Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): A First-Time Visitor’s Guide

ByAmber Hours

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Looking for the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City? Whether you call it Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city is packed with fascinating history, incredible street food, colorful markets, French colonial architecture, and unforgettable day trips.

Many travelers simply pass through Ho Chi Minh City before heading north, but I think the city deserves a few days of your time. Between learning about Vietnam’s history, exploring vibrant local neighborhoods, tasting southern Vietnamese cuisine, and venturing into the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels, there’s far more to experience than first meets the eye.

After visiting southern Vietnam, these are the attractions and experiences I genuinely recommend. Some are iconic landmarks every first-time visitor should see, while others have become personal favorites because they offer a glimpse into everyday life.

For many travelers, Saigon is the gateway to southern Vietnam and the starting point for meaningful experiences like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. This guide focuses on what to expect, how to plan, and how to decide if Ho Chi Minh City belongs in your Vietnam itinerary.

Why Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?

Flower market in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most energetic city. It’s loud, fast-moving, and deeply layered, shaped by war, religion, street food culture, and rapid modernization.

I liked Ho Chi Minh City much more on my second day than my first. My first impression was nonstop traffic and sensory overload. By the end of the trip, I was taking Grab bikes around the city, eating at neighborhood street food stalls, and wishing I had another day to explore.

If you wish to witness millions of motorbikes fill the streets, enjoy sidewalk kitchens that stay busy from morning until late at night, and walk through modern skyscrapers that stand beside French colonial buildings and historic temples, Saigon is for you!

This isn’t a relaxing city (did I mention they have the largest amount of bikes per capita in the world?) – but it’s an important one. Travelers who lean into Saigon’s intensity will leave with a deeper understanding of Vietnam as a whole, just as I did.

My Favorite Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

These are the experiences that stood out most during my visit and the ones I’d recommend first to anyone planning their first trip.

1. Join a Saigon Street Food Tour

Best for: Food lovers, solo travelers, and first-time visitors

If I could only recommend one experience in Ho Chi Minh City, it would be taking a street food tour.

Southern Vietnamese cuisine is noticeably different from what you’ll find in northern Vietnam, and exploring the city with a local guide helps you discover neighborhoods and family-run vendors you would probably never find on your own.

Beyond the food itself, it’s an opportunity to learn about local customs, ingredients, and daily life while navigating the city’s maze of alleyways.

Allow: 3–4 hours

2. Wander the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market & Night Market

Best for: Food lovers, photographers, and experiencing local life

This ended up being one of my favorite places in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the day, the market supplies flowers to businesses across the city. By evening, the surrounding streets transform into a lively neighborhood filled with local food vendors.

I loved wandering through the colorful flower stalls before grabbing dinner from the nearby street food market. It felt authentic, relaxed, and offered a glimpse into everyday life that I didn’t experience elsewhere in the city.

Allow: 1–2 hours

3. Visit Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Tân Định (The Pink Church)

Best for: Photography, architecture, and quick sightseeing stops

Walking around the corner and seeing the bright pink façade completely caught me off guard.

Built in the late 1800s, Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Tân Định is one of the most recognizable churches in Vietnam and one of the most photogenic places in the city. It also serves as a reminder of Vietnam’s diverse religious history and French colonial influence.

Even if you’re only stopping for photos, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.

Allow: 20–30 minutes

4. Visit the War Remnants Museum

Best for: History lovers and first-time visitors

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most important places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

The museum presents the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective through photography, historical documents, and personal stories. Outside, you’ll find American military aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and other equipment left behind after the war.

Some exhibits are graphic and emotionally difficult to view, but I believe they’re important for understanding Vietnam’s modern history and provide valuable context for the rest of your trip.

Allow: 2–3 hours

5. Take a Two-Day Mekong Delta Tour

Best for: Nature lovers and travelers wanting to experience rural Vietnam

The Mekong Delta was the highlight of my time in southern Vietnam.

A multi-day tour allows you to slow down and experience a completely different side of the country through floating markets, winding canals, tropical fruit farms, and riverside communities.

If your schedule allows, I strongly recommend choosing a two-day tour instead of a rushed day trip.

Allow: 2 days

👉 Read my complete Mekong Delta guide.

flower market in saigon, vietnam

Visit Independence Palace

Once the presidential residence of South Vietnam, Independence Palace—also called Reunification Palace—became the symbol of Vietnam’s reunification in 1975. Today, visitors can tour the preserved rooms, underground bunker, and war command center.

Allow: 1–2 hours

See Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Saigon

One of the city’s best-known landmarks, this beautiful French colonial cathedral sits in the heart of District 1.

Please note: The cathedral is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is expected to remain closed until 2027, although the exterior is still worth seeing.

Allow: 15–20 minutes

Visit the Saigon Central Post Office

Located directly across from the cathedral, the Central Post Office is one of the finest surviving examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam.

The building remains a working post office and is free to enter.

Allow: 20–30 minutes

Admire the Saigon Opera House

Even if you don’t attend a performance, the Opera House is worth seeing for its beautiful colonial architecture.

If you’re interested in Vietnamese culture, consider booking an evening performance during your visit.

Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Built by Cantonese immigrants, this peaceful Taoist temple is filled with intricate wood carvings, incense, and ornate statues.

It’s one of the city’s most atmospheric religious sites.

Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Best for: Souvenirs, bargain hunters, and first-time visitors

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Inside you’ll find souvenirs, coffee, spices, clothing, handbags, snacks, and just about everything else imaginable.

I found it a bit overwhelming, with narrow aisles and vendors constantly inviting shoppers into their stalls. However, if you enjoy bargaining or want inexpensive souvenirs, it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once.

Allow: 30–60 minutes

Walk Along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street

This pedestrian boulevard is one of the city’s most popular gathering places, especially in the evenings.

Expect families, street performers, cafés, and locals enjoying the cooler evening temperatures.

Experience Bùi Viện Street

Known as Ho Chi Minh City’s backpacker district, Bùi Viện is packed with bars, restaurants, clubs, and nightlife.

If you’re traveling with children – I would avoid this area. There are many girls dancing in front of shops trying to draw in customers and likely not appropriate for younger eyes.

It personally wasn’t my cup of tea – but might be worth doing a quick walk through if you want to see what all the fuss is about.

Enjoy the Views from the Bitexco Skydeck and landmark 81

I didn’t personally get to visit these viewpoints – they weren’t high on my “must see” list – but they are popular stops.

Bitexco Skydeck

The Skydeck offers panoramic views across the Saigon skyline and is one of the best places to appreciate the city’s size and constant motion.

Visit Landmark 81

As Vietnam’s tallest building, Landmark 81 represents the city’s rapid modernization.

Beyond the observation deck, you’ll also find shopping, restaurants, and riverfront walking paths.

Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels

taking the speed boat to cu chi tunnels in Saigon, Vietnam

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam and make an excellent day trip.

If possible, I recommend choosing a speedboat tour instead of the standard bus tour. It avoids traffic and offers a much more enjoyable journey along the river.

👉 Read my complete Cu Chi Tunnels guide.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is special: slower pace, floating markets, and rural landscapes offer a wonderful contrast to Ho Chi Minh City’s constant energy.

It’s worth an overnight visit

👉 Read all about my 2-day Mekong Delta experience

🌟 Plan your trip: Recommended Excursions & Links!

cats downtown saigon at the notre dame cathedral

How Long Should You Stay?

5+ days: Great if you enjoy exploring neighborhoods, cafés, and local markets at a slower pace.

1–2 days: Enough for the city’s major attractions.

3–4 days: Ideal if you also plan to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

Getting to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport makes it one of the easiest entry points into Vietnam. Flights are the most efficient way to arrive from northern cities, but sleeper buses could be a cheaper option if you’re coming from Northern Vietnam.

Most travelers will need a visa in advance. Always verify requirements early and confirm that all visa details exactly match your passport.

I personally waited a little too long to get my visa and needed to use a visa expediting service. I would recommend applying 1 month ahead at minimum, but if you forget or have a last minute trip – I would highly recommend the visa expediting service. Make sure you read recent reviews on these services and go with a reputable company. Luckily, Klook is a well-known platform and is very trustworthy.

flower market in saigon, vietnam

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Most visitors stay in District 1 for convenience, but noise levels can vary. It’s centrally located and walkable, but busy. Areas near Bùi Viện and Ben Thanh Market are the loudest. Neighborhoods closer to Nguyễn Huệ or the river tend to be calmer. Other popular districts for visitors are District 2 and District 7. District 2 is known to be quieter and expat-friendly, while District 7 is more residential and located near universities.

I personally stayed at 60 Saigon Inn. I had to unexpectedly leave my first hotel, which was very close to Ben Tranh Market, and booked 60 Saigon Inn on a whim. It’s a cozy, local stay – exceptionally clean (unlike the hotel I booked), and the host was extremely welcoming. The alleyway was easy to miss, so I’d recommend arriving in daylight if you’re able to, so you can see more clearly. I would absolutely stay here again!

👉 [Browse all Ho Chi Minh City hotels → here]

view of saigon from the water

Final Thoughts on things to do in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is intense, complex, and full of motion – but it plays a vital role in understanding Vietnam. Between its history, food culture, and access to southern Vietnam’s most iconic experiences, Saigon offers depth far beyond first impressions.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, don’t miss out on these unique activities in Ho Chi Minh.

👉 Next step: If you’re visiting for the first time, this 3-day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary balances history, food, and day trips without feeling rushed.

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Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.

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