ho chi minh night tour

Modal title

7 things to do on a saigon night tour.

As one of Vietnam’s most modern and busy cities, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), is an ideal spot for travelers who want to discover the unique culture, including the lifestyle, cuisine, and traditions here, either at day or night. Saigon nighttime is entirely different from its daytime. There are a lot of things to do on a Saigon night tour that will give you memorable experiences you may never have before.

Itinerary for a Saigon Night Tour:

Admire Saigon Historical Landmarks at Night

Believe it or not, everything in the city changes entirely after sunset. The neon lights brighten every street corner, blending in the beautiful scenery. Many travelers have visited a series of impressive buildings and structures in Saigon. However, not too many of them get to see those spectacular landmarks decorated with colorful lights, which can only be seen on a Saigon night tour. On a beautiful weather night, rent a motorbike and zoom around this city to look at a chain of must-see Ho Chi Minh City’s tourist attractions , including the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral in their different hidden charm.

Saigon Central Post Office Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Time: 7 AM – 7 PM Pricing: Free

Notre Dame Cathedral Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Time: 8 AM – 6 PM Pricing: Free

2. Walk around the City’s Harbor on a Saigon Night Tour

If you are a person who loves quietness or being alone, leaving behind the noise of the city, the harbor at night may be just the thing for you. One of the most visited places is Bach Dang Wharf, situated on the bank of the Saigon River. Up to the present day, it has become an exciting destination for the city’s residents and tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. At Bach Dang Wharf, you will see a tall Tran Hung Dao Monument standing opposite Ton Duc Thang Street, pointing his hand to the river, reminding the locals of the heroic victory in the Bach Dang Battle.

Bach Dang Wharf Location: 10B, Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Time: all day

3. Take a Glimpse at the Red-light District on a Saigon Night Tour

Location: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Time: nighttime

4. Enjoy a Local BBQ Dinner on a Saigon Night Tour

BBQ is a favorite dish of people worldwide, but local BBQ or Vietnamese BBQ is slightly different. The food is refreshing and flavorful and balances the marinated meat, vegetables, herbs, and dipping sauces well. Another thing about this local BBQ is that it is often served outdoors, where you can sit on the pavement, enjoying local BBQs and watching the nightlife happen in front of you. Contact us to make inquiries and book the Saigon Night Tour to enjoy a local BBQ dinner and other delicious foods.

Panda BBQ Location: 01 Dong Nai Street, District 10 Time: 4 PM – 11 PM

King BBQ Location: 515 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, District 10 Time: 10 AM – 10 PM

5Ku BBQ Le Thanh Ton Location: 17 Thai Van Lung Street, District 1 Time: 11 AM – 1 AM

5. Savor Vietnamese Desserts on a Saigon Night Tour

After a delicious dinner, it would be perfect if you choose a dessert to complete the meal. Vietnam is a country where every dish has its unique cooking techniques, a combination of many ingredients. You will be amazed by many sweet treats such as nuts, grains, beans, flowers, seeds, roots, Vietnamese fruits, flour, and eggs. After their entrees, Vietnamese people prefer to have sweet dishes such as Che, a kind of Vietnamese dessert , sponge cakes, and some tropical fruits that can only be harvested in this beautiful country, like longan, guava, or durian.

Che Thai Y Phuong Location: 382 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, District 10 Time: 8 AM – 11 PM Price: VND 18,000 – VND 33,000

Che Thai 294 Location: 294 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, District 10 Time: 5 PM – 10 PM Price: VND 20,000 – VND 33,000

6. Drink Vietnamese Coffee on a Saigon Night Tour

Vietnam is one of the leading coffee exporters in the world, and coffee has played an indispensable part in the Vietnamese daily routine. People drink coffee many times a day, even at midnight. Although many international coffee brands have come to Vietnam, the locals still prefer to drink their traditional coffee, made using an aluminum filter. Preparing Vietnamese coffee to make its unique taste would be a fun experience for you. Instead of having a cup of coffee in the café or shop, you may find it more exciting to have this drink at a street vendor’s shop where you can sit and talk with your friends.

7. Stroll around Nguyen Hue Walking Street on a Saigon Night Tour

Conclusion on the 7 Things to do on a Saigon Night Tour

Seeing the local lifestyle on a Saigon night tour is a fantastic experience you should not miss when visiting this lively city. Saigon at night has its breathtaking hidden beauty. If you try to look for it, you will find it. Whether sightseeing or discovering new foods, the experience would mainly fulfill your expectations.

More Vietnam Travel Guides

Nature hideouts in ho chi minh city, luxury resorts in hanoi, who was ho chi minh, vietnam travel information: tipping in vietnam, top 5 casino hotels in ho chi minh city, the 6 most beautiful churches in vietnam.

© i Tour Vietnam Travel Guides (2013 - 2024) Privacy Policy

• 1h trip around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• HCM COMBO TOUR
• Book the tour
• [:en]POPULAR TOURS[:vi]TOUR PHỔ BIẾN
• Audio Guide
• Ben Thanh Market
• Central Post Office
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Independence Palace
• Nguyen Hue Street
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Sai Gon Zoo
• War Remnants Museum
• Kg HIGHLIGHT:
• One loop around Ho Chi Minh City on an open-top double-decker buss

DAILY TOUR_ONE HOUR SIGHTSEEING HO CHI MINH CITY

Departure times: from 08h00 – 15h30

Frequency: every 30 minutes

• The trip starts at the Central Post Office and takes you to visit beautiful Saigon City on an open-top double-decker bus.
• The bus will go around the city without stopping, going through 20 top attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, City Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Western Area, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bach Dang Pier….. – The tour ends at the departure location.

SERVICES ON BUS:

• Free water form big bottle, conical hat, rain coat
• Mobile e-ticket acceptance
• Insurance on bus

NIGHT TOUR_ONE HOUR SIGHTSEEING HO CHI MINH CITY

HIGHLIGHT: One loop around Ho Chi Minh City by night on an open-top double-decker bus

Departure times: from 16h00 – 23h00

• The trip starts at 92 – 96 Nguyen Hue Street and takes you to visit beautiful Saigon City by night on an open-top double-decker bus.
• The bus will go around the city without stopping, going through 20 top attractions such as City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ba Son Bridge, Bitexco Financial Tower, Bach Dang Pier, Majestic Hotel….End your night tour at Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

PICKUP LOCATION – SCHEDULE:

16:00 –    23:00 : No. 92-96 Nguyen Hue Street 

Expiry date: within the day of using the ticket.

Know before you book:

– The bus will go around the city without stopping, not for hop on hop off. The tour ends at the departure location (pickup location). If you get off the bus at a certain stop, you are unable to get back on.

– Customers must print or take a screenshot of the Hop on Hop off booking confirmation email and show it to the staff on any of the Hop on Hop off double decker buses.

– Children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.

– Please arrive 15 minutes before your trip to confirm your ticket and secure your seat. In case of not leaving on time, please wait for arrangements from the staff at the group.

Check BUS STOP & BUS LINE:  https://hopon-hopoff/hcmc-map

Booking & Payment guide:  https://hopon-hopoff.vn/booking-guide

TOUR MAPS :   You can find bus stop nearest from your hotel

Redemption & Cancellation policy

• Upon arrival at the redemption location, please present your confirmation email in exchange for your activity.
• Before 72 hours                                  :  Free cancellation
• After 72 hours – before 24 hours       : non-refund, only allowed to change dates
• Within 24 hours                                   : the ticket is not allowed to change the date and time

Support Center

ANH VIET HOP ON- HOP OFF VIETNAM

• Head-Office: 210 Dien Bien Phu st., Ward. Vo Thi Sau, Dist. 3, HCMC, VietNam
• Office Work time:  Monday to Friday, from 8:30AM to 5:00 PM
• Hotline :   0913 67 44 12 

Additional information

You May Also Like

• Culture & Arts
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Attractions
• Phu Quoc Island
• Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City Night Tour: Dining on Deluxe Cruise

• Entry ticket
• Accomodation
• Sightseeing

Included destination(s): Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon River

Request this tour

About the tour.

With incredible Saigon views, inspired cuisine and lively entertainment, an evening on the cruise along the Saigon river is unlike any other.

The Ho Chi Minh City Night Tour: Dining on Deluxe Cruise tour allows you to admire the romantic beauty of the city at night on the Saigon River – the city’s arterial waterway. Enjoy a wonderful dinner while enjoying the fresh, cool air on the river.

The menu is diverse, catering to all audiences, including vegetarians and children. In addition, you can also enjoy traditional music performances, be it Don ca tai tu, cai luong,…

Here are 2 set menu options for you to choose from:

Set Menu 1:

• Spring roll w. seafood  + Fried fish pasted bread
• Seafood Soup w. enoki mushroom and quail eggs
• Fried shrimps w. black pepper
• Steamed “Dieu Hong” fish in Teochew-style
• Roasted chicken legs + fried sticky rice
• Sauteed noodle w. mix vegetable and mushroom and Dessert

Set Menu 2:

• Spring rolls w. crab & shrimp + Shrimps pasted around sugar cane
• Chicken soup w. mushroom
• Fried squid w. passion sauce
• Grilled pork + fresh nest-noodle
• Seafood Hot pot in Thai style + fresh noodle +fresh vegetable
• Hotpot is only applied for those groups with 4 people and above per table
• Otherwise, it will be changed to Fried rice or noodle with seafood
• Discover incredible views of Ho Chi Minh city
• Cruise on the Saigon river and see the best sights of Saigon
• Taste delicious cuisine with a set menu
• Watch traditional live music performances

Detailed Itinerary

• In the afternoon from 17:30 – 18:00, the car picks you up at the central hotel in District 1. If you stay in other places, please rent a vehicle by yourself to gather at Nha Rong Port.
• Your guide will take some photos of you at the port before boarding the cruise and enjoy a delicious Saigon-style meal.
• At 19:30, the cruise departs the tour to explore the Saigon River and experience the vibrant city from this spacious floating restaurant while contemplating the views across the Dragon harbor. Here, enjoy a meal on board as a set of your choice, with cocktails and fruit.
• On that journey, you can immerse yourself in the cool breeze, zoom your eyes to the tallest building, Landmark 81, the most modern and successful symbol of Vietnam.
• Next, you can enjoy traditional music performances on the cruise, sip a cool and refreshing cocktail
• After cruising on the river for about 1.5 hours, at 22:00 you will be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City, and end the tour.
• Viet Cuisine Set – menu
• Air conditioning mini – van
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• 1 hour cruising on Saigon River
• Personal expenses

Special notes

• Not suitable for people with impairments
• Bring comfortable shoes
• Not allow to bring luggage or large bags

Tours may you like

Private Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Phu My Port

Start from:  US $50 /person

Day Trip to Ba Na Hills from Chan May…

Start from:  $125 /person

Halong Bay Trip from Halong Port on 5-star Cruise

Start from:  $90 /person

Halong Port to Hanoi City Private Tour

Start from:  $60 /person

Hoi An Ancient Town from Chan May Port

Start from:  $70 /person

Cu Chi Tunnels and Half-day City Tour from Saigon…

Start from:  $69 /person

Full day HO CHI MINH city tour from PHU…

Start from:  $48 /person

Full Day Vung Tau – The Former Cap Saint…

Start from:  $87 /person

Destinations

Tours by style.

• Shore Excursions

Travel Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Getting around
• Transportation
• Best Beaches
• Vietnam Honeymoon
• Travel esim to Vietnam

Our Company

• Responsible travel
• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Recruitment

Connect with us:

• (+84) 989 383 767
• Email: [email protected]
• Hanoi, Vietnam: 23rd Floor, TASCO Building, Pham Hung road, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Hanoi.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 2nd Floor, VIPD Building, No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC
• Hong Kong: Vietnam discovery Travel Limited Room 1D, 2/F, Fu Tao Building,98 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Where Do You Want to Go?

• Tell us details of your holiday plan.
• Get multiple quotes from our expert agents, compare, then customize further.
• Select & book the best deal.

17 Exciting & Fun Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City at Night

Once the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City (aka “Saigon” to the locals and abbreviated as “HCMC”), Vietnam offers some of the best nightlife. While there are so many attractions to visit in Ho Chi Minh City in the daytime, there is something special about exploring the streets at night. 

The city is buzzing with people, tourists, and has plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Interested in seeing a performance? Want to eat dinner on a rooftop?

We have you covered with this guide on the 17 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night . Any of these nighttime activities would be a perfect addition to your itinerary whether you have 1 day , 3 days , or 5+ days in HCMC .

We currently live in Ho Chi Minh City so we will update this guide when we find new and exciting opportunities for you to try!

Check out our other Vietnam posts to help you with your travel plans:

• Reasons to visit Vietnam
• How to travel around Vietnam  
• Incredible things to do in Vietnam

*Disclaimer: Visiting Saigon at night? We have affiliate links in this post. If you click on the links and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City at Night: Attractions & Activities

1. bargain at the ben thanh market night market ..

Ben Thanh Market is the famous market in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Once the main market closes around 6:00pm, the vendors move outdoors to set up shop along both sides of the market on Phan Bội Châu Street and Phan Chu Trinh. 

Many of the shops sell similar stuff from fake Nike and Under Armor workout clothes, North Face backpacks, shoes, purses, sunglasses, and other souvenir items. 

If you’re interested in purchasing something, don’t forget to use your bargaining skills . The first price will be inflated. Then ask for 50% off the price or any amount that you would prefer. 

Check out our recommendations for the best souvenirs to buy in Vietnam . 

**At the time of publishing, the Ben Thanh Night Market is currently not open due to the current situation and the travel restrictions. We’ll continue to monitor this and will let you know when it reopens!

Ben Thanh Night Market is a recommended activity to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night.

2. Take an evening stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a pedestrian friendly walking street that is perfect for people watching. The street is 900 meters/.5 miles long and it’s a popular spot to visit at night. Plus, you get to see a bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City building in the background. 

You’ll see crowds hanging out on the benches and enjoying drinks, kids playing, and hawkers wearing costumes. If you decide to take a photo with these characters (ie: Elmo, Monkey King, etc), then it’s expected to give a small tip such as 20,000 VND ($.88 USD). 

What is fabulous about this walking path is that it’s located in the center of Nguyen Hue Street so cars and motorbikes are not allowed . On the weekends, the street is closed to vehicles so everyone can walk on the streets.  

Depending on your time of visit, there are holiday celebrations and festivals on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. If you visit during the Tet Vietnamese New Year, there are festive decorations with red lanterns, flowers, and the zodiac animal. 

You can also visit the local attractions along Nguyen Hue such as Saigon Skydeck observatory deck and Cafe Apartments .

Visit the Ho Chi Minh statue along the Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

3. Run or walk along the Saigon River. 

Depending on where you’re staying in Ho Chi Minh City, take an evening run or walk along the Saigon River. You won’t have to worry about the searing sun and heat at night. 

If you’re in District 1, head towards the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, cross the street (watch out for traffic on both sides and walk slowly!), and run along the river. You can run towards Le Meridien Hotel , close to Le Thanh Ton Street or head the opposite direction to the Elisa Floating Restaurant , a large boat that docks on the Bach Dang Pier on the weekends. 

Another opportunity is to walk/run along the river from District 1 along Hoang Sa or Truong Sa. Head to the Saigon Zoo area and you’ll find the river route from there. Check out this post on other running paths you can take around the city.

When walking along the Saigon River in District 1, you’ll see the Elisa Floating Restaurant and other boats for the dinner cruises.

4. Watch a show at the Opera House.

The Opera House, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Theater, is a gorgeous building with French colonial architecture. It was built in 1897 and restored in 1995. This place is in a central location as it’s a few minutes walk from the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. 

The theater has a variety of performing arts shows such as music concerts, ballets, and other cultural shows. During the November time frame, there is usually a Nutcracker show so get you into the Christmas holiday spirit. 

Check out the schedule here.

5. Watch a water puppet show.

One of the unique experiences in Vietnam to do is to watch a water puppet show. The show is an opportunity to see puppets tell a story about Vietnamese folklore and stories . It’s fun to watch and provides more insight into Vietnamese culture. 

These puppets are different from what you’re used to as they are made out of wood and lacquered . The puppeteers hold these puppets by rods and sticks so they float and dance on top of the pool of water. 

You can’t see the puppeteers as they’re hidden to the side of the stage. Yet, you have to admire the puppeteers’ strength to maneuver the heavy puppets in the pool. To the side of the pool, there is a small orchestra playing traditional Vietnamese music. 

We originally saw the water puppet show in Hanoi, yet, the show in Ho Chi Minh City is similar. It was a cute show even though the show was in Vietnamese and had a TV screen with English translation to the side of the stage.

Purchase discounted tickets for the water puppet show in advance and save money!

• Buy show tickets here. 
• Buy show tickets with dinner cruise here.

6. Take an evening walk through Vinhomes Central Park.

If you’re in the Binh Thanh area which is about 20 minutes away from Nguyen Hue Walking Street, then you have to check out Vinhomes Central Park. We’re a bit biased as we live in the area, yet, it’s a fabulous place to spend an evening. 

The 43.91 hectares (108 acres) public park was inspired by New York City’s Central Park and is beautiful with the luscious greenery and plants and paved walking paths along the Saigon River. There is a large lawn area for people to hang out and a BBQ section for those living in the area. It’s also children-friendly with two playground areas. 

Afterward, you can head to Landmark 81 , the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City at 81 stories high, for high-end shopping, movie watching, and/or to check out the Landmark 81 Skyview observatory . 

Visting Vinhomes Central Park to see the gorgeous Landmark 81 illuminate at night.

7. Check out the Starlight Crescent Bridge (Rainbow Bridge). 

If you have more time in Ho Chi Minh City, consider visiting the other districts to explore. District 7 has the Starlight Crescent Bridge in the park next to the Crescent Mall . 

From 5:30pm-10:00pm on Thursdays to Sundays, the bridge displays the colors of the rainbow . The bridge has water which illuminates with colorful LEDs. 

Afterward, try one of the Korean restaurants in the area. There is a high Korean expat population living in District 7. 

8. Get creative with a painting night!

Anyone can learn how to paint! Take a two hour painting class where everyone gets the opportunity to paint. The painting will have a different theme such as landscape, animals, plants, etc. 

Your instructor provides guidance on how to paint each layer. Yet, you can get creative with adding your own pizzazz to your painting. Plus, you get a glass of wine to enjoy during your course. 

The painting event starts either at 4:00pm or 5:00pm and lasts 2 hours. You still have the evening ahead of you to try other activities in this list. 

The location varies so it’s recommended that you follow Paint & Wine in Saigon on Facebook and register for a class. 

Let’s get creative with a Paint & Wine evening when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo credit: Bernardo Ramonfaur via Scopio Photos

9. Sing your heart out with karaoke night.

Karaoke is a cultural bonding experience in Vietnam. You often find a group of people on the sidewalk drinking beer and singing karaoke on the weeknights and especially on the weekends. We’ve seen speakers point to the street so everyone can hear them. 

While you can participate in an ad hoc karaoke event, consider visiting karaoke bars around Ho Chi Minh City instead! This would be a fantastic opportunity for a group of people. You get the opportunity to rent a room for a certain time frame, order food and drinks, and sing as much and as loudly as you’d like. 

It’s a fun experience and you don’t need to worry about singing badly. Just have fun with singing English and Vietnamese songs!

Recommended karaoke bars are iCool which has multiple locations in the city and King Karaoke in District 1.

10. Take a city tour at midnight. 

One of the unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to take a city tour at midnight . Yes, midnight! Your tour guide will take you around the vibrant spots of the city on a motorbike. It’s also the chance to hang out with a local. 

Click here to reserve your spot. 

Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City at Night: Food & Drinks

11. take a sunset or dinner cruise. .

One of the coolest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night is to take a cruise along the Saigon River . 

Depending on your preference, you can either do a late afternoon cruise to see the sunset or have dinner on the boat. It’s a fun way to check out Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline and also pass through various districts along the river. 

Since we live in Vinhomes Central Park in Binh Thanh District, we’ve seen the Saigon Princess Cruise pass by and we hear the music playing. 

Check out these other dinner cruise options to take:

• 1.5 Hour Dinner Cruise with Bonsai Cruise
• 3-Hour Dinner Cruise

12. Eat seafood for dinner. 

Vietnamese people love eating seafood, snails ( ốc ) , and shellfish for dinner. It’s one of the most memorable experiences that you’ll have. 

You get the opportunity to choose your fresh seafood from the tank and have it cooked in any way you’d like such as sauteed with garlic, salt and pepper, pepper sauce, etc. 

Tip: It’s helpful if you have someone who knows how to speak Vietnamese with you so they can order the fresh seafood. The prices aren’t marked so you have to ask what is the price per kilo. Otherwise, you can order from the menu. 

One restaurant that we recommend that you try is Ốc Đào Nguyễn Trãi in District 1. This restaurant is hidden yet it’s crowded every evening. 

We love eating razor clams with garlic, scallops, and shellfish in coconut sauce. We don’t know the name of the shellfish in English but it’s very delicious with the rich coconut sauce. You’ll need to use your lung capacity to suck the shellfish meat out of the shells or use a toothpick. 

You can’t go wrong enjoying a seafood dinner in Ho Chi Minh City.

13. Try a meal in the dark at Noir. 

Noir: Dining in the Dark is a unique dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City as you get to eat in the complete darkness . Since it’s already the evening, why not take the “night time theme” to the next level? 

While we haven’t had a chance to visit this restaurant yet, it’s on our bucket list. Each person enjoys 3 courses – appetizer, main entree, and dessert. There is a vegetarian option available. 

What is neat about this experience is that you have to utilize your other senses since you can’t see your food. Cell phones are not allowed in the dining room as the emitted lights will affect your meal. 

Reservations are necessary. Click here to save money for dinner.

14. Eat dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants. 

Let’s enjoy dinner on the rooftop of a building! It’s a fantastic way to see Ho Chi Minh City light up in the evening and also get some breeze as you enjoy your meal. 

Heads up. There is a chance that you may need to climb up a dozen stairs to get to the top level of the restaurant. Many of the restaurants are not in commercial buildings, so prepare for a hike. If you have knees or walking problems, it’s best to avoid these places. 

We love these rooftop restaurants: 

• Mountain Retreat & Secret Garden – These two restaurants serve Vietnamese food in a hipster setting. The restaurants serve similar food as they are owned by the same restaurant group. Try traditional Vietnamese food bursting with flavors such as . Since the dishes are smaller, you can order a variety and share “family style” with a group of people. 

We prefer Mountain Retreat as the rooftop setting is refreshing with the strung lights and the wooden seating. You’ll need to take the stairs to get to both of these restaurants.

• Hue House – This restaurant is located in District 3 and serves delicious cuisine from Hue, a city in central Vietnam. We love Hue foods such as bánh bèo , steamed rice cake with dried shrimps, scallions, and a tiny piece of crispy pork. There is an elevator to get to the restaurant. 

Mountain Retreat is a fabulous place to eat while you’re in Ho Chi Minh City!

15. Enjoy drinks and/or dance at the rooftop bars.

Ho Chi Minh City is constantly growing so there are more and more skyscrapers and tall buildings appearing every year. Visiting a rooftop bar is an exciting opportunity to see Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline and the sunset (if the timing is appropriate). Many of these rooftop bars are also nightclubs with the party-vibe. 

In the Female Expat group, these are the top-recommended rooftop bars to visit: Banana Mama (this one is highly recommended for the casual vibe) , M-Gallery , Chill Sky Bar , and Glow Rooftop . Check out this post for additional rooftop bars to visit at night. 

Have a blast and party the night away!

You’ll see some incredible nighttime views of Ho Chi Minh City from the rooftop bars.

16. Party and drink at Bui Vien Walking Street. 

Bui Vien Street, located in District 1, is Ho Chi Minh City’s version of Las Vegas. With the flashing lights, loud music, clubs, and crowds of people, it’s a busy area that’s popular with tourists and locals. 

This area is known as the “ backpacker’s area ” due to the cheaper guesthouses and hostels, affordable restaurants, and cheap beer. We love eating at Sara’s Ethiopian Restaurant, yet there are other good choices such as Baba’s Kitchen for Indian food and Bún Chả 145 for a classic Vietnamese dish of rice noodles with grilled pork that originated from Hanoi. 

If you’re into the nightlife and want a different vibe than the rooftop bars, then Bui Vien is a top night attraction to visit. You can party and drink all night long! A unique place to visit is the Hong Kong inspired beer club at Hẻm Bia: Lost in Hong Kong . The decor takes you to Hong Kong’s nightlife in 1968. 

Bui Vien is about 20-25 minutes walking from Ben Thanh Market. If you plan to stay up late and will drink, please hire a Grab car or motorbike to take you back to your accommodations. 

17. Eat street food via a motorbike tour. 

Love eating street food? Consider taking a street food tour where your guide takes you to the local places to eat . You’ll have an incredible time eating various Vietnamese cuisine and desserts and fill your belly with delicious food. Plus, it’s an opportunity to learn more about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City from your tour guide. 

While you can do a walking tour , it’s more adventurous to ride on the back of your guide’s motorbike to travel from restaurant to restaurant. 

Check out food tours via motorbike options here:

• 4 Hours Motorbike Food Tour
• 4.5 Hours Motorbike Food Tour on a Vintage Vespa

If you’re a vegan and/or vegetarian , check out this specific food tour . 

We hope you enjoyed reading this post on what to do in Ho Chi Minh at night. From the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife to the incredible food options, you’ll have a memorable evening here!

Have other questions about the nighttime activities? Ask them in the comments below!

If you need more ideas on what to see in HCMC, read our other posts below.

• Rainy day activities in HCMC
• HCMC day trips to take
• 2 Weeks South Vietnam itinerary

Save this post to your Vietnam Pinterest board!

Featured photo & pin #1 photo credit: efired via Depositphotos.com

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

A Fantastic 1 Day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Itinerary + Tips from a Local

How to visit the gorgeous banyumala twin waterfalls in bali, indonesia, you may also like, maafushi vs fulidhoo: which is the better local..., top 7 local islands in the maldives to..., why we love staying on maldives’s local islands..., 17 tips for traveling to maldives on a..., a memorable 1 week maldives itinerary on the..., 16 must know travel tips for the maldives, maldives packing list: what to pack for 1..., 2 transportation options from fulidhoo island to male..., what to do on maldives’s fulidhoo island besides..., 8 reasons why we love fulidhoo island, maldives, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By submitting a comment, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Refer to the Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information. *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept or opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

9 Truly local things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night

A corner of Nguyen Hue walking street - Photo: internet

When the sun goes down, Saigon becomes irresistible with its energy and tons of people who are finding their way through the city. As a Saigon insider, my articles will list some of the activities for your wonderful night in Saigon. Even though rooftops and bars are here for you to have some drinks and make some new friends, those activities sound like very Westernized. In this article, forgive me when I skip all of the Western-like activities and jump to only-the-local ones. Below are the top 9 local things to do in Ho Chi Minh city at night .

Table of Contents

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh city at night

1. ca phe bet near the notre dame cathedral.

“Ca Phe Bet” means sitting on the flat ground to drink

Coffee after 3pm sounds like in the not-to-do list for most people. But you can go to this Ca Phe Bet park, which is next to the Cathedral for this interesting local thing. This park is located between two main roads of District 1, Le Duan and Pasteur and has the name Ca Phe Bet, which literally means “coffee on the flat ground”. There, from 5pm you will witness the locals from 15 to 25 years old sitting in a large or small groups to chat the night away. Some bring their musical instruments like acoustic guitars, others sing. The young energy of the country makes you optimistic about the future of the country.

Like I said, if coffee is not your thing after 3pm, grab some local food here. Street vendors are popular in the park, willing to give you some newspapers or cardboard to lay down on the concrete. You can sit on them then order a drink or stir-fried corn or grilled rice paper.

Pocket tip:

– If you’re sitting in the park then man approach you to offer the shoes cleaning services, just say no. It’s a common scam in Vietnam. They will clean your shoes then charge you with the big bill. – Local food at Ca Phe Bet park is often less than 50,000 vnd per item. Check your local currency carefully.

2. Discover Pham Ngu Lao area and drink Saigon beer

Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area

If you haven’t heard of 30 cent beers, this is the place you can try. Order Saigon Special beer and have some fun with your group of friends might be an interesting idea. The streets in this area are also full of street food vendors. It’s easy for you to find the fry squids hanging down on the charcoal fire with bottled chili sauce, the egg balut Hot Vit Lon or the fried corn Bap Xao which is very popular in the local street food. Having a beer watching people passing by in front of your eyes, immersing yourself in this non-stop Saigon city and respecting for all the differences you’ve seen on the way you travel to finish your day. One more thing, there are plenty of restaurants that offer late-night bites that are so hard to pass on.

Saigon Special beer

Pocket tip: – Be mindful of your belongings seems like a typical advice when traveling in Southeast Asia. Prepare yourself sandals or a good pair of shoes to walk around. – Wanna challenge yourself with a budget of two dollars per night to survive? The good news is: Yes, one Saigon Special beer, one street food, challenge done!

3. Nguyen Hue walking street at night

A corner of Nguyen Hue walking street

Nguyen Hue Street is a broad walking promenade in the middle of District 1 city center. This pedestrian area is flanked by some beautiful French colonial architectural wonders like the People’s Committee, the Rex Hotel, and a luxury shopping mall. In front of the People’s Committee you find a statue of Uncle Ho Chi Minh and a fountain show by night. At the other end of the promenade, you will find the Saigon River from where you can enjoy a nice view with a breeze. Walking from one end of the street to the other takes you around ten minutes and you will find some nice bars and restaurants along the way. It is nice to walk on Nguyen Hue Street, or take a seat on one of the benches, to have a look at the daily life and routine of the locals.

Ho Chi Minh city is busy as you can see, this place is a great idea for the locals to get fresh air and watch some street performances. Parents love taking their kids here and buy them some toys from the vendors.

4. District 7 and the Starlight bridge

Unlike other districts which offer the buzzling lights and sounds, District 7 is more tranquil and peaceful. A prefect getaway to recharge, breathe and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. A perfect night can be strolling by the Crescent Lake which is an attraction of the area. Walking in an open airy space is extremely relaxing.

Things to do in ho chi minh at night

At night, the place becomes even more charming as the Starlight Bridge turns into a light spectacle making you feel like walking amongst the stars. The pedestrian bridge is a perfect romantic setting for an evening stroll, as long as you don’t mind sharing the moment with crowds of other smitten couples holding selfie sticks.

6. Enjoy live music in coffee shops at night 

Music is great. Listening to a local band playing songs in English can make your night an exciting and soulful one. There are hundreds of coffee shops in town and those places are not only about the coffee but also the environment and the unique atmosphere that each cafe offers to their guests. From my observation over the past years, those can be categorized into three types: garden cafes, vintage cafes and “modern” cafes. And some of them provide live music at night besides the candlelights with violins, guitars, talented singers.

Cafe Ngoi Nha So 7

Some live music coffee shops:

+ No. 7 Cafe House– 7 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC + Gu Cafe – 145 D3, Binh Thanh District, HCMC + Cõi Riêng Cafe – 334A Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 2, Tân Bình District, HCMC

7. Dine along the streets

Another version of Banh Mi

Street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh city are like vampires — they come out at night. You will find so many individuals and groups of stalls scattered around the city. Locals love sitting on the sidewalks and enjoying a hot bowl of soup or dishes of rice after a hard day’s work. Check out Co Bac and Co Giang, two of the most popular street food alleyways. Most dishes here will cost you around one or two dollars.

Scooter food tour with the female bikers

Pocket tips:

– If you are a street food fan, check it out our top street food paradise in Ho Chi Minh city . The famous one is Co Bac street, Co Giang street in district 1 – Vietnamese street food is yummy, but make sure you leave some space for the next dishes so that you can try a little bit of everything. – Eat the local street food, use the local transport if possible too, which is the motorbike.

8. Sing your heart out at karaoke in Ho Chi Minh city at night

Karaoke is a favorite Asian pastime and Vietnam has taken it to a whole new level. You will find giant lounges, decorated so lavishly as if they are expecting royalty. Rooms can be booked for as low as USD$30.00 per group, which includes drinks, finger food and hours of loud music. Want to sing some Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne or even Guns ‘n’ Roses and Outkast? No problem. The playlists are endless. Check out King Karaoke or Nice karaoke, those are the most popular karaoke bars in town.

Karaoke is fun

– Vietnamese love singing. Even if you are not confident with your singing voice, give it a try. Don’t be shy. When in Vietnam, do as the Vietnamese do. – Go with at least one of your local friends if possible. Although the song lyrics is shown on the Karaoke television screen but the seeing your local friends sing can make you want to join the fun.

Read more: Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city in daytime

9. Getting around the city at night with the green bikers Grab

Grab takes over Uber

Motorbikes rules the city

Although a scooter tour to hunt for the food and the hidden gems of the city is fun, you don’t need an English speaking driver/tour guides all the time. In this case, using Grab is amazing when the app gives you the chance to use the local transport.

Same with Uber, Grab offers you not only taxis but also bikes. Walking on the pedestrians of the city and wonder why the green jackets and helmets are so popular. Here is the answer for you: they are Grab drivers. Since Uber can’t compete with the local insight advantages in Southeast Asia with Grab, Uber was sold to Grab and withdrew from Vietnam in 2018.

Just around 5 to 10 minutes after you confirm your ride with the app, your driver will be at your place for the pickup. If you are lucky to find a driver who can speak a little English, ask them some simple questions like where they are from, do they love their job, you will see their effort in happily trying to have the friendly conversation in English and want nothing in return except for your company.

– Since most of Grab drivers don’t speak English. Sometimes the driver arrives very nearby but hesitates to make you a phone call to know who is his guest. In this case, please kindly help them by looking around for the green jacket and helmets, he will be grateful for your effort. – Although tipping is not popular in Vietnamese culture. A gratitude of 10,000 vnd or 20,000 vnd will make them more than happy. Those sum of money is equivalent to less than 1 dollar, be generous and support the locals. – Going for a night drive is fun when the roads are a little less crowded, giving more freedom than during daytime.

Above is the best local things to do in Saigon at night I want to suggest when you travel to our city. Feel free to ask questions and leave comments. It’s good if you choose to explore the city on your own. But in case you want an in-depth experience, you can check out the Saigon Evening Street Food Tour by Scooters , provided by the #GirlPower female rider of Saigon Kiss Tours.

How about this article?

• Helpful Information

Related posts

Workout boost our mood

Our Recommended Gyms in Ho Chi Minh City

The local guide to find authentic Banh Xeo Vietnamese crepes in Ho Chi Minh

Pho is famous for its soup

The Honest Local Guide To Find The Authentic Pho Noodle Soup In Ho Chi Minh

Thank you Natalie. Very informative. Prepping for my first trip to VN.

Hi Stephen, glad that you love my post. Anything you need with the itinerary you always have the help of my team. Feel free to reach us [email protected] or +84901006844 (WhatsApp/Telegram/iMessage) for any questions. All the best!

Hi Natalie, It will be my first trip to Vietnam… but not for pleasure but mainly for work. I have some free time though. I arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at about 9am on a Monday and booked in a hotel near the airport as I have to fly to another place in Vietnam the next day for my work. On my final day in Ho Chi Minh before flying home at around 3PM, I hope to also explore more of the city. I am not much into night life but would love night sceneries, aside from the daytime activities (shopping and of course visiting famous spots). Which would you suggest the best way to get around the city and maximize my time. Calling for the green Grab motorbike guys or could I hire a similar service for the day to take me around as I finish in one place to save time in booking Grab motorbike each time. I am not a motorcycle rider and my only experience in riding in tandem in a motorbike was in Malaysia and Thailand (I am from the Philippines). Or would it be better to hire a car with driver to take me around? Although it might be a problem due to traffic. Your suggestion will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Hi Malou, the green Grab bikers is good if you know exactly what you want, get the route map in mind and only need the transportation. By telling the Grab drivers your destinations and where you head for the next, he will do good with that. No cheating, no scams, just go and pay. Traveling for work with limited time, I understand that you want to take advantage of free time for a good time. From what you shared, my suggestions is you do a customized tour with a local guide, either with car or local transport which is scooter. It’s all your choices. – For the Daytime: do shopping tour or half day tour. Normally it’s 3-4 hours for one experience. I don’t suggest that you do a whole day tour because it would be a bit overwhelming under the hash sunshines of South Vietnam. – For the Night time: do a bit sight-seeing combining with street food. Better go to the local spots which is not touristy. The key is the tour guide. She or he should speak good English and know the city really well so that you guys can talk like friends. For solo travelers, I think the connection between travelers and the tour guides must be put in top priority. Let me know what you think.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

These narrow tunnels around Ho Chi Minh City may seem basic, but they helped change the tide of the Vietnam War.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Although they are now a very popular tourist attraction, the Cu Chi Tunnels still give you an authentic insight into the vast underground network the Viet Cong used in their fight against America and its allies during the Vietnam War.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the best things to do when you're in Ho Chi Minh City, and there are a few options to consider when planning your trip.

• A bit of background to the Cu Chi Tunnels
• The difference between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc
• The best things to do at the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Some suggestions for the best Cu Chi Tunnels tours
• My top tips for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

In the messy quagmire that was the Vietnam War, the USA and the southern government that it was supporting had numerous advantages – including better military technology, air superiority, and more money.

Yet still, they ‘lost’ the war to North Vietnam (however you define ‘losing’).

How was the north able to win against the military might of the US? Well, there were a lot of complicated reasons, but one of them is quite simple – tunnels!

One of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, and it’s here that you can see why they were such an important factor in the Vietnam War.

This network of underground passages were used by North Vietnamese forces (Viet Cong) within South Vietnam. Essentially, they were places to hide during the day, waiting to launch surprise attacks at night.

The US didn’t know where they would appear from because there were so many tunnels entrances hidden in the jungle. And as soon as they’d attacked, they would be back down the tunnels, so the US couldn’t retaliate.

One of the reasons for this element of surprise was that troops and equipment were able to move long distances underground and avoid detection. In total, the tunnels used by the Viet Cong spanned over 250 kilometres!

The Cu Chi Tunnels are just one section of the whole network – named because they are in the district called Cu Chi.

They are now the most famous because visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is easy from Ho Chi Minh City, so tourism infrastructure has been developed and the tunnels have been preserved or restored.

The best way to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City is with a tour, and I recommend this very good and affordable one .

Climbing down into one of the tunnels, I squeeze through the narrow passage that has been carved through the earth. It has been expanded slightly for tourists, but even so, there’s very little room.

I find the most comfortable way to move through is to crouch down and lean forward, shuffling through as my small backpack scratches the ceiling above.

It would be possible to crawl, but your hands and knees would get dirty.

I wouldn’t describe myself as skinny, but I’m also not particularly overweight, yet it’s still tight. The reality is that some people would struggle to fit through these old Viet Cong tunnels.

They were not easy to dig so the North Vietnamese only made them as wide as necessary. The people who lived down here during the war were naturally skinny, plus food was limited and illness very common.

If you are concerned you might not fit, or don’t like the idea of crawling through a small space, don’t worry. Going down into the underground passages is just a small part of visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. Most of the things you’ll see here are on the surface.

What are the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The Cu Chi Tunnels are part of a vast underground network used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War for shelter, transport, and strategic military operations. Spanning over 250 kilometres, the whole tunnel network includes living quarters, hospitals, and supply routes.

Where are the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The underground tunnel network is in southern Vietnam because it was used by the northern Viet Cong forces to attack sites in the south. The sections known as the Cu Chi Tunnels are about 50 kilometres north of Ho Chi Minh City and are easy to reach by road.

Is it worth visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, even though the site can get a bit crowded with tourists. The tunnels and the other things to see around them are an important part of Vietnam’s history and will give you a hands-on insight into this part of the Vietnam War.

No war is pleasant. No war is clean. But it’s easy to sometimes forget all of that when you’re focused on the overall direction or the geopolitical ramifications of a conflict.

Taking a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels reminds you how primitive parts of the Vietnam War were. As well as the tunnels, there are examples of the booby traps that were built here – just really simple but damaging contraptions like nails in wood or metal in holes.

While one side of the war was dropping expensive bombs and deadly chemicals, the other was developing basic – but ingenious – protection systems in the jungle, like underground trap doors and air filtration systems.

In a proxy war between the USA and the USSR over diametrically-opposed visions for the world, a single fight on a particular day sometimes just came down to a group of men jumping out of a hole dug between trees in the jungle.

Seeing this for yourself – climbing into the holes, shuffling through the tunnels, feeling the humidity – is an excellent way to understand more about the brutal reality of the Vietnam War.

In a moment, I’ve got lots of information about how to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, including the best tours from Ho Chi Minh City (and, yes, I do recommend taking a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels because it’s so far away).

But, first, I want to run through some useful background information.

History of the Cu Chi Tunnels

Although it’s the Vietnam War that is generally associated with the Cu Chi Tunnels, they were actually first built in the late 1940s during the First Indochina War. This war took place when France was still in control of Vietnam and there was resistance against them by local anti-colonial forces.

This first network was smaller and was even simpler than what you see today when you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were initially dug by hand using simple tools, with the soil carefully dispersed to avoid detection.

Over time, though, the network expanded and became increasingly sophisticated, featuring living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, hospitals, and even weapon factories.

The tunnels still remained typically narrow and low – partly, as I’ve discussed, because they didn’t need to be wider, but also because it made it more difficult for enemy soldiers (who were often larger) to navigate.

During the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels became a critical element in the Viet Cong’s strategy. They grew from isolated patches of tunnels used for shelter and became a vast network connecting different towns.

To get a full picture of the network, you need to imagine more than just a single tunnel. In fact, many parts of the Cu Chi Tunnels had three floors – three metres, six metres, and twelve metres underground. This gave the Viet Cong versatility to repel attacks.

The US military became frustrated by the tunnels and launched several campaigns to destroy them. This included the use of explosives, flooding, and gas attacks. But the different levels, equipped with blast doors and ventilation, was able to withstand most of them.

Eventually the US and its allies trained specialised teams of ‘tunnel rats’, soldiers trained to navigate the booby-trapped tunnels with just a torch, knife, and pistol. Overall, they weren’t able to break the system in any meaningful way.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were used right up until the end of the Vietnam War. When the conflict ended, it was, of course, North Vietnam who finished victorious. Because the tunnels were such an important part of their success, the government preserved them.

That’s why today you can still visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and see them yourself – because they were used by the victors, who want to tell their story… even 50 years on!

Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc

Now… at this point, I want to explain a couple of important things about where the Cu Chi Tunnels are, because it’s actually a little more complicated than you might realise.

The whole network of Viet Cong tunnels spreads across an area about 250 kilometres long, and the name ‘Cu Chi Tunnels’ refers just to the part within the Cu Chi district.

But within the Cu Chi district, there are several different sections that have their own names. The two best known sections for visitors are called Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc.

When someone says they are ‘visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels’, it could be to either (or both) of those sections. But often the average tourist doesn’t realise that there is more than one location.

When you choose a Cu Chi Tunnels tour to go on, you may not be giving much thought to which one you will visit, even if you know that there is more than one option.

So, what’s the difference between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc?

The most popular Cu Chi Tunnels site is Ben Dinh, and this is where most of the tours will take you.

There’s lots to see here, with all of the main aspects you’ll be expecting, including holes to climb in, tunnels to crawl through, demonstrations of booby traps, and a shooting range.

But there are lots of tourists here, so you do end up having to wait around sometimes to go into the tunnels or holes, and it can be a little frustrating if you’re trying to take photos or have a more leisurely experience.

Some of the key details about Ben Dinh are:

• Busier, with more tourists and tour groups
• More preservation more and modifications for tourists
• A smaller site overall
• Closer to Ho Chi Minh City (about 50 kilometres away)

Mainly because it’s further away, Ben Duoc ends up being much quieter. You’ll notice the difference, especially as it doesn’t get as many large tour groups that move around as a pack.

It also feels more authentic and is known for trying to preserve the tunnels in more of an original state. Some of them have been widened for tourists, but not all of them.

Having said that, it is still quite similar. The site actually spreads over a much larger area but you can only visit with a local guide (included with the entry fee) who will take you to fairly similar things as Ben Dinh.

Some of the key details about Ben Duoc:

• A bit quieter, especially when it comes to large tour groups
• Fewer modifications for tourists, which means a bit more authentic
• A larger site overall
• Further away from Ho Chi Minh City (about 70 kilometres away)

Ultimately, if you choose to take one of the tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, I would recommend just going with the one that suits you best (whether that’s because of price, timing, etc), even if it’s not to the section that sounds best. That’s because I think they are similar enough that it probably doesn’t really matter.

However, if everything else is the same and you can choose between the two, I think you’ll have a slightly better experience at Ben Duoc, mainly because there are fewer tourists.

If you’re travelling independently, Ben Dinh is 20 kilometres closer, so might be a better option if you’re on a bike, for instance. But it requires three buses, if you’re going by public transport.

On the other hand, Ben Duoc only requires two public buses so it’s a little simpler even though it will take longer.

I would recommend Ben Duoc if you have more time to spare, but I also don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Ben Dinh.

Things to do at the Cu Chi Tunnels

When you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll find that there’s more than just the tunnels themselves, because over the years, both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc have grown into busy tourist destinations that essentially act as large open-air museums.

As a visitor, you’ll follow a pretty standard trail through the jungle that leads you past remnants of the Viet Cong infrastructure, to small exhibitions about the war in this region, small huts where you can watch videos, and some other attractions designed for international tourists.

I thought it might be useful to give you an idea of the kind of things you can do at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

I’ll use examples for what you can do at Ben Dinh, because it’s the most popular of the two sights. But if you’re going to Ben Duoc, you’ll find the offerings are fairly similar.

The first (and obvious) thing you can do at the Cu Chi Tunnels is to… well, see the tunnels.

Within the site, there are a couple of different sections of tunnels that have been enlarged and reinforced with concrete so they are safe to crawl through. They are each less than 100 metres long, with exits approximately every 20 metres, so you don’t have to go the whole way.

A set of steps leads down into a small room that you can stand in (maybe slightly crouched) and then the tunnel connects to another small room, and so on.

If you think you are ‘average’ sized, then you’ll have no difficulty fitting through the tunnel, although it will feel a bit awkward because you’ll have to crawl or shuffle forward while hunched down.

If you consider yourself to be ‘large’ than you may find it more uncomfortable or even not be able to easily fit.

Also, keep in mind that whatever your size, you’ll definitely need to be able to crawl, crouch, and climb up some steps, so the tunnels won’t be accessible if you’ve got mobility issues.

Entrance holes

As well as the tunnels themselves, there are quite a few entrances that have been maintained even though they now don’t lead to anywhere.

Essentially, these look like holes – but they’re closed with a wooden board on top that is covered with leaves, so an enemy patrolling the jungle would not notice it’s there – even if they trod on it!

These entrance holes are one of the most popular things to see at the Cu Chi Tunnels, partly because they offer a great photo opportunity. You can hop down into it and put the cover over.

You need a certain level of strength or fitness to be able to get it and climb out, but it’s not nearly as claustrophobic as the tunnels because you can stand up and have your head above ground, if you don’t want to crouch down for the full experience.

The biggest issue is the crowds because it takes a minute or so for each person to get in the hole, so you usually have to wait for your turn.

Booby traps

During the Vietnam War, the American forces focused on the area around the Cu Chi Tunnels because they knew the Viet Cong was hiding here. The northern forces weren’t going to make it easy for the US to find them, though.

As well as hiding the entrance to the tunnels, they set up lots of booby traps in the jungle. Some of them are on display here.

In one section, you’l find a whole row of booby traps lined up, with names like ‘window trap’ and ‘folding chair trap’. A worker will demonstrate how each of them works.

The concept of all of them is quite basic. There’s usually a hole in the ground covered by things like twigs and leaves. When the enemy steps on it, they fall though, and there’ll be some combination of wooden, metal, nails, and spikes that will inflict a bad wound.

War memorabilia

Throughout the Cu Chi Tunnels site, there are lots of war remnants on display – some directly related to the tunnels, and others placed here just because it’s a tourist attraction.

For instance, there’s an American tank (an M41, to be exact) that was hit by a mine in 1970. It’s popular for photos and people climb all over it these days.

There are also quite a few weapons on display, including large artillery guns. (Although none of it compares to the War Remnants Museum in HCMC).

Some areas have exhibits directly related to life in the tunnels. Mannequins are used to recreate scenes of Viet Cong fighters in a room making traps, for example, or sitting outside with radios and maps.

It’s interesting to see and does help you imagine the war period, even though none of it is particularly authentic. More than anything, these dioramas are useful for a tour guide to refer to something as they tell you about the story of the tunnels.

Shooting range

I’m still undecided on whether it’s appropriate or not to have a shooting range at the Cu Chi Tunnels. While I can see the connection to the history of the site, it seems a little insensitive considering how many people died in the war.

Still, it’s here, and it’s very popular with lots of visitors.

Essentially, the shooting range lets you fire different types of guns that were used during the Vietnam War. There’s about ten to choose from, including the M16, AK47, and M60 machine gun.

You pay per bullet – 60,000 VND (US$2.40) for each one – so it gets quite expensive if you want to fire a lot.

The most annoying thing about the shooting range is that it’s really loud! If you’re in a tour group, you’ll probably have to wait around for about 15 minutes… and it started to give me a headache.

Still, there are shops, food, and drink here, so at least you can find something to do if guns aren’t of interest.

Although it’s an area that I tend to just walk straight through, I thought it would be useful to mention that there’s a decent-sized shopping area at the entrance/exit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

With plenty of souvenirs for sale, you’ll be able to find items related to the Cu Chi Tunnels as well as some general Vietnam memorabilia like t-shirts and artwork.

Not surprisingly, the prices are quite high and this isn’t the best place to do your souvenir shopping if you’ll have time in Ho Chi Minh City – you’re much better off going to Ben Thanh Market.

There are also restaurants and cafes, so you can have lunch here or grab a drink.

Cu Chi Tunnels tours

It is possible to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels independently from Ho Chi Minh City, and I’ll have a bit more to say about that in the next section.

But the reality is that trying to do it alone is time-consuming and complicated. For most people, the best way to visit is by taking one of the tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

In general, I think the tours are reasonably priced and very easy, and I would recommend doing it that way in most situations.

The main upsides of the Cu Chi Tunnels tours is that they are very convenient, they will save you a lot of time, and you’ll have a guide who will give you a lot of context for what you’re seeing.

The main downsides of the tours is that you’ll be slowed down a bit by being in a group (waiting for each person to climb into the tunnels, for instance), and you won’t be able to explore at your own pace.

There are a lot of companies that offer tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and most of them are pretty similar. But there are always a couple that are a little dodgy and will try to make extra commissions by taking you to shops and cut short your time at the site.

I would recommend you don’t go with any super cheap Cu Chi Tunnels tours, because there’s always some kind of catch.

For a great value standard tour with easy transfers and a good guide, I recommend this tour to Ben Dinh from Ho Chi Minh City .

If you would prefer to go to the quieter section of Ben Duoc, there is this great tour from Ho Chi Minh City , which costs just a little more. This is a really good option to avoid the crowds.

Or there are some other good tour choices here:

Many of the companies also offer combo tours to both the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

They are not near each other at all, so this combo isn’t offered for geographic convenience. It’s basically just because they’re the two most popular trips from Ho Chi Minh City, so you can save time by getting them both done on the same day.

If you’re interested in doing that, I would recommend this well-organised day trip .

Another option is a private tour, where things will be more comfortable and you’ll have a bit more flexibility. I think this private combo tour is worth having a look at.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

Being able to see – and crawl through – this much authentic war heritage makes visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City .

I would definitely recommend you visit, even if you don’t have too much time. While modern Saigon is full of fun things to do, this is a really interesting way to connect with the country’s history.

Because it’s more than an hour’s drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels will take at least half a day, regardless of how you do it.

If you take a tour, you’ll probably spend about two hours at the site. If you’re on your own, I would suggest about the same.

As I’ve covered in detail above, there are two different places that are referred to as the ‘Cu Chi Tunnels’ – one is called Ben Dinh and ones is called Ben Duoc.

They are about 20 kilometres apart but generally have very similar things to see and do. The main difference is that Ben Dinh is much busier because it’s closer.

If you want a quieter experience, then Ben Duoc may be the better option, even though it’s further away, which means it takes longer to reach and the tours a bit more expensive.

Getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels independently by public transport is possible but a little complicated because you’ll have to change buses at least once.

Ben Duoc can be reached with just two buses, while Ben Dinh needs three buses. Either trip takes about 2.5 hours each way.

For this reason, I would strongly recommend taking a tour instead. Yes, it will cost a little more, but you’ll save a lot of time, which can be used for other activities back in Ho Chi Minh City.

Having a guide is also really useful for somewhere like this to get the context of what you’re seeing. Most tours will use the drive out to the site to give you lots of really interesting background.

If you just want to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels at Ben Dinh, I recommend this very good and affordable one .

If you want to combine the Cu Chi Tunnels with some time on the Mekong, then this full-day tour is a great option .

Or any of these tours are also really good:

As with most places outdoors in Vietnam, make sure you come prepared for the weather! You’ll need sun protection on sunny days and a raincoat if it’s wet.

There are shops at the entrance to the Cu Chi Tunnels, as well as at the shooting range inside, where you can buy food and drinks. But I would recommend at least bringing some water and snacks for the trip out there.

Bring insect repellant is a good idea as well.

If you’re going to climb through the tunnels or into the entrance holes (which I would recommend, if you’re able to), you will get a little dirty. It’s not that bad, but you may want to consider that when you choose what to wear.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 50 kilometres north of Ho Chi Minh City, in the Cu Chi district. The most popular section is called Ben Dinh. You can see it on a map here . The other main section, Ben Duoc, is about 10 kilometres further away. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

To get to Ben Dinh by public transport, catch bus number 4, 13, 27, or 65 (from 23/9 Park) to An Suong bus station. From there take bus 122 to Tan Quy bus station. Then catch bus 70 to Ben Dinh. It will take about 2.5 hours. To get to Ben Duoc, catch bus number 13 (from 23/9 Park) to Cu Chi bus station. From there, take bus number 79 to Ben Duoc. It will take about 2.5 hours each way. However, I would recommend joining one of the tours rather than doing it independently. They’re affordable and will save you a lot of time.

When are the Cu Chi Tunnels open?

The Cu Chi Tunnels opening hours are 7:00 – 17:00 at both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc.

What is the Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee?

A standard ticket to either of the Cu Chi Tunnels costs 125,000 VND (US$5). Children between 1m and 1.4m high can get two tickets for the price of one.

Are there tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, there are lots of tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City. For a great value standard tour with easy transfers and a good guide, I recommend this tour to (the more touristy) Ben Dinh . If you would prefer to go to the quieter section of Ben Duoc, there is this great tour from Ho Chi Minh City , which costs just a little more.

If you are hungry, there are restaurants at the main entrances to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There are also shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.

There are not really any other tourist things to do in the Cu Chi district other than the tunnels.

However, there are lots of tours that combine a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels with other activities – a visit to the Mekong being the most popular.

This is nowhere near, so there’s a long drive between. The main reason you would combine them is if you would’ve done both on separate days otherwise, because you save a lot of time by not having to go in and out through the hectic HCMC traffic.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City is super busy but accommodation around District 1 will save you a lot of transport hassle.

For a modern and quiet hostel, I would suggest the awesome Tam Social Enterprise Hostel .

A comfortable budget option is  Tripwriter Hotel … and I like the name!

For a stylish design hotel, you should try  Cinnamon Boutique Hotel .

And if you want to splurge, I think one of the coolest hotels is  The Myst Dong Khoi .

More stories about Vietnam

• The best places to visit in Vietnam
• A two-week itinerary for Vietnam
• The best things to do in Hanoi
• How to choose a Ha Long Bay tour
• What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
• Things to see in Hoi An
• A tour to the My Son ruins
• Visiting the Imperial City of Hue
• The enormous caves of Phong Nha
• All the World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Leave a comment Cancel reply

In vietnam, i recommend:.

🏨 Hotels: Booking.com 👩‍🏫 Tours: GetYourGuide 🚌 Bus & train: 12Go

Find me on the socials:

Subscribe for news and deals:.

top stories: