Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
City Guide: Top things to do
Get inspired by these great tips on how to spend your time in the largest, busiest and often referred to as the craziest city of Vietnam. From amazing food and shopping opportunities to important cultural sites, the city commonly known as Saigon has a lot to offer.
Food
Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa Despite the sad history of colonial times, Banh Mi sandwich as we know it now, is considered to be born in Saigon in 1950’s and has become one of the favorite snacks in Vietnam for tourists as well as locals. Google Map Link.
Bún thịt nướng – Nguyễn Trung Trực Located in the center of the city, this little eatery has arguably one of the best spring roll noodle salads and charcoal barbecued pork you’ll eat in Saigon Google map link
Phở 2000 Located in deep center, accessed via Coffee Bean cafe, one level above, you’ll find this local’s favorite spot for one of the best Pho’s in the city for reasonable price. Google map link
Bún Chả 145 Fancy some Bun Cha? Originated in Hanoi but this would be the best spot to try your best rice vermicelli with pork you’ve ever had. Google map link
Poke Saigon Ly Tu Trong For those who are not really on budget and are looking for some world class healthy food, this is the right spot for you! Google map link and Instagram
Truoc’s Snail Stall Tiny stall surrounded by touching story of Mrs. Truoc’s life, renowned by the famous Netflix’s street food show, where you can get some delicious snails from Mrs. Truoc herself.
Google map link
Culture
Mekong Delta tours if you are not already with a tour, you can choose one to Mekong Delta with one of the multiple tour companies located on every corner in Ho Chi Minh. We would suggest you to do a proper research before paying to a company first. Google Map link
War Remnants Museum The most popular museum in Ho Chi Minh, that takes you back to horrifying times of Vietnam War and contains some shocking photography backed up by chilling stories of those who survived. Google map link
Củ Chi tunnels Located in Cu Chi district are a large network of connecting tunnels used by Viet Cong forces as hiding spots during combats. They were very important to their resistance to American forces and is another popular tourist spot for those who want to learn more about history of Vietnam war. Google map link.
Bui Vien Walking street This famous street in the center of the city is considered to be the party mekka of Ho Chi Minh. So if you feel like loosen up, it’s easy to get lost in endless options for bars and clubs but watch out for scams and dodgy massage places. Google Map Link.
Shopping
The Cafe Apartments Old apartment building with freshly renovated restaurants with 9 levels of cool modern cafes ideal for brunch and shopping for designer items with great photo opportunities. Google Map link
Saigon Square 1 Looking to get some cheap clothes after way too many days on your holiday? Saigon Square 1 has got you covered with plenty to choose from. Google Map link.
Mekong Quilts. is a non-profit organisation that specializes in high quality hand stitched bed covers. The organisation provides employment, training and benefits to women from rural Vietnam and Cambodia and is one of the stops for SC tour. Google Map link
VINCOM Center For more demanding people there is Vincom center which is the biggest shopping mall in the city and offers modern and luxury goods. You can have your mobile needs sorted here or visit a cinema. Google Map link.
Avoid
Shoe shine scam People are getting more innovative with their scams and this would be the best example. A guy points to your shoe that it needs cleaning or fixing. Your shoes probably don’t need it but he will demand cash as soon as he touches them so don’t allow them to do it.
Visiting an orphanage. Orphanages are not tourist attractions. Donations can actually increase the amount of orphans in Vietnam, not help them. Read more about the issue here, and learn more about better ways to help here.
Dodgy travel agencies It is very easy to book your tour from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta farms but not as easy to find a good one. We’d suggest you to do a solid research with all important information given to you before you book.
Dodgy massages In order to avoid possible embarrassment, try to avoid places you haven’t researched before. There’s a possibility of your valuables being stolen as well, so don’t bring them with you if you don’t need them.