Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, for short) is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. For many reasons: its history, attractions, climate and more. Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City But what about when you’re not on vacation? What do you do in this bustling city that always seems to be buzzing? In this blog post, we’ll give you seven fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City if you want to spend your time somewhere interesting and exciting. From outdoor activities to nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Check out the historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, you should definitely check out the historical sites. There are so many to choose from, and they’re all so interesting! Here are a few of my favorites:
The Presidential Palace: This is the official residence of the president of Vietnam. It’s really beautiful inside, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in Vietnamese history.
The Temple of Literature: This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in the 1800s, and it has a lot of beautiful architecture.
The War Remnants Museum: This museum is dedicated to documenting the history of Vietnam during its wars with America and China. It’s really fascinating stuff, Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City and I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture while I was there.
Take a trip to the beach
If you’re looking for a fun day out in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to check out the beaches! While there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand are guaranteed to make your trip unforgettable. Make sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, as Vietnam is known for its mosquitoes.
There are plenty of beaches around Ho Chi Minh City – from peaceful stretches of sand on the vast Saigon River Delta to bustling urban areas like District 1’s lively Cau Da Ba Khu Beach. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or prefer the action of a popular beach break, there’s likely one within reach.
Of course, any beach day wouldn’t be complete without food and drink! From ice cream in District 1’s charming Thien Hau Pagoda area to seafood feasts on Saigonese–owned islands like Phu Quoc Island – there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for something more unique than burgers and fries, head to one of the city’s many street food vendors. Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City From bánh mì sandwiches in Hanoi Street Food Market to grilled pork skewers at Quan Thanh Garden Village, there’s no shortage of delicious options.
Visit a Buddhist temple
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, consider visiting a Buddhist temple. These religious landmarks are filled with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens and offer an atmospheric escape from the chaos of everyday life in HCMC.
One of the most popular temples to visit is Phan Boi Chau Temple, which is located in District 1. The temple was founded in 1293 and is renowned for its intricate carvings of bodhisattvas and goddesses. You can also take a guided tour of the temple if you’re interested in learning more about its history.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, check out Sa Pa Monastery, which is located just outside of town in Dong Da District. This sprawling complex features some impressive Buddhist statues and gardens that are well worth checking out. You can also take a hike up one of the monastery’s many mountain peaks if you want to get away from it all.
If you want to learn about Buddhism in depth, consider signing up for one of the city’s many Buddhist courses. These courses allow visitors to deepen their understanding of this ancient religion by exploring different aspects of Buddhism such as meditation, chanting and sculpture.
Go shopping at the local markets
It’s impossible to not find something fun to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City Whether you’re looking for shopping opportunities or want to explore the city’s unique culture, there are plenty of things to do here.
Gourmet Street is a great place to start your day. Here, you’ll find dozens of boutiques and restaurants selling everything from traditional Vietnamese food to international cuisine. If you’re looking for something more exotic, head over to Ben Thanh Market. Here, you can purchase everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic meats and seafood.
If you’re in the mood for some traditional Vietnamese shopping, check out Dong Khoi District. This area is home to tons of markets selling everything from spices and herbs to clothing and souvenirs. If you’d like to buy local art or handicrafts, head over to District 1 or 2 instead. Both districts have a lot of small shops that are perfect for exploring on your own.
No matter what you do in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to wander around the streets and take in the amazing architecture. The city was once known as the “Paris of Southeast Asia” for good reason – it’s filled with beautiful colonial-era buildings that are a must-see if you’re visiting here.
Attend a performance by a local artist
Have some fun in Ho Chi Minh City by attending a performance by a local artist. Head to the Reunification Palace Museum for an intimate performance by singer Dương Vũ Phúc. Catch traditional Vietnamese dances and puppet shows at the Notre Dame Cathedral or check out street performers near the Ben Thanh Market. For something more offbeat, head to Paris Baguette for a night of stand-up comedy or find yourself entertained by an acrobat at the Saigon Opera House.
Have dinner at a local restaurant
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and looking for a fun night out, consider dining at one of the city’s many local restaurants. Here are five of our favorites:
1. Pho Bo Vien – This restaurant is known for its namesake dish – pho (a noodle soup). But don’t just order pho here – try some of the other dishes on the menu, like bun bo Hue or ca va nam dau.
2. Bun Cha Banh Mi – If Vietnamese sandwiches are your thing, head to Bun Cha Banh Mi. They’ve got everything from grilled pork to grilled chicken to shrimp wrapped in a banh mi (French style) baguette.
3. Quan Binh Vegetarian Restaurant – Quan Binh is a vegetarian restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The herb-heavy food is delicious and reasonably priced, making it a perfect place to enjoy a casual meal with friends.
4. Yen Lin Garden – Yen Lin Garden serves up some of the best Chinese food in Ho Chi Minh City. From classics like steamed dumplings and chow mein to more adventurous options like stir-fried squid with black beans and corn, there’s something for everyone at this restaurant.
5. Ba Le Vi Luong – Ba Le Vi Luong is located just off of Dong Khoi Street and specialises in rice paper rolls (ba le
Learn more about Vietnam’s fascinating history
travellers looking to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Vietnam would be well suited by considering a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Though not as well known as other tourist hubs such as Hanoi and Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City has a wealth of attractions that make it an ideal base from which to explore Vietnam.
Among the city’s many highlights are the National Museum of Vietnamese History, with its impressive collection of artefacts dating back to ancient times, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, site of several famous Masses attended by both leaders of North and South Vietnam. There’s also plenty to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant districts such as District 1 (where much of the city’s historic architecture can be found) and District 3 (home to several commercial centres and some excellent restaurants). Moreover, visitors will find all sorts of entertainment options in Ho Chi Minh City – from traditional street shows to high-end nightlife – making it an ideal destination for those looking for something different when travelling in Vietnam.