What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Question

Some recommendations on what to do in Saigon or HCMC

Answer 1

WHAT TO DO IN HCMC:

FOOD & DRINKS: Food! Food! Food!

Street food: try random snacks from the street vendors that are everywhere. You may get some sort of stomach problems later, but what is life without risk?

Coffee: cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) is a delight. cafe da (black iced coffee). sit on the small plastic chairs on the pavements, watch it drip. Your ultimate guide to enjoying Vietnam's coffee culture


Dinner: Get a taste of the French flavour: there are many choices, but I’m pretty proud that a friend of mine run La Villa, one of the more popular restaurants (Fine Dining in Saigon
).
Lunch: Au Parc Welcome
has beautiful salad and freshly baked bread.
Lunch: home-cooked Vietnamese food at Secret Garden
Breakfast: broken rice with grilled pork chops: Com Tam Ba Ghien - The Grand Slam of All Vietnamese Food
- what’s more Saigon than starting the day early with broken rice??
Breakfast: pho. Sure, you know what pho is, but did you know it’s a breakfast food?
Bun bo Hue, banh xeo, banh canh: now we’re talking. Pho is for beginners, baby.


L’Usine Le Loi: because sometimes you just want a decent latte in a walk up apartment that also sells clothes.

Drinks at Acoustic (or any other District 1 venues that play live music) Acoustic (Ho Chi Minh City)
Whatever else that looks good: try a random eatery where many locals go. Point to something, anything, on the menu.

Answer 2

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. It offers a mix of history, culture, vibrant markets, and modern attractions. Here are some things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

Visit the War Remnants Museum: Explore this powerful museum that provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War. It exhibits photographs, artifacts, and displays related to the war and its impact on Vietnam.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city. These underground tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through the narrow tunnels, learn about the guerrilla warfare tactics, and experience a part of Vietnam's history.


Wander around Ben Thanh Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this famous market. Explore the maze of stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to local street food. Bargaining is expected, so enjoy the lively interactions with the vendors.


Visit the Reunification Palace: Explore the historic Reunification Palace, once the presidential palace of South Vietnam. Take a guided tour to learn about its role in Vietnamese history and see the preserved rooms and exhibits.


Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Admire the beautiful French colonial architecture of this iconic cathedral. Located in the heart of the city, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Remember to check the visiting hours as it may be closed for restoration.


Discover the Saigon Central Post Office: Located near the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office is another architectural gem. Explore the grand interior, admire the ornate details, and send postcards from this historic site that is still in operation.

Take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street: This pedestrianized street in the city center is a great place to take a leisurely walk. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performances, and city views. It's especially beautiful in the evenings when the buildings are illuminated.


Enjoy Vietnamese Street Food: Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its street food scene. Sample local delicacies like banh mi, pho, com tam (broken rice), and fresh tropical fruits from street vendors and local eateries.

Explore the Mekong Delta: Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of rivers and canals. Cruise along the waterways, visit floating markets, and experience the rural charm of the region.

Relax at Tao Dan Park: Escape the bustling city and unwind at Tao Dan Park. This green oasis offers shaded pathways, exercise areas, and a bird café where locals gather to showcase their pet birds.

These are just a few suggestions for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The city offers a wide range of attractions, historical sites, and cultural experiences that reflect Vietnam's past and present.

Answer 3

Ah. This is my favourite city in the world, and I'll tell you why. I won't mention any obvious places because wikitravel can do that for you.

Stay in the backpacker district. Even if you don't quite like the buzz of the city, spend some time there. It'll grow on you.

Drink the world's cheapest beer (originally from Hanoi I believe) for about 25 cents a glass.

Go partying at the 'hair of the dog'. If you dance on the bar counter, the waiters will be amused and introduce you to cute Vietnamese girls.

Eat Banh Mi, or simply stuffed baguette. And lots of it. For less than a dollar, its the best food you'll have around the city.

Walk down the river promenade, light up a cigarette and watch the colours of the sky change, reflected in the seductively curved glass facade of the imposing bitexco tower.

Go to the post office next to the Notre Dame, and watch travelers from all nationalities write postcards to their families, the whole cathedral has a nostalgic air to it.

Go to the war remnants museum (which is basically heavy anti-american propaganda), talk up a US veteran and spend the afternoon living the horror through his stories.

Get onto one of the cute buses and get off anywhere at random. Now use the bitexco tower and your charades skills to walk your way back to the hostel.

Answer 4

Here are some of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum provides a glimpse into the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Located just outside of the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating look at the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war.
Go on a food tour: Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its street food, and a food tour is a great way to experience the city's culinary delights.
Visit the Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and sample local food.
Take a river cruise: A dinner cruise along the Saigon River is a romantic way to see the city at night.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral: This iconic cathedral is a symbol of the city's French colonial past and is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
Explore the Tao Dan Park: This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle.

Visit the Reunification Palace: This historic palace played a significant role in the end of the Vietnam War and offers an interesting look at the country's recent history.
Check out the Saigon Opera House: This beautiful building is a popular venue for concerts and performances.
Experience the nightlife: Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

Useful tips for exploring Ho Chi Minh City:

Be prepared for the heat: Ho Chi Minh City can be hot and humid, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Watch out for traffic: Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic, so be careful when crossing the street and consider hiring a motorbike taxi or car to get around.
Dress appropriately: Vietnam is a conservative country, so dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local customs.
Bargain at the markets: Bargaining is common practice at markets in Vietnam, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices.
Use a ride-hailing app: Grab and GoViet are popular ride-hailing apps in Ho Chi Minh City and are a convenient way to get around the city.