Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and bustling city full of amazing attractions. From historical sites to modern shopping malls, the city has something for everyone. Here are some of the top interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at the Vietnam War

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is one of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city and most important sites in Vietnam. The museum showcases the human cost of war through an extensive array of photos, artifacts and paintings. Many of these are displayed with English captions so visitors can gain an understanding of what happened during the Vietnam War.

Visit the War Remnants Museum

The museum's main goal is to educate visitors about the destruction and suffering caused by the conflict. Visitors can view exhibits that focus on a wide variety of topics related to the war, such as Agent Orange, chemical warfare, torture methods and political propaganda campaigns. There are also displays dedicated to foreign journalists who reported from the frontlines and the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people.

The museum also serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the war, with displays honoring soldiers from both sides. The museum is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and how it can never be ignored or forgotten. Visiting this museum will give you an understanding of why peace and reconciliation are so important. It is a must-try things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for anyone who wants to learn more about the Vietnam War and its legacy.

2. Head to Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace, or Dinh Doc Lap, is a historical site and one of best places in Ho Chi Minh City that serves as an important reminder of the country's modern history. Built in 1966, it served as the home and headquarters for the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Visitors to Reunification Palace can learn about the events that led up to the reunification of Vietnam in 1975. Inside, there are many artifacts and photos that document the tumultuous history of Vietnam, including images from the Tet Offensive and other significant battles during the war.

Visit the Reunification Palace

The palace is open daily for visitors who wish to take a tour. A knowledgeable guide will accompany visitors on the tour, giving an informative overview of Vietnam's history and explaining the significance behind the various artifacts. Visitors can also explore the palace grounds which include a helipad, gardens, and outdoor patios.

Reunification Palace is one of best places in Ho Chi Minh city for anyone interested in learning about Vietnamese history. It serves as an important reminder of the country's past and provides an insight into the people and events that shaped it. The palace is a living testament to the determination and resilience of Vietnam during the war, as well as its ultimate victory. Visiting Reunification Palace is an invaluable experience and interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh ciy that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

3. Admire the intricate architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Visiting the Notre Dame Catherdral is one of top interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.  Its two towers, soaring spires and intricate carvings are awe-inspiring to behold. The cathedral’s most striking feature is its distinctive rose window, which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Paris. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the intricate Gothic vaulting and sculpture, including a large statue of Charlemagne in its western façade. The architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral is truly remarkable, reflecting centuries of skillful craftsmanship and artistry that are rarely encountered today. Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral - one of best places in Ho Chi Minh city is an unforgettable experience; it is sure to take your breath away.

4. Enjoy Saigon local cuisines

Enjoy HCMC local cuisines

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a variety of delicious street food. From banh mi to bun cha, the city's vibrant street food stalls offer a wide selection of local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So do not forget to list this one in your things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.  One of the most popular dishes in Ho Chi Minh City is pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho can be found on almost every street corner, and the flavors of this dish vary from stall to stall. Another popular local dish is com tam, or broken rice. This dish is made up of steamed rice that has been broken into small pieces and served with grilled pork, vegetables, and a sweet-and-sour fish sauce. The city's street food stalls also serve a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup; banh xeo, a savory fried pancake; and goi cuon, fresh spring rolls filled with pork or shrimp. No matter what type of local food you're looking for, Ho Chi Minh City's street food stalls are sure to provide you with a delicious and satisfying meal.

5. Take a boat ride down the Saigon River to see the city from a different perspective

A boat ride down the Saigon River offers a unique way to experience the city of Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling along the river, visitors can gain insight into the vibrant local culture and see the city from a different perspective. This activities is deserved to be one of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.

A boat ride down the Saigon River

The boat trip begins at Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and takes visitors further down the Saigon River. The sights along the way are spectacular, offering glimpses of some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks, such as the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. The boat trip also provides views of smaller villages located by the riverbanks and gives visitors an opportunity to observe local fishermen going about their daily activities.

During the boat tour, visitors will get to see the hustle and bustle of the city from a different point of view. The river provides an idyllic backdrop for exploring Ho Chi Minh City's unique culture and history. Visitors can also take advantage of this opportunity to purchase snacks from local vendors selling traditional food items along the riverbanks. The tour often ends with a stop at Thanh Da Island, where visitors can take in the stunning views of the city skyline that is illuminated by colorful lights during the night.

A boat ride down the Saigon River offers an unforgettable experience, one of interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh city to gain insight into the culture and history os this city. Whether you’re looking for new perspectives or simply want to enjoy a relaxing journey along the river, this is an experience that shouldn't be missed.

So why not take a boat ride down the Saigon River and explore Ho Chi Minh City in a whole new way?

6. Wander through bustling markets like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay for souvenirs and bargains

Venturing through the bustling streets of Ben Thanh and Binh Tay Markets is a great way to explore Vietnamese culture, pick up souvenirs and grab some bargain deals. Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular markets and one of tops things to do in Ho Chi Minh City located in District 1 near Ben Thanh Station. It offers a broad range of goods such as souvenirs, apparel, food items and more. The market has a vibrant atmosphere with merchants shouting out their deals to entice customers.

Ben Thanh market

Binh Tay Market is also top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city located in District 1 but further from the city center. It is known for its traditional Vietnamese markets and vendors selling dried seafood, pork, fruits, vegetables and more. As one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, it is renowned for its wide range of goods and prices that are much lower than those found in Ben Thanh.

Whether you're looking to pick up souvenirs or simply explore Vietnamese culture, take a visit to either Ben Thanh or Binh Tay Market and wander through the bustling streets for a one-of-a-kind experience. With great deals, incredible variety of goods, and an atmosphere unlike any other, these markets are sure to provide a memorable shopping experience.

7. See traditional Vietnamese culture in action by attending a performance of water puppetry

Water puppetry is a traditional folk art form that has been around in Vietnam since the 11th century. It is performed in a pool of water, and the players use long poles to move the wooden puppets through the water and act out stories from Vietnamese folklore. These performances are quite common things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, and it is a great opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese culture in action.

Water puppetry in Ho Chi Minh city

The stage for the performance is usually a pool of water that is around one meter deep and rectangular in shape. The background music is often played on traditional instruments, such as drums or gongs. The puppets are made out of wood and have colorful costumes with intricate details, making them very lifelike. They are controlled by the puppeteers, who use long poles to move them around the pool of water.

The stories told through the performance often revolve around Vietnamese mythology and folktales. They feature characters such as dragons, farmers, gods and goddesses, princesses, soldiers and other figures from Vietnamese folk tales. The performances also often include humorous skits or other entertainment.

It is a great way to experience the traditional culture of Vietnam and watch excellent performances that have been around for centuries. Water puppetry shows are available in various venues across Ho Chi Minh City, so you can easily find one to attend during your visit. It is a unique, exciting experience and interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh city that you won't want to miss. So make sure to keep an eye out for these amazing shows while you are in Ho Chi Minh City!

8. Relax in one of the city's many parks or gardens

Ho Chi Minh City has hundreds of parks and gardens that provide a great opportunity for residents and visitors to relax amidst nature. The city's most famous park is Tao Dan Park, which is located in District 1 and stretches for over 51 hectares. It contains multiple sports facilities, several sculptures, walking paths, ponds and fountains, and it also has an auditorium which is used for events like concerts. The park is quite popular with the locals who come here to enjoy the tranquility of nature and to practice sports or just have a leisurely stroll. So it is one of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.

Tao Dan park

Other parks in Ho Chi Minh City include the Independence Palace Park, which is located near downtown, and Ly Chinh Thang Park, which is situated in District 3 and has a large lake. Both parks provide a great place to relax while taking in the lush green atmosphere.

The city also has several gardens that are ideal for escaping urban life. The most famous of these is Yen Sao, located in District 8. This garden is full of greenery, ponds and waterfalls that are sure to put visitors in a relaxed state.

Ho Chi Minh City also has several smaller parks and gardens where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. These include Sala Park near Ton Duc Thang University, Ly Thuong Kiet Park near the Reunification Palace, and Van Thanh Park in District 4. All these parks provide a great place to relax, enjoy nature, have picnics or just take a walk.

Overall, Ho Chi Minh City has many wonderful parks and gardens that offer visitors and residents intersting thongs to do in Ho Chi Minh city and a chance to relax, take in the beauty of nature. Whether you are looking for a place to do sports, enjoy nature or just have a leisurely stroll, Ho Chi Minh City has it all. So come visit these awesome parks and gardens and give your body and mind some time to unwind!

9. Go out clubbing or see a show in one of HCMC's lively nightlife districts

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its lively nightlife and party vibes, with many districts offering plenty of options for a great night out. Whether you want to go clubbing or see a show, there's something for everyone.

Ho Chi Minh city nightlife

The downtown area of District 1 is the place to be if your looking for a clubbing experience. With a great selection of bars, clubs, and dancefloors there's plenty to keep you entertained for the night. Whether it be electronic or hip hop music, District 1 is sure to have something for everyone and wonderful things to do in Ho Chi Minh city. You can also find lots of rooftop bars with amazing views of the city skyline, making it an ideal spot to start off the night in Saigon.

If you're looking for a live show, then District 5 is the place to go. It's home to many popular music venues and theaters, such as The Saigon Opera House and Lam Son Theatre. There's also plenty of bars and clubs offering jazz, blues, or soul music. After taking in a show, you can head to one of the many street food vendors offering delicious local dishes.

No matter what your preference is, Ho Chi Minh City offers something for everyone when it comes to going out at night. With so much to offer, you'll be sure to have a great time exploring the city's vibrant nightlife -one of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.

10. Take a guided tour of Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war

Cu Chi Tunnels is an intricate network of underground tunnels located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The tunnel system was used extensively by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War to conceal their movements from the US-led forces.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels offer visitors a unique experience into life during wartime and a glimpse of the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people in defending their homeland. Through a guided tour, visitors can learn about the history of this remarkable wartime site and explore the tunnels themselves. Visitting Cu Chi Tunnels is one of top things to do in  Ho Chi Minh city.

The guided tours usually start with an introduction to the war in general and then move on to exploring the actual tunnel system. Visitors will be shown how life inside was organized, and will be able to view the artifacts left behind from the war. To get an even better understanding of life in the tunnels, visitors can crawl through some of them and experience first-hand how cramped and difficult life must have been for those living down there.

Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit destination, top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for anyone interested in learning more about the war and gaining an understanding of one of the most groundbreaking military strategies in history. A visit to this underground network is an unforgettable experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city full of interesting places to explore and activities to enjoy. From its stunning architecture to its amazing street food, there are a variety of activities for everyone to experience and enjoy. Whether you want to take in the sights or indulge in some retail therapy, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. With its bustling streets, delicious food and rich cultural heritage, Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.

***
Travel Authentic Asia Company is your best choice for discovering the beauty of Southeast Asia. Our experienced and knowledgeable travel advisors are committed to helping you create a tailor-made tour and extraordinary experiences in this majestic region.

If you're looking for an authentic cultural experience, do not hesitate to contact Travel Authentic Asia to choose a Vietnam tour, Southeast Asia tour package or to customize your own style tour to South East Asia.