Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

Opera House showing night scenes, a high rise building and a city
Opera House showing night scenes, a high rise building and a city
Saigon River featuring skyline, a skyscraper and a city
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam featuring a bay or harbor and a pond
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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.
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Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. 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.
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Pham Ngu Lao Street showing shopping, night scenes and street scenes

3. 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.
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Dong Khoi Street showing heritage architecture and night scenes

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.
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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden which includes zoo animals and a park

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.
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Opera House which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

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.
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Vincom Center Shopping Mall which includes signage

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Popular places to visit

Ben Thanh Market which includes markets and shopping

Ben Thanh Market

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market
Aerial view of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and the illuminated Bui Vien party street at night, Vietnam.

Bui Vien Walking Street

You can enjoy retail therapy at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Bui Vien Walking Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing shopping, night scenes and street scenes

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Pham Ngu Lao Street
Dong Khoi Street showing heritage architecture and night scenes

Dong Khoi Street

One of two major commercial centers in Ho Chi Minh City, this street has high-end shops, cafés and restaurants as well as some of the city’s finest architecture.

Dong Khoi Street
Lion dance on lunar new year in saigon vietnam

Saigon Square

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can enjoy retail therapy at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Square
Ho Chi Minh city skyline at night. Skyscrapers, apartment buildings. Saigon Skydeck

Landmark 81

You can do some window-shopping at Landmark 81 during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Landmark 81
Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden featuring zoo animals and a park

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden
Opera House featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and street scenes

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

A sobering collection of artillery, documentation and graphic exhibitions depict the effects of the Vietnam War.

War Remnants Museum

Areas of Ho Chi Minh City

Guerrero

District 1

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in District 1. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and HCMC Museum, and jump on the metro at Opera House Station or Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

District 1
Top view aerial of Mai Chi Tho road, Thu Thiem peninsula and center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with development buildings, transportation, energy power infrastructure. View from District 2

District 3

Travelers come to District 3 for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like War Remnants Museum and The Most Holy Redeemer Saigon while you're in town.

District 3
Ben Thanh Market featuring street scenes, night scenes and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(10 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4/5(5 area reviews)

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.

Dong Khoi
Tran Nguyen Han- Memorial at Cho Ben Thanh in Saigon, Vietnam.; Shutterstock ID 167849279

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Beautiful scenery in the early sun of Khanh An Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam - little Japan in Saigon. Travel and landscape concept.

Little Japan

5/5(1 area review)

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.

Little Japan
High wide drone view of fish farming floating community and surrounds in Bien Hoa on the Dong Nai river in Vietnam on sunny day

Bien Hoa

Binh Thuan sunset sun down on top of the boat as if to sleep on the boat. I felt like the boat was carrying the sun in a very peaceful sleep.

Thuan An

Thu Dau Mot city, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, aerial view. This is a newly formed city in Southeast region of Vietnam

Thu Dau Mot

Saigon River which includes a city, a river or creek and boating

Trảng Bàng

peaceful view of the Sala monastery inside the sala cemetery, Long Thanh

Long Thanh

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.