Top 7 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant town formerly known as Saigon, is the major metropolis of southern Vietnam. 

Nestled in and around this sprawling city on the Mekong Delta are several sights and experiences you won’t want to miss. We’ll run down seven of the top things to see in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The War Remnants Museum

For anyone who grew up in the 70’s or 80’s, Vietnam is inextricably linked to the Vietnam War, which raged from 1954-1975. American involvement surged in the 1960s and 70s as the war reached its climax with the eventual fall of Saigon.

The War Remnants Museum recounts the horror of that period as told by the victors. But instead of gloating or vilifying their opponents, the museum focuses on self-determination, liberally displaying quotes from heroes of the American Revolutionary War in the context of the modern conflict.

Exhibits range from weaponry to uniforms to sometimes graphic imagery of the horrors of war. If you’re a bit squeamish, fear not. Such exhibits come with disclaimers to let you bypass them. As upsetting as it was, I think the imagery served to educate about the destruction any armed conflict unleashes.

You would think that this monument to a failed American military venture would be a sore spot for both locals and American tourists, but in reality, the opposite is true. More than anything, it’s a testament to how former enemies can move on while still not forgetting the lessons of the past.

If somber reflection isn’t your thing, head outside, where you can play among a trove of leftover American military hardware from tanks to armored vehicles to choppers in an outdoor boneyard. 

At the very least, it’s worth a few good photo opportunities.

Reunification Palace

Technically called Independence Palace, this former residence of South Vietnamese leaders is synonymous with the eventual fall of Saigon when North Vietnamese tanks burst into the compound. 

Today, the building offers a glimpse back in time, preserving the architecture and decor of the 1960s when the modern structure was built.

You can peek into the former living quarters and common rooms decked out in what today would be considered kitschy-retro-chic. 

The basement still houses an array of Cold War Era telecommunications equipment, tunnels and a war room.

If you are interested in the tumultuous history of Vietnam, a visit here will provide insight into what life was like during those troublesome times.

Central Post Office

Most people consider a trip to the post office a chore, not a destination. But in Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Post Office is an attraction in its own right. 

Built by the French in the late 1800s, the Central Post Office is a beautiful example of Neo-Classical European architecture with a dose of Asian design. 

The ornate yellow facade looks right out of Paris (especially with the Cathedral of Notre Dame next door). It features many artistic elements — from elegantly tiled floors to sweeping arches — that most likely put your local post office to shame.

Entrance is free, as this is still a functioning postal facility. For a fun souvenir, send yourself a postcard with the official postmark while you’re there.

If you have a little time, people-watch in the square outside the post office. I was fascinated by the constant flow of tourists marching in and out of the building, but catching glimpses of local life is what traveling is all about. 

I watched a bride and groom take their pictures in front of the elegant facade (a nice touch, in my opinion).

I chatted with a local doughnut vendor who circled the area with a conical stack of the pastries atop his head. He even let me give it a try, though my neck was not quite up to the task. My stomach, on the other hand, had no problem putting away the doughnut.

Ben Thanh Market

Centered in a 100+ year old building in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the Ben Thanh Market is a city institution. 

Jam-packed with some 1500 stalls, you can browse an expansive range of goods for sale, from souvenir kitsch to foodstuffs to ordinary, everyday items. And since you may have been traveling for a while, you can update your beauty regimen with a haircut, ear cleaning, and pedicure.

There are two daily shopping periods. 

The day market generally runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. But if you can’t get there during business hours, don’t fret. After 6 p.m., vendors set up a night market of brightly-lit stalls along surrounding streets with many of the same goods on sale during the day. 

The difference in the evening is the emphasis on food, with lots of vendors hawking delicious Vietnamese delicacies. 

Bui Vien Walking Street

Known by the locals as the “Backpacker District,” this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is filled with inexpensive restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels. It is often compared to Bangkok’s touristy counterpart, Khao San.

After dark, this is the place to be, with throngs of people milling about, sipping coffee, eating food, and enjoying a night out on the town. A festive vibe permeates the area, and if it’s nightlife you seek, you’ve come to the right place.

Regardless of your budget, visiting the backpacker district is a must if you’re young (or young at heart) and hoping to sample the vibrant energy Ho Chi Minh City is known for.

Visit a Rooftop Bar

In Vietnam, their rooftop bar game is taken to the next level (pun absolutely intended). 

You’ll find elegant cocktail bars and clubs atop many modern skyscrapers, perfect for city views or a night out on the town.

Styles and budgets vary, though most trend towards glitzy, sophisticated venues geared to upscale clientele. 

Deejays or live music are a regular feature after dark, making these high-altitude havens the perfect place to dress up and party down.

If you’re looking to literally rise above the masses for an epic nightlife experience, a rooftop bar is a must-see during your visit. 

Try the Food!

Regardless of wherever your city explorations take you, no visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without sampling the incredible local cuisine. 

Whether in restaurants or little back alley cafés, the delicious flavors of Vietnamese food are one of the real treats of a visit to the country.

Be sure to sample some pho — a meat and veggie soup with flavorful broth — as well as a bahn mi, a sandwich featuring meat and more veggies on some delicious bread. When done, wash it down with some delicious Vietnamese coffee.

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to temperatures, there is no hot and cold season in Ho Chi Minh City. Rather, it is a matter of hot or hotter. The spring sees a slight rise in daily highs, though it isn’t significantly more than any other time of year.

The real difference in seasons is a matter of wet or dry. 

The wet season, from May through November, sees cloudy skies, stifling humidity and a significant chance of rain.

The dry season, which lasts from December through February, is still somewhat overcast and humid, but there is far less chance of precipitation.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

The most direct way to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City is via the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (code SGN). Located only a few miles from the center of town, catching a taxi or arranging a private ride are both economical options.

As the largest city in southern Vietnam, all roads (and rails) lead to and from Ho Chi Minh City. So, wherever your next stop is, you’ll find frequent connections and options abound. 

For instance, if you want to find out how to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Da Nang, you have multiple options. You can enjoy the slow travel experience of a train ride down the spine of the Vietnamese coastline, take a comfortable bus ride, or take a quick and relatively inexpensive flight between cities.

If you want to end your trip in Vietnam’s capital in the north, your most practical options for getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi are via a very long but scenic sleeper train ride or a much quicker flight.

Map of Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re the visual type, this map will give you an overview of the distances between primary attractions.

Packing list essentials for Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is often best explored on foot, so you’ll constantly be exposed to the heat and humidity. The following list will help you be prepared:

• Breathable, lightweight clothing – No matter what time of year you arrive, it will be hot and sticky. Wearing light clothes (bonus points for moisture-wicking fabrics) will reduce the inevitable discomfort.
• A rain poncho or waterproof jacket – Especially if you visit during the wet season, a rain poncho or waterproof jacket is essential for continuing your city explorations despite the elements.
• Comfortable, water-resistant shoes – Whether perusing Ho Chi Minh City’s many museums or strolling the Bui Vien Walking Street, wear comfortable footwear that can handle unexpected puddles or downpours.
• Some nice clothes for a night out – While you’ll be touring in casual clothes, you’ll want to step up your dressiness factor when you go out on the town (especially to those elegant rooftop bars).
• An extra bag – A visit to Ben Thanh Market (or any other market) will likely result in more than a few souvenir or handicraft purchases (check out the amazing locally embroidered goods). It will be worth having a small, packable bag to store your loot.

Things to see in Ho Chi Minh wrap-up

These seven things to see in Ho Chi Minh City are a testament to how effortlessly it blends tradition and progress. It’s the pulsating heart of modern Vietnam, yet much of its history dates back to the Vietnam War. 

Spend a few days exploring the city before traveling throughout Vietnam.

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