14 Ways to Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Choose the experiences that suit you

Explore Chinatown in District 5

Cho Lon, the city’s historic Chinatown, spreads across several neighbourhoods. Explore streets of shops, temples and restaurants, with time to notice the details of places such as Thien Hau Temple.

Binh Tay Market is a useful stop for understanding the area’s trading life. A guide can help you navigate the market and find a place to try dishes such as dim sum or roast duck.

• Families curious about cultural diversity.
• Foodies craving authentic Chinese cuisine.
• History buffs exploring Saigon’s hidden corners.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts occupies distinctive historic buildings near the city centre. Its collections offer an introduction to Vietnamese art, including painting, sculpture and lacquer work.

Allow time to look at the works that interest you rather than rushing through every room. Exhibitions and gallery arrangements can change, so check what is on when you visit.

• Art lovers exploring Vietnam’s creative heritage.
• Couples seeking a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

Experience the Vibrant Collectors Market (Binh Thanh District)

A collectors’ market can be an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys old objects and their stories. Ask your guide whether a suitable market or gathering is operating during your stay.

Items may include cameras, watches, coins and furniture. Treat sellers’ descriptions as claims to assess, and ask permission before photographing people or handling objects.

• Antique collectors searching for unique treasures.
• Travellers interested in browsing rather than a fixed shopping list.
• Photography enthusiasts looking for vintage backdrops.

Visit Buu Long Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda lies away from the central sightseeing area, in the eastern part of the city. Its golden spires, gardens and water features make it a distinctive temple visit.

Allow for the journey and follow signs about visitor access. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and give worshippers space. Access to particular levels or interiors may vary.

• Spiritual travelers seeking tranquility.
• Travellers interested in temple architecture.
• Nature lovers craving peaceful green spaces.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Saigon River (District 1)

A river cruise gives a different perspective on the skyline. Choose a departure time and route that fit your day, remembering that sunset colours depend on the weather.

Options range from sightseeing trips to dinner cruises. Compare the departure pier, duration, menu and seating arrangements rather than assuming every cruise offers the same experience.

• Couples wanting a romantic evening.
• Families seeking a relaxing yet unique experience.

Tip: Confirm the boarding point and allow time to reach it in city traffic.

Explore Cu Chi’s history

Cu Chi’s tunnel sites explain wartime life and the development of an extensive underground network. Evening programmes have also been offered, but availability and format should be confirmed directly.

Visitors see outdoor displays and can choose to enter short prepared tunnel sections. The full wartime network is not accessible as a visitor route.

A guide can explain cooking areas, concealed entrances and the conditions people faced. You can still learn from the visit if you prefer to remain above ground.

• History buffs keen on Vietnam War stories.
• Visitors comfortable with a serious historical subject.
• Small groups exploring offbeat attractions.

Embark on a Spiritual Exploration (Various districts)

Ho Chi Minh City is home to an incredible diversity of spiritual landmarks, from Buddhist temples to Catholic churches and Hindu shrines. This makes it an ideal place for those seeking deeper cultural and spiritual insights.

Consider Jade Emperor Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral and Sri Mariamman Temple. Opening arrangements and restoration work can affect access, so plan around current information and religious services.

• Pilgrims connecting with spiritual landmarks.
• Culture seekers eager to learn about religious diversity.

The city’s religious sites reflect several communities and traditions.

Watch the A O Show

The A O Show combines acrobatics, live music, bamboo structures and basket boats to explore images of Vietnamese life. Performances at the Saigon Opera House offer a chance to see contemporary stagecraft in a historic setting.

Check the current performance calendar, venue and age guidance before booking. The production includes demanding acrobatics as well as storytelling and music.

• Culture enthusiasts enjoying traditional storytelling.
• Couples on a memorable date night.
• Families seeking fun, family-friendly entertainment.

Join a Motorbike Food Adventure (District 1, District 3, District 5)

A guided food tour can introduce dishes and neighbourhoods you might miss on your own. Some tours travel by motorbike with a driver, while walking and car-based alternatives may suit other travellers.

Ask about the route, helmet provision, insurance and dietary requirements before booking a motorbike tour. Tell the guide about allergies and foods you prefer to avoid.

Tip: Evening tours can be lively, but choose a format in which you feel comfortable.

• Food lovers chasing Saigon’s best street eats.
• Travellers comfortable riding as a motorbike passenger.

Discover the 9-storey Cafe Apartment Building (District 1)

At 42 Nguyen Hue, a former apartment building contains a changing mix of cafés and small businesses. The appeal lies in its individual spaces and views over the pedestrian street.

Choose a café that appeals to you and settle in for a drink. Respect private areas and businesses rather than treating every doorway as a public photo stop.

• Coffee lovers exploring themed cafés.
• Couples enjoying cozy, balcony views.
• Visitors interested in small cafés and city views.

Tip: Check any lift fee and current access arrangements on arrival.

Join a carefully planned bicycle ride

City cycling requires care around busy traffic. A guided route chosen for your confidence and fitness is a better starting point than assuming central roads or bridges are easy recreational rides.

Ask about traffic exposure, helmet provision, distance and rest stops. Quieter routes outside the busiest central streets may be more enjoyable, especially if you are unfamiliar with local traffic.

• Fitness enthusiasts combining sightseeing and exercise.
• Travellers who are confident cycling on the proposed route.
• Eco-conscious travelers exploring sustainably.

Take a Scenic Waterbus Tour (District 1, District 2)

The Saigon Waterbus offers a practical way to see parts of the river and skyline. Bach Dang is a central departure point, but check the current route and timetable.

Tickets cover particular journeys; do not assume unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel. Confirm your return sailing and allow for limited availability at popular times.

• Families wanting a relaxing river journey.
• Photographers capturing riverside scenes.

Tip: Reserve where possible and arrive in time for boarding.

Immerse Yourself in Saigon’s Coffee Culture (District 1, District 3)

Try ca phe sua da, strong coffee with condensed milk over ice, or choose a specialist café to explore different beans and brewing methods. Street-side spots and quiet indoor cafés offer very different atmospheres.

The Workshop is one well-known example, while many smaller cafés are tucked into apartment buildings and side streets. Check current locations and hours before making a special trip.

• Digital nomads working from trendy coffee shops.
• Couples indulging in Vietnamese coffee traditions.

Try egg coffee if you enjoy a richer, dessert-like drink, and let staff know about any dietary needs.

Explore Local Craft Villages in the City (Cu Chi)

Ho Chi Minh City is home to several traditional craft villages that showcase Vietnam’s rich artisanal heritage. Visiting these villages offers insight into time-honored techniques and the opportunity to purchase unique handmade souvenirs.

Phu Hoa Dong in the Cu Chi area is associated with rice-paper making. Arrange a workshop visit in advance if you hope to see production or take part, since daily activity varies.

Thai My is known for bamboo and rattan crafts. A local guide can help confirm which workshops welcome visitors and what is being made.

• Cultural enthusiasts learning about artisanal crafts.
• Families engaging in hands-on activities.
• Shoppers looking for authentic, handmade souvenirs.