Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

About the City

Bustling streets lined with food stalls selling pho roil with the energy of motorbikes zipping past, this is the rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, a place where the charm of old-world Vietnam meets modern urban buzz. Picture aromatic street food corners amidst towering skyscrapers, with the wafting scent of strong Vietnamese coffee that's both a punch and a pat on the back. Street markets surge with a rainbow of exotic fruits, while the blare of horns from a swarm of scooters soundtracks the cityscape. Navigating the thoroughfares is a dance with dare; crosswalks are less instruction, more suggestion. A pastel-colored patchwork of French colonial architecture plays hide and seek with glittering new high-rises. The heat, however, clings like a second skin, and the monsoon's drench is a regular interlude. Yet when the downpour ceases, the sizzling pavements stir steam, and life goes on unabated. The city buzz can verge on sensory assault, and the search for tranquility might lead you to a hidden pagoda where incense coils spiral upward in a silent prayer. Somewhere between the tantalizing street eats and the weave of motorbike ballet, Ho Chi Minh City, with its contrasts and chaos, kindles a fire in the belly of wanderlust. It's not without its grime or grumble, but this city's pulse is invigorating, its verve irresistible, and its embrace of old and new, sublime.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Sizzling Snail Sensation

Food & Drink

Get adventurous with a plate of 'Oc', the sizzling snail dish that'll have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha! We're talking garlic-infused, lemongrass-laden, chili-spiked snails in various sizes and...

Historic Scooter Safari

Outdoors

Rev up your engines and see HCMC on two wheels! Zip past French colonial architecture, feel the breeze as you cross the bridges, and get a taste for local living with a scooter tour around town.

Second-Hand Scooter Rally

The Unexpected

Embrace the local pace and snag a second-hand scooter to zigzag through the city's busy boulevards. It's a throttle-thrilling quest to find the most character-infused ride – rust, rattles and all – fo...

Hidden Alley Exploration

The Unexpected

Dodge the main drags and scurry down the rabbit hole of Saigon's hidden alleyways. It's a maze of wonders where you'll find the quirkiest coffee shops, secret gardens, and perhaps a friendly local wil...

Pagoda Potpourri

The Unexpected

Perfume your path with incense as you temple-hop, indulging in the fragrant fumes of Saigon's sacred spaces. It's not just a treat for the nose; you'll find eye-candy architecture that's a real feast ...

Vintage View-Finding

The Unexpected

Peek through the past with our blast-from-the-past adventure – find the most unique, old-school binoculars perched around the city. These babies offer a window to yesteryears, and who knows, might jus...

Kayak Along the Canal

Outdoors

Paddle through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on a kayak. It's a splash-tastic way to see the city from a whole new angle. Just grab a paddle, slap on some sunscreen, and go with the flow!

Cultural Canoeing Challenge

Outdoors

Paddle away from the hustle and bustle in a traditional Vietnamese canoe. Glide through the calm waters, soak up the peace and tranquility, and get those arms a great workout!

Kite-Flying Festivities

Outdoors

Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height! Join the locals in this breezy pastime at the open fields. Watch as colorful kites dance and dive in the sky, or even better, bring your own and join in ...

Urban Jungle Trek

Outdoors

Trek through the lush canopies and feel like Indiana Jones in the bustling heart of Saigon at the Botanic Gardens! Spot exotic plants, lazy reptiles basking in the sun, and make feathered friends with...

Hu Tieu Hustle

Food & Drink

Slip into the noodle narrative with Hu Tieu, a southern noodle sensation that'll swim in your memory forever. It comes dry or with soup, topped with a bevy of ingredients like pork slices, seafood, an...

Immerse in the Intrigue of Ben Thanh Market

Sights

Take your senses on a shopping spree at Ben Thanh Market. Rub elbows with locals and haggle like a pro. From tropical fruits to tailor-made outfits, this bustling bazaar is a feast for the eyes, the s...

Bitexco Tower Skydeck Marvel

Sights

Elevate yourself to cloud nine at the Bitexco Tower Skydeck. Gaze out from this skyscraper's observation deck, where the city spreads out below like a sea of electric dreams. Dare to stand on the glas...

Aisle of Enchantment at Tan Dinh Church

Sights

Let the hues of pink at the Tan Dinh Church tickle you pink! This bubble-gum-colored delight stands out in the cityscape, and wandering its pastel-perfect aisles is like stepping into a Wes Anderson d...

Face the Feline at Emperor of Jade Pagoda

Sights

Get ready to meet the giant 'God of Heavens' guarded by his trusty, ten-feet tall feline friend at the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. This mystical statue will definitely add some 'purrr' to your journey!

Jade Emperor Pagoda Tranquility

Sights

Find serenity at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, an incense-infused spiritual haven adorned with intricate carvings and statues. Whisper a wish or simply soak in the mythical atmosphere.

Banh Xeo Blitz

Food & Drink

Get ready to bite into the crispy, sizzling wonder that is Banh Xeo! This savory Vietnamese pancake, made of rice flour with a pop of turmeric, is stuffed with slivers of pork, shrimp, and bean sprout...

Sensational Saigon Sweets

Food & Drink

Treat your taste buds to a sweet escape with Che, the colorful and oh-so-delightful Vietnamese dessert! A riot of textures and flavors awaits you — from mung beans to tapioca, drenched in coconut milk...

Cafe Craze

Food & Drink

Get your caffeine fix with a Vietnamese twist! Sip on a Ca Phe Sua Da, the iconic iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk, or go bold with a Ca Phe Trung, a unique egg coffee that's rich and frothy....

Street Art Stroll

The Unexpected

Get artsy on the streets! Walk through alleyways and marvel at murals that transform boring walls into canvases of cultural expression. It's a free outdoor gallery, and you're the VIP guest!

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