18 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Gepubliceerd op 29 aug 2026 · 10 min lezen · 18 dingen om te doen

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's bustling economic hub where centuries of colonial history meet relentless modern energy. Whether you are exploring Southeast Asia after trips through Eurasia—from Armenia to Azerbaijan—or arriving directly in Vietnam, this southern metropolis offers an intoxicating mix of street life, architecture, and culinary delights. Use this guide to discover iconic landmarks, hidden alleys, and essential cultural experiences across the city's distinct districts.

1. 1. War Remnants Museum

   This museum offers a sobering and detailed look at the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and personal testimonies. Visitors can walk through indoor galleries displaying war photojournalism and view decommissioned American aircraft and tanks in the courtyard. It is an essential visit for understanding modern Vietnamese history and the enduring human impact of conflict.

   Waarom hierheen: It provides crucial context on Vietnam's recent history through powerful and thought-provoking exhibits.

   Tip: Arrive early in the morning to beat the tour groups and give yourself quiet time to process the exhibits.

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2. 2. Cu Chi Tunnels

   Located a short drive outside the city centre, this extensive underground tunnel network served as a strategic base for Viet Cong soldiers during the war. Guided tours allow visitors to crawl through preserved sections of the narrow tunnels, view hidden trapdoor entrances, and learn about underground living conditions. The site offers a visceral sense of the resilience and ingenuity of guerilla fighters.

   Waarom hierheen: It is an unmissable day trip for history enthusiasts wanting to experience Vietnam's wartime history firsthand.

   Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy walking shoes that you do not mind getting dusty or muddy.

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3. 3. Ben Thanh Market

   Ben Thanh Market is one of the city's oldest and most iconic landmarks, located right in District 1. Inside the sprawling covered hall, vendors sell everything from traditional textiles and souvenirs to coffee beans and local handicrafts. In the evening, the surrounding streets transform into a lively night market with open-air food stalls serving classic southern dishes.

   Waarom hierheen: It offers a quintessential Saigon shopping and street food experience under one historic roof.

   Tip: Be prepared to bargain politely with stallholders, as initial asking prices are often inflated for tourists.

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4. 4. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

   Built by French colonists in the late 19th century using imported red bricks from Marseille, this cathedral stands proudly in the heart of the city. Located opposite the Central Post Office, its striking Neo-Romanesque facade and dual bell towers make it a popular photographic focal point. While interior restoration work often restricts access, the exterior remains a cornerstone of Saigon's architectural heritage.

   Waarom hierheen: It is one of the finest surviving examples of French colonial architecture in Southeast Asia.

   Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best photographic lighting before traffic builds around the plaza.

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5. 5. Saigon Central Post Office

   Designed in the grand European style of the late 19th century, this functioning post office features vaulted ceilings, ornate tiled floors, and vintage telephone booths. Visitors can send postcards home using traditional postal services while admiring historic painted maps of the region on the walls. The central hall also houses small souvenir shops selling local crafts and philatelic items.

   Waarom hierheen: It allows you to experience a beautifully preserved piece of history while sending authentic mail from Vietnam.

   Tip: Buy your postcards and stamps here directly to post them in the vintage wooden letterboxes.

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6. 6. Independence Palace

   This landmark government building remains frozen in time, preserved largely as it was in 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, ending the Vietnam War. Visitors can tour state reception rooms, the president's living quarters, and the subterranean war bunker equipped with vintage communications gear. The surrounding manicured lawns and mid-century modern design make it a fascinating architectural stop.

   Waarom hierheen: It is a paramount historic site where the modern fate of unified Vietnam was decided.

   Tip: Hire an official site guide or use an audio headset to understand the specific function of each room.

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7. 7. Bui Vien Walking Street

   As night falls, Bui Vien Street in District 1 transforms into a neon-lit promenade filled with music, outdoor bars, and street performers. Locals and travellers gather on low plastic stools along the pavement to drink fresh draught beer and eat grilled snacks. It is the energetic core of the city's backpacker scene and late-night social life.

   Waarom hierheen: It is the ultimate spot for nightlife lovers seeking an energetic, budget-friendly evening out.

   Tip: Keep your personal belongings secure in front of you, as street crowds can be very dense.

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8. 8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

   This wide pedestrian boulevard stretches from the French-style City Hall down to the Saigon River bank. Lined with modern skyscrapers, historic apartment blocks converted into trendy cafes, and manicured fountains, it is a favourite evening strolling ground for local families and young residents. At night, street artists perform against the backdrop of illuminated high-rises.

   Waarom hierheen: It provides a clean, atmospheric space to observe local city life away from motorcycle traffic.

   Tip: Explore the Cafe Apartment building at number 42 Nguyen Hue for boutique shops and specialty coffee.

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9. 9. Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

   Rising high above District 1, the Bitexco Financial Tower is an iconic lotus-shaped skyscraper that defined the city's modern skyline. The Saigon Skydeck on the upper floors offers panoramic 360-degree views across the metropolis and the winding Saigon River below. Interactive displays and binoculars help visitors identify major landmarks scattered across the urban landscape.

   Waarom hierheen: It gives you the best elevated vantage point to appreciate the scale and growth of Ho Chi Minh City.

   Tip: Time your visit for late afternoon to watch the sunset over the city and see the skyline light up.

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10. 10. Jade Emperor Pagoda

    Built by the Chinese community around the turn of the 20th century, this atmospheric Taoist temple is dedicated to the supreme deity of the heavens. Inside, incense smoke fills the dimly lit halls lined with intricate wooden carvings, gilded statues, and colourful roof tiles. Visitors can observe locals praying, burning incense, and offering fruit at various shrines throughout the courtyard complex.

    Waarom hierheen: It offers a deeply spiritual and sensory window into traditional Chinese-Vietnamese religious practices.

    Tip: Dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees before entering the inner sanctuaries.

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11. 11. Cholon Chinatown Exploration

    Located in District 5, Cholon is Vietnam's largest Chinatown, steeped in trade, history, and vibrant street life. Exploring the district reveals bustling medicine shops, traditional market stalls, and historic Chinese assembly halls such as Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple. The neighbourhood is also legendary for its distinctive Chinese-Vietnamese culinary scene.

    Waarom hierheen: It rewards curious travellers with a distinctive heritage, historic temples, and exceptional regional food.

    Tip: Take a local ride or book a walking tour to navigate the dense, chaotic market alleys easily.

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12. 12. Mekong Delta Excursion

    Departing from the city centre, a trip to the nearby Mekong Delta offers a gentle transition from urban intensity to rural river life. Excursions typically involve cruising along palm-fringed canals in wooden boats, visiting local fruit orchards, and watching artisan coconut candy production. It is a relaxing way to experience the fertile waterways that feed southern Vietnam.

    Waarom hierheen: It gives visitors a taste of traditional waterborne commerce and serene countryside culture.

    Tip: Book a small-group excursion that visits quieter canals away from the main tourist boat hubs.

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13. 13. Motorbike Street Food Tour

    Hop on the back of a scooter driven by a licensed local guide to navigate the city's maze of alleyways in search of culinary gems. Stops often include neighbourhood street stalls serving crispy banh xeo pancakes, steaming bowls of savoury noodle soup, and charcoal-grilled skewers. Beyond the food, the ride itself offers an exhilarating way to experience Saigon's famous motorcycle culture.

    Waarom hierheen: It is the single best way to sample authentic local dishes while experiencing the city's traffic flow safely.

    Tip: Inform your tour provider in advance of any dietary restrictions or vegetarian requirements.

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14. 14. Museum of Vietnamese History

    Housed in a handsome French-Indochinese building near the Botanical Gardens, this museum displays artifacts spanning thousands of years of Vietnamese civilization. Exhibits cover prehistoric cultures, ancient bronze work, Cham sculptures, and royal dynasties up to the 20th century. A small traditional water puppet theatre on site occasionally hosts short performances for visitors.

    Waarom hierheen: It provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's long and complex ancient heritage before the modern era.

    Tip: Combine your visit with a peaceful walk through the adjacent Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

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15. 15. Saigon Opera House Performance

    Built in the late 19th century in the French Colonial style, this elegant theatre anchors the upscale shopping district along Dong Khoi Street. Today, it hosts cultural performances, classical concerts, and renowned shows that blend contemporary circus arts with traditional bamboo choreography. The illuminated facade is also a stunning sight during evening walks.

    Waarom hierheen: It offers a sophisticated evening of high culture inside one of the city's grandest historical venues.

    Tip: Book tickets online well in advance for popular weekend theatrical performances.

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16. 16. Tan Dinh Church

    Located in District 3, Tan Dinh Church is famous for its bright pastel-pink exterior, intricate Gothic flourishes, and tall clock tower. Built in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the city and stands out dramatically against the surrounding urban greenery. Visitors flock to the courtyard and sidewalk to take photos of its whimsical pastel facade.

    Waarom hierheen: It is one of the most visually striking and unique religious landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Tip: Cross the street to the nearby cafes for a full-frame photograph of the pink exterior.

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17. 17. Saigon River Dinner Cruise

    Boarding a traditional wooden vessel or modern river barge, passengers float along the Saigon River as the city skyline lights up for the night. Cruises typically include a multi-course Vietnamese dinner accompanied by traditional live music or acoustic performances. It provides a peaceful respite from noisy street traffic paired with dramatic views of illuminated bridges and towers.

    Waarom hierheen: It suits couples and families seeking a romantic or relaxing end to a day of sightseeing.

    Tip: Book a table on the upper open-air deck for the clearest skyline views and fresh river breezes.

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18. 18. District Craft Beer Hopping

    Beyond street food stalls, Ho Chi Minh City has developed a world-class craft beer scene centered around boutique taprooms in District 1 and District 3. Local microbreweries infuse creative regional ingredients like dragonfruit, jasmine, and local coffee into fresh IPAs and stouts. Visiting these modern taprooms allows you to sample local artisanal brews in air-conditioned comfort.

    Waarom hierheen: It showcases the modern, innovative side of the city's contemporary beverage culture.

    Tip: Order a tasting flight at your first stop to sample a wide variety of local brew styles.

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