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Top 5 Must do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Travel & Lifestyle

Top 5 Must do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

The top 5 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from historic landmarks to street food and vibrant nightlife.

By Lam Nguyen, Content Editor · · 9 min read

Last updated: April 22, 2026

Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon by locals and visitors alike, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. With a population of over 9 million people, it is a place where centuries-old pagodas sit alongside modern skyscrapers, and street food vendors share sidewalks with upscale restaurants. Whether you are visiting for dental treatment, business, or leisure, these five experiences should be on every visitor’s list.

1. Explore the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited museums in Vietnam and among the most impactful war museums in the world. Located in District 3, the museum documents the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War) through a powerful collection of photographs, military equipment, and personal artifacts.

The outdoor exhibits include aircraft, tanks, and artillery pieces, while the indoor galleries feature photojournalism from both Vietnamese and international photographers. The museum provides important historical context for understanding modern Vietnam and is a profoundly moving experience for visitors of all nationalities.

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily

2. Wander Through Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic marketplace and has been a central hub of commerce since the early 20th century. The market’s distinctive clock tower entrance is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Inside, you will find hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and Vietnamese coffee to lacquerware, silk clothing, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses), and handmade souvenirs. The food court area is an excellent place to sample local dishes such as pho, banh mi, com tam (broken rice), and fresh spring rolls.

Tip: Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Start by offering about 50 percent of the asking price and negotiate from there. The night market, which sets up on the surrounding streets after the main market closes, offers a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Address: Le Loi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

3. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground passages used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of the city center, the tunnel complex stretched over 250 kilometers and included living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and command centers – all built entirely underground.

Today, visitors can explore reconstructed sections of the tunnels, some of which have been widened to accommodate tourists. The experience of crawling through the narrow passageways gives a vivid sense of the conditions soldiers endured. Above ground, guides explain the ingenious engineering and survival strategies that made the tunnels possible.

Half-day tours depart from central Ho Chi Minh City and typically take four to five hours, including travel time.

4. Discover Vietnamese Street Food

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the world’s great street food cities, and eating your way through the city is an essential part of any visit. Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its balance of fresh herbs, rice, noodles, and bold flavors.

Must-try dishes include:

  • Pho – Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, served with beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts
  • Banh mi – A crispy baguette filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili
  • Com tam – Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables
  • Bun thit nuong – Grilled pork over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and fish sauce
  • Banh xeo – A crispy, savory crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
  • Che – Sweet dessert soups made with beans, jelly, coconut milk, and tropical fruit

Street food is best experienced in local neighborhoods away from the main tourist areas. Districts 4, 5, and Binh Thanh are known for particularly authentic dining experiences.

5. Experience the Nightlife in Bui Vien and Beyond

Bui Vien Street in District 1, also known as the backpacker area, is the epicenter of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife. Every evening, the street transforms into a bustling pedestrian zone lined with bars, live music venues, and open-air seating where locals and travelers mingle over cold beer and Vietnamese snacks.

For a more refined evening experience, rooftop bars have become a defining feature of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline. Venues atop the city’s tallest buildings offer panoramic views, craft cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere. The Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower provides one of the best observation points in the city.

Beyond the bar scene, Ho Chi Minh City offers live music, traditional water puppet shows, and late-night street food crawls. The city truly comes alive after dark, and its energy is infectious.

Making the Most of Your Visit

If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City for dental treatment, scheduling your appointments in the morning leaves afternoons free for sightseeing. The city’s efficient ride-hailing services make getting around easy, and most attractions in the central districts are within a short drive of each other.

Serenity International Dental Clinic is committed to helping patients combine high-quality dental care with an enjoyable travel experience in Vietnam. Our team is happy to offer local recommendations to make your stay memorable. If you are planning an extended trip, consider visiting some of the top 3 luxury resorts in Vietnam for a truly relaxing recovery after dental treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry (December to April) and wet (May to November). The dry season is generally the most comfortable time to visit, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, the city is enjoyable year-round, and even during the wet season, rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day downpours.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The most common concerns are petty theft (bag snatching and pickpocketing) and traffic safety. Keep valuables secure, be cautious when crossing streets, and use reputable transportation services.

How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City?

The most convenient options are ride-hailing apps (Grab is the most popular), metered taxis (Vinasun and Mai Linh are reputable companies), and motorbike taxis. The city also has a growing bus network and its first metro line. Walking is pleasant in the central districts but can be challenging due to heat and traffic.

How many days should I spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

Three to five days is ideal for covering the major attractions. This allows time for the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels (a half-day trip), market exploration, street food experiences, and an evening or two enjoying the nightlife. If you are combining your visit with dental treatment, you may be in the city for seven to fourteen days, which gives you ample time to explore at a relaxed pace and venture into less touristy neighborhoods.

What should I budget for a day in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is remarkably affordable for international visitors. A comfortable daily budget for a tourist might include: accommodation at a three- to four-star hotel ($40 to $80), meals including street food and one restaurant dinner ($15 to $30), transportation via Grab ($5 to $15), and museum admissions and activities ($5 to $20). In total, you can enjoy the city comfortably on $70 to $150 per day, though luxury options and fine dining will increase this significantly.

Is it worth taking a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. The Mekong Delta is one of the most popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City and offers a fascinating contrast to the urban energy of Saigon. Tours typically depart early in the morning and travel to the river town of My Tho or Ben Tre, approximately 70 kilometers south of the city. Highlights include boat rides through narrow canals shaded by coconut palms, visits to floating markets, fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and traditional music performances. Full-day tours cost between $15 and $50 depending on group size and inclusions, and most return to the city by late afternoon.

More Activities Worth Your Time

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

This striking neo-Romanesque cathedral was built by French colonists between 1863 and 1880 using materials imported entirely from France. Located in the heart of District 1, the cathedral’s twin bell towers and red brick facade are one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. The adjacent Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s firm, features a beautiful vaulted interior and is still a functioning post office where you can send postcards home.

Take a Cooking Class

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most celebrated in the world, and taking a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City is a hands-on way to bring the flavors home with you. Most classes begin with a guided tour of a local market where you learn to identify Vietnamese herbs, spices, and ingredients. You then prepare three to five dishes, typically including pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh xeo. Classes are widely available, cost between $25 and $60 per person, and are a highlight for many visitors.

Explore Chinatown (Cho Lon)

District 5, known as Cho Lon or Chinatown, is one of the oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. The area is home to ornate Chinese temples, traditional medicine shops, bustling wholesale markets, and some of the best Chinese-Vietnamese street food in the city. Binh Tay Market, the main market of Cho Lon, is less touristy than Ben Thanh and offers a more authentic local market experience. The area is easily reached by taxi or Grab from District 1 in about 15 to 20 minutes.

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Written by Lam Nguyen, Content Editor

Lam Nguyen is the content editor and has been working for Picasso Dental Clinic since 2013.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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