Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

A brightly lit urban scene with a historic building, modern high-rises, and a busy street at night.
A cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and a bridge.
A rustic thatched-roof structure surrounded by lush greenery and a calm water body.
A wooden dock with several small boats docked at the edge of a calm body of water surrounded by lush greenery.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern skyscraper with illuminated signage in the background.

Things to do

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

P2,059
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

P1,560
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

P624
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport

P1,965
per traveler
76% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Luxury-Group Full-Day Mekong Delta Cruise

Ho Chi Minh : Authentic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

P1,684
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh : Authentic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
Picture 8 for Activity Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

P438
per adult
Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Small-Group Day Tour

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

P1,681
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day
See all activities in Ho Chi Minh City
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
Learn more
A building with the sign "CUA-TAY" above the entrance.

2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
Learn more
A well-lit hotel with a sign reading "HOTEL CONTINENTAL SA".

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
Learn more
A busy street at night with a prominent building labeled "ALLEZ BOU".

4. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.
Learn more
A pathway with a large fountain, greenhouses, and red flowers.

5. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
Learn more
A grand building with ornate architecture and a blue roof, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

6. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.
Learn more
A modern building with the sign "VINCOM CENTER" and "EXIMBANK" on its facade.

7. Saigon Central Post Office

Even in a city with such a great wealth of colonial architecture, the superb Saigon Central Post Office is a notable highlight. Step inside to marvel at the sublime barrel-shaped hall with its cream tiled floor and to admire intricate hand-painted maps on the walls.
Learn more
A row of doors with clocks indicating Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, and Pretoria.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Stay near popular Ho Chi Minh City attractions

A building with the sign "CUA-TAY" above the entrance.

Ben Thanh Market

7.8/10 (6,130 reviews)
This iconic 1914 marketplace showcases Vietnamese commerce with over 3,000 vendor stalls selling crafts and textiles. Visit the vibrant food court to sample authentic pho amid the sensory-rich atmosphere.
See properties

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Find the best Ho Chi Minh City areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ho Chi Minh City
Learn more about Ho Chi Minh City
A traditional Chinese building with a multi-tiered roof, a reflection in the water, and a bridge in the foreground.

Phu Nhuan

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Phu Nhuan and you might want to plan a stop by Tan Son Nhat Market and War Remnants Museum while you're in the area.

A large brick church with arched windows and a prominent clock tower.
Photo by iwander14
Open Photo by iwander14

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

A night-time view of a building with a clock tower and the inscription "CHÔNG BÌN THÀNH" at its entrance.

Ben Thanh

While you're in Ben Thanh, take in top sights like Ben Thanh Market and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

A spacious, ornate interior with a high, arched ceiling and green and yellow accents.

Dong Khoi

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travelers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Union Square or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Traditional architecture with ornate roofs, a stone monument, and lush greenery.

Little Japan

Visitors often come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Opera House Station.

A coastal town with a river, boats, and green landscapes.

Bien Hoa

A cityscape with two prominent skyscrapers, a river, and a dense urban environment.

Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travelers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.