Ho Chi Minh City, often still affectionately called Saigon, is an exhilarating whirlwind of energy, history, and culture. For first-time visitors, its sheer scale and vibrant chaos can seem daunting, but as someone who has had the incredible opportunity to live here for four years, I can tell you that beneath the surface lies a city bursting with truly fun and unforgettable experiences.
Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Saigon offers a treasure trove of hidden gems, from secret cafes tucked away in old buildings to bustling street food havens and unique cultural spots that capture the city’s dynamic spirit. My goal is to help you discover these enjoyable activities and see why spending more than just a few days here is absolutely worth it. Let’s dive into the most fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Ho Chi Minh City Quick Tips for a Fun Trip
To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, here are a few practical tips. Staying connected is key, and an eSIM like Airalo offers easy options for Vietnam so you’re online the moment you arrive. If you prefer a smooth arrival, pre-arranging an airport pickup through services like Welcome Pickup can save you hassle, with rates starting around $15.
Choosing where to stay impacts your experience. For luxury, the Hôtel des Arts Saigon in District 3 offers a rooftop pool and starts around $150. If budget is a concern, La Opera Saigon Hotel in the heart of District 1 is a great option starting around $30. To truly taste the city’s essence, don’t miss a street food tour by motorbike, a traveler favorite for a reason! And for a popular day trip combining history and scenery, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour is highly recommended.
Unforgettable Experiences & Fun Activities in HCMC
Ho Chi Minh City is a playground for the senses. The fun here isn’t always about structured attractions; sometimes it’s about the unexpected discoveries, the vibrant street life, and the simple joy of exploring. From architectural marvels to culinary adventures, these activities promise a memorable time in this bustling metropolis.
Explore Historic Charm and Hidden Alleys
Saigon is full of fascinating old buildings with intriguing stories. One of my favorite discoveries is the building at 14 Ton That Dam. It feels like stepping into an M.C. Escher drawing with its labyrinthine staircases and slightly dilapidated appearance. While it looks abandoned from the outside, it secretly houses a variety of cool shops, cafes, and bars.
People walking through a hallway inside the old apartment building at 14 Ton That Dam
What to Eat in Fort Worth – A Culinary Deep Dive
Discover the Top Restaurants in Denver – A Culinary Journey
Discover Where to Visit in Las Vegas
Navigating the dark stairways feels a bit like a secret mission, but the reward is finding colorful boutiques and cozy cafes hidden within. It’s a unique blend of old architecture and new creative spaces, offering a glimpse into how the city repurposes its past. Just remember to be respectful of the residents who still call this building home.
Another absolute must-see, though perhaps less “hidden” now, is The Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue. This nine-story complex, which once housed American military officers, is now a vertical village of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Exploring each floor reveals a different charming spot.
Colorful boutiques and cafes inside the Cafe Apartment building in Saigon
Walking the halls and peeking into the various establishments is incredibly fun. The views from the upper floors overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street are also quite impressive. It’s a prime example of Saigon’s creative spirit transforming old structures into vibrant hubs. It’s no wonder this building is an Instagram hotspot.
Indulge in Saigon’s Vibrant Food Scene
Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned, and HCMC is a fantastic place to dive deep. While pho is famous, the real fun is exploring the incredible diversity of dishes. Think crispy banh xeo crepes, the spicy and citrusy bun bo hue noodle soup, endless varieties of banh mi, and the ever-present com tam broken rice dishes.
A street food tour is the best way to experience this culinary wonderland, especially by motorbike! You can zip through different districts, sampling a huge array of regional specialties. It’s not just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in the street life and controlled chaos that makes Saigon so exciting.
The Street Food Tour by Motorbike is highly recommended, boasting perfect 5-star reviews. You can even customize the experience to try up to 11 dishes or pair your food adventure with local beverages. This tour is a quintessential Saigon experience and easily one of the most fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Delicious vegetarian pho in a bowl, showcasing Vietnamese cuisine
Beyond traditional food, HCMC has a booming craft beer scene that’s incredibly fun to explore. New breweries and taprooms seem to pop up constantly, offering unique brews often incorporating local ingredients like Phu Quoc pepper or Marou chocolate.
Pasteur Street Brewing Company is a pioneer and a favorite, with a great taproom (including a rooftop terrace) at 144/3 Pasteur, District 1. Their Passionfruit Wheat Ale is a particular highlight. Trying different craft beers is a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend an evening and support local businesses.
If you’re looking for a centralized place with lots of food options, check out the Ben Nghe Street Food Market (formerly Ben Thanh Street Food Market). This trendy dining hall features dozens of vendors serving everything from Vietnamese favorites to international cuisine. It’s a great spot if you’re with a group and everyone wants something different.
Craft beer glasses lined up on a bar counter at a brewery in Saigon
Discover Unique Architecture & Spiritual Sites
Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture tells the story of its past and present. One of the most visually striking buildings is Tan Dinh Church, affectionately known as the “Pink Church.” Its vibrant pink exterior makes it look like something out of a fairytale and is a hugely popular spot for photos. Located in District 3, it’s a short drive from the center but well worth the trip for its unique appearance. Step inside to find an equally colorful interior. This church dates back to the 1870s but got its signature pink makeover in 1957.
Right in the heart of District 1 stands the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, completed by French colonists in 1880. While currently undergoing restoration, its grand presence and history are undeniable. It’s one of several beautiful churches in the city, showcasing the diverse religious landscape.
Adjacent to the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the historic Saigon Central Post Office. Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame), this stunning building is still a fully functional post office. It’s amusing to see tourists snapping photos alongside locals conducting their daily business.
The grand interior of the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel
Sending a postcard from here is a fun, tangible way to share your travels with friends and family back home. A friend once shipped a propaganda poster back to California from here, and despite taking time, it arrived safely and cheaply.
Just a stone’s throw from the Post Office and Cathedral is Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh). This quiet, pedestrian-friendly alley is lined with charming bookshops and vendors selling books and trinkets. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely stroll and browsing. You’ll also find cafes tucked in among the shops, perfect for a coffee break with a new read.
Book vendors and shops lining a pedestrian street in Ho Chi Minh City, known as Book Street
Venture into Cholon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown (District 5), to explore some of the city’s most atmospheric temples. Home to Vietnam’s largest Chinese community, Cholon offers a sensory experience with its bustling markets, traditional medicine shops, and ornate, incense-filled temples.
Places like Thien Hau Temple, Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda, and Ong Bon Pagoda are visually stunning and offer a peaceful retreat from the city noise. The smell of burning incense and the intricate decorations create a truly immersive cultural experience.
A vibrant, incense-filled Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing traditional architecture
See the City from Different Perspectives
Getting a bird’s-eye view is a fantastic way to appreciate the scale of Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon Sky Deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower is a popular choice for panoramic views, and it’s definitely recommended for a tourist. But the fun doesn’t stop there.
The city boasts numerous rooftop bars where you can enjoy stunning vistas with a refreshing drink in hand. Chill Skybar is known for its high-end atmosphere (with a dress code), while Shri Bar offers panoramic views in a more relaxed setting. Enjoying a cocktail as the city lights up at night is a uniquely Saigon experience.
For the absolute highest view, head to the Skyview Observation Deck at Landmark 81, the tallest building in HCMC. The views of the city and the meandering Saigon River are breathtaking and worth the ticket price.
Panoramic view of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline at sunset from a high vantage point
Despite the city’s busy nature, you can find peaceful spots along the Saigon River. There’s a pedestrian pathway downtown that’s perfect for a walk or jog. Seeing life on the river – from cargo boats to small ferries – provides a different perspective on the city’s connection to its waterways.
Another pleasant spot for a stroll is the Mong Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge. This pedestrian-only bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel in 1882, connects District 1 and District 4. It’s become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to take photos, especially wedding pictures. It’s conveniently located near the Bitexco Tower and the start of the river pathway.
A pedestrian bridge crossing a river in Ho Chi Minh City, lit up with colorful lights at night
For a truly immersive experience on the water, consider a river cruise. Escaping the downtown bubble and cruising along the Saigon River allows you to see different facets of the city, from rapidly developing areas to more undeveloped sections. It’s a relaxing way to learn about the city’s geography and growth. The Saigon River Boutique Cruise is highly recommended for its educational value and, often, complimentary refreshments!
A boat cruising along the Saigon River with the city skyline in the background
Experience Local Arts and Culture
The arts scene in HCMC offers some fantastic entertainment. The Saigon Opera House, a beautiful building dating back to 1898, hosts various performances. One of the most celebrated is the A O Show Bamboo Circus.
This show is a captivating blend of acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and visual arts, telling stories of Vietnamese life. It’s an impressive performance that showcases local talent and creativity, making for a memorable evening activity.
The exterior of the Saigon Opera House, a historic building in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam is famous for its coffee culture, and exploring the cafes in HCMC is an experience in itself. From traditional sidewalk stalls brewing rich, dark coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) to hip, modern cafes perfect for working or relaxing, there’s a coffee shop for every mood.
Many cafes are hidden away in unexpected locations, like the old apartment buildings, adding a sense of discovery to your caffeine hunt. Some favorites include Vietnam Coffee Republic and The Workshop. Cong Cafe is another reliable chain found throughout Vietnam. The sheer variety and quality make cafe hopping one of the simple but fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Two cups of coffee on a wooden table in a bright, airy cafe in Saigon
Take a Fun Day Trip to the Mekong Delta
If you have an extra day, escaping the city buzz for the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta is a highly rewarding experience. It’s easily doable as a day trip from HCMC and offers a stark contrast to the urban environment.
A Mekong Delta tour lets you witness life along the river, explore fruit orchards, visit local workshops (like candy or rice paper making), and cruise through the narrow canals. It provides valuable insight into the rural life and traditions of Southern Vietnam.
Many tours, like this small-group Mekong Delta Day Trip: Boat Ride, Cottages & Pagoda, offer a comprehensive experience hitting the highlights, including boat rides, island hopping around Ben Tre, cycling through villages, sampling local sweets, and enjoying a traditional meal. It’s a blend of scenic beauty and cultural immersion, making for a truly fun and enriching day out.
Traditional boats on a canal in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, with lush greenery
Fun Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs
Q: How many days do I need to enjoy the fun things in HCMC?
A: While many visitors spend only 2-3 days, to truly experience the range of fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, including the “unusual” spots and potentially a day trip, 4-5 days is recommended.
Q: Is HCMC easy to navigate for tourists?
A: District 1, the main tourist area, is walkable. For getting around the city, ride-hailing apps like Grab (for both cars and motorbikes) are widely used, affordable, and easy. Taxis are also available but use reputable companies like VinaSun or Mai Linh.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit HCMC for outdoor activities?
A: The dry season, typically from December to April, offers the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoors. The rainy season (May to November) can have heavy downpours, but they are often short-lived.
Q: Is the food in HCMC safe to eat from street stalls?
A: Generally, yes, but use common sense. Look for stalls with lots of local customers and high turnover. Eating street food is a huge part of the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Q: Are the “hidden” spots mentioned in the article difficult to find?
A: Some, like 14 Ton That Dam, might require a bit of searching, but the address is provided. The Cafe Apartment is easy to find on Nguyen Hue walking street. Using Google Maps and asking locals (or showing them the address) can help.
Compilation of images showcasing various fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, including food, architecture, and views
Ho Chi Minh City is a city that rewards curious explorers. From the obvious attractions to the tucked-away treasures, the array of fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City ensures there’s something to captivate every visitor. The city’s energy is infectious, its history is profound, and its culinary landscape is simply unmatched. Don’t just visit; immerse yourself in the chaos and charm. If you’re looking for a destination that promises excitement, delicious food, and endless discoveries, Saigon is waiting.