• What it is: A powerful museum chronicling Vietnam’s wartime history through photographs, equipment, and personal stories. 
• Why it’s special: It casts a sobering yet impo...

• What it is: It has a few local tours in District 1 that sell souvenirs, clothes, and Vietnamese street food.
• Why it’s special: One of the oldest surviving structures in the city and a great p...

• What it is: A cruise down the Saigon River, usually accompanied by dinner and live music.
• Why it’s special: It gives some lovely views of the skyline at dusk while providing a quiet area to r...

• What it is: A massive web of tunnels was set up by the Viet Cong just outside the city during the war.
• Why it’s special: It allows visitors to crawl through actual tunnels, the exhibits entai...

• What it is: An all-pedestrian boulevard lined with cafes, shopfronts, and street performers is located downtown Saigon.
• Why it’s special: The social nucleus of the city, especially during eve...

• What it is: Two marvellous French Colonial-style edifices stand side by side in District number 1.
• Why it’s special: The charm of these buildings is an iconic photo site with traces of Europe...

• What it is: A hands-on class where participants learn to prepare traditional dishes like pho, spring rolls, and bánh xèo.
• Why it’s special: It is an interactive way to learn about Vietnamese ...

• What it is: Skyscraper bars offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
• Why it’s special: Watching the spectacular view during sunset or after dark with cocktails was another touch to the l...

• What it is: It is known as Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown, with some temples, herbal shops, and active local markets.
• Why it’s special: One can say this is somewhat unique in giving an insight into the multic...

• What it is: A beautifully maintained French colonial building where you can see classical dance and modern productions like AO Show and Teh Dar.
• Why it’s special: Not just about the dinners and shows, ...

While Ho Chi Minh City itself isn't considered a beach destination, a short journey can take one to many coastal areas ideal for water fun activities. One could find themselves spending 2 to 3 hours kite surfing or paddleboarding, or perhaps just j...

For someone more attuned to soaking up the countryside and making tracks, Ba Den Mountain (The Black Virgin Mountain) in Tay Ninh is an absolute must. Around 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, it offers trekking trails of varying difficulty leve...

Declared as a wetland of international importance, recognised by UNESCO, the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve offers a truly wild experience, located just 40 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as a wetland dominated by dense mangrove forests ...

Temples and pagodas stand out to mark this spiritual ambience in Ho Chi Minh. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is among the most frequently visited religious grounds, full of fancy wood-carving scenes, heavy incense smoke, and Taoist gods. And not far behin...

Though tourists are not allowed full participation in formal rites, many temples welcome visitors witnessing the daily rites, which include the burning of incense, chanting, and worshipping of ancestors. On special days such as Tet (Vietnamese New ...

Ho Chi Minh City acts as a booming, unfurling centre for both traditional and contemporary art in Vietnam. Witness a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Theatre, telling ancient stories through wooden puppets and water, accompanied by live folk ...

Step away from the main streets to visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, often referred to as the city's "mini Cambodia." This lively alley is filled with the colours of flowers, Khmer food stalls, and the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Nearby, you will...

Believe it or not, there are pockets of rural charm still left in and around this sprawling city. The island of Thanh Da, a peaceful place surrounded by the Saigon River, lies 15-20 kilometres away, with a beautiful drive from the centre. There are...

One of the most unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh is taking a coffee tour through vintage cafes hidden in old French-era apartments. These tucked-away places are great for more than just coffee; they transport you back in time to the city's genera...

Believe it or not, there are pockets of rural charm still left in and around this sprawling city. The island of Thanh Da, a peaceful place surrounded by the Saigon River, lies 15-20 kilometres away, with a beautiful drive from the centre. There are...

Markets are a key part of daily life and a great place to soak in the culture. Ben Thanh Market is iconic, though more touristy. For a more local vibe, check out Binh Tay Market in Cholon (Chinatown), where you can browse colourful stalls selling e...

Participate in a tour of the city led by university students eager to practice their English; several nonprofits organise them, and they provide a truly insider perspective. Tao Dan Park, or 23/9 Park, hosts a morning tai chi session that you can a...

The dry season, December to April, is largely considered the best period to visit. Those months are full of sunshine and almost dry, making the outdoors ideal for sightseeing, shopping in the local markets, or indulging in walking tours or scooter ...

From May to November, the rainy season arrives, bringing showers every day, usually in the afternoon. The rain would not last all day, however. Downpours interfere with the chance to enjoy motorbike tours or rooftop dining. This season is an advant...