll see the taxis waiting for you. Vinasun is a good brand to choose. It cost me a little under 160,000 VND to get from the airport to the Pham Ngu Lao area.

You can also take the bus, which costs just 5,000 VND (pictured above). Walk out of the airport, cross the street, and look for bus #152. The bus will take you all the way to Ben Thanh Market.

With motorbikes that control the streets and even sidewalks, Saigon is not quite as pleasant as a city for walking as somewhere like Tokyo .

But that being said, I like to think of walking in Saigon as sort of like an obstacle course; You’ve got to dodge oncoming objects, jump over blockades, go around sprawling businesses, and cross the rivers of motorbike traffic.

For most of my time in Saigon, especially in the central areas of town, my wife and I walked everywhere (but we are kind of crazy for walking, we like to walk so we can eat more).

Some of the central and most famous things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are located within walking distance, if you can handle the traffic and heat (and traffic fumes).

I think walking is one the best ways to explore any city, and you can stop whenever you like, and find delicious food along your route.

Motorbike scooter

By far the most noticeable way everyone that lives in Ho Chi Minh City gets around is by motorbike (also known as the scooter).

Saigon may very well be the scooter capital of the world. There’s an astounding quantity of scooters in the city.

There are two ways to join the army of motorbike scooter traffic:

• Rent a motorbike – If you have the confidence to rent and drive a motorbike yourself, there are plenty of rentals agencies, especially located in the Pham Ngu Lao area. You’ll probably pay around $10 per day.
• Motorbike taxi – On just about every corner of every street in Saigon, you’ll see men reclining on their motorbikes, sometimes sleeping, sometimes just gazing into the traffic and patiently waiting. These men are motorbike taxi drivers. For a price, they will take you anywhere in the city you want to go, small journeys usually start around 20,000 – 40,000 VND.

Take the local bus

The bus system in Saigon is actually quite good (and not too difficult to figure out if you just go up and down some of the main streets), and it’s a very cheap and safe way to get around town.

There’s a color coded map , and though it’s kind of blurry to see all the numbers and city bus routes, it does help to plan a bus route to somewhere you’d like to go.

My wife and I took the bus in Saigon many times during our stay, and some buses cost 5,000 VND and others were 6,000 VND per ride.

The biggest challenge of taking the bus in Saigon is figuring out all the one-way streets, but just study the bus map a bit, and you can easily take it at least up and down the main streets.

Before you go to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll probably read some articles about how bad the taxis are.

Yes, there can be fakes, and drivers occasionally do some extra driving to rack up the meter. But on a whole, I thought the taxis were quite reliable, and even many of the drivers were quite friendly.

We hardly had a problem with taking any taxis when we were in Saigon, and they are very affordable, and I really like how they are almost all comfortable vans.

However, when you take a taxi in Saigon make sure you take a reliable company and pay attention to confirm the taxi is an authentic brand. Also I like to keep my phone GPS with the map open so I can follow where the taxi is going to make sure we’re on track.

Here are the main best taxi companies:

• Vinasun – Vinasun is one of the most reliable taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City, and they are also one of the largest. You’ll see Vinasun taxis, with their green and red stripe, everywhere you go in the city. Just make sure the logo is correct and make sure the phone number (38 27 27 27 – written on the side of the taxi) is correct as well.
• Mai Linh – Mai Linh is the other big taxi company in Ho Chi Minh City. Honestly though, I probably took Vinasun 90% of the time.
• Uber – Uber, the private cab service, is available in Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s beginning to take off. Once you download the application, you locate an Uber, and payment is handled all online, so you never have to touch cash. We used Uber quite a bit, and it’s almost the same price, if not a bit cheaper than normal taxis (at the time of writing this, things could change).

Alright, now that you know where to stay in Saigon and how to get around, let’s jump right into these 23 things to do when you’re in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

1. Binh Tay Market

You’re going to hear most about Ben Thanh Market.

But I actually found Binh Tay Market to have better prices, be a more local experience, and I overall enjoyed visiting it more than Ben Thanh.

Binh Tay Market is one of the major official markets, located in the Cholon area of Ho Chi Minh City, what is Chinatown.

It has a similar feel to it as Ben Thanh, and even many of the products that are sold – from clothes to food – are basically quite similar.

However, from what I noticed in my few visit to both markets, Binh Tay Market caters a bit more to local Vietnamese, and therefore the prices are lower, and overall a little less touristy geared.

Before going to Binh Tay Market, I had read about it from Eating Asia that, there was a wet market in the morning behind the market.

If you go in the morning, anytime from about 6 am – 8 am, walk around the back streets of the official indoor market, and you’ll find an incredible fresh wet market, teeming with food and fresh Vietnamese ingredients.

This back lane fresh food market, was probably my favorite part of visiting Binh Tay Market, and one of the top places I would recommend seeing in Saigon.

And also, don’t miss the small food court, where you can get some delicious, simple, and affordable Vietnamese food.

I had a plate of  noodles fried with beef (mì gói xào bò), and sitting on a stool in the morning while eating and drinking coffee, I was extremely happy.

If you are looking to do some shopping when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, at Binh Tay Market you’ll find just about everything made or produced in Vietnam from clothes to snacks. There’s a huge section of Vietnamese cooking utensils, nuts, spices, and tools.

Address : Bình Tây Market, 57 Tháp Mười, 2, Quận 6, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 6 am – 7 pm daily for the main indoor market section, 5 am – 9 am or so for the outdoor wet market How to get there : The market is located in District 5, and it’s easiest to just jump in a taxi to get there. From Ben Thanh Market it cost me 110,00 VND, and the ride took about 15 minutes.

2. Thien Hau Temple (Pagoda)

Located in the Chinatown area (District 5) of Ho Chi Minh City and built back in the 19th century, Thien Hau Temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea ( source ).

From the outside, the pagoda honestly didn’t look amazing.

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The entrance wall face was well weathered, rather unmaintained (but this did also give it an ancient feel), and it had almost a haunted feeling to look at.

However, as soon as you step inside, the beauty of the temple, mostly through the intricate details and carvings, is revealed.

One of my favorite parts of going to Thien Hau Pagoda in Saigon were the incredible sculpture reliefs carved on the upper roof section of the temple, depicting scenes of daily life.

They were colorful, but weathered, and had accumulated years and years of incense smoke, making the sculptures look ancient and dusted in black soot.

Another highlight were the giant coils of incense that burn slowly, hanging from the ceiling, and filling the temple and atmosphere with smoke.

Ho Chi Minh City has a very strong Chinese presence, and when you’re at Thien Hau Pagoda you’ll feel like you’re actually in China. The pagoda is well worth visiting when you’re in Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown).

Address : Thiên Hậu Temple, 710 Nguyễn Trãi, phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 8 am – 4:30 pm daily Entrance price : Free How to get there : The temple is located in Cholon, District 5. It’s easiest to get there by taxi.

3. Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

In the past you might have heard of the Gia Long Palace or the Revolutionary Museum, but now, the same place is officially known as the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City  or HCMC Museum.

When my wife and I visited, on a weekday in the middle of the morning, it wasn’t busy at all (unlike the War Remnants Museum which was packed out), so it was nice to peacefully walk around and enjoy the exhibitions.

Most of the displays show the history and making of Ho Chi Minh City, and also there are a number of Vietnamese culture exhibits as well.

But what I liked best, was just the amazing mansion palace that the Ho Chi Minh City Museum was housed in, yet another beautiful neoclassical structure built in 1885, with big pillars and wooden staircases.

This museum, I thought, was a little old and sleepy, but for just 15,000 VND for entrance price, I thought it was still worth having a quick browse.

Address : Hồ Chí Minh City Museum, 65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 8 am – 5 pm daily Entrance price : 15,000 VND How to get there : The HCMC Museum is located near the Dong Khoi area of the city, walking distance from the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

4. Bitexco Financial Tower

Standing taller than any other building in Ho Chi Minh City, and towering to the sky, is a skyscraper that’s made to look like a lotus bulb , known as Bitexco Financial Tower.

From a distance, or from the sky, it’s easily the most recognizable building in Ho Chi Minh City, for its tallness and for its modern design.

There are a number of things you can do when you’re at the Bitexco Financial Tower, but by far the most popular attraction is to take advantage of the height of the building to get a view of the city.

The bottom floor of the tower is a small shopping center, with a few cafes, but there’s not really much else. The majority of the building is occupied by offices.

There are two choices for visiting Bitexco Financial Tower for a chance to see the amazing view of the city.

• Saigon Skydeck – Located on the 49th floor, this observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city. This is sort of an official Ho Chi Minh City attraction, and after you pay the entrance, you are free to browse around the floor and enjoy the views.
• Eon Cafe – Located on the 50th floor, and not connected to the Saigon Skydeck, is Eon Cafe, a way overpriced cafe and bar where you can come at the expense of buying a drink. Since having a drink or food in hand will always sway my decisions, I decided to go to the cafe (instead of going to the Skydeck). The coffee was good, but extremely expensive, and the cafe looked kind of like a night-club. But nevertheless, I did enjoy the marvelous view of Saigon while sipping my coffee drip by drip.

So I personally can’t speak for the Saigon Skydeck, but whichever place you choose, for sure you’ll have an incredible view of the city.

Address : 36 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 9:30 am – 9:30 pm daily (for Skydeck), 11:30 am – 11 pm daily for cafe Entrance price : 200,000 VND for Skydeck entrance. I went to the cafe and paid 130,000 VND for a tiny cup of ristretto – looked like about ¼ of a shot of coffee. How to get there : From the Ben Thanh Market area, you can walk to Bitexco Financial Tower, otherwise a quick taxi ride is a good option.

5. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

Now a museum, but still used for official government meetings and events, the Independence Palace was the former home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

After buying a ticket you can then go inside, and walk around a few of the floors to see all sorts of rooms including meeting rooms, dining rooms, and lounges that are fit for royalty.

Every room and space within the Independence Palace is still furnished with original chairs and tables.

The round dragon carpet, located on the second floor, a huge circular red carpet with a dragon etched into the middle, was something I thought was pretty amazing.

After navigating through a few floors and seeing the helicopter pad, you can then head to the basement where you’ll find some slightly scary offices, control rooms, and bunkers.

It was very interesting to visit the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and I think the highlight for me was strolling through the dark and creepy basement. And also, the palace kitchen, still equipped with old school machines, was pretty cool.

Visiting the Independence Palace is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and it’s one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Address : 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Quận 1 Open hours : 7:30 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 4 pm daily. However, occasionally the Palace can be completely closed when there’s a large official event taking place. So make sure it’s open the day you plan to go. Entrance price : 30,000 VND per person How to get there : From Ben Thanh Market, you can walk there in about 10 minutes, it’s located right in the heart of Saigon in District 1.

6. Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame

Welcome to Paris?

Probably not quite as grand as the Notre Dame de Paris , but nevertheless an important cathedral and landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral marks the center of the French colonial heritage in Saigon.

They still hold services on Sunday if you’re interested, but if you just go to visit on any other day, make sure you arrive either in the morning from 8 am – 11 am or in the afternoon from 3 pm – 6 pm.

When I went, I arrived right and noon lunchtime, and the gates were locked; So make sure you plan to visit during open hours so you can get inside.

The next day I returned to enter the cathedral.

The cathedral is beautiful, with two 40 meter high towers, and a statue of the Virgin Mary in the front lawn area. Make sure you go to the very front on the road-side, so you can get a great photo of Virgin Mary with the cathedral in the background.

Inside the cathedral you’ll see beautiful stained glass windows, the wooden pews, and classic plaid floor tiles.

There happened to be a wedding taking place when we visited, a sight I’m sure is quite common.

Address : Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 8 am – 11 am in the morning and 3 pm – 6 pm in the evening on weekdays only (on Sunday, there’s an official mass that begins at 9:30 am that you are free to attend) Entrance price : Free How to get there : From the Independence Palace, walk northeast through the park directly to the cathedral. It’s located on the northwestern side of Dong Khoi street, adjacent to the old post office.

7. Central Post Office

Right across the street from the Saigon’s Cathedral of Notre Dame, within the same city square, is yet another renowned landmark, the Central Post Office, that began construction back in 1886.

Again, just like quite a few other buildings in Saigon, it’s the French colonial architecture that really stands out.

But even more so here, one of the top reasons the post office is one of the top Saigon attractions is because it was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the man who also engineered the Eiffel Tower in Paris).

What I liked about the Central Post Office, was that not only has it become a top tourism attraction, but it also remains fully in use and functional.

If you’d like, you can walk into the post office, buy a postcard from Vietnam, stamp it, and send it home to your friends and family right then and there.

Also, I also really loved the floor tiling as well as the giant map murals painted on the walls.

Address : 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh Open hours : 7 am – 7 pm on weekdays, 7 am – 6 pm on Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm on Sunday Entrance price : Free How to get there : Once you’re at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Central Post Office is right across the street.

8. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum in Saigon is definitely not a fun attraction to visit.

But it is a place to remember the atrocious and horrible effects that come as a result of war.

Most of the inside of the War Remnants Museum is filled with photography, shown in exhibitions, about various events of the Vietnam War. You are free to walk around the various photo and journalist displays.

On the outside section of the War Remnants Museum is an equally sad life-sized model of a prison, where you’ll find replicas of prisoner rooms, stocks, and torturing devices for POW’s.

If you visit the War Remnants Museum and you’re with kids, there is a playground room that I noticed where many young kids went to hang out while their parents walked through the museum (as you can imagine, it may not a great place for kids to see).

Surrounding the museum, within the compound grounds are displays of previously used military weapons, tanks, and aircraft.

The War Remnants Museum is a worthwhile place to see in Saigon to learn, but again, be prepared for quite a heavy and saddening experience.

Address : 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 7:30 am – 12 noon in the morning and 1:30 pm – 5 pm in the afternoon, daily Entrance price : 15,000 VND per person How to get there : The War Remnants Museum is located just northwest of the Independence Palace, you can walk from there in about 10 minutes.

9. Opera House

Considered to be one of the best representations of French colonial architecture in Saigon, the Opera House theater was built in 1897, and has been beautifully preserved.

If you are interested, the Opera House hosts A O Show , a performance of traditional Vietnamese dance using bamboo.

I didn’t go to the show, but if you are interested in live performances, I’m sure it would be pretty cool to see – especially since it takes place in a such a glorious building.

Address : 7 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : Make sure you check the official site for show times and schedules and you can also buy tickets online as well. Entrance price : Prices range from 504,000 VND –  1,176,000 VND for show tickets How to get there : The Opera House is located on the prestigious Dong Khoi street

10. Dong Khoi Street

Dong Khoi street and area of Saigon, sort of reminds me of Oxford Street , it’s an upscale area of Saigon, and along Dong Khoi street you’ll find high end boutiques and designer stores.

But along with upscale shopping, it’s just a nice place to walk around. Walking around Dong Khoi, I really felt like I was somewhere in between France and Vietnam, plus there’s a huge contrast of the old and new, modern and traditional.

Along Dong Khoi street there are a couple of modern shopping malls like Vincon , and plenty of international and speciality stores.

Also, many of the high end 5 star hotels, like the renowned Hotel Majestic Saigon  are located in this area. If you interested in doing some luxury shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, this is an area you’ll want to visit.

Address : Dong Khoi street Open hours : Daytime, plenty of nightlife as well

11. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Clustered together in the same park, is both the Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens .

Instead of having to pay for both attractions, you just pay a single entrance fee and you can then walk around both.

The zoo, that is the animals part of the zoo, is not so great – the animals don’t look too happy, and the cages aren’t set up very well – it could definitely use a major renovation.

However, the Saigon Zoo does host a range of animals from tigers (that really looked like they wanted to escape) to elephants.

But the part I really liked:

The Saigon Botanical Gardens.

Sort of the entire zoo is a botanical garden, full of lush greenery and natural vegetation. But if you keep walking around, you’ll eventually come to the specific botanical garden section.

The gardens throughout the zoo and the wide paths surrounding by natural lush vegetation was a beautiful.

When I went, it looked like many Vietnamese had come to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens just to hang out, relax and socialize with friends. It looked like many spent the day at the zoo, to use it more just like a peaceful garden park, like an escape from the noisy motorbike roads of Saigon.

As with me, you probably won’t be impressed with the animals or the conditions of the zoo, but the gardens are beautiful, and it’s a good place to walk around for some peace and nature within Saigon.

I think visiting the Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens is one of the many great things to do in Ho Chi Minh city with kids, as it’s quiet, peaceful, with nice grassy areas, and you don’t have to worry about motorbikes!

There’s even restaurant to eat at if you get hungry while walking around, and a number of little refreshment stations.

Address : 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Str., Ward Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Open hours : 7 am – 7 pm daily Entrance price : 20,000 VND per person How to get there : It’s easiest to jump in a taxi, but my wife and I took the bus down Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street directly to the entrance of the museum. Get out of the bus before you cross the river.

12. FITO Museum (Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine)

I really had no idea what to expect on the day we went to the FITO Museum, also known as the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine .

But as soon as I paid the entrance fee, and entered the museum, I immediately felt welcomed (the staff were very friendly from the start), and the museum had a wonderful cozy, almost family run feel to it. After reading the pamphlet, I soon discovered that it’s one of the few privately operated museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is housed in a five story home, built and renovated to resemble a traditional style Vietnamese home. The wooden carved decorations and details within the house were incredible.

Within the museum you’ll find a collection of over 3,000 Vietnamese medicinal tools, and a collection of manuscripts, manuals, and guides that document the variety of holistic herbs and natural remedies used in traditional Vietnamese medicine practice.

When you arrive, you’ll first be invited to watch a short fifteen minute film about the progression of ancient Vietnamese medicine, and then you’re free to browse the museum at your own pace, or with the help of a staff member.

I was not only impressed by the well thought out presentation of the museum, but also the kindness of the staff and the hospitality.

Also, there were a couple hands on things to try, like putting on a traditional Vietnamese medicine doctor outfits, and rolling a sharp stone to grind medicine.

Once you’re finished browsing through the floors of the museum, you can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea on the bottom floor in the small gift shop.

They served me a cup of tea, used specifically to reduce anxiety, stress, and to help one relax… it was pretty good, and I did feel pretty relaxed (and ready to eat afterwards). I ended up purchasing a couple bags of ginger green tea to bring home.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the FITO Museum, and I thought it was a very educational attraction.

Address : 41 Hoang Du Khuong Str., Ward 12, Distric 10, Ho Chi Minh City Open hours : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily Entrance price : 50,000 VND per person How to get there : Since it’s a private museum, it’s located all by itself in the middle of a neighborhood in District 10, so the best way to get there is to jump in a taxi.

13. San Art Laboratory – Gallery

There are numerous museums in Saigon, many of which I’ve covered in this list of top attractions, but there aren’t too many modern art galleries that promote the local artistic scene in the city.

Sàn means “platform” in Vietnamese, and the San Art laboratory is really a place where artists can learn and nurture their creativity surrounded by other artists.

The gallery is located within a home that’s converted into an artistic space.

On the bottom floor you’ll find a small library with a collection of contemporary art books and a communal table where you can hang out and connect with other artists.

Within the gallery portion, on the first and second floor of the space, there is a series of rotating exhibitions, so it’s best to check their website to see what’s currently on display.

The gallery is very small and intimate, but it’s also personal and creative.

San Art Laboratory is open to the public, but I would only recommend visiting if you really appreciate contemporary art and creativity, which if you are, I’m sure you’ll be able to connect with other creative artists when you’re there.

Also keep an eye out for special events and artist gatherings that they occasionally host.

Address : 48/7 Me Linh Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City Open hours : 10.30 am – 6.30 pm on Tuesday – Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday Entrance price : Free, non-profit How to get there : The art gallery is located in a neighborhood right across the river from the Saigon Zoo. It’s easiest to take a taxi there, or you can take a bus to the main road and then walk into the neighborhood.

14. Turtle Lake at Night

If you’re looking for one of the top local things to do in Saigon at night, you have got to head over to either the Cathedral of Notre Dame or the roundabout of Turtle Lake after the sun goes down.

Located right within central Saigon, both locations are home to dozens of street food snack vendors that set up shop, and make snacks for the hundreds of young Vietnamese, both groups of friends and families, that come to hang out and socialize.

At the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the snack and tea vendors set out little canvas covers on the planters where you can take a seat and enjoy the social buzzing atmosphere with the lights of the cathedral in the background.

At Turtle Lake, within the roundabout is an old school park, with a central sculpture that looks like a dead tree in the middle surrounded by a maze of water and fountains, and an awkwardly placed flight of stairs.

The park itself is very unmaintained, not very pretty, and resembles an abandoned structure. But at night is when things change. Just like at Notre Dame, young people flock to Turtle Lake to hang out and mingle with friends, eat snacks, and enjoy life.

There are two main snacks that everyone who goes to hang out eats and you shouldn’t miss either:

• Banh trang tron – Banh trang are Vietnamese rice paper sheets (the same ones used for summer rolls), and banh trang tron is a snack salad made with strips of dry rice paper mixed with hot sauce, slivers of green mango, quail eggs, strips of dried squid, and all kinds of random goodies. It’s the latest and most popular craze snack in Vietnam.
• Banh trang nuong – Also known as Vietnamese pizza, banh trang nuong is also made with rice paper, which is grilled like a pizza crust over charcoal, topped with a quail egg, chili sauce, dry pork, green onions, among other things. I thought it was more like a Vietnamese taco, then a pizza.

For a cultural evening experience, visit both places anywhere from about 8 pm – 10 pm.

How to get there : Turtle Lake is located northwest of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, at the cross roads of Vo Van Tan and Pham Ngoc Thach

15. Ben Thanh Market

Like I mentioned at the top of this list of top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, I really liked Binh Tay Market, but there was no way I was going to leave out Ben Thanh Market either.

Even as touristy as it may be, it’s a buzzing market, full of history, shopping stalls galore, and being located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, it’s probably the most important central landmark of the city.

You’ll find just about everything ever created or produced in Vietnam somewhere within the market lanes of Ben Thanh.

When I was there, I saw a frenzy of both foreign tourists from around the world, as well as Vietnamese shoppers.

If you’re shopping for clothes, souvenirs, Vietnamese cookware, or dry foods like nuts or dried fruit, tea or coffee, you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in the tiny, stuffed lanes of the market. Just make sure you don’t knock anything over – they literally have things like glassware dangerously stacked close to walkways.

Additionally the surrounding streets of Ben Thanh Market are a major hub of transportation and a major business district, always full of action and energy.

In the evening, along the roads just outside Ben Thanh Market, they close down the roads to traffic and open them as a night market with a few restaurants and touristy shops.

This is one of the main night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, but I didn’t really care for it too much – it was a bit over hyped for me, but still a good place to walk around.

Address : Lê Lợi, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 6 am – 6 pm daily for the indoor market, and about 6 pm – Midnight daily for the night market Entrance price : Free How to get there : If you’re not already staying somewhere close in the area, it seems that all roads lead to Ben Thanh Market.

16. Phu My Hung and Starlight Bridge

Phu My Hung is an upscale development area in District 7 of Saigon, and while spending the day with Kyle (a local blogger and vlogger), we decided to swing by to see a different side of Saigon.

Although it’s only 6 km south of the central Ben Thanh Market (considered the downtown), the area has a completely different feel to it from other parts of the city.

It’s more quiet, there’s less traffic, there are malls and cafe’s, and there are wide spacious, uncluttered sidewalks; Walking through Phu My Hung almost feels like you’ve left Vietnam altogether and have taken a day trip to southern California.

Phu My Hung is filled with an abundance of pleasant sit down restaurants, both Vietnamese and international, with big breezy patios, your choice of just about every fast food chain, from Lotteria to Dominoe’s , and plenty of Korean restaurants as well.

If you go to Phu My Hung in the evening, you can enjoy the cooler temperatures, and it’s also when many local Vietnamese and expats are out and about, eating, socializing, and hanging out.

Along with restaurants, modern malls, and the shops that fill Phu My Hung, one of the main draws is the Starlight Bridge, a bridge that spans across the lake, with a waterfall cascading down, illuminated by flashing lights in a rainbow of colors.

Spending time with your loved one at Starlight Bridge is said to be one of the most romantic things to do in Saigon.

Address : Tôn Dật Tiên, Tân Phú, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : The entire Phu My Hung strip is nice to walk around after the sun goes down, but there’s also the major Crescent Mall  shopping mall open from 10 am – 10 pm daily Entrance price : Free How to get there : Taxi is the best way to get there since you must leave the main central part of the city

17. Water Puppet Show

Although water puppetry originated in the north of Vietnam around the Halong Bay area, performances are also available at a number of locations throughout Saigon.

The art of Vietnamese water puppet performing (known in Vietnamese at múa rối nước) has been around since the 11th century, and most of the skits depict Vietnamese cultural scenes, countryside life, and folklore stories.

The puppets are made from wood, then they are lacquered to become waterproof, and then both painted and decorated, sometimes with paint, and other times with clothes or feathers.

One of the most famous and touristy places where you can see a Vietnamese water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City is the Golden Dragon Water Puppet theater.

The show lasted for 50 minutes, and as the puppets danced and performed in the pool of water on the front stage, a traditional Vietnamese opera band played instruments, sang, and commentated the entire program.

I thought the water puppet performance at Golden Dragon was pretty good. Although the majority of the attendees were giant tour groups, the show was still entertaining. It was interesting to not only see the puppets, but something I enjoyed was listening to the traditional music and singing that was synchronized to the water puppet show.

Make sure to check the Golden Dragon Water Puppet website for up to date information about show times. I went in the morning to purchase my tickets for the evening show, but sometimes (as they informed me), they can sell out because of all the tour groups.

Address : 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Open hours : Official show times are 5 pm and 6:30 pm daily, and you can go to the ticket office to buy your ticket from 8:30 am – 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm Entrance price : 160,000 VND per person How to get there : The theater is located on the back side of Tao Dan Park on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, and just a short walk from the Independence Palace.

18. Museum of Vietnamese History

There are dozens of museums in Saigon, but the Museum of Vietnamese History is one of the most important.

Inside you’ll find artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and porcelain, showing the history of Vietnam, with artifacts dating all the way back from the bronze age of Vietnamese history at around 2000 BC.

Probably my favorite part of the History Museum was the collection of sculptures and stone reliefs from the temples of Angkor Wat.

Also don’t miss taking a peep at the well preserved mummy which was uncovered in District 5, right in the heart of Saigon. That was interesting to see as well.

There’s also a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance at the museum, which you can pay extra to see. I didn’t wait around for the show, but if you don’t have time to go to the larger Golden Dragon water puppet show (or if you want to avoid it), this might be a good alternative.

The History Museum of Vietnam is located right next to the Saigon Zoo grounds, and it’s a very popular museum for local Vietnamese students to visit as well.

Address : Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : 8 am – 12 noon in the morning and 1:30 – 5 pm in the afternoon, Closed on the first Monday of every month Entrance price : 15,000 VND for entrance, 40,000 VND to take photos (I think you can get away with cell phone photos without paying, but if you want to take photos with a DSLR like I did, they’ll charge you). The water puppet show costs 35,000 VND How to get there : The Museum of Vietnamese History is located right next to the Saigon Zoo, so you can easily combine visiting both, along with lunch at the Lunch Lady .

19. Rooftop Bar

Saigon is a rapidly developing and expanding city, and sky-rise offices and condos are going up at near frightening rates.

Along with high-rise buildings, one of the recent trends in the city are rooftop bars and lounges.

The streets of Saigon are loud, crowded, and quite often on the chaotic side – and don’t get me wrong, the street life is amazing – but it can also be very nice to see it all from above, in a peaceful environment from a bird’s eye view, enjoying the city skyline and sunrise with a cool beverage in hand.

As of now, one of the most popular rooftop bar options in Saigon is Shri Restaurant and Lounge , which is not only a bar, but a full restaurant.

You can go either just for drinks or choose to have either lunch or dinner there. My wife and I went to Shri for a late lunch, and enjoyed the wonderful views of the city, the upscale environment, and the top notch service.

Another idea would be to go to a rooftop bar for sunset and enjoy happy hour, or an activity to do at night.

Other well known spots to enjoy a drink with a view include the Hotel Continental and Hotel Majestic , but I’m sure there will be more and more rooftop bars in the future as more and more sky scrapers sprout up in Saigon.

It’s amazing that you can be eating street food in an alley one minute, and seeing it all from above the next.

Address : Shri, 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 6, 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open hours : For Shri, 10 am – 12 midnight from Monday – Saturday and 4:30 pm – 12 midnight on Sundays and public holidays. Also, don’t miss their happy hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm daily. Entrance price : Rooftop bars in Saigon can be a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth it on a special occasion for the atmosphere and view. Lunch for my wife and I cost a rather pricey 850,000 VND. How to get there : Shri Restaurant and Lounge is located just up the road from Independence Palace, and very close to Turtle Lake

20. Fine Arts Museum

Like many of the museums in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the best parts of visiting is to admire the structure its housed in.

Possibly one of the most elegant and well preserved pieces of architecture in the entire city (at least what I thought) is the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, located just opposite the giant roundabout from Ben Thanh Market.

Inside the museum, you’ll discover a great collection of artwork, including many paintings, sculptures, and lacquerware, that span the history of art in Vietnam.

One of my favorite exhibitions at the Fine Arts Museum was the collection of sandstone sculptures and ceramics from the Khmer site of Óc Eo , during the Funan Kingdom .

You could easily spend an hour or two browsing through the art exhibitions at this fantastic museum. If you get tired out, there is a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the building where you can take a rest on a bench and just enjoy the peaceful quietness of the museum.

At first I wasn’t extremely interested in visiting as I was sort of museumed-out , but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I thought the Fine Arts Museum was a hidden gem, and even if you just have 1 or 3 days in Saigon, I would recommend it as one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Address : 97 Phó Đức Chính, Nguyễn Thái Bình Open hours : 9 am – 5 pm from Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday) Entrance price : 10,000 VND per person How to get there : The museum is located right across the roundabout (sort of to the south) of Ben Thanh Market.

21. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Dedicated to the Jade Emperor , one of the highest powers and deities in Taoism, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most important Taoist temples in Saigon.

As soon as you set foot into the compound, the loudness of the road traffic outside drifts away, and you can immediately feel a sense of calm throughout the temple.

The front courtyard is shaded by draping banyan trees, with a spattering of pigeons, and a cloud of incense smoke that burns both inside and outside the temple and sets the mood by making the entire area hazy.

Inside the temple, there are two main sections, the back section is where the statue of the Jade Emperor sits, surrounded by various other deities and statues.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is full of symbolism and details, which I don’t even begin to understand or even probably notice, but nevertheless, it was an intriguing temple to visit.

Address : 73 Mai Thị Lựu, Đa Kao Open hours : 7 am – 6 pm daily Entrance price : Free How to get there : The Jade Emperor Pagoda is located just off Dien Bien Phu highway, directly north of Ben Thanh and near the river. It’s best to catch a taxi there.

22. Local Wet Market

As much as visiting both Ben Thanh and Binh Thay Markets are wonderful things to do when you’re in Saigon, a trip to the city would not be complete without getting lost in one of the countless fresh wet food markets scattered throughout the city.

While the other two markets mentioned above are more wholesale goods markets, right now I want to talk about neighborhood alley markets. It’s kind of like going to the supermarket in Saigon.

Literally, sometimes I was just wandering around Saigon, walking around aimlessly, and the next thing I knew, down a side alley, I would find myself in the midst of a wonderful bustling local neighborhood market – I don’t know if I’ve been to another city with as many fresh markets as Saigon.

The reason I love walking through markets in Saigon (or anywhere else) so much, is because it offers a REAL glimpse into the local life and culture of the destination .

People sell and shop, hang out, sleep, eat and drink, and do just about everything you can possibly think of at markets in Vietnam.

On top of that, I found that many of the people in the markets throughout Saigon that I visited were extremely friendly. Even as I walked by taking photos and videos, many people smiled and laughed and said hello to me and even invited me to stop for something to eat.

Additionally, exploring a wet market in Saigon, you’ll see a near mind-blowing quantity and array of different vegetables, herbs, meats, and ingredients, all the raw things that makes Vietnamese food so good.

So along with visiting the two main largest well known markets I encourage you to go off the main paths, into the alleys of Saigon, and deep into some of the local wet markets to explore.

For me, learning about the local life by exploring alley markets was one of my favorite things to do in Saigon.

23. Vietnamese Street Food

You and I probably agree:

Food and travel goes extremely well together. In fact, food is the main reason I travel in the first place (museums and everything else are all secondary to food)!

Saigon is an overwhelming paradise for food lovers, both because of the delicious flavors and combinations of Vietnamese food, and for the abundance, quantity, and variety of food available everywhere you look.

Vietnam is a huge country that spans from the Mekong Delta in the south to the highlands of the north bordering China, and a coast line of 3,444 kilometers ( source ).

Since Saigon is the biggest city in Vietnam, people have moved to the city from around the country and the benefit for the food scene is that you can find nearly everything from around Vietnam somewhere in Saigon.

But let’s talk about Vietnamese street food.

Street food is what I would consider a major part of Vietnamese culture.

Along with being very affordable, eating street food is a way to socialize with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. You’ll find street food stalls set up in every neighborhood, along every street, and on just about every corner of Saigon.

Yes, hot bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches are widespread and remain very popular, but you’ll also discover dozens of other delicious Vietnamese dishes like bun rieu (crab noodles), com tam suon (pork chop over rice), banh khot (savory griddle cakes), and one of my personal favorite Vietnamese foods, bo la lot ( minced beef wrapped in wild betel leaves and grilled).

If you go out wandering around Saigon, you’ll have no trouble finding unbelievably delicious food to try. Just pull up a tiny plastic stool at a plastic table, and try whatever you see available.

You may not always know what you’re eating, but you’ll have an incredible time tasting, and the experiences you’ll have as a result of being adventurous and samplings different foods is something you’ll never forget.

If you love food, be sure to check out my list of the best 25 dishes to eat in Saigon .

Watch the full video of these things to do:

If you have a few minutes, press play below to watching the full video, that covers all 23 of these places:

If you can’t see the video, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0crXGYLYlg

Saigon (known officially as Ho Chi Minh City, though more commonly referred to as Saigon) is Vietnam’s most lively and action packed city, growing and developing at a rapid rate.

As soon as you arrive in the city you’ll be surrounded by a sea of motorbike traffic, delicious street food everywhere you look, and a host of attractions that will keep you busy and entertained.

I want to say a big thank you for reading through this list of top 23 things to do in Saigon and I hope it gives you great ideas and helps you plan your trip.

Now it’s your turn to navigate your way through the bustling traffic, stop at a museum or market, grab a banh mi and slurp down a bowl of hot noodles on the sidewalk, and explore the many possibilities waiting for you in Saigon!

Free Download: Since this post is so long, I made it into an eBook in PDF format, and you can download it for FREE (the eBook is easier to read and even print).

Xoi Man: Kind of Like Banh Mi, Except Over Sticky Rice

Bun Moc: Delicious Noodles Down an Alley in Saigon

Beef Pho in Saigon: Try It at Pho Phuong 25

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7 months ago

I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

12 months ago

Thanks for the great information. I’ve never been to Vietnam. All ahead of me.

Fence Company

Not related to the video, but if you speak to a Vietnamese-American, make sure you refer to Ho-Chi-Minh as Saigon. Saigon is the original city name before the communist took over the country and renamed the city to Ho-Chi-Minh.

Great informative content! LOVED it

2 years ago

Love Com Tam and Bun Cha Gio. Man. every time I’m at Saigon, thats always my favorite

Saigon Land

3 years ago

I love Com Tam (Broken Rice) & Banh Khot. I can eat them every day. hihi

Same, it’s SO good.

It is amazing ! Thanks for your shanring!

Vishal Kaushik

4 years ago

Great content.

Eulises Quintero

5 years ago

Really interesting and informative, I’ve only been to Hanoi and I’m planning to visit Vietnam again, I was thinking of doing Hanoi again, but now I’m really considering going to Ho Chi Minh, I’m interested in the street food.

landscapers chandler

I agree. The street food there is amazing

ontheground

Mark, you made our Saigon trip much easier 🙂 as we have 2 day in this city, articlw looks like perfect guide. thank you

Wow just wow. Thank you very much, we’re just using part of your nice guidelines to discover the city and it is super helpful. Thank you so much for your effort:)

I try download to save the pdf file unable. Can you solve this issue.

Hi! How many days did u stay in Ho Chi Minh? Is 2 days and 1 night possible to enjoy the beauty of Ho Chi Minh? Thanks!

StopBullShit

UBER is not working in Ho Chi Minh!!!!!!!!!

Use grab or one of the Vietnamese ones uber left the market here

For me, the most interesting place in Ho Chi Minh City is the Museum of War Remnants. The photos are drastic but it’s worth seeing them

That is so a good information guide there.

Too bad that I found your guidelines only on my last night in Ho Chi Minh City. We visited quite many places from your list but still skipped few. But still enjoyed our stay! Greetings from Estonia

6 years ago

Big thanks for this. Very informative and this would be a great help for us since my family will visit this Dec 2018. Kudos to you!!!

great guide !! super interesting facts and advices much better than Trip Advisor, last time i went there i really enjoy a dinner cruise onboard the bonsai legacy it was nice to discover saigon by night from the saigon river.

Amelia Lesaca

Very informative. I have been to Ho Chi Minh but has visited only a few places mentioned here.

Barry Williams

A Really informative and detailed review of Ho Chi Minh City, which will be extremely helpful when my wife and I visit there in February 2019. Also downloaded the information, which will be a big help.

Ho Chi Minh is really an awesome place to see that I ever want to visit, I just love this place. This place is also known as Saigon. There are many places of attraction like historical sites, include reunification palace, war remmants museum, city hall museum, Ho Chi Minh museum. Also there are some religious sites such as Central mosque, Notre Dame Cathedral, thein Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Phung Son Tu Pagoda. Including architectural attractions like Saigon opera house, The Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Sykdeck. So you would definitely enjoy these places and you can get a memorable experience of Vietnam tours. I have seen these places which were a very good experience for me.

Very nicely explained. I am going to visit shortly.

I am soon going to be in Saigon and this was incredibly helpful! This brings me to a question, which museum was your favorite one? I am definitely planning on seeing a water puppet show at the museum, it’s great that they are offering that (provided that enough people show up!). All those markets sound amazing, I can’t wait to visit!

I am a Saigonese. Your article is very helpful to Vietnamese students. Welcome here!

I just left Saigon and to be honest, I didn’t care for it that much. The street food is amazing if you get out of the tourist areas. I’m so glad you didn’t mention the tunnels as a place to visit. For one, all the tunnels you see are not from the war time and are built for tourists, not for actual history. Second, our tour guide was so proud that the traps injured “Americans” and that the north was doing right by killing hundreds of thousands of southern vietnamese ciivilians for letting Americans invade vietnam. He obviously wasn’t told history of what happened, probably because of the oppressive communists government. Anyway, food was amazing, but everything else was forgettable, especially the bad drivers, which I thought Bangkok was bad…not even comparable.

Khuyenmai HappyLuke

Its nice to know that you were able to go to a lot of places in Saigon! I love how detailed and useful it is specially to those will go there for the first time.

DEEPAK NARANG

Beautiful article. I was going thru TripAdvisor at first but that’s all bullshit This article is too good Thanks

as a Vietnamese living in Saigon, i read all your article, honestly there are still some places i havent visited yet but your all your recommendation is correct, your mention about safety is right, who know what will happen. i just want to add another thing : here we prefer Grab than Uber, it is cheaper and larger amount of Graber, you can find Grab bike and Grab car , it is just half cheaper than traditional taxi. and within 100 km from saigon, there are many places more to visit like Cu Chi Tunel, Vung Tau City, Rung Sac ( Sac forest National park )… I hope every people have a good trip in Vietnam.

Micah BOWEN

We enjoyed Saigon as well, although having traveled Vietnam for 5 weeks, I disagree about how dangerous you portray this city.. Everyone is walking around with cell phones, and while you have to keep a level head on your shoulders and not get into a situation you will regret, it doesn’t happen that often, mostly late at night.. The first time I ever traveled I read blogs like these and when I traveled I kept everything inside hidden pockets etc, always scared to even show my wallet.. In reality, It’s nothing like what you and other bloggers paint pictures of.. You would think you were in a war torn country where no tourists even go! Relax a bit, don’t worry yourself to death and you will have a great time.. These places aren’t that bad at all…

Thanks for the list and supplemental information. Much appreciated

How far is the cu chi tunnels from this area?

Hello, Thank you very much for this magnificent guide.

We like to get around by bus and figured out that there is an awesome app for planning routes. It works completely offline. It is called “BusMap” by Le Yen Thanh. It works like Uber and suggest you the possible routes.

Greetings, Sebastian

Tahiti Le Blog

7 years ago

I love this city where I lived for one year, 10 years ago. I remember that the people at the zoo preferred to photograph my son (blond with blue eyes) than the annimals!

Great post, Mark – used it to get around the city today and had a great time. Agree with you the tiles at the post office are to die for! Love this city – there’s so much to enjoy even the chaotic traffic can be fun to watch!!

Hi Mark, I’ve been watching your videos for a year now. It was really helpful with the Thailand videos. We were in thailand for the month of May 2017, touring BKK, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. I’ve been sharing your videos with friends and whoever would like to listen to my info about this American son of missionary/Christian who lives and married in Thailand. I’m so proud of your work like a proud mom. My daughter is a Social Media Specialist. We visited Gaggan in BKK and other food markets. Next time we visit Thailand again I will surely connect with you. For now, I am planning a trip Vietnam somewhere in Nov. 2017. Possibly will stay in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada for now. We have great weather here in Vancouver in the summer. We have been vacationing in Europe for the past few yrs. but now Asia is my new destination, esp. Vietnam. Your work is awesome, as a Christian myself , may God richly bless you and your family , Ying and Micah. Sincerely, Ms. Jofi Singh

its look like amazing and the rainbow sandstone using in buildings and temples thank you sharing post

Hello Mark! This is so far the best blog I’ve found on Saigon. Extremely useful and it gave me all that I was searching for. Will be going to Saigon for 3 days in April, energized now! You rock !

Great guide but i’m sorry to say you overpaid for everything. my motorbike was 30$ for a month and a taxi on grab normallt costs for a 5 minute ride 10,000 dong. 30 minute ride is 30,000 dong. Very cheap

Hey Mark! This is so far the best blog I’ve found on Saigon. Very informative and it gave me everything I was looking for. Will be visiting Saigon for 3 days in April, excited now! Thanks a lot !

Larry Locke

Going to HCM in may for 12 days, interested for tips to amuse our selfs

Thanks Larry, hope you have an amazing trip.

Hi Mark, loved the YouTube video coverage of your HCM trip. Just a note on FITO: Admission tickets are 120,000 dong as of now (Feb 2017).

Hi Mark. Thanks so much for sharing your video of what to do in HCMC. We are heading to Vietnam in April however really only have 2 days to explore in HCMC. The sights you suggest to visit – are they in order of preference and are they close by to each other so that you can get yourself there and then walk around to explore?

Hi, if you are only 2 days in Saigon, I recommend you a tour called URBAN TALES which takes place in Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown) which is for me one of the most interesting districts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit, as still very typical. This tour is an investigation game and a treasure hunt at the same time and it really lakes you visit Cholon in a fun and interactive way. While gathering clues and solving a murder, you walk through hidden alleyways, visit pagodas, meet traditional pharmacists…. It’s great fun and makes you look at some of the sights in much more detail than you might otherwise have done. Go for it,

Perfect item. It’s a different culture, I feel like knowing.

What an excellent article! very informative indeed.. Thank you my friend.

Michelle Tham

Hi Mark, really I’m thankful for your pretty extensive guide over here for I’m like preparing an itinerary for my family, like so last minute. If it wasn’t for your concise and straight to the point explanation, I’ll be going bonkers by now. I included many of the places you recommend above, will be going to Cu Chi tunnels as well. Hope all goes well.

Do please continue with what you’re doing, it helps clueless first timer like me a lot. Appreciate heaps.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017 New Year to you, God Bless.

Oh thank you for this! So informative and helpful; will be reading and rereading this until I head to Saigon in March!

Dave Richardson

Watched and read your Saigon info. Very informative and probably the only place we didn’t manage to get to was District 7 and the Starlight Bridge. All of you comments/reviews are spot on. Pho and Banh Mi were outstanding!!! We did a whole tour of the country and loved every minute of it! Would re-visit in a heartbeat.

Hi Dave, great to hear from you and glad you had such a good trip to Saigon. So much amazing food!

Hi!, Great reviews and photos u have here! one thing i wanna ask, what camera u used when go here? did u recommend bringing a DSLR or just action camera (GoPro)? Thanks a lot!

Hi Zul, thank you very much. It all depends what you want to do. I much prefer a dslr because you can take good photos and good videos. For this post I was using a Canon 70d. But my current gear is listed on this page: https://migrationology.com/travel-resources/

8 years ago

Amazing blog! Thanks for sharing with us…!

Hi Mark. Thanks for your great post. I want to contribute one of the important tips when traveling to Saigon is having a local friends. They may help us a lot cuz they know the price, places, the way and many things else.

Thank you, This video is detailed and very informative. Will be in Saigon in two weeks i will definitely go to the places you’ve shown here.

Great to hear that, hope you have an amazing trip.

Very detailed and informative.. Will surely use this as a reference in my travel this last week of October

Hey man, im going to Saigon next week and this article is really helpful and wonder ful especially about taxi thing. Thank you very much. May God always with your family.

Love from Malaysia.

Sarla Chandak

Wow, great effort to give so much information, it really helped me so much to decide the places to visit.If not I would have missed some beautiful places.thanks a ton.

Guruprasad Bhat

I read that there is a Indian brave king Shivaji Maharaj’s statue somewhere in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh city?) – i am not sure. I couldn’t find authentic news about this nor the statue of Shivaji as claimed in this news report, nor any news about that President who praised Shivaji’s Guerilla war tactics adopted by by Vietnam in defeating the US army. https://www.quora.com/Why-there-is-a-statue-of-Chatrapati-Shivaji-in-Vietnam

Appreciate if you could please share any info you may have on this? Thanks

Good info! I bought my tix to the water puppet show after reading your article.

Thanks Helen.

was already reading through the post in the middle and was wishing I could dwnload this post or something and just at the bottom i saw the gracious ‘downloadable and free’ words. thank you so much really 🙁 you helped a soul

continue the honest reviews! your authenticity and bluntness is def just right. thanks again!

I’ve lived in Sai Gon for 33 years but I haven’t discovered carefully 23 places you wrote yet! I admire you enormously. I sure that I will visit your website if I have a chance to travel abroad. Thanks a lot. I wish you would have wonderful trips all over the world

Really helpful! ????

Mark, your post is exellent. Could I copy to my web site ? Thanks in advance.

This is by far , beside the top 25 Vietnamese food – are the best guides to Saigon I ever read , thanks very much !

Hi, I love to explore local market. Could you tell how I can get to kind of Saigon local market like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjilx-jlwyg ?

Enjoyed reading your blog. We’re from Calgary, AB are planning a trip next year to Ho Chi Min City. This is really helpful. Thanks!

Hi Nan, good to hear from you. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip to Vietnam next year.

One correction.. The place you had your bbq snail is 237-239, not as stated 327-329 🙂

Thanks for the correction Alex.

Very useful tips. Tq so much Mark. By the way I am on holiday in Ho Chi Minh City right now

Hi Kathy, glad to hear this guide is helpful. Have a fun trip!

This is a great list. Thanks for putting it up. Really helped me in planning my upcoming visit to the city.

Vikas Parmar

I had your video and the ebook when i visited the Saigon in march 2016. You should mention the Saigon beer too.. I was surprised it was cheaper than cold drinks in some places. Your articles helped me when i visited Malaysia too. Keep the good work 🙂

Thank you Vikas, good to hear that. Glad you enjoyed your visit!

Saigon Buddy

Just wanted to say this is a great article, really informative and helpful for visitors to HCMC

Peter Stenbring

Thanks Mark. My family and I will try out some of your good discription! We are with 2 kids at 8 + 10 years travelling round in Asia ☺

Hi Peter, great to hear that, hope you and your family have a great trip!

Thinking of going to HCMC this Aug. with my best friends from school and your site helped me planning my trip there. We ll be coming from BKK. It seems lots of ppl there can speak English. I ve been in nyc for almost a decade. This ll be the first trip we are taking together after a school trip almost 20 yrs ago. Btw, I m only 31 and quite a fan of your work. Keep up the good work!

Great and useful article. Helps me a lot in plan for my trip. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Mark for taking the time to record and write such an informative article. I’ve just booked a trip to Saigon for next week and am looking for things to do there when I came across your page. This infor is timeless and I’m sure I’ll benefit alot fom it. Travelling March 31st, 2016,,,,,,yeah!! Do you have anything on Pueto Rico?

Hi Suan, you’re welcome, glad it’s helpful. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip. I haven’t been to Puerto Rico, but I’d love to visit in the future.

chiep sophy

When you will visit the Cambodia?

Thank you Sophy

Hey Sophy, I have been a couple times, but it’s been a while, I’d love to visit again soon.

Quý vị ơi ????! Nói về Việt Nam mà phần comment không thấy chữ tiếng Việt nào hết, cho nên Nhan Tran đây nghe hương vị que hương mà sao vẫn thấy hơi lạ lạ mà ko biết cái gì.

I have read many articles about Saigon from different travelers and backpackers. Even the Pro ones. I have to say this one is really helpful and detailed. As a Vietnamese, I really hope everyone who comes to my country can find something interesting and have good memories here. Great job, Mark! And thank you for writing about the city.

We really enjoyed this video. You provided so much info that we can use in Saigon. I will be ordering some of your t-shirts. I will be viewing more of your videos.

Robson Cadore

Hi Mark! We are heading to Vietnam in March and this article is brilliant! Tks for all the great info! Cheers,

Jim Gottlieb

The Saigon bus system is fully loaded into Google Maps, and now that I’m living here (and deathly afraid of riding motorbikes) I use Google Maps to tell me how to get around by bus, and it hasn’t let me down yet. Much easier than studying a bus map. Just enter your destination and click the Transit option and you’re good to go. But the buses stop running by about 21:00, so after that it’s walking or a taxi for me.

Hey Jim, thanks for sharing. Glad the buses are working out so well. I took them quite a few times during my visit, and always went smoothly.

Hi Mark, you should try going to Phan Thiet in Vietnam, it is really a very nice place

Thank you Minh, I would love to go on my next visit to Vietnam.

Just follow up your blog for a long time. Thank you for your determination on giving us such great info. From your recommendation, I had a memorable trip to Ho Chi Minh and this is my itinerary for 4 days in that city, it’s a budget plan. Once, thanks for your guidance to make our trips much easier.

Phuong Tran

My family and I came back from Saigon last month November 2015. You are certainly right when you say that the best way to explore is walking. The alley streets had an abundance of culture living that you can actually witness. There are chickens and dogs roaming as motorbikes maneuver around. Street vendors looking on their smartphones. Locals drinking coffee on plastic stools. It’s different dimension that I won’t get any where else. I’m curious to visit the modern Saigon that you touched upon. I’m an avid runner and I was excited to learn there is a race called “Conquer the Phu My Bridge”. This would be my first international race. Thanks for your insights. Will keep it in mind for my future Vietnam adventures.

Hey Phuong, great to hear from you and glad you had such a fun trip to Saigon. That race sounds fantastic!

Gloria Atanmo

In Saigon now and I’m so impressed! This is such a thorough overview of the city as well. Loving it here and will use some of your suggestions, thank you!

P.S. Loved the bit about the motorcycle taxis – they really do just kind of lounge around all day, it’s quite funny.

Hey Gloria, thank you very much for reading, really appreciate it. Glad you’re enjoying Saigon!

Zobera rahman linu

Thanks a lot for sharing us a valuable tips.I am planning to go vietnam 21 December 2015. I love to travel and I am a food lover. I am so happy and enjoying to read this. It will help me to travol there. Thank you so much once again for your tips.

I am planning to go vietnam 21 December 2015. I love to travel and I am a food lover. I am so happy to learn all those things which will help me travol there. Thank you so much once again.

Ellie Quinn

This is such a great post thank you! I’ve just planned my next few days in HCMC!

Your blog is very informative. I am going there with my mum and sis two weeks from now. Thank you and keep up the good work. 🙂

Hey Melissa, glad this is helpful. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip.

Hey! Just wanted to say thank you for your tips on what to eat at Notre Dame and by Turtle Lake. It was delicious and the locals were super friendly inviting my boyfriend and me into their own atmosphere. I’d also like to recommend Chill Skybar. It had an amazing view and the staff made you feel like a celebrity (and slightly underdressed, they all looked amazing). Just make sure to go there when it’s dark though, the city lights make it so romantic and absolutely magical! Anyway, really enjoyed reading about all your tips! Hope to see more of them coming on any possible destination. Wishing you and your wife good travels! Tanya

Hey Tanya, thank you very much for sharing, and glad you really enjoyed the Turtle Lake area. Thank you also for the recommendation, sounds great. Hope you have safe travels as well!

9 years ago

Loved your blog post! So informative! Also, great pictures! 🙂

I’ll be visiting Hi Chih Minh in December, and it’s gonna be my 3rd visit to Vietnam! Your article really got me excited to go, thanks! 🙂

Thank you Mark for the travel guide, I’m going to Saigon next week on saturday and this will be very helpful. Downloading the pdf now so I can use it even when i don’ t have internet connection. I haven’t book any place to stay, I plan to stay in Pam ngu lao street. If I go there without booking a hotel do you think I still can get a room? Or is it usually full? Thanks

Hi Api, good to hear from you, glad this guide is helpful. Yah, I think there should be plenty of options to find a place to stay if you just show up and look around. Enjoy your trip!

Mark you have the all time greatest travel advice really have helped me out in my travels!

Great to hear that Dean, glad it’s helpful.

Very USEFUL information. BRILLIANT!

Thank you Mimah, glad you found it useful.

Excellent informations. You know more than many saigonese!!!

Thank you Nuong

Wow, thanks for writing this. My friends and I are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City in December and we have no idea where or what to do when we get there. Your article is a big help and will take your advises (especially to take precautions with street thieves :P)

I admired you, I was in Vietnam … thank you

Hi Mark, I’m from Vietnam and I’m living in Ho Chi Minh City. Thank you very much for the extremely helpful infomation about my lovely city that you gave all your readers. I’ve been following your blog for a while and totally love all your videos as well as articles. There is just one thing I don’t feel good about your and your wife trip to Ho Chi Minh City : I should have known you sooner so I could suggest where you should go and even should take you two there when you visited my city. I wish I could even do more than that, like offer good hotel rooms and good meals like what I had watched in your trip to Malaysia Langkawi and Manila. I just want to make sure you would experience as much as you can even though your articles are pretty clear and your food blogs are excellent. I will just keep watching and supporting you and Ying and hope one day my ideas could come true. Best wishes.

Hi Christine, you’re awesome, thank you very much! Next time we come to Ho Chi Minh City we will let you know. It would be great to meet you and eat with you! What is your one of your favorite foods to eat in Ho Chi Minh City? Thank you again!

Hey mark I like you blog. I watch you travel around the world eating those food makes my mouth full of water. Now I’m vegan. live in New York. I’m from Thailand every time you eat Thai food I can feel what it test like by watching you eat. I am following you where ever you go. Keep up with good work.

Hey Paul, good to hear from you, thank you very much for the comment. Do you get to come back to Thailand often?

Thanks for the reply. I haven’t been back to Thailand about 14 years now busy with work. I work on the computer all day long. When I got a break always check your blog I saw some Thai dishes I m not familiar with I just enjoy watching you enjoy eating food I also enjoy seeing different culture different food its amazing. What amazed me is that you can eat and not gain weight. Keep up with good work talk to you soon.

Thank you Paul!

I think you should also visit outside of Saigon to have an overview.

Hi Nihan, yes I would love to. Didn’t have time this visit, but I hope to in the future.

Mal Milligan

I’ve read dozens of your articles and this is my fav so far. Man you worked like crazy during this trip. Excellent stories and awesome professional photography. If I’m ever in Vietnam at the same time as you are, I’d be stoked to camera crew with you for an afternoon. Cheers Mark.

Really appreciate it Mal, thank you!

Phoebe Nguyen

You are right Mark. These are almost attractive destinations you can see in Sai Gon (China Town also). Your post is very useful for us to sure that we will not miss any must see places and things.

Thank you so much for this, Mark — it’s a concise, well-written guide to Saigon, complete with details that are almost always missing from mainstream guide books. I appreciate your time and effort and can feel the passion you have for your adventures, eating and otherwise. I have only recently become aware that your experiences and blogging extend way beyond Thailand —

PS – As a vegetarian, it can sometimes be difficult in Vietnam; I appreciate your comments whenever you find veg options.

Jeffery Hitch

Love your post. Very well thought out and written. I have visited Cambodia and Thialand and would very much like to visit Vietnam. Coming soon hopefully…

Thank you very much Jeffery, really appreciate it. Hope you can visit Vietnam soon.

Trystan Roberts

Love everything you do Mark!

You really need to consider offering a VIP food tour with you and your wife someday 🙂 Maybe once a year for your biggest fans who are just as passionate about food as you are! My Vietnamese wife and I will go in a heartbeat, who cares about the cost haha! Your energy and passion for food is contagious 🙂

Talk to you soon buddy!

Hey Trystan, thank you very much, really appreciate your support. I’ll think about some tours, that would be cool, and I’d love to meet great people like you. Are you living in Vietnam now?

Just wanted to stop by and say the site is great. I love your post.I’m currently running a similar travel site based in Los Angeles: http://www.visitla4less.com

Keep up the good work!

Thanks for sharing Jay, keep it up.

Great article thanks for sharing your tips with us 🙂

Thanks for reading Izy

Very informative as usual. Always love reading your blog or videos(although not as much as before, really busy with work and whatnot.) Hope to read a blog about Singapore or Taiwan, perhaps parts of China. I was just there this past May.

Thank you for reading Joy, glad you enjoyed it. Sounds good, I have some posts coming soon from Singapore, and I’d love to visit Taiwan in the future. Did you visit all three of those places?

Great post, love your videos and your guide will come in very handy when i visit in a few months! I can’t wait! keep up the amazing post and videos

Thank you Michael, good to hear you’ll be visiting soon!

Hi Mark! Thanks for another very useful video – I have been watching your videos for some time but hadn’t got around to commenting. I am planning a trip to Vietnam (via Bangkok!) for March 2016 (my first time in SE Asia!!) so I can’t wait to try out these suggestions. I’m especially looking forward to digging into the delicious looking street food, both in Vietnam and Bangkok 🙂 When ordering in Ho Chi Minh City can you get by in English or do you need to know some Vietnamese? I am worried I won’t know what I’m ordering!

Hey James, thank you for the comment, glad you’re planning to visit SE Asia next year. As for ordering, not many people speak English, but one of the nice things is that Vietnamese is Romanized, so you can recognize the signs for different foods. And then once you see something you want to try, you can just kind of mention you want one plate or bowl of it by holding up a finger and smiling. This worked well for me! If you have time to learn a few phrases that’s always helpful and beneficial, but you can still get without. Many people in Saigon are extremely friendly.

Steve Murray

Thank you. I have been to Vietnam before and will go again. I have seen a lot of the places you talk about but not all. I look forward to seeing more. I have found no matter how long I stay in Vietnam I can never see every thing there is always more to see and more food to try. Again thank you.

Hey Steve, glad you’ve been to Saigon as well. I fully agree, with you, I feel the same!

Michael Johnson

Great articles. I appreciate your information concerning safety. I feel like this is more true than you hear about. I know you are limited to what you can offer in this subject. How could I find out more information on safety and medical availability and standards in different countries. Thanks and keep up the good work

Hi Michael, you’re welcome, thank you for reading. Perhaps you could check out Travelfish ( http://www.travelfish.org/ ) for more info regarding medical and safety, and also do some browsing or asking on forums, and also there’s some good info on the Lonely Planet website. All the best!

Thank you for a great video. Makes me want to visit Saigon!

Thank you for watching Lisa.

Luke Mitchell

What is the tall architectural masterpiece that is standing next to the Rolex building in your first photo?

I always read your posts and wonder at the stories you have to tell people, all because you decided to LIVE your life instead of letting it pass you by, and to see the world not as it’s told to you but on your own terms.

Hi Luke, thank you very much, really appreciate it. That building is the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in Saigon!

Very interesting Mark and nice pictures! I thought this place was completely run down but it looks actually quite okay on the pics.

However, the safety issues mentioned would be a big concern. I’m used to Bangkok and Barcelona – places where crime is present – , but Saigon seems to be on another level.

Hey KE, thanks for reading. Overall though, I think the safety issues should not take away from visiting. Nearly everyone I met was extremely kind and helpful, and I had no problems throughout my stay. But it’s just important, like in any busy city, to be aware.

Nancy Lois Reyes

Wonderful guide book. Will use it for our Saigon trip in December.

nancy reyes

Mark that was a very good guide you made. I will download it and make it my official guide to Saigon. Good timing as I have been researching for our December trip with family. Good job!

Hey Nancy, great to hear that, thank you for getting it. Hope you can plan a trip to Vietnam in December!

Love to read this. You missed to mention the first and original rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel. It’s also historical being the place where the news people who coveraged the Vietnam War stayed.

Thanks a lot Mark

Hey Noel, ok great, thanks for sharing that!

A great bar and some good bands at night. The prices for drinks is also ok. If you like you can just go up and take pictures at no cost.

Liem @ Holiday Bays

Hi Mark! I live near Saigon. Are you still around Vietnam? Great post mate, some places you shared I haven’t even been there! 🙂

Hey Liem, great to hear that you’re living near Saigon. No, I’m not there anymore. Are you from Vietnam?

Yes I am, but I’m moving to Australia soon. Love your blog!

Thank you so much for the useful info. Your website really gives me helpful insights as I will be travelling to Vietnam with my husband and 2 young children (ages 5 and 2) this February. There is one thing I would like to ask you. Besides taking recommended immunizations the CDC recommended, did your family do anything extra to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, and other sickness? Thank you.

Hi Lynn, glad this is useful, and that you’ll be going to Vietnam next year. I didn’t take anything extra than the normal vaccinations when I was in Vietnam, and I didn’t have any problems, but you may want to bring along something like imodium just in case. For other sickness, there are plenty of pharmacies there as well. How long will you be in Vietnam? Will you be in Saigon, or traveling to other parts of the country?

Hi Mark! Thank you for replying.

We will be visiting my in-laws who live in Da Nang for two weeks, and then we will head to Saigon for the 3rd week. I was actually born in the South, near Vinh Long. Have you ever got a chance visit there? It was a nice place, at least in my memory :). This will be my first time (in 25 years) celebrating the lunar New Year (Tet) in Vietnam. I am very excited, but at the same time, I’m worried that we will be sick, especially my young children. I had a bad case of traveler’s diarrhea/(food poisoning?) six years ago when I was there, despite I was being so careful with what I was eating/drinking. ‘Til this day, I still don’t know how I got it. As an adult, I was wiped out. I don’t know how my children would be if they were to get sick. I will pack all the necessary medications and bring lots and lots of hand sanitizer. Again, thank you so much for the post. I am so glad I found this before my trip. I look forward to reading your many upcoming destinations.

Great work!!!

Hi Lynn, you’re welcome, no I haven’t had a chance to visit the South. I would love to though. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip, stay safe!

Outstanding information thank you Mark, so much to digest, in a sense 🙂 A friend and I are going to Ho Chi Minh in November, so this was very timely. We always watch your videos, no matter the country or topic. Thank you.

Thank you very much for the support Steve, and great to hear you’ll be going to Ho Chi Minh City soon. Hope you have a great upcoming trip!

Thank you Lisa

constantin bernard

Very useful and easy to watch or read!Very good job,Mark!

Thanks Constantin

Very useful guide. Many thanks. However I am unable to sign up for the ebook because it will not let me use the email address that I am currently subscribed with:(

Hi Mark, you’re welcome, glad you like it. If you’re subscribed, it should re-direct you… I’ll look into that. I’ll e-mail you now.

Austin James

Thanks for this great article and beautiful pics!!!

You’re welcome, thank you for reading Austin.

I was born and raised in Vietnam. It have been 24 yrs, I haven’t been back to visit. This yr summer i would like to take my families to visit Saigon. By reading your website, its very helpful. Most of my families live in District 4. Have you ever visit district 4? If yes, please let me know. Thanks

andrea ispravnic

I have enjoyed your travells with my father /me 22 ge 82 / and wish to have your experiences mailed sincere regards/ i have finished a hotel – tourism college in Austria and wish to get more experiences for my future andrea

Thank you for following Andrea.

10 Unique Things To Do In Saigon, Vietnam

Looking for original things to do in Saigon? After several months exploring this city, we have some unique ideas to round out your itinerary.

Some suggestions are hidden gems, known only to locals and expats. Others involve popular attractions but in novel and entertaining ways. Maybe you’re on a package tour and seeking to fill a “free day” in Saigon.

Maybe you’re an independent traveler and seeking the offbeat. Either way, we hope these tips help you have a better, richer, more individualized experience in Saigon.

What About the Classic Things to Do in Saigon?

You can read our list of standard highlights in another post.

This is a supplementary list of lesser-known things to do in Saigon.

1. Adventure Eating

Vietnamese food is absolutely delicious 99.9% of the time, but it can also be extreme and exotic. If you want to push your culinary limits, try adventure eating at Bo Cap Lua Restaurant.

They serve tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, live worms, fried worms, and other “unspeakable” items. You can see more of the disgusting things we ate at Bo Cap Lua .

Bo Cap Lua 17B 11th Street Go Vap District Ho Chi Minh City

2. Jade Emperor Pagoda “Secret” Canal Walk

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the popular things to do in Saigon. But few know about the lovely canal, only a few hundred feet away.

After you visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, take a stroll along the canal. It can turn this common attraction into an uncommon experience.

You’ll glimpse an unseen side of Saigon. Quiet streets, quaint neighborhoods, and several other temples line the canal.

You can simply enjoy the peaceful beauty of the canal or use it to structure a “temple crawl.” There are many temples on the canal to explore, but we recommend visiting Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Mahayana Buddhism) and Wat Chantaransay (Theravada Buddhism).

Combined with the Jade Emperor Pagoda, which is Taoist, you’ll see 3 radically different styles of spirituality (that exist in the same small community). AND you’ll enjoy a scenic walk, away from the chaotic streets of Saigon.

You can see more photos and read the full details of this canal walk here. It includes directions to the canal and info on why this canal is the biggest environmental accomplishment in Saigon.

3. Suoi Tien Buddhist Amusement Park

Suoi Tien is the craziest amusement park in Vietnam (maybe all of Asia). It’s actually a combination culture park/amusement park.

Suoi Tien has a sprawling waterpark, the longest roller coaster in Vietnam, and all the fun stuff you’d expect. But the massive Buddhist monuments and active temples (next to the rides!) make Suoi Tien a unique travel experience.

It’s a surreal mash-up of deep Buddhist culture AND superficial amusements. Even if you’re not interested in the rides, the gargantuan sculptures and monuments are worth the price of admission (which is only $5USD).

Suoi Tien offers some of the most spectacular sights and is one of the most unusual things to do in Saigon.

Check out more photos of the amazing park here .

Hours: 8am – 530pm

Address: 120 Hanoi Highway Tan Phu Ward District 9, HCMC

4. The Amazing Viet Show

The Amazing Viet Show is a fun way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Saigon has many entertaining shows, but this is the wackiest. It features “extraordinary people” with “unusual talents.” Or you could call it a Vietnamese freak show – with a difference.

The headline acts are contortionists, sword swallowers, and the like, but between those acts are song and dance performances featuring Vietnamese music and costumes.

Vanessa had her first cyclo ride at the Amazing Viet Show. A man put these contraptions in his eyes and pulled a cyclo full of people across the stage! You can read more about that crazy story here .

Tickets start at 640,000VND ($28US). The best place to buy tickets is at the theater because they often offer in person discounts.

The Amazing Viet Show is performed at the V Show Theater. 147 Cach Mạng Thang Tam Street District 3, HCMC

5. Binh Quoi Tourist Village

Binh Quoi Tourist Village is a rural oasis in the heart of the city. It looks like a Traditional Village on the Mekong Delta. It’s a staged reproduction, but it’s beautiful, peaceful, and entrance is free.

Binh Quoi Village feels like entering a different world and different era. You can relax in bamboo huts that line the many waterways. You can paddle a boat on the lake. You can scramble across monkey bridges. And more.

There are even restaurants and a hotel if you desire. The best time for a peaceful visit is on weekday mornings. There’s a large, traditional buffet on weekend evenings, but it’s more crowded (and you can’t see the scenery in the dark).

Find out more about Binh Quoi Tourist Village in this post.

Binh Quoi Tourist Village 147 Binh Quoi Street Binh Thanh District, HCMC

6. AO Show at the Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House is one of the most historic landmarks of the city. Every Saigon visitor comes to the Opera House for sightseeing, but few actually watch a performance.

Take your Opera House experience to the next level by catching the AO Show. Often called “Bamboo Cirque,” it’s like a Cirque du Soleil show about contemporary Vietnamese culture. The AO Show combines acrobatics, dance, and dazzling choreography.

It’s not only a great show that’s fun and amazing. It’s also a great travel experience that meaningful and gives insight into the culture. The central theme is how rapid modernization and urbanization is changing Vietnam (for better and worse).

Tickets start at 630,000VND ($27US). It’s best to buy tickets at the Opera House. Check for package deals that include dinner at a local restaurant too. These are often a bargain.

Saigon Opera House 7 Lam Son Square District 1, HCMC

7. Live it Up in Phu My Hung

Speaking of rapid modernization and urbanization, visit Phu My Hung to see a different (wealthier) side of Saigon. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, Phu My Hung is an upscale neighborhood that offers high-end dining, shopping, and entertainment.

An evening here can be both fun and enlightening. You’ll have a high-end experience, and you’ll see how Vietnam’s growing middle-class lives.

There are many easy options here. We recommend visiting the Crescent Mall, but not really for the shopping. There’s a pretty lake behind the mall and a picturesque walkway around the lake. Several fine restaurants line the walkway. And at the end, there’s the Starlight Bridge.

At night, this bridge doubles as a water fountain and puts on a lovely light show. For dinner, we recommend Cham Charm Restaurant. It’s a rather expensive seafood buffet, but the décor is beautiful. The theme is the ancient Cham civilization of Vietnam.

Much of Saigon (and Vietnam) is rather poor, but that’s not the whole story. The temptation is to make the poor rural farmer the symbol of Vietnam. That’s still partially true, but a complete picture must also include Vietnam’s growing middle class.

You can glimpse their changing lifestyle and values in Phu My Hung.

Crescent Mall 101 Ton Dat Tien Street District 7, HCMC

8. Mix with Locals at Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park is a big, beautiful park in Saigon. It’s one of the few green spaces in Saigon, and it’s a great place to mix with locals. Early morning is the best time to visit. The whole community comes out to enjoy the cool morning air. Locals of all ages and from all walks of life meet here to socialize and exercise.

The whole community comes out to enjoy the cool morning air. Locals of all ages and from all walks of life meet here to socialize and exercise.

You’ll see people practice a wide variety of martial arts, including Tai Chi. Dancing is another popular activity at Tao Dan. You’ll see everything from Asian Fan Dancing to Waltzing to group Line Dancing.

Most of these are open and communal. So it’s your chance to conquer the language barrier through physical activity and play. Know a little Tai Chi or a bit of line dancing, join in. Why not?

It may be one of your most memorable moments in Saigon. Read more about Tao Dan Park here.

Tao Dan Park lies along Truong Dinh Street, between Nguyen Du Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.

9. Traditional Culture Show at the Golden Lotus Theater

This is a fun show with all the elaborate costumes, vibrant dances, and soulful music you’d expect and few things you wouldn’t. Like a 1000-year-old water puppet show that ends with fireworks.

We stress enjoyable and fun because authentic performances of ancient culture can drag on. Let’s be honest, as interesting as they may be culturally and historically, they tend to get boring for the average visitor.

At the Golden Lotus Theatre, the show maintains a quick, entertaining pace. You can read more about this show here.

The Golden Lotus Theatre is inside the Rex Hotel. 141 Nguyen Hue Street District 1, HCMC

10. La Fênetre Soleil– For a Quirky  and Cross-Cultural Evening

By day, it’s a mild-mannered café. By night, La Fênetre Soleil is quirky hub for cross-cultural encounters. This Vietnamese club has a French name, serves Indonesian food, specializes in live Jazz music, but has weekly Salsa dancing on Wednesdays and weekly Swing dancing on Sundays. And that’s not all.

They also host a variety of special events too. One of our favorites was a presentation by the “Saigon Storytellers” group – where some locals and expats told true but well-crafted stories from their lives (kinda like The Moth podcast).

So if you’re looking for a different kind of nightclub in Saigon, try La Fênetre Soleil. Contact the club for what’s happening during your visit.

Phone: 08 3824 5994

Address: 44 Ly Tu Trọng District 1, HCMC

There are many other unique things to do in Saigon. Of course, the best will be the ones you create. Hopefully, this list helps with both specific tips and ideas to spark your own imaginative itinerary.

Enjoy Saigon!

Which things to do in Saigon interest you? If you’ve been to Saigon, we’d love to hear your unique tips?

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• Restaurants

Dung Dinh Café

• Binh Quoi Tourist Village 2
• Binh Quoi Tourist Village 3
• Can Gio Tourist Village
• Tan Cang Tourist Village
• Van Thanh Tourist Village
• Sai Gon Ship

ORTHER SERVICES

BINH QUOI BUFFET

A SYSTEM OF MODERN MEETING - CONFERENCE ROOM

OTHER SERVICES

The system of restaurants serving guests, conferences, family parties, weddings with modern equipment and special menus with collections of regional traditional cuisine of Vietnam.

Bungalow-style rooms are surrounded by coconut palms - hidden in a green space in the heart of the city.

The Café has long become a typical culture of Vietnamese people. For those who have endless passion for coffee, the Chain of Dung Dinh Café of Binh Quoi Tourist Village cannot be ignored. Visitors totally can immerse in a natural green space in the heart of the City, enjoy a cup of coffee in melodious and peaceful music. And now the life seems to slow down amidst the bustle of the city.

INFORMATION

Photography Day Tours

Railway Village – Saigon Photo Tour

Saigon railway village photo tour, a snapshot from bygone saigon - as the train rumbles through.

Explore Saigon’s railway village on this exhilarating sunrise photo tour. We capture life along the tracks as trains roll in from the north, photographing street traders, markets, railway workers and locals going about their daily life.

This quiet part of the city, surprisingly close to the centre, is like a snapshot from bygone times, with narrow, sleepy alleyways, vintage coffeeshops and Saigonese showing their traditional smiles and hospitality. Along the way, we’ll work on composition techniques and use of various settings to take your images to the next level.

Discover the real Saigon while learning the art of great street photography.

What to Expect

We start at Saigon Railway Station at about 5.30am with an introduction to the tour, camera settings review and a look at how to create a picture story. Our first subject is the old steam locomotive parked at the station entrance, which stands as testament to the century-long history of Vietnam’s railway.

We’ll explore the vast network of old Saigonese streets and alleys, already busy with commuters and market-goers. We’ll be capturing atmospheric portraits and relationship shots of all kinds of local characters among these narrow railside alleyways. It’s fascinating to see the neighbourhood waking up, and with some of the shop shutters still down, there’s a minimalist vibe to the scene. We’ll work on isolating passersby against these backgrounds for striking pictures of daily life.

The narrow alleyways suddenly open up into a vibrant local market, a fantastic place to capture shots of busy local life. We’ll interact with the traders and shoppers for intimate portraits, and look at composition tips. With the market getting busier by the minute, it’s important to tidy up our shots and make some sense of the chaos. 

Exiting the market, we find ourselves parallel the railway tracks, it’s rush hour and traffic is pouring over a nearby junction. You’ll encounter railway workers manning the track points, as well as traders selling their goods to passing commuters. And of course, many trains are rolling in from the north, passing right across the junctions and towards Saigon station. 

We now join a very quiet trackside alleyway, with houses and cafes that hark back to old Saigon. There’s plenty to photograph down here, and we continue our picture story of life in Saigon’s own ‘railway village’.

It’s breakfast time, and we’ll enjoy a classic Saigonese start to the day, with a delicious local breakfast. We finish up at a fantastic little trackside cafe, full of vintage cameras and other memorabilia from old Saigon – and most importantly serving delicious coffee!

Image Gallery

Tour information, recommended equipment.

• DSLR Camera or Film Camera
• Memory Card
• Fully Charged Battery
• Wide angle or Zoom lens

What's included

• Hotel Pick up
• Professional Photographer Guide

What's not included

• Food & Drink

Tour Length

4hrs ( 5:30 – to 9:30 am) Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 minutes prior to this time

Level of Difficulty

Moderate Physical activity (Walking)

Tour HIghlights

• Saigon Railway Station
• Saigon’s Railway Village
• Traditional Saigonese Allyeways
• Local Morning Market
• Trains at rush hour

Photography Highlights

• Camera Settings
• Lens Options
• Street Photography
• Portraiture
• Documentary Photography
• Story Boarding
• Context and Relationships
• Low Light Photography

Photography teaching

On a photo tour with us, your experience, images and development as a photographer are the priority. Tips to improve your pictures will be provided by our professional photographer guides throughout the tour, and we’ll have regular reviews. While enjoying a rich variety of photographic opportunities on tour, you’ll gain valuable insights on how to get the best out of your images, and how to take your skills to the next level.

Per Person Group/Family 3-5 People

In the event of forecasted heavy rain, we’ll contact you to reschedule or cancel the tour and give you a full refund.  If it’s early morning and raining heavily, our guide will call you on the phone number you gave us to discuss options for postponement or cancellation.  In the event of cancellation we’ll issue a full refund.

Yes, you can.  We have a Nikon DSLR available to rent for $30 per tour including free memory card.  Please enquire on booking.

Yes, you do.  Vietnam in Focus is not liable to pay any costs associated with injury etc on our tours.

Yes, they can.  Costs (or free joining) depend on each tour, so please enquire on booking.

Yes, you can.  People often join our tours using film cameras.  You may not be able to edit in camera, but the composition tips are still basically the same.

Yes, you can.  Smartphone cameras are pretty amazing nowadays.

Training or guidance will be provided by our photographers throughout the tour. Our guides will tailor your learning experience depending on your interest, style and experience from amateurs to professionals we can provide simple techniques to improve your photography, gain further knowledge of your camera and lenses, as well as develop your photographic eye to capture that amazing shot.

Popular Day Tours

• Danang on the Waterfront Photo Tour

Explore the city’s bustling waterfront as it wakes for the new day

• Long Bien Sunrise

Capture the action at Hanoi's wildest market

• The River’s Edge – Saigon Photo Tour

Delve into real daily life along Saigon's canals

• Danang Riverside by Night Photo Tour

Tailored Photography Tours

Want a little more from your visit to Vietnam, let us tailor your photographic adventure

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• Tuesday, May 14, 2024
• Tours in Saigon

EVERYTHING ABOUT SAIGON FOR TOURISTS

Saigon with a dynamic lifestyle is voted one of 3rd tourist destinations in Vietnam and attracts both domestic and foreign tourists to visit, entertainment and shopping.

Eviva Tour Vietnam offer info travel guide to Saigon and information on weather, transportation, hotels, attractions, cuisine, travel tips and more.

Being a typical tropical monsoon climate, the weather in Saigon divided into two seasons with high temperatures throughout the year. The dry season (from December to April next year) is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City . The rainy season lasts from June to November with sudden rain without warning in a sunny day. However, it is short rains, therefore, remember to bring an umbrella and you can choose Sai Gon as the destination for your vacation during this period.

TRANSPORTATION

You can travel to Ho Chi Minh City by various means such as airplanes, cruises, trains or cars.

– Tan Son Nhat airport is the largest international airport in Vietnam in terms of area and passenger capacity, located in Tan Binh district and about 6 kilometers from the city centre. The airport has connection with 18 domestic destinations and 32 international destinations in 19 countries. It is the most convenient, swift, expensive option.

– Another luxury transportation for foreign tourists is international cruise lines from Europe, USA, Australia, etc and landed at Phu My commercial port (Vung Tau). Thereafter, by a short journey by taxi or car, you can reach Ho Chi Minh.

– If you travel to other provinces before visit Ho Chi Minh, you can choose train or cars to enjoy exciting experience. A journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by train/cars can take you 30-40 hours and by cars

Move around Saigon: You can walk to places near your accommodation or choose reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun. If you wish to know how complicated traffic in Saigon is, you can rent motorbikes to move with the price of 100.000-150.000 dong per day.

ACCOMMODATION

If you are a simple backpacker, you can choose some hostels with budget from 200,000VND (~US$10) per night. In case you can afford budget of around $50, you can stay in a good 3* hotel in the city center such as Nguyen Trai street, Le Thanh Ton Street or Ben Thanh Market area which is so convenient for sightseeing.

You are advised to book hotels in advance through online website such as www.booking.com or www.agoda.com or through travel agencies, especially in high season to make sure that your room is available.

TOP SIGHTSEEINGS

If it is your first visit to Saigon, some well-known attractions like Ben Thanh Market, City Post Office , Opera House , Notre Dame Cathedral , Reunification Palace … are must-see places in your schedule.

1. Central Post Office

This is a famous old architectural building with French architecture features since 1891. Visitors not only enjoy the unique architecture of the post office but also immerse in the ancient world, from mail boxes to the phone call counters. The harmonious combination among this historical building, Notre Dame Cathedral and modern skyscrapers around makes this location to be ancient and modern beautiful place in the city.

2. Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace , also known as Independence Palace, is situated on a large are of 15ha in the heart of the city. It was house and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It is witness history for victory of Independence War of Vietnam 1975. This is not only a unique attractive architecture for tourists but also place for many important historical events of the city in particular and the country in general.

3. Notre Dame

Located in the heart of Saigon, Notre Dame does not have a fence and adjacent campus. Cathedral is a highlight in the urban space, with beautiful views from all sides. The architecture of the church has created fantastic lighting effects in the interior, creating a sense of stillness, holy and solemn. It is said that Notre Dame is a perfect work of architecture, is a typical work emblematic of Saigon. Not only fascinating tourists far away, Notre Dame Cathedral with majestic beauty become famous photographic venue for wedding photography.

4. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is seen as a symbol of the city tour. The market was built in the main square with four gates opened four directions east, west, south and north. Shopping at Ben Thanh Market, visitors can buy favorite items for souvenir and enjoy delicious food in the food court. In evening, Ben Thanh night market attracts hundreds of visitors to go shopping and enjoy delicious street food until midnight.

Located right on Le Loi – Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House is also attractions that visitors can hardly miss in Saigon. Although it was built more than a century ago, characteristic of Western architecture has been remained. The Opera House is not only a venue for music events but also the site of the city’s major exhibitions of literature, art or social activities.

Some other attractions such as The War Museum (Vo Van Tan Street, District 3); Ethnographic Museum (Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1); Vietnam History Museum (Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1), Nha Rong Wharf are interesting places that you should consider.

1. Cơm tấm (Broken rice)

Broken rice is a simple dish that you can find easily on all streets in Saigon. If you come here without try this dish, it is regarded as you have not set foot in Saigon. The food is usually served with ingredients such as rib, omelet, pork skin, rolls, etc in addition to a special sweet and sour fish source

2. Hủ Tiếu (a type of rice noodle)

The Hủ Tiếu dish is a typical dish of Ho Chi Minh City’s citizen like Pho in Hanoi. It originated from China and be cooked in a little different way to suit the tastes of Vietnam. In Saigon, there are some well-known brands such as Nam Vang, My Tho, Sa Dec and a simple dish noodles on streets – knocking noodle. A full bowl of Hủ Tiếu normally includes broth, shrimp, pork, minced meat, rice noodles; eat together with lettuce, shallots.

3. Pho (a type of rice noodle)

Pho is a famous dish in Vietnam that you can find in any city, province. From its original place in the north, the cook way is modified cook way to suit with taste of locals. The noodle in Saigon is slender than Hanoi’s Pho, the broth is also sweeter. Besides traditional beef Pho, diners have more variations such as fish noodle, chicken noodle; seafood noodle, etc.

SHOPPING AREAS

1. Shopping Malls

Saigon is a shopper’s paradise with many well-known shopping centers. At the heart of Saigon, you can visit towers on Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Ly Tu Trong, Dong Khoi Street… There are full famous international fashion brands in the world for your choice.

2. Fashion Streets

If you prefer to go shopping in fashion shops with reasonable price, you can look to Nguyen Trai Street (District 5), Le Van Sy (Tan Binh District), Vo Van Tan, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (District 3) … and you can easily find yourself a nice dress or a trendy shirt with affordable price. However, apart from some stores with clear listed prices, you need to know how to bargain to avoid buying items overpriced.

3. China town market, An Dong Market

These two markets can be called a paradise of fashion when you can find all kinds of clothing, fabric, bags, cosmetics; might be a brand name or not… The price here is not clear, according to your negotiate ability, you can buy goods with only one-third price in a store in fashion streets.

She Walks the World

Walking the world, one step at a time..

Saigon, Vietnam: The Village of Cu Chi and its Tunnels

One of the biggest attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are the famous Cu Chi Tunnels , and I would say that it is one of those places that you really need to visit to learn more about the country and its people. The effects of the Vietnam/American War are still visible today; in and around Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it was once called) and other parts of Vietnam — and it is relived and retold again and again through the dark and narrow passageways of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

My visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and my cycling tour around the village of Cu Chi was arranged through Actxplorer .

What is Actxplorer?

Actxplorer  is a travel platform that provides unique travel experiences while creating a positive impact to the local communities — and they are the reason I was in Ho Chi Minh City . Traveling with me was fellow blogger Wilson; and all throughout our visit, we were accompanied by our host from Actxplorer, Jeremy.

The company works closely with locals and NGOs to offer experiences like workshops, farmstays, food tours and volunteer initiatives. Actxplorer aims to help the locals break free from the cycle of poverty by supplying them with knowledge and training to use their skills to benefit themselves and their families. This will create more job opportunities for them, and introduce them to the tourism industry — and that in turn, will bring us (the visitors) closer to better understanding the local culture through involvement and close interactions.

I appreciate what Actxplorer is trying to achieve, and I support their cause in trying to benefit some of the local communities. It somehow makes the tour and experience much more worthwhile. You can find out more about Actxplorer here , and scroll down to the bottom for a 10% discount code on any bookings.

Miles and miles of paddy fields.

Taking a peek into the lives of the people of Cu Chi.

The “Cycling Through History: A Cu Chi Experience” Tour

What makes the “ Cycling Through History: A Cu Chi Experience” Tour on Actxplorer different from the many tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels is that they combine a visit to the tunnels with a bike ride through the Cu Chi Village . What better way to truly understand its turbulent history than by heading off the beaten path — getting a passing glimpse of the entire village and talking to a Vietnam/American war veteran over a glass of sugarcane juice.

The tour is led by Chau , an adventure guide who speaks English, and knows the Cu Chi area pretty well. There are 2 departure times daily, at 7am and 1pm, and they run for about 6 hours. The entire tour costs US$95, and this includes the guide, private transport from your hotel, bicycles, entrance tickets to the tunnels, a local lunch, and water.

The cycling team.

Cycling through houses, fields and farms; and stopping to admire the view.

The Cu Chi Village The village of Cu Chi is situated about 40km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City . The town and district was a significant site during the Vietnam/American War, as it not only served as a base for one of the battalions of the US Army from 1967, but the tunnels in the area was also the headquarters of the Viet Cong Army.

Now, almost 50 years after the war, the district of Cu Chi is filled with miles and miles of paddy fields, and small wooden houses and shops lining the dusty roads. I have always referred to Cu Chi as “choo-chee”, but during my visit, I was taught that the correct pronunciation is “ku-chee”.

Can’t decide what I want from all these choices of food!

My lunch picks!

A Local Vietnamese Lunch After driving almost half an hour from the city, we arrived in Cu Chi and were taken to a local restaurant for lunch. Our guide, Chau, explained to us that we were to have Com Trua , a popular Vietnamese lunch/dinner staple that consists of rice, and a whole different array of home-style dishes. In Malaysia, this is either known as Mixed Rice in the Chinese style, or Nasi Kandar , in the mamak style.

The amount of dishes on display can be overwhelming — and it can get pretty difficult trying to decide what to eat! I just pointed to a couple dishes that caught my eye, and the lady at the counter placed it on top a plate of white rice. I had a delicious lunch of pork slices, pork ribs, prawns, and lots and lots of vegetables!

Rice planting is one of the main source of livelihood for Cu Chi village.

I’m at a piggy farm!

Cycling around Cu Chi Village After lunch, it was time to explore Cu Chi Village ! The journey started with a short ride through a dusty road with old brick houses and lush greenery. The scenery then slowly changed to miles and miles of rice fields, in a myriad of green and gold colors. We also passed by several animals farms — it was the first time I’ve ever stepped foot in a pig farm, and seen so many ducks crowded into a small pond. We also came across a nursery with cotton trees and fruit plants; and a village school.

The entire ride lasted almost 2 hours with lots of photo and farm stops. The afternoon trip was a little scorching due to the Asian sun, but I still had lots of fun with the breeze from the ride and exploring a little part of the country that is so rarely seen.

A chat with Uncle Huang who spent his youth fighting in the Vietnam/American War.

A shot with Uncle Huang and our guide, Chau.

A Chat with Uncle Huang, a War Veteran At the end of our bicycle ride through the countryside, we stopped by an open-aired cafe, Cafe Nuoc Mia Vong . The place belongs to the family of a man who spent his youth fighting the Vietnam/American war, Uncle Huang . He also happened to be our van driver! The entire conversation with Uncle Huang was translated by Chau (because Uncle Huang speaks no English); and over a couple of glasses of the most delicious sugar cane juice, we talked to him (and his wife) about his life during the war, his fight for freedom, and his hopes for today’s Vietnam.

At the end of our talk, he had this to say to the younger generation, “Love your country. That is the best way to protect the country.”

One of the rooftops that lead to a life underground at the Cu Chi tunnels.

Can I fit into this hole?

The Cu Chi Tunnels

After a short rest at the cafe, we got onto our transport van and made our way to the famed Cu Chi Tunnels . It was about 3.30pm when we arrived, and it was the perfect timing as there were hardly any other tourists around. Entrance costs VND90,000~US$4  per person, but our tickets were already covered in the tour rates.

A sizeable portion of the tunnel is preserved by the Vietnamese goverment, and two sites are now tourist attractions, the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnels. The Ben Dinh site is more commercialized, with widened tunnels to fit tourists; while the Ben Duoc tunnels are catered for the Vietnamese tourists with the original tunnels through thicker forests. For our tour, we visited the touristy Ben Dinh tunnels.

Big guns that destroy.

The American bomb shells left behind in Cu Chi during the war.

A Little History of the Tunnels The tunnels of Cu Chi are no ordinary tunnels — it is a honeycomb-like network that runs underground for more than 200km. The network stretches from the city of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border, and connects most parts of Vietnam . It is an entire city built below the surface of earth.

The Vietnam/American War lasted from 1955 to the fall of Saigon in 1975. The tunnels served as the operations base of the Viet Cong (communist party that supported the North government for the reunification of Vietnam), and was the perfect tool to move supplies and house troops, to hide during combats, and to ambush the unsuspecting American soldiers (who supported the South). The tunnels played a big role in the eventual withdrawal of the US army that brought about the end of the war.

Once shut, the tunnel is completely hidden from the outside world.

No, this was not the tunnel I crawled through. It’s too small!

Crawling Through the Tunnels The tour starts with a short history video of the war and the tunnel system. I remember watching the video when I first visited the Cu Chi Tunnels more than 10 years ago. After that, we were brought around the entire site, and saw small hole in the grounds that could only fit one person, camouflaged entrances, underground rooms used for meetings, and booby trap demonstrations. They were also tankers and other weapons displayed around the area.

I also had the chance to experience one of the tunnels — the passageway runs a few meters through a narrow space that is lit with dim lights. Though the tunnel has been widened, it is still very tight and can get a little claustrophobic, so there are small exits along the tunnels for visitors who want to get out. I didn’t want to crawl on my knees, so I walked with my back bent; and when it got to tiring, I did the duck walk. I made it the entire way, but it wasn’t easy!

A shooting range in the middle of the jungle.

Don’t think I can handle a machine gun!

A Round at the Shooting Range At the end of the tour, there is a shooting range where visitors can try their hand at shooting a gun. There are a few choices of guns to choose from — rifles like the AK-47, K63 and Garand M1, the Carbine, and even the M30 and M60 machine guns. It is not cheap to fire a round, prices range from VND40,000-50,000 (~USD$2) per bullet.

With Vietnam’s history of war and destruction, I don’t think having a shooting range on the tunnel grounds really suited the mood or character of the site. However, I have never fired such huge guns before so I thought I’d give it a try anyway. I fired 5 rounds from the AK-47 .

Trying to fit into this hole in the ground at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Wilson and I having a go with the AK47.

My Cu Chi Experience

It was an eye-opening experience visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels — learning more about the history of Vietnam , and what the Vietnamese had to go through during the war. By visiting the tunnels, we can see some of the remnants of what happened during those dark times; but it is simply impossible to even imagine the life the people had to endure. Some of the stories we heard from Uncle Huang who fought and lived through the war was heartbreaking to listen to.

The bicycle ride through the countryside of Cu Chi offered a different view from the solemness of the tunnels. I’m glad we got to explore the village before visiting the tunnels, it showed us the true beauty of Vietnam and how the country has finally found peace.

A brief history tour of the war that befell Cu Chi.

For more information and tours on Actxplorer, visit here . For more information about the “Cycling Through History: A Cu Chi Experience” tour, click here .

Get a 10% discount for any bookings on Actxplorer with this code: MYNNxACTXPLORER (Offer limited to the first 50 coupons)

*She Walks the World went on the “Cycling Through History: A Cu Chi Experience” Tour in Ho Chi Minh City with Actxplorer as a guest. As always, all opinions stated here are my own.

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Categories: Asia , Heritage Sites and Culture , Nature and the Outdoors , Southeast Asia , Vietnam

Tagged as: ASEAN , asia , bicycle , cu chi , cu chi tunnels , cu chi village , cycling , historical sites , history , ho chi minh city , landmarks , museum , nature , outdoors , paddy fields , places to see , saigon , seasia , travel , tunnels , Vietnam , village , wanderlust , war

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Ho chi minh city events, ho chi minh city   detailed  travel guide  , all you need to know before visiting saigon, read more >.

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Ho Chi Minh is a beautiful city surrounded by the romantic Saigon River. It is the land you really should visit once in your lifetime, however, there are still some problems like pollution, overcharges, and traffic jam. On this website, we would like to guide you step by step to explore this city as well as avoid unwanted things. See, enjoy, and tell us what Saigon is to you!

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There's a bed in this city made just for you, saigon new attraction, ho thi ky flower market ,            the original beauty of saigon.

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HO CHI MINH CITY TRAVEL

The application of technology to travel is the current trend, and we write this book is also in that trend, what you need is a smartphone and Ho Chi Minh City will belong to you! The book consists of 6 chapters, provides you with essential information about Ho Chi Minh City as destinations, cuisine, tour suggestions and other information. This is the gift from Saigon we give you. Hopefully, this book will accompany you during your stay in Saigon. Meet in Saigon!

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• Thu Duc A Saigon District...

Thu Duc: A Saigon District Modernising the Vietnamese Way

It may not be one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best-known areas, but Thu Duc, a district buzzing with youthful energy, could soon become the most happening place in the metropolis. What makes Thu Duc stand out is that it hasn’t lost touch with its old traditions, but rather updates them in a uniquely Vietnamese way – and does so with flair.

Once a town in its own right, Thu Duc was absorbed into Ho Chi Minh City in 1997: divided into District 2, Binh Thanh district and Thu Duc district, respectively. While the former two have become popular, trendy areas of the city, Thu Duc is nowhere near as frequented nor gentrified. Yet unbeknown to those outside of this northeastern corner of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc is a colourful, youthful place – where the future of Vietnam is very much visible and new traditions are being forged.

What is the history of Thu Duc?

There’s been some dispute over the identity of Thu Duc’s founding father, but local historians now generally accept that it was a man named Ta Duong Minh (also known as Ta Huy). Minh fled political upheaval in China during the mid-19th century and built the original Thu Duc market. This was later replaced by the current, French-built version. Up until the industrialisation of the 70s, the area was known as a peaceful suburban district that offered some respite from city living. The area’s pools and parks meant that Vietnamese families were using Thu Duc for ‘staycations’ (long before the term was popularised).

Thu Duc is home to Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City , the largest university in the country. With over 56,000 students, its attendees constitute roughly 10 percent of Thu Duc’s population; giving the area a youthful and vibrant energy. Vietnamese student life doesn’t tend to be as Bacchanalian as in other parts of the world; it’s more about bubble tea than beer (but more on that later). Many students choose to live in the Lang Dai Hoc university village due to the cheap rent prices, an abundance of cafés and bookstores and its proximity to grassy parks and the lovely Ho Da (Stone Lake). A highlight of campus nightlife is the sprawling student market, which is a great place to bag a bargain or two, with its trendy pieces starting at just 40,000 dong ($1.75 USD).

Food and drink in Thu Duc

Thu Duc’s dense student population has led to an abundance of stylised cafes in the area, creating a café culture perfect for Instragram. One such example is Bus Station Coffee . This venue showcases Thu Duc’s creative energy by taking a once unglamorous building and turning it into a contemporary coffee spot with a relaxing rooftop area. Trendy bubble tea shops, such as The Alley, with its dreamy forest theme, also line the streets, particularly in the buzzing Binh Tho ward. Relaxing rainforest cafés, replete with fairy lights and charming garden areas, are a very popular place to hang out and enjoy a cold glass or two of tra da (iced tea).

As for food, some of the district’s best eats can be found at the student night market. With plenty of popular snacks including chicken feet, fried corn and rice paper on offer, the night market is a great place to gorge yourself on some authentic Vietnamese food. Beer and barbecue restaurants abound in the area, where the clinking of beer glasses and increasingly spirited toasts can be heard throughout the afternoon and evening. In terms of local specialties, Thu Duc is the only place in the city where you can enjoy nem chua Thu Duc – spiced, honeyed pork fermented inside a banana-leaf wrapping.

Natural beauty

Since Thu Duc occupies the outskirts of Saigon , it’s a lot closer to nature than much of the rest of the city. In a metropolis where nature has largely been driven out, the picturesque Stone Lake feels like something of an oasis. Lots of wedding photoshoots take place here and it’s also a popular after-class hangout for students. At Thu Duc Stork Park, you can watch flocks of storks soaring over the river at first light or sunset. In the evening, you can even rent a boat for around 80,000 dong and enjoy the view from the water.

Religious sites

Thu Duc is home to many Buddhist pagodas and Catholic churches that serve as remnants of Vietnam’s colonial past . The Gothic Thu Duc church, built in 1880, is one such example: its severe, grey appearance sits in opposition to the district’s colourful noise. The Van Duc pagoda, constructed in 1954, meanwhile, perfectly encapsulates the way in which Thu Duc combines tradition and modernity. From the outside, it’s an impressively large, golden structure that looks every inch a traditional place of worship – yet indoors its clean, light design creates a more contemporary feel. It’s infinitely more peaceful than the touristy pagodas of District 1 and a great place to observe Buddhist worship.

The future of Thu Duc

Thu Duc’s vibrant atmosphere and low cost of living make it an increasingly attractive place to live. Currently, the biggest drawback to living in the area for many is that it’s relatively far away from the city centre. However, when Ho Chi Minh City’s metro system is complete – set to happen in 2020 – the area is expected to see a surge in popularity thanks to the construction of several stops in the area. The area’s proximity to the expat hub of Thao Dien, as well as its trendy, youthful nature, means it’s likely increasing numbers of foreigners will begin to relocate here. Only time can truly tell exactly how Thu Duc will move forward, but it seems likely that whatever happens, the youth will be leading the way.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Ho chi minh attractions - things to do & see in saigon.

Considered as “The Pearl of the Far-East”, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) owns itself not only the magnificent beauty of a metropolis but also simple but surprising things waiting to be explored. Home to many appealing places to visit, the mix of past and present Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City tour promises you a flawless travel time in Vietnam.

 Make the most of the cultural show in Ho Chi Minh City

Best time to visit ho chi minh city & southern vietnam.

Local people in Saigon often dub the weather as “a teenager with mood swings” just because of how unpredictable it is. Let’s imagine on a sunny Sunday, you dress fancy, put on some nice make-up to go out with us and delve into the ecstatic tours in Ho Chi Minh City.

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If you are setting up a vacation, you definitely should set foot in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which is one of the most hustle and bustle cities in Southeast Asia Vietnam. This charming city has an irrepressible soul and entrepreneurial energy. Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has acquired a reputation for a wide range of things including local cuisines, stunning landscapes and a wealth of history, culture through the time. Certainly, your trip would not be complete without a visit to Saigon mostly because this enchanting city will develop a sense of enjoyment. To be more precise, from in the early part of the morning until midnight, you will have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of amazing things in some popular attractions such as Bitexco Financial Tower, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Binh Tay Market, and Cat Tien National Park. It is apparent that Saigon in all of the time always offers you unforgettable things to do, see and taste. This is the reason why Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has become an ideal destination for visitors to discover the authentic insight into the local way of life, get a deeper understanding of the historical war stories and capture a great shot of the beautiful city. Let Saigon Local Tour awake your travel sense!

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Celebrating a momentous milestone, Saigon Local Tour proudly marks 18 years of weaving enchanting tales across the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the picturesque landscapes of Southern Vietnam. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our cherished partners and intrepid travelers, the driving force behind the heartbeat of our extraordinary journey.

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Saigon Local Tour delivers discerning travelers in-style and in-depth Ho Chi Minh City day tours as well as Vietnam tour packages. Our services, expertise, and reputation are exactly what you need for your fascinating vacations.

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People of Saigon Local Tour are locals that were born and grew up in Ho Chi Minh City. We consider travel the most meaningful and wonderful way to share the overwhelming love for our hometown with others. From travel consultants, bloggers, tour guides to drivers, you will completely feel we are not working merely for being paid. We are doing profoundly for our pride of hosts welcoming our honor guess

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Your satisfaction and happiness from sending us an inquiry to receiving our farewell after your trip is the utmost part of everything we work. Our services are created to get that right and ensure that your experiences are as perfect as it can be possible.

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"Your trip is absolutely personal, bespoke, and stress-free" is our strong commitment to you. We hear from you and care about what matters to you the most. All is done to handcraft a trip that is completely perfect for you and we belive that you will love it. From a private visit to a vibrant floating market to impressive discovery at the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Whatever you need, we can make it for you.

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No effort has been spared to bring you the most distinctive and authentic Ho Chi Minh City tours. We give you the promise of no dogdy detours and no commission-based shopping stops. We wish you will come back home with a ton of interesting stories to tell and unforgettable memories to remember.

Ho Chi Minh City Day Tours & Trips by Theme

Dubbed “a city never sleeps”, Ho Chi Minh City is a place that is suitable for all visitors, a place that satisfies the needs of entertainment as well as a passion for discovering historical sites, places that still exist after historical wars.

Away from the city to immerse yourself in the vast river nature, this area will surely surprise you with the river life of the people, their daily life, and activities associated with the river from birth to adulthood.

The Southern part of Vietnam is the most mesmerizing land ever. The authentic things create flawless art, let the tour itineraries in South Vietnam below awaken your sense of travel. Go for it!

Saigon Vietnam Tours

From the point of departure - Ho Chi Minh City, visitors have the opportunity to join tours to various destinations throughout Vietnam, for both those who enjoy trekking in the mountains to scuba diving, this tour is sure to fulfill all your wishes.

Top-Picked Ho Chi Minh City Tours

Nam Cat Tien National Park Discovery – 3 Days

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Nam Cat Tien National Park - Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Highlights

• Discover the diverse wildlife and endangered species of Nam Cat Tien National Park.
• Experience the magic of a two-hour night cruise into the jungle, where you can observe wild animals.
• Bike through the forest to capture the beauty of the enchanting Heaven Waterfall and explore the botanical garden.
• Embark on a trekking adventure to the Crocodile Lake, encountering diverse bird species and soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Home-hosted Meal – 2 Days

Tour Route: War Remnants Museum - Saigon Opera House - Central Post Office - ChoLon - Thien Hau Temple

• Explore busy streets
• Get a personal introduction to Ho Chi Minh City attractions
• Enjoy the lively atmosphere of a local market
• Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine
• Learn to prepare famous local recipes
• Enjoy the home-hosted meal
• Get great recipes and surprise guests back home

Ho Chi Minh City To Cu Chi Tunnels Tour – 1 Day

Tour Route: Reunification Palace – War Remnants Museum – Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Old Post Office – Ben Thanh Market – Cu Chi Tunnels

• Have a chance to get the beautiful shots of Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit the historical relics in Ho Chi Minh City
• Experience the most bustling market in Southern Vietnam: Ben Thanh Market
• Explore Cu Chi Tunnel - one of the most famous battlegrounds in the world
• Feast on delicious Southern Vietnamese cuisine

Discover Mekong Delta & Cai Be Town – 1 Day

Tour Route: Cai Be Town - Tan An Town - Mekong Delta

• Discover the lively Mekong Delta and Cai Be Town in a single day.
• Immerse in local culture as you cruise the scenic rivers and witness the bustling town.
• Enjoy a serene rowing boat ride through shady canals, observing traditional houses and interacting with farmers.
• Savor a delicious lunch and listen to traditional folk music while exploring orchards and fruit plantations.
• Conclude your day with a cruise back to Vinh Long and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta – Phu Quoc Tour from Saigon – 5 Days

Tour Route:  Saigon - Mekong Delta Area - Phu Quoc - Saigon

• Cruise along the Mekong Delta, visit Unicorn Island, and experience the local village life.
• Explore the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest market in the Mekong Delta.
• Fly to Phu Quoc and enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit fishing ports, and discover local attractions.
• Experience snorkeling and fishing on the islets of Phu Quoc, surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
• Relax on the beach and indulge in the delicious seafood of Phu Quoc before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Glimpse of Mekong Delta – 2 Days

Tour Route: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho - Saigon

• Explore My Tho and Ben Tre, witnessing the charming stilt houses and fruit plantations on a boat ride along the river.
• Visit Tortoise Island, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and experience the authentic rural lifestyle.
• Cruise through the small channels to Cai Rang Floating Market, immersing yourself in the bustling market atmosphere.
• Discover a rice noodle making village and savor delicious rice noodles for breakfast.
• Interact with locals, try your hand at rowing a boat, and enjoy a local lunch before returning to Saigon.

South Vietnam Tours From Ho CHi Minh City

Amazing Vietnam Tour – 9 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

• Explore Hanoi's historic sites, vibrant streets, and serene lakes for an introduction to the city's charm.
• Sail amidst Ha Long Bay's limestone formations, kayak, and unwind on a private island.
• Cycle through rural landscapes, experience local hospitality during a homestay, and discover Ninh Binh's natural beauty.
• Wander Hoi An's ancient alleys, visit tailor shops, and enjoy its bustling nightlife.
• Try crab fishing, take a basket boat tour, and join a cooking class to master Vietnamese cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho – 6 Days

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit to historical sites like Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Explore the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating underground network used during the Vietnam War.
• Cruise along Mekong Delta's waterways, enjoy fruit orchards,
• Witness local life at the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market.

Vietnam Discovery Tour from South to North – 10 Days

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Da Nang - Quang Nam - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

• Immerse in the local life of Cai Be Town, and explore the tropical beauty of Tan Phong Islet
• Descend into Cu Chi Tunnels, and delve into the underground world of Viet Cong fighters
• Wander ancient streets, create tailor-made fashion at Ann Tailor, and master local culinary secrets during a cooking class
• Discover Hanoi's cultural treasures and embark on a breathtaking cruise through Ha Long Bay

Saigon – Mekong – Nam Cat Tien National Park Tour – 7 Days

Tour Route: Saigon - Cai Be - Sa Dec - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Saigon - Nam Cat Tien National Park - Saigon

• Cruise through vibrant floating markets and charming villages.
• Explore diverse forests, spot wildlife, and engage in night jungle experiences.
• Experience local life in Sa Dec, witness traditional practices, and visit ancient houses.
• Enjoy sunrise views over lakes, lush orchards, and serene waterways.
• Take part in jeep rides, boat trips, and guided treks through picturesque surroundings.

Ho Chi Minh City Tour Reviews

Mesmerizing & Unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City Tour

"At first, making the initial reservation for our tours was simple because of easy mail correspondence. The tour guide always arrived on time in a small van & a friendly driver. Thanks to his excellent English skills, we're heard fabulous commentary about the tourist sites we visited. Besides, we enjoyed the personal attention and service while cruising along the Mekong Delta. It made our vacation in Vietnam absolutely pleasure and enjoyable. Special thanks to Ms. Jeanny and I will highly recommend Saigon Local Tour to all my friends!"

Anna Dorris and Daniel James

Ms. Lynn & Ms. Jodi are superstars of Saigon Local Tour!

"From the moment I started planning my first trip to Vietnam about 6 months ago to our visit to Ho Chi Minh City last week, our tour was faultless. Saigon Local Tour offers us great things, which all made our Saigon experience the best. Everything exceeds our expectation. I love taking photographs and I had a lot of chance to do it in Mekong Delta. I could recommend for those who are planning Ho Chi Minh City Tours and do not know what you should do first, contact Saigon Local Tour and they will do the rest!"

Emily Wilson & Her Friend

Unlocking Hidden Treasures of Ho Chi Minh City with Saigon Local Tour

"Our Vietnam trip was an extraordinary adventure, made possible by the exceptional services of Saigon Local Tour. From start to finish, every moment exceeded our expectations. The highlight was our captivating journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where Saigon Local Tour curated an unforgettable experience. If you're seeking an unparalleled adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Saigon Local Tour for an unforgettable journey."

Michael Brown & His Family

A Journey Beyond Expectations in Ho Chi Minh City

Prepare to be amazed! Saigon Local Tour not only met but exceeded all our expectations during our incredible journey through Ho Chi Minh City. Their meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge elevated our experience to new heights, leaving us in awe at every turn. For an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Saigon Local Tour.

Rachel Johnson

Saigon Travel Blog

Heritage Train Route Connecting Hue to Da Nang Officially Launched

The unveiling of a remarkable addition to its services by the Vietnam Railways Corporation has set the stage for an extraordinary journey from Hue to Da Nang. Beginning its operations on March 26th, the “Connecting Central Heritage” train service has emerged as a beacon of fascination for eager travelers seeking [...]

[News] Vietnam Among World’s Safest Places for Solo Female Travel by Time Out

Time Out, a renowned British magazine, has recently named Vietnam as one of the top nine safest destinations worldwide for solo female travelers. This recognition positions Vietnam as the sole representative from Southeast Asia on this esteemed list. The magazine highlights Vietnam’s reputation for safety, stemming from its political stability [...]

Night Tour To Cu Chi Tunnels Officially Operates

The Cu Chi Tunnels, celebrated as Vietnam’s remarkable “underground city,” have now unveiled an intriguing nocturnal experience, inviting travelers to uncover the secrets of its wartime past under the cover of darkness. Recently announced by the Management Board of Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Relic Area, the eagerly anticipated Cu Chi [...]

Information in saigon trips

People and life in saigon, transportation in saigon, traffic in saigon, festivals & events in saigon, climate in saigon.

• Health & Safety in Hanoi

Shopping in Saigon

Wearing in saigon.

Saigon people are known as friendly and generous people. The enthusiasm and hospitality of them to travelers are no doubt, so travelers who come to tour Saigon will be impressed by the people here. Especially, the life of Saigon is bustling and full of colorful, you can wait until 12:00 pm and realize that Saigon is still awake with lots of street foods, music, and stream of people going around. 

As a reputable Saigon tour agency, Saigon Local Tour will introduce regular transportation that local people use.

• Bicycle : Usually use for short distances or when you want to enjoin the moment of street in Ho Chi Minh city. 
• Motobike: Is the most popular vehicle of Vietnam people, easy to move in the alleys of Hanoi.
• Car: Vehicle suitable for tourists, avoiding the inclement weather and dust of Hanoi city.  
• Bus: Cheap transportation for tourists, you need to look for suitable routes. Moving by bus can lose more time than motorbike and car for your Saigon tour. It is also crowded sometimes so you need to be careful with your package. 

Vietnam's population density is higher than European countries, so Tourists traveling to Vietnam can be overwhelmed by the number of vehicles moving on the road. Especially, the big cities of Vietnam such as Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh,… often has serious traffic jams. To have the best day trips from Saigon, visitors need to note a few things when participating in Vietnamese traffic:

• Avoiding the rush-hour traffic (7:30 am - 9:00 am and 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
• Don't be afraid when pasting by the road, just be careful and drivers will reduce speed.
• Flexible and lean the way moving with the same speech as others.
• Motobike is easy to move than the car in the street of Saigon.

Tet Holiday:

Tet holiday is the biggest holiday for Vietnamese people. Travelers can enjoy the festive atmosphere of Tet from January to February. At this time, people are busy and eager to prepare for the Tet holiday. The traditional markets are full colors of flowers, with the scarlet color of Tet decorations. The flow of people also seems to be more crowded. Banh Chung dishes, cardinal red, peach blossom branch, and Kumquat Trees are sold everywhere. One more attraction for travelers who come to tours from Saigon. If you come to Vietnam for the official Tet holiday (1/1- 4/1 in the Lunar calendar), you will see empty streets with no restaurants or markets.

Mid-Autumn Festival:

Mid-Autumn Festival is an ordinary holiday in East Asian and Southeast Asian countries. This holiday is beginning from different ancient stories: “Hang Nga and Hau Nghe”, “King Duong Minh Hoang went to the moon” and the story of ”Uncle Cuoi” of Vietnam. Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is usually known for its Lion dance tradition and mid-autumn festival lanterns. This holiday is expected from children in Vietnam, hoping to receive a lot of confectionery. Especially, Trung Thu cake only appears at Mid-Autumn Festival, and Saigon people will enjoy this delicious food with a few cups of tea on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Coming to Saigon day tours and discovering. 

Although Chrismas is not a traditional festival in Vietnam, International integration has brought this festival coming up to Vietnam. A large number of young Saigon people wait for the Christmas holiday, as the moment to hang out with friends and family. 

Saigon has 4 seasons in a year that are not as hot and sultry as the North or Central region. The temperature in Saigon fluctuates around 27 degrees Celsius, on hot days the peak can reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Saigon weather is divided into two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. In particular, the rainy season lasts from May to November, with sudden rains so you need to bring suitable clothes.

Healthy & Safety in Saigon

Saigon Local Tour makes each precaution to make sure the journeys are safe, enjoyable, and fun for everyone. The company takes the health and safety of its visitors carefully in each day tours, private tours,.. from Hano i. We advise all passengers to get the most recent information prior to boarding from their local government or regional travel guide agency.

But if you want to know more about Safety in Saigon, we think that you need more attention to your luggage and personal belongings. Because this city usually has accidents related to theft.

In a developing country like Vietnam, small markets appear around on streets and become the most popular buying and selling among Vietnamese people. You can find the cheapest and the most familiar things there, from light meals, clothes,... to sundry things. If you want to experience a tour in Saigon , you can spend your time enjoying the life of local Hanoians in the market.

With the rapid development of the economy, Shopping mall centers are built in a quick way. If you want shopping with full of entertainment facilities such as the movie theater, High-end fashion shops, restaurants,... Mall Shop is the best choice for your Saigon tour.

You can see a lot of small shops on Hanoi’s streets. With many local brands of clothes, traditional foods, fast foods, coffee, souvenir,... But sometimes there are too many things to discover, so you can find a Saigon tour guide to help you.

Street vendors:

Shopping around the markets and small shops will be more interesting if street vendors come and offer special things in Saigon. Street vendors can make you when you walking around the streets in Saigon, you will suddenly.

If you travel to Saigon during the rainy season( from May to November), you will need to bring an umbrella or a raincoat with sudden rains in Saigon. Besides it, for visitors coming to Vietnam, costumes when visiting spiritual places of Asians such as temples, pagodas, and tombs,... need to be polite and not too revealing.

The weather in Saigon is changing so fast, although the day is hot and sunny, the night is sometimes refreshing. Therefore, in your luggage, you should also have 1-2 thin coats to prevent cold weather or protect your skin from the hot sun with sunglasses and sunscreen during the dry season. 

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SAI GON TOURS

Saigon city tour 1 day.

Cu Chi - Cao Dai tour 1 day

Mekong Delta tour 1 day

SAIGON TRAVEL TOUR

FOOD AND CULTURE FESTIVAL 2023 SET TO KICK OFF IN APRIL

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SAIGONTOURIST GROUP OFFER UP TO 10 MILLION VND IN TOUR SERVICES AND MANY SERVICES AT VITM HANOI TOURISM FAIR 2024

Participating in Vietnam International Tourism Fair - VITM Hanoi 2024, taking place at Hanoi International Exhibition Center (91 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District) from April 11 - 14, 2024, the Corporation Saigon Tourism (Saigontourist Group) and its member...

SAIGONTOURIST GROUP, VIETNAM AIRLINES CO-ORGANIZE THE VIETNAM DESTINATION LAUNCHING PROGRAM IN CHINA

On April 9, 2024 in Beijing, China, Saigontourist Group (Saigontourist Group) coordinated with Vietnam Airlines Corporation (Vietnam Airlines) to co-organize the Vietnam Destination Launching Program. Nam in the Chinese market and celebrates the 30th...

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About Saigontourist Group

Organizational structure, board of member.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF THE GROUP'S SYSTEM

Corporation - parent company.

1. Rex Hotel Saigon

2. Hotel Majestic Saigon

3. Hotel Grand Saigon

4. Hotel Continental Saigon

5. Royal Hotel Saigon (Kim Do Hotel)

6. First Hotel

7. Oscar Saigon Hotel

8. New World Saigon Hotel

9. Caravelle Saigon Hotel

10. Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

11. Palace Saigon Hotel

12. Bong Sen Saigon Hotel

13. Bong Sen Annex Hotel

14. Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel

15. Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel

16. Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel

17. Liberty Saigon GreenView Hotel

18. Liberty Saigon Parkview Hotel

19. Liberty 2 Hotel

20. Liberty Central Saigon CityPoint Hotel

21. Sài Gòn Hotel Corporation

22. Arc En Ciel – Bat Dat Hotel Group

23. Dong Khanh Hotel

24. Saigon – Rach Gia Hotel

25. Saigon – Vinh Long Hotel

26. Saigon – Can Tho Hotel

27. Saigon - Con Dao Resort

28. Binh Chau Hot Springs Resort

29. Ho Coc Beach Resort

30. Saigon Phu Quoc Resort & Spa

31. Saigon - Kim Lien Hotel

32. Saigon - Kim Lien Resort

33. Saigon - Quang Binh Hotel

34. Saigon – Dong Ha Hotel

35. Saigon - Morin Hotel

36. Saigon Tourane Hotel

37. Saigon – Quy Nhon Hotel

38. Saigon – Phu Yen Hotel

39. Saigon - Mui Ne Resort

40. Saigon – Ninh Chu Hotel & Resort

41. Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Resort Hotel & Spa

42. Saigon – Ban Me Hotel

43. Saigon – Dalat Hotel

44. Saigon - Ha Long Hotel

45. Majestic - Mong Cai Hotel

46. Saigon - Phu Tho Hotel

47. Saigon - Ban Gioc Resort

48. Saigon - Ba Be Resort

SUBSIDIARIES

1. Saigontourist Travel Service

2. Cho Lon Tourist

1. Binh Quoi Tourist Village (Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1, 2, 3)

2. Tan Cang Tourist Village

3. Van Thanh Tourist Village

4. Saigon ship (Floating Restaurant)

ASSOCIATE COMPANIES

1. Saigontourist Cable Television Co. Ltd.

2. Vietnam Golf & Country Club

3. Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center

4. Dam Sen Cultural Park

5. Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Site

6. Lakeview Villas

7. Dynasty Club (Rex Hotel Saigon)

9. Grand Club (Khách sạn Majestic)

10. Chats Slot Gaming Center (New World Saigon Hotel)

11. Vegas Club (Caravelle Saigon Hotel)

12. Palazzo Club (Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers)

13. OV Club

14. Paradise Club (First Hotel)

1. Saigontourist Hospitality College

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Ha Noi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bac Ha – Sapa (9D8N)

• Term & conditions

Day 1: Arrival – Ha Noi (D) Flight to Ha Noi. Arrive in Ha Noi. Car and guide pick up and take a city tour to visit Literature Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and take a pedicab ride in the Old Quarter. Enjoy an evening water puppet show. Dinner. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Ha Noi – Ha Giang (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, transfer to Ha Giang, the remote Northern province, located at the highest latitude in Viet Nam. On arrival, visit Tay village of Thon Tha. Enjoy an evening cultural show at the Tay village of Tien Thang (optional with surcharge). Overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Dong Van via Quang Ba valley and Yen Minh district. On the way, stop to visit Dao village at Na Khe, Pho Cao village, H’Mong village of Lung Cam and the old palace of H’Mong King Vuong Chinh Duc. Overnight in Dong Van.

Day 4: Dong Van – Ha Giang (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning tour of Dong Van ancient town. Have a leisurely walk around the ancient streets with the H’Mong old houses, built in clay bricks and tile roofs centuries ago. Then visit the colorful Sunday Dong Van Fair. Drive back to Ha Giang over the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, a perfect place for photo stop. Overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 5: Ha Giang – Bac Ha (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Ha Giang for Bac Ha. Along the way, stop to visit the terrace rice fields in Hoang Su Phi and the Xin Man Market. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 6: Bac Ha – Fair – Sa Pa (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Drive on winding road to Tuesday Coc Ly Fair, or Saturday Can Cau Fair or Sunday Bac Ha Fair, one of the most exciting fairs of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai. Then, transfer to Trung Do village where you can observe the traditional lifestyle of Tay tribal people and their costumes and handicrafts. Take a boat trip along Chay River to marvel at spectacular valley scenery. Get off the boat at Bao Nhai. Transfer to Sa Pa. On arrival Sa Pa, explore Red Dao and the Black H’Mong villages at Ta Phin. Overnight in Sa Pa.

Day 7: Sapa – Lao Cai – Train (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, take a trek along buffalo paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to Black H’Mong, and Dzay people. Once at Muong Hoa Valley floor, you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. Afternoon, drop into Sa Pa Market, and then drive to Ta Phin visiting a Red Dao village. Transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station to catch a night train to Ha Noi. Overnight aboard the train. 

Day 8: Ha Noi Arrive at Ha Noi Railway Station early in the morning. Pick up and transfer for a full day tour of Ha Noi to visit Lake of Restored Sword, Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology Museum (closed on Monday). Enjoy pedicab ride around the old quarters of Ha Noi. Afternoon, visit Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (closed on Monday) and then drive to the famous Bat Trang pottery village. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 9: Ha Noi – Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Spend last minutes shopping before checkout. Transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service.

NOTE: The tour itinerary is sometimes subject to small modifications depending on weather and road conditions, train schedules, hotel room availability.

B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner

PRICE: Starting at VND   20,631,000/ person (for a group of minimum 2 people).

Validity: From January 1 st , 2024 to December 31 st , 2024

CHILDREN POLICY Children from 0 – 5 years old: Free of charge (One child traveling with two adults will be free of charge; the 2nd child will pay 50% of adult price)

Children from 6 – 10 years old: Sharing bed with two adults:                                                  50% of adult price Sharing room with two adults, using extra bed:                     80% of adult price Twin-sharing room with one adult:                                         100% of adult price

Children from 11 years old:                                                    100% of adult price 

TOUR INCLUSIVE & EXCLUSIVE Inclusive: * Accommodation basing on twin-sharing with daily breakfast at 3 * hotels * Private air-conditioned transfer * Round trip soft sleeper on train Ha Noi – Lao Cai – Ha Noi as specified * English or French-speaking guide service * 01 dinner (without drinks) at a local restaurant as specified * Sightseeing, admission fee, entrance and boat fees as specified * VAT and service charge

Exclusive: * All meals and beverage unspecified * Travel insurance * All of the airfare, airport tax, visa fee * Personal expenses, optional visit and other services unspecified * Surcharge for a special occasion, gala dinner on Christmas, New Year, etc.

CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellation made within: 7 days prior to departure date: 100% of reservation cost + 20% air - ticket refund fee (if any) 8-14 days prior to departure date: 50% of reservation cost + 20% air - ticket refund fee (if any) 15-29 days prior to departure date: 25% of reservation cost + 20% air - ticket refund fee (if any) 30 or more days prior to departure date: 10% of  reservation cost + 20% air - ticket refund (if any).

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Ha Noi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bac Ha – Sapa (9D8N) [ Sapa ]

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