8
MIN
READ
Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has been overtaken by the blend of modernity and tradition, which shows the honor of the country’s rich past. While the vibrant and bustling areas attract tourists with entertainment centers, walking streets, and performances, several cultural heritages, historical sites, and religious places are ideal choices for those who are tradition-oriented. This article by Vietnam Private Tours will guide tourists to fascinating Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City and promise an incredible experience.
- Explore the War Remnants Museum
The three-story War Remnants Museum is home to an enormous collection of artifacts and spectacular images, such as “The Terror of War,” a photograph by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Nick Ut. The courtyard is decorated with planes, tanks, and bombs that are out of commission. These displays shed light on the devastating impact of the war on the Vietnamese people.
Entry fee: 15 000 VND
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3
Operating hours: from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., daily (including holidays).
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
Because of its complex underground labyrinth and decades-old tunnel network, the Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels are among the most beautiful and daring underground wonders in the world, allowing visitors to experience Vietnam’s dramatic history as if they were traveling back in time to the war years.
Historical enthusiasts and tourists may find themselves fascinated by the tales of the Cu Chi Tunnels, particularly about the structures, roles, and important details in the 20th-century enemy conflict. Adventure-seeking guests can also explore the tunnels on their own and obtain firsthand experience by following the tour guide’s comprehensive directions.
There are various options to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnel with detailed duration and travel costs below that facilitate your choice such as buses, taxis, and private cars. If you pick Ho Chi Minh Tour Packages from a travel agency, the means of transportation may be included.
- Stroll Through Ben Thanh Market
Located at the heart of the city, Ben Thanh Market is a classic marketplace constructed on an area of ground that was once known as Bo Ret Pond. Inside, fresh food, conical hats, weasel coffee, and lacquerware are all sold in a maze of aisles. A tangle of food vendors toward the end of the hall serves freshly made Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread) and Banh Xeo (Sizzle cake), which are traditional dishes. While strolling to explore the culture and atmosphere here, you may intend to buy some souvenirs for your friends or families. The bargain should be applied to avoid being overcharged during the exploration of Activities in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
When the French occupied Vietnam in the late 19th century, they ordered the building of a large church to serve as a gathering place for communal activities and worship for their colonists. The first work on the church was done in 1863 on the bank of the Charner Canal (Kinh Lon). The wooden structure was finished in two years and given the name “Saigon Church,” but termites soon began to destroy it.
With materials transported from France, the church was rebuilt in 1877 under the direction of renowned architect Admiral Bourard. The French Cochinchine government funded the construction of the church, which took three years to finish and cost 2,500,000 French francs. For this reason, it was also known as the State church.
With space for up to 1,200 people, the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral is made up of one central nave, two side aisles, and two side chapels. The cathedral’s majestic bell towers frequently make an impression on guests. The cathedral’s towers are sometimes referred to be its soul. Next to the main Cathedral, the outdoor park area where the statue of Our Lady of Peace is suited is for visitors to snap photos or take a walk. Don’t miss this destination while exploring Activities in Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: 8 am – 10:30 am and 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm on weekdays
- Take a Boat Tour on the Saigon River
The Saigon River originates in Cambodia and runs through South Vietnam, eventually joining the South China Sea at the Mekong Delta. The Dong Nai and Ben Cat rivers also enter the river in Ho Chi Minh City. There are historic homes, skyscrapers in the city, subterranean passageways constructed during the Vietnam War, and communities all along the riverbanks. A boat ride on the Saigon River near Ho Chi Minh City allows tourists to observe the variety of lives that surround this bustling city. Saigon River tour cruises are available from a variety of Vietnam Tour Packages and may be reserved as individual charters or as a component of larger group tours. Notice that the best time to immerse yourselves in this exploration is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. because of the breathtaking romantic sunset.
- Experience the Nightlife at Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien, which has established itself as a Western quarter, also offers a typical Western feature: lively evenings spent in a range of interesting and engaging pubs and bars. Because of its shimmering lights, this street is also referred to as Saigon’s most opulent “never-sleep” street. Some pubs in ideal locations also provide an amazing, all-encompassing nighttime view of the city. Professional bartenders produce a variety of drinks, some of which are blended to create new flavors so that patrons may always try something new. Ho Chi Minh Tours cannot be fulfilled if you miss this destination in the itinerary.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine at Street Food Stalls
One of the common Activities in Ho Chi Minh City is to enjoy street food such as Pho (Noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread), and rice dishes in the food stores or vendors where you can find original and delectable favors. Tourists can start the journey from District 1 and then travel to other areas such as Ben Thanh Market and District 3. To have a tasty and safe meal, you should watch and read reviews about the stalls or ask the locals about some famous places.
- Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is regarded as one of the best temples in the city. Because there are so many tortoises on the grounds, it is also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. It is a Ho Chi Minh must-see attraction among Activities in Ho Chi Minh City.
The pagoda is constructed based on the Chinese style and decorated with various fascinating paintings, figures, and walls. Looking up the roofs, the yin-yang tiles with bright colors hold some statues. When coming to Jade Emperor Pagoda during Vietnam Tours, the Worshiping tradition can be seen as a Vietnamese culture. You can pray for offspring, love, health, and peace.
- Relax at Tao Dan Park
The 10-hectare Tao Dan Park, with its bench-lined paths and aisles of tall tropical trees, including flame trees and enormous Sao Den and So Khi trees, is one of the most beautiful green places in the city. When thousands of residents exercise in the early morning and late afternoon, it’s an interesting place to explore solo or with your families.
- Shop at Saigon Square
In Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Square is a popular shopping destination for young people and visitors from both local and foreign countries. At Saigon Square Shopping Mall, fashion products like clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories like jewelry, watches, and cameras are the most sought-after commodities at a wide range of costs from ten thousand to some million Dong. Most vendors in Saigon Square offer higher pricing in exchange for haggling so you should prepare some tips in the Vietnam Travel Guide:
- When purchasing a certain item, you should also take the average price in some stores.
- It is important that you thoroughly check the goods because there is no guarantee that every product in this facility is of excellent quality.
- You have the right to the bid, and while most sellers are kind, you should also test to see what is acceptable.
Conclusion
Traveling to this vibrant Southern area, tourists can explore a wide range of Activities in Ho Chi Minh City through various forms such as culture, history, and nightlife experience. During these Best tours from Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to enjoy the delectable traditional dishes that are recommended above. Come to explore the unique blend of ancient beauty and modern features here. If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section, Vietnam Private Tours is happy to reply and be by your side to create a memorable trip.
