Things to do in 

Ho Chi Minh City

There's a vibrant rhythm to life in Ho Chi Minh City – you can feel it in the energetic buzz of motorbikes zipping through the streets; the aroma of sizzling street food; or the hum of conversations in corner coffee shops. For those browsing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, consider its blend of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and hidden back alleys. From rediscovering history at the War Remnants Museum to meandering along the Saigon River, each experience adds a new layer to your understanding of this dynamic city.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City off the beaten path

Set your sights on alternative things to do, drifting into parks, small museums, and side streets where the daily rhythm feels easy to step into.

Cultural experiences: Be up before sunrise for coffee at Tao Đàn Park’s bird café, where songbird owners gather and chat while the city wakes. After dark, settle into a seat at Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre for a traditional southern opera performance with live đàn bầu and đàn kìm.

Small museums and galleries: The FITO Museum in District 10 is a quiet trove of traditional medicine tools; the teak houses and herbal aromas make a calm mid-morning stop. Nearby, the Southern Women’s Museum shares personal stories and textiles you rarely see elsewhere. For contemporary art, ring the bell at Salon Saigon or Craig Thomas Gallery and browse thoughtful exhibits away from the main drags.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Walk the Thủ Thiêm 2 Bridge near sunset for wide river views and a skyline that glows without the rooftop bar crush. On weeknights, the Crescent Walk in District 7 and the riverside park by the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel feel open and breezy after 6 pm.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Go early to Bình Tây Market in Chợ Lớn for bamboo steamers, herbal teas, and spices sold by weight. By midday, wander Dân Sinh (Yersin) Market for enamelware, tools, and retro kitchen gear that pack easily. For designed-in-Vietnam gifts, drop into The Craft House on Lê Lợi and pick up notebooks, soaps, and coffee beans from local roasters.

Popular neighbourhoods

A step beyond the well-trodden tourist paths in Ho Chi Minh City, a myriad of colourful neighbourhoods showcasing Vietnam's epic history and dynamic present, awaits you.

Ben Nghe: Stroll through Ben Nghe, the city's financial hub, dotted with noteworthy French colonial structures and glistening skyscrapers that loom elegantly against the sky.

Ben Thanh: Explore Ben Thanh's vibrant marketplace, where stalls heave under the weight of fresh produce, textiles, and intricate artisanal crafts. At every corner, the air is filled with the tantalising aroma of Vietnamese street food.

Pham Ngu Lao: Soak up the spirited vibe of Pham Ngu Lao, famous for its bustling nightlife and backpacker scene. Roaming the neon-lit streets, you'll glimpse numerous bars, music spots, and affordable guesthouses.

District 3: Discover grand French colonial mansions amidst a thriving local community in District 3. Tree-lined boulevards add a shot of green to the eye-catching neighbourhood known for its art scene and coffee culture.

Thao Dien: Unwind by the Saigon River in Thao Dien, an upscale ex-pat area known for its tranquil riverside parks, stylish restaurants, and world-class shopping centres.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City by season

Spring: Expect Tet to transform the city with Nguyen Hue Flower Street, incense curling from pagodas and reunion tables spilling into the evening. Wander District 1’s lanes as cafés buzz and families fill parks after sunset.

Summer: Plan around quick afternoon showers that clear the air for golden-hour strolls, rooftop breezes and riverside walks. Taste tropical harvests at the Southern Fruit Festival in Suoi Tien and duck into museums during the hottest hours.

Fall: Watch lanterns glow through Cholon for Mid-Autumn, with lion dances weaving past bakeries stacked with mooncakes. National Day on September 2 brings flags, concerts and fireworks, while cooler evenings are perfect for easy-going food crawls.

Winter: Count on dry, comfortable days, sparkling Christmas displays along Dong Khoi and a lively New Year’s countdown on Nguyen Hue. Older travellers often favour this season for calm boat rides on the Saigon River and unhurried market visits.

Recurring highlights shape the year: Tet Nguyen Dan leads the calendar, the Ao Dai Festival in March swirls colour through historic streets, Nguyen Hue blossoms into a dedicated Flower Street, and Mid-Autumn festivities light up Cholon. Reunification Day on April 30 and city marathons add big-occasion energy to the dry season.