From mouthwatering local delicacies to exciting activities, read on for the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for pho-rst timers!
Thankfully, despite how overwhelming it is, they do all the "city things" really well: aesthetic cafés, yummy street food, and an affordable shopping scene. On top of that, unique neighbourhoods like Chinatown, and cultural spots like Ben Thanh Market, give it a lot of depth.
So for first-timers in HCMC, put on your ao dai 👘 and check out these 33 must-see-eat-do's in Vietnam's fast-growing urban jungle!
Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and one of the best ways to experience their coffee culture is through a hands-on workshop.
Learn how to brew coffee using the traditional phin drip filter, before making four classic drinks yourself: egg coffee, condensed milk coffee, sea salt coffee, and coconut milk coffee.
Not to toot our own horn, but all the drinks we made tasted great 🤭. But we also owe that to the hands-on instructor, and our classmates who made the session a lot more enjoyable!
Cost: From ~S$29/pax via KlookActivity timings: 9AM - 11AM, 12PM - 2PM, 3PM - 5PM
Meeting point: 131/3 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 711106, Vietnam
How to get there: 7min Grab bike ride from Ben Thanh Market (Google Maps)
Want a fast pass through Saigon's greatest food hits and lesser-known eateries? Hop on a 3.5-hour street food tour and experience it the classic Vietnamese way... from the back of a motorbike!
Chuối nếp nướng, or grilled banana sticky rice.
Zip your way through narrow alleys and residential districts to taste food that locals eat daily. From Vietnamese-style mussels to bún bò Huế (like a richer and spicier pho), you'll cover sweet, salty, and everything in between.
Our favourite was a bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) stall, tucked away in District 10... no spoilers which 😉. We tried one stuffed with assorted cold cuts and beef pate, sandwiched perfectly inside a soft, airy baguette with pickled vegetables. Definitely a must-try!
Cost: From ~S$41/pax via Klook for a 3.5-hour tour
Tour timings: 8AM - 11:30AM, 1PM - 4:30PM, 6PM - 9:30PM
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up
Perhaps Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmark, the strikingly yellow Saigon Post Office, is a reminder of the country's French colonial past from the 1800s.
Being there felt like I was inside a train station in Europe, with its arched ceilings, vintage telephone booths, and rows of wooden counters.
And in case you're wondering, it does still function as a working post office! As a special souvenir, buy a postcard and stamps (~S$1.50), write something, and send it to yourself or a loved one back home.
This local favourite has chill attractions like a wave pool and a good ol' lazy river. But if you're up for thrills, I'd recommend hitting the Boomerang Slide, which felt like an uber-fast water Viking ride.
Or, try the Kamikaze Water Slide, which had me plunging down a near-vertical drop at a heart-racing speed. Longest 15 seconds of my life!
Inside, you'll find gender-segregated hot baths, cold plunge pools, and steam rooms. There are also themed sauna rooms -- like salt rooms, clay, and charcoal.
But we spent most of our time in the communal areas, where we were able to play some carnival games and most importantly: KARAOKE! 🎤🎶
Cost: From ~S$11/pax via Klook Opening hours: 9AM - 12AMAddress: 16A Đ. Số 10, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min walk from Vincom Mega Mall - Thao Dien (Google Maps)
TGC Speedway is the longest indoor and outdoor go-kart track in Southeast Asia, spanning ~1.5km. It had long straight roads where we could really step on the accelerator, and sharp corners that had us gripping the wheel.
The adrenaline rush was very real... for a moment, we genuinely felt like F1 drivers chasing a podium finish because we were going very fast.
There are also two-seater karts, so a friend can tag along while you're behind the wheel!
Cost: From 350,000₫/pax (~S$17) Opening hours: 10AM - 10PMAddress: Đ. Đỗ Xuân Hợp, An Phú, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Chi Minh City Perfect
How to get there: 12min Grab car ride from Landmark 81 (Google Maps)
One of the more unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is going to Aimbox to be the "claw" in a life-sized claw machine.
Here's how it works: your friend (or a staff member) controls the joystick while you're strapped into a harness and lowered into a pit of prizes. Once you're down, you'll have to grab whatever you can -- from snack packs to balls filled with points that can be converted into credits for prizes.
After two rounds of chaos, we were able to grab enough points for four duck keychains!
Cost: From 125,000₫/pax (~S$6) Opening hours: 9:30AM - 10PMAddress: 3C 3 Tháng 2, Phường 10, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 10min Grab bike ride from Ben Thanh Market (Google Maps)
An hour northwest of Saigon are the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by soldiers in the Vietnam War. They used this to move undetected, store supplies, and launch surprise attacks.
Today, you'll get the chance to crawl through the narrow tunnels yourself. Some stretches are short and easy, while others are tighter and darker.
It's completely optional to finish the 80m course, and it can get claustrophobic at times!
Cost: From ~S$21/pax via Klook Tour timings: 7:30AM - 2:30PMMeeting point: Hotel pick-up (within District 1)
For a dose of nature near the city (only ~2 hours away), go on a half-day trip to Mekong Delta. Here, you'll get to enjoy quiet villages with coconut-lined canals and rice paddies.
The most popular activity is riding on a rowboat to cruise through narrow waterways. Some tours also include a visit to Unicorn Island for coconut candy and honey tea-making workshops!
We happened to visit Saigon right before Tet (Lunar New Year), and I learned that many young locals take stunning photos in their áo dài to post on their socials in the lead-up to the celebrations.
So in the spirit of Tet, we also wandered around landmarks like the Central Post Office, heritage buildings, and leafy boulevards donning an áo dài.
But regardless of what time of year you go to HCMC, it's still a fun and photogenic way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Hello Áo Dài Opening hours: 9:30AM - 6PMAddress: 250 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 3min walk from Bánh Mì Chấm Hung Tubes - Hai Bà Trưng (Google Maps)
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) along the Saigon River offers a way to see the city from a different angle. As you glide past riverside neighbourhoods and the skyline, you'll experience a surprisingly peaceful side of Saigon, far removed from the traffic on land!
Don't worry if you've never tried SUP before. There are instructors to help you, and the river is generally calm enough for beginners to get the hang of it.
Cost: From ~S$30/pax via KlookActivity timings: 3PM - 6PM
Meeting point: 75/A10 Long Thuan, Truong Thanh, Thu Duc (The Stay Saigon Riverfront)
How to get there: 20min Grab bike ride from The Global City Park (Google Maps)
In my opinion, cơm tấm (broken rice) is something that everybody should try in Ho Chi Minh City, due to its cultural significance.
Fractured rice grains were considered "lower quality" once upon a time, so farmers in southern Vietnam cooked them into simple, filling meals. Over time, it evolved into a staple that many Saigon locals eat regularly!
We tried this dish at Tiệm Cơm 67 Tấm, known for its generous portions and well-balanced plate of toppings. Expect broken rice served with a juicy grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, pickled vegetables and a fried egg.
This dish is made up of smoky grilled pork patties served with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, and a savoury dipping broth. Dunk the noodles and herbs into the broth, and eat them together with the grilled meat!
Bò né is sizzling steak and eggs served on an iron skillet, usually served with a Vietnamese baguette. The best part for us was scooping up the runny egg yolk with the bread, then topping it off with a slice of beef for maximum flavour.
These are often topped with crispy shallots and savoury sauces meant to soak into the rice. Some versions also come with extras like sausage, egg or pâté, making it a simple yet filling meal.
Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6:30AM - 8:30PMAddress: 15 Nguyễn Trung Trực, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 2min walk from Ben Thanh Market (Google Maps)
One of the most satisfying Vietnamese dishes in Ho Chi Minh City is bánh xèo, a crispy pancake with savoury fillings.
At Bánh Xèo 46A, the pancakes are cooked till they are golden and crispy. We ordered the pork-and-shrimp variant, which came with fresh lettuce, herbs, and tangy fish sauce!
The servings were so big that five of us came in starving, but we had to force ourselves to finish two servings.
All their outlets are pretty aesthetic, usually featuring warm wood interiors, open kitchens, and greenery -- giving the place a cosy feel.
My personal recommendation would be the Prosciutto Pizza, where a whole ball of creamy burrata is cut open in the centre so it melts into the pizza. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and the rich cheese paired perfectly with the soft dough.
While their signature Crab Pasta is popular, try the Baked Lasagna instead. It's lighter than your typical lasagna, but still crispy on top and packed with comforting tomato-and-cheese flavours.
They're known for their creative flavours, like Hanoi Egg Coffee, Saigon Pho, and Vietnamese Fish Sauce -- which I loved the most. It tasted a lot like salted caramel with a hint of fishy flavour, and it surprisingly worked.
Classic flavours like Chocolate Brownie (my favourite!) and Mint Chocolate are also available. Everything we sampled was rich and creamy, just like how gelato should be!
This house-turned-cafe features warm wooden interiors, and whimsical decor inspired by characters like No Face from Spirited Away. They even have a mini-shop selling themed trinkets and apparel to bring some magic home.
For some refreshments, take a sip of their hojicha latte, or a bite of their tangy cheesecake!
You can even join one of their various arts-and-crafts workshops -- glass painting, ceramic mug painting, and wind chime-making -- by sending them a message on their Facebook page.
Opening hours: 9AM - 8PM, closed on TueAddress: Hẻm 29 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 5min walk from Ho Chi Minh History Museum (Google Maps)
Exploring Chinatown already feels "old-timey" on its own, but Mr. Lu & Mrs. Huệ Coffee straight out transported me to the past.
Tucked inside a wet market, this humble mum-and-pop stall has a novel way of preparing their coffee. Instead of using machines, they use traditional charcoal stoves to heat the water for brewing Vietnamese coffee.
While their black coffee tastes similar to other hawker stalls back home, it's a good stop to watch an old-school method of coffee-brewing!
The space feels like stepping into a living room from the 1990s. Think vintage memorabilia, with worn wooden tables and nostalgic decorations covering the walls.
Even their menu is handwritten on a piece of paper!
While there's indoor seating, we had our drinks -- like strawberry tea and coconut matcha -- on plastic stools along the alleyway. It's a simple way to experience Saigon's casual cafe culture, just like the locals!
The café is styled like a giant, cosy Vietnamese home, with many backdrops and vintage props to take photos with. There's a beautiful staircase next to a large wall of records, and even a lit-up aquarium with fish!
Drinks here are also pretty affordable, costing around 40,000-50,000đ. Plus, Ngam Cafe is open 24 hours which makes it a great place to unwind late at night before heading back to your hotel.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 193/19 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 8min walk from Southern Women's Museum (Google Maps)
For a more modern coffee experience, stop by Pha Café, a minimalist café focused on specialty brews. Located in Thu Duc (~30-minute drive from District 1), it's a nice change of pace from the busier café scene in the city centre.
The space is sleek with clean lines, green plants, and a calm atmosphere that lets the coffee take centre stage. You'll find a mix of classic espresso-based drinks and matcha options, making it a great quiet place to enjoy a well-made cup.
They also host art exhibitions from time to time, like the one we saw which featured experimental photos revolving around Ho Chi Minh City:
Opening hours: 8AM - 9PMAddress: 28 Đ. 37, Phường An Khánh, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 713100
How to get there: 15min Grab bike ride from Saigon Opera House (Google Maps)
Vietnamese
Kocha Matcha is worth a stop for matcha lovers, as it focuses on high-quality Japanese green tea -- which means drinks that are richer, earthier, and less sugary.
The menu has everything matcha, from lattes, specialty drinks, and even desserts.
But the real reason to go here is the 2L (yes: two litres) glass of matcha! Four of us shared this for 399,000đ, and we all left having our craving satisfied.
Kocha Matcha has three outlets, but we chose their Pham Ngoc Thach branch because it had sleek, Japanese-inspired interiors.
*Pro-tip: Every branch serves a limited number of 2L matcha lattes a day, so go here as early as possible.
Kocha Matcha Phạm Ngọc Thạch
Opening hours: 8:30AM - 10PMAddress: 47/3 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
How to get there: 8min walk from Le Van Tam Park (Google Maps)
Have you really gone to Ho Chi Minh City if you haven't visited The Cafe Apartments?
This popular Saigon landmark houses nine levels of cafes, restaurants, dessert bars, and small boutiques.
Saigon Oi is a cafe here that we enjoyed because of its bright Instagrammable interiors, and unique drinks -- like their iced durian coffee!
If you're overwhelmed with choices, we recommend visiting cafes with balcony seats overlooking Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street so you can do some people-watching.
*Note: There's a lift in the building (5,000₫ per use), but some cafés will reimburse the fee if you buy a drink. Otherwise, you can just take the stairs.
Opening hours: 8AM - 12AMAddress: 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 5min walk from Saigon Opera House (Google Maps)
In a city that rarely slows down, strolling through the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a welcome change of pace. It's a pedestrian-only stretch with rows of compact book stalls lining both sides, and shaded by curved trees.
Most shops stock Vietnamese titles, but you'll still find English-language books tucked among the shelves. We even spotted secondhand copies going for as low as 5,000₫.
But in the spirit of being performative, we were already satisfied taking Insta-worthy photos with all the book displays.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM - 10PMAddress: Đường Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
How to get there: 3min walk from Saigon Central Post Office (Google Maps)
If I were to give a landmark in Saigon the title of "You Haven't Been in Chinatown Until You've Seen This", it's Thien Hau Pagoda. This is a temple dedicated to Thiên Hậu, the Chinese sea goddess believed to protect sailors and fishermen.
Built in the 18th century, it's known for its intricate architecture, colourful ceramic figurines, and hanging spiral incense coils that slowly burn overhead.
From here, you'll get sweeping 360° views of Ho Chi Minh City with binoculars. Spot the winding Saigon River, and an endless sea of buildings stretching across the skyline.
Inside, interactive displays highlight key landmarks across the city. There's also an ao dài exhibition, which highlights the traditional Vietnamese outfit.
Entrance fee: From ~S$12/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 9:30AM - 9:30PMAddress: 36 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min walk from Saigon Opera House (Google Maps)
Located in the heart of Saigon's Chinatown, Binh Tay Market is one of the city's largest and oldest markets, dating back to the 1920s.
Unlike the more touristy markets in District 1, Bình Tây feels much more "authentic" in the sense that it's largely frequented by locals. Inside, there are many stalls selling fresh produce, dried goods, fabrics, and more.
We headed to the back of the market to try some street food, and had a great bowl of Crab Noodles from Stall 17 (120,000₫). It had a filling serving of vermicelli noodles and crab meat doused in rich broth.
Opening hours: 7AM - 6PMWhat happens next
Address: No. 57 A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 20min Grab bike ride from NiK Hotel (Google Maps)
If you're up for a more adventurous food stop, head to 200 Market in District 4, a lesser-known spot where locals gather for late-night street food.
Yes, it's a narrow and chaotic street, but that's part of its charm! The area is filled with various food carts, from bánh mì and crispy bánh xèo, to freshly grilled seafood.
Most menus and signs are only in Vietnamese, so that means pointing at dishes, taking a gamble, and discovering something new. It might be a bit of a hassle, but in my opinion, that's how you know the food's gonna be a banger!
Opening hours: 5AM - 11PMAddress: Nhà thờ, Xóm Chiếu, Phường 15, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 15min Grab bike ride from Independence Palace (Google Maps)
11 Garmentory is a multi-brand fashion store that showcases clothing and accessories from Vietnamese designers and labels.
The space carries over 50 local fashion brands in one location -- with minimalist clothes, streetwear, and various accessories -- with most pieces going for under 1,000,000₫. We highly recommend going here to support the country's growing local fashion scene!
*Pro-tip: Vietnamese clothing sizes tend to be on the smaller size, so you'll probably have to size up when buying.
Opening hours: 7AM - 6PMAddress: No. 57 A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 12min Grab bike ride from Independence Palace (Google Maps)
For something more polished, Rue Miche L'Edition is a Vietnamese fashion label known for its elevated and contemporary designs.
The brand focuses on premium fabrics and clean silhouettes, offering pieces that feel modern yet timeless. Expect structured blazers, tailored dresses and statement pieces that lean toward a chic, minimalist aesthetic.
Since it's a more elevated level, expect to shell out no less than 1,000,000₫ for an item.
Opening hours: 10AM - 9PMAddress: Unionsquare, 171 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min walk from Ben Thanh Market (Google Maps)
Also known as Clothing Apartment, 42 Tôn Thất Thiệp is worth checking out for affordable local fashion brands.
This under-the-radar apartment building is now a multi-storey retail space, with small boutiques and independent Vietnamese brands. The selection here is pretty diverse, with vintage bags, unique accessories, everyday clothing, and many more!
After my own trip to HCMC, I realised that it really is made for people who love the city! While it still manages to keep its traditions and culture intact, something new is always popping up in every corner -- whether it's a cafe, restaurant, or a cool experience to try.
Overwhelming? Maybe. But worth it? Yes.You'll be sure to discover new things to check out, every time you return 😉
And before you dive into the chaos, here are some tips that I wish I knew before my trip to Saigon:
1) Use Grab bike for transportation: Download the Grab app, and book a Grab bike to get around. Compared to Grab cars and taxis, it's faster and more affordable -- especially in HCMC's notorious traffic.
2) Withdraw cash from VPBank or TPbank ATMs: Cash is king in HCMC, especially for smaller stalls! These ATMs don't charge withdrawal fees, so you'll save a little each time you take out cash.
3) Stay in District 1 or District 3: You'll be within easy reach of iconic city attractions, cafes, and nightlife. District 1 is the city's main hub for sightseeing and shopping, while District 3 feels more laidback with plenty of hidden cafes.
For more inspo for your trip, check out our Ho Chi Minh City itineraries and guides:
- 3D2N Ho Chi Minh City Budget Itinerary -- S$5 Michelin Bib Gourmand Pho, Local Water Park, Accommodation Under S$200
- 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Under S$900 -- Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat
- Ho Chi Minh City Cafes That's More Than Just Coffee - 2L Matcha, Fish Sauce Ice Cream, Ghibli Cafe
You Haven't Been in Chinatown Until You've Seen This
Key takeaways
- Thankfully, despite how overwhelming it is, they do all the "city things" really well: aesthetic cafés, yummy street food, and an affordable shopping scene
- Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and one of the best ways to experience their coffee culture is through a hands-on workshop
- Our favourite was a bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) stall, tucked away in District 10... no spoilers which 😉
All told
Every change in the food industry eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.