What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

Opera House featuring a high-rise building, street scenes and a city
Opera House featuring a high-rise building, street scenes and a city
Saigon River which includes skyline, a city and a skyscraper
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam featuring a bay or harbor and a pond

Ho Chi Minh City Attractions

Always up for an eye-opening excursion and unique ways to get your kicks, you're eager to explore new territory from top to bottom. You're ready to set sail in a different direction. It's not hard to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Canada makes it simple to book loads of things to do. Reserve your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and start daydreaming. Coming up: Ho Chi Minh City!

  • Book your favourite tours on Expedia Canada for a great price, and you'll still have money for a fancy hotel or fine meal while you're visiting. The activities in Ho Chi Minh City are not only topnotch, but they won't cost an arm and a leg. We have 1335 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just CA $3 .
  • Ho Chi Minh City is a favourite among adventurers similar to you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to Ho Chi Minh City to learn about local history and find the top activities. The top things to do can get the enthusiasm of even well-versed travellers, and it's easy to see why. Our list includes a wide range of culturally themed tours and opportunities for adventure. From unequalled ways to see the best this area has to give like a Saigon River Dinner Cruise with Water Puppet Show & Cyclo Tour to once in a lifetime chances like the Small-Group Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Tour, there is an abundance of possibilities to choose from when you consider all the choices available here at Expedia Canada.

Our activities are the best way to organize your trip. It takes an expert itinerary to fully explore Ho Chi Minh City, particularly when you want to include outdoor activities and trips to museums. And we know you don't plan to sleep all day—you are excited to get out and play. You look forward to covering the most essential activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Book guided tours on Expedia Canada, and you may find all that you are seeking and more.

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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and shopping

3. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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Dong Khoi Street featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

4. Saigon River

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.
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Saigon River featuring a city, boating and a river or creek

5. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.
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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing a garden and zoo animals

6. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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Opera House showing night scenes and heritage architecture

7. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.
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Vincom Center Shopping Mall which includes signage

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Recommended things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Number of things to do
1335
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Ho Chi Minh City: Five Faiths of Saigon Guided Tour: CA $3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market which includes markets and shopping

Ben Thanh Market

4/5(187 reviews)

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market
Aerial view of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and the illuminated Bui Vien party street at night, Vietnam.

Bui Vien Walking Street

4/5(96 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Bui Vien Walking Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and shopping

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Pham Ngu Lao Street
Dong Khoi Street featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi Street

One of two major commercial centers in Ho Chi Minh City, this street has high-end shops, cafés and restaurants as well as some of the city’s finest architecture.

Dong Khoi Street
Saigon River showing a river or creek, a city and a bay or harbour

Saigon River

4/5(62 reviews)

Gain a fresh perspective of the city skyline with a boat ride. Venture along the twisting waterways to small villages and an immense set of wartime tunnels.

Saigon River
Lion dance on lunar new year in saigon vietnam

Saigon Square

4/5(112 reviews)

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can enjoy retail therapy at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Square
Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing a garden and zoo animals

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

3.5/5(23 reviews)

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden
Opera House featuring night scenes, heritage architecture and street scenes

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

4/5(70 reviews)

This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Ho Chi Minh city skyline at night. Skyscrapers, apartment buildings. Saigon Skydeck

Landmark 81

You can do some window-shopping at Landmark 81 during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Landmark 81

Explore areas of Ho Chi Minh City

Guerrero

District 1

4/5(1 area review)

Central urban district and financial hub, bustling with luxury shopping centers and historical sites like Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. Explore Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ districts for various amenities.

District 1
Top view aerial of Mai Chi Tho road, Thu Thiem peninsula and center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with development buildings, transportation, energy power infrastructure. View from District 2

District 3

Bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 3 boasts French-style villas, Xá Lợi Pagoda, and Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda. Easily accessible via Saigon railway station, the largest railway hub in the country.

District 3
Ben Thanh Market showing street scenes, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(170 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office which includes heritage architecture and interior views

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(91 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travelers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Vincom Center Shopping Mall or Dong Khoi Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Dong Khoi
Well worth doing the tour

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Beautiful scenery in the early sun of Khanh An Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam - little Japan in Saigon. Travel and landscape concept.

Little Japan

4/5(32 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Opera House Station.

Little Japan

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ho Chi Minh City

High wide drone view of fish farming floating community and surrounds in Bien Hoa on the Dong Nai river in Vietnam on sunny day

Bien Hoa

Binh Thuan sunset sun down on top of the boat as if to sleep on the boat. I felt like the boat was carrying the sun in a very peaceful sleep.

Thuan An

Thu Dau Mot city, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, aerial view. This is a newly formed city in Southeast region of Vietnam

Thu Dau Mot

peaceful view of the Sala monastery inside the sala cemetery, Long Thanh

Long Thanh

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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