What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

Opera House showing a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
Saigon River featuring a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole and a city
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh Municipality while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Ho Chi Minh City attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Ho Chi Minh City tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1028 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Ho Chi Minh City. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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Dong Khoi Street which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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Pham Ngu Lao Street showing night scenes, street scenes and shopping

4. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.
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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing zoo animals and a garden

5. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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Opera House showing heritage architecture and night scenes

6. War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh City has changed significantly since the days of the Vietnam War, but the scars still remain. Nowhere in the city is this more in evidence than at the War Remnants Museum, which has a vast range of exhibits that serve as a sobering reminder of the devastation caused by war.
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War Remnants Museum

7. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.
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Vincom Center Shopping Mall which includes signage

Recommended things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Number of things to do
1028
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam‘s 54 Ethnic Groups Jewellery Museum: NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping and markets

Ben Thanh Market

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market
Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Bui Vien Walking Street
Dong Khoi Street which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

Dong Khoi Street

One of two major commercial centers in Ho Chi Minh City, this street has high-end shops, cafés and restaurants as well as some of the city’s finest architecture.

Dong Khoi Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing night scenes, street scenes and shopping

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Pham Ngu Lao Street
Saigon Square

Saigon Square

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Square
Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden featuring a garden and zoo animals

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden
Opera House which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and theatre scenes

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

Find out about the history of the Vietnam war from a Vietnamese perspective in this interesting museum based in a former American administration office.

War Remnants Museum
Vincom Center Shopping Mall showing signage and a fountain

Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Two buildings packed with some of the finest designer brands in the world make up the city’s largest shopping hub.

Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Explore areas of Ho Chi Minh City

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District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about District 1. Check out Ben Thanh Market or HCMC Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ben Thanh Station to get around town.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring night scenes, street scenes and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(259 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Benthanh Street Food Market while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum showing interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Dong Khoi Street or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
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Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Ho Chi Minh City featuring signage, night scenes and street scenes

Little Japan

4/5(41 area reviews)

Travellers come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House while you're in town.

Little Japan

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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