Top 15 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025

Visit the Reunification Palace

• Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Steeped in history, this building was the site where the Vietnam War effectively ended in 1975. Today, visitors can walk through preserved meeting rooms, the president’s chambers, and an underground command bunker that still holds vintage communications equipment. Beyond its historical importance, the palace showcases striking 1960s architecture and peaceful gardens, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s past while standing at the heart of modern Saigon.

Explore the War Remnants Museum

• Location: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

A visit to the War Remnants Museum offers an essential insight into Vietnam’s modern history. Located in District 3, the museum documents the Vietnam War through powerful photography, preserved military equipment, and detailed exhibitions. Visitors can see fighter planes, tanks, and even a replica of prison conditions that illustrate the harsh realities of the conflict. 

While the content can be intense, the museum provides valuable context for understanding the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the impact of the war on the nation. It is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited attractions, making it an important stop for anyone who wants to connect more deeply with the country’s past.

Admire Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office

• Location: 1 and 2 Công xa Paris Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (next to each other)

Standing side by side in the heart of District 1, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office are two of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks.

The Notre Dame Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed in the late 19th century with materials imported from France, it stands out with its red brick façade and soaring twin bell towers. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, offering visitors both a serene atmosphere and a striking example of French Gothic architecture in the heart of bustling District 1.

Just across the street, the Central Post Office presents another masterpiece of colonial design. Built at the end of the 19th century and attributed to Gustave Eiffel, the building features a magnificent vaulted hall, intricate ironwork, and old-fashioned telephone booths. Inside, travelers can admire the historic maps on the walls, purchase postcards, or simply soak in the blend of European design and Vietnamese history. This elegant landmark continues to function as a post office today, making it both a cultural site and a living piece of the city.

Take Photos at Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)

• Location: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Dinh Church, often called the Pink Church, is one of the most photogenic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century, this striking Catholic church stands out with its pastel pink façade, Gothic-style details, and tall bell tower that dominates the skyline of District 3. Visitors are drawn here not only for its religious significance but also for its Instagram-worthy aesthetics, making it a favorite stop for travelers looking to capture unique city shots. While the interior is reserved for worship, the exterior provides plenty of angles for photography, especially in the morning when the light enhances its vibrant colors.

Shop at Ben Thanh Market

• Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City feels complete without a stop at Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most iconic shopping spot. Inside this bustling maze, you’ll find everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing, spices, coffee, and street food stalls. The atmosphere is lively and often crowded, but that’s part of its charm, where both tourists and locals come to bargain and taste authentic flavors of Saigon. 

Prices are not fixed, so negotiating is expected, and it can be a fun way to interact with the vendors. If you visit in the evening, the market spills out into the streets with a vibrant night bazaar, perfect for trying Vietnamese snacks and picking up last-minute gifts.

Discover Cho Lon (Chinatown)

• Location: Tran Hung Dao, Chau Van Liem, and Luong Nhu Hoc streets in District 5

Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is a fascinating district where Vietnamese and Chinese cultures blend seamlessly. Walking through its busy streets, you’ll encounter traditional Chinese temples, herbal medicine shops, and markets filled with exotic goods. Binh Tay Market is the heart of the area, offering fresh produce, spices, and a variety of local snacks. 

Beyond shopping, Cho Lon is also a food lover’s paradise, with countless street food stalls and family-run restaurants serving unique Chinese-Vietnamese dishes. Visiting this district gives you a deeper perspective on the city’s multicultural identity and a chance to experience a side of Saigon that feels both historic and authentic.

Enjoy the View from Bitexco Tower & Saigon Skydeck

• Location: 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, making it one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Its Skydeck, located on the 49th floor, offers a sweeping 360-degree view that captures the bustling streets, the winding Saigon River, and the blend of colonial and modern architecture below. Visiting around sunset is especially rewarding, as the city gradually lights up and the contrast between day and night becomes breathtaking. Beyond the views, the tower also houses shops, restaurants, and a bar where you can enjoy a drink with the skyline as your backdrop, making it a perfect stop for both sightseeing and relaxation.

Experience Nightlife at Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, buzzing with energy every evening. As the sun sets, the street transforms into a lively hub filled with neon lights, music, and endless choices of entertainment. Here, you can find everything from rooftop bars and live music venues to casual beer corners and street food stalls serving late-night snacks. It’s a melting pot of cultures, where backpackers, locals, and travelers from around the world gather to socialize and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. You can sip a cold beer on a plastic chair, dance the night away, or simply emerge in the lively scene.

Walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stretching from the Saigon River to the iconic People’s Committee Building. Every evening, the pedestrian avenue comes alive with street performances, live music, and groups of young locals gathering to socialize. The street is lined with historic French colonial buildings, trendy cafés, and modern shopping centers. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, stop for a refreshing drink, or simply soak in the energetic atmosphere that captures the city’s modern lifestyle. You should visit during festivals and special events. At those times, Nguyen Hue becomes even more dazzling with colorful lights and cultural shows.

Explore The Cafe Apartment

• Location: 42 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

One of the most Instagrammable spots in Ho Chi Minh City is the Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Once an old residential block, the building has been transformed into a lively hub of creativity, with each apartment converted into a unique café, boutique, or co-working space. 

What makes the experience truly special is the balcony view: from above, you can admire the bustle of the city, watch the evening lights sparkle across District 1, and even catch street performances down below. Many visitors come here not only for coffee but also for the chance to capture stunning cityscape photos.

Beyond cafés, the building also houses independent fashion shops, lifestyle boutiques, and art stores, where young local designers showcase clothing, handmade accessories, and unique souvenirs.

Take a Saigon River Cruise

A cruise along the Saigon River offers a refreshing way to see Ho Chi Minh City from a different perspective. Instead of the busy streets filled with scooters and markets, you’ll glide past modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and peaceful stretches of riverbank. Daytime cruises highlight the contrast between the bustling city center and quieter suburban areas, while evening cruises are especially popular for their panoramic views of the skyline lit up after dark. Many options include dinner on board, cultural performances, or even short trips further out toward rural villages, making it a memorable activity whether you’re looking for romance, relaxation, or a family-friendly outing.

Street Food Tours by Scooter

A street food tour would fill your stomach with a ride around the city on a motorbike. Street food in Sai Gon is typical for its flavors, some dishes are quite sweet and some are even spicy. Most of the dishes are single meals, single plate or bowl dishes which are kind of not so much a huge feast or more expensive than specialty dishes. The dishes are varied, and the technique for cooking is never out of style with the balancing between warm and cool ingredients, between heavier meats and lighter rice-based carbs, fresh herbs, such an unique cuisine.

Watch A O show at the Saigon Opera House

• Location: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

A O Show is one of the two famous shows that illustrate the life of Vietnamese people, recreate the old habits away from the modern world under the typical and traditional music background of the Southern of Vietnam. The main props of the show is the very famous bamboo basket of Vietnamese people from tiny size to human-size. During the period of just over an hour, spectators will have a chance to indulge in a highly entertaining and highly flexible show with hidden abstract meanings. Tickets are quite affordable ranging at around 30$ for each play and often play at 6 p.m from Tuesday to Friday.

Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most memorable day trips you can take from Ho Chi Minh City. Located about 60 kilometers from the city center, this vast underground network was used during the Vietnam War as hiding spots, supply routes, and living quarters. Walking through the narrow tunnels gives you a sense of the resourcefulness and resilience of Vietnamese fighters. Today, the site has been preserved as an outdoor museum, where visitors can crawl through reconstructed sections, view wartime artifacts, and even try traditional food once eaten by soldiers. It’s not only a historical excursion but also a unique cultural experience that adds depth to any visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day trip to the Mekong Delta

A day trip to the Mekong Delta is one of the most rewarding things to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Just a few hours’ drive from the bustling metropolis, the Delta reveals a completely different side of southern Vietnam, where life revolves around winding rivers and fertile farmlands. Visitors can cruise along coconut-lined canals, stop at small islands, and see local workshops producing traditional sweets, rice paper, or handicrafts. Floating markets offer a glimpse into the daily commerce of the region, while village visits allow travelers to interact with locals and taste fresh tropical fruits straight from the orchards.