Beyond The Bustle: Unique Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

By Katie May

Pulsating with vitality, creativity, and yes, a fair share of traffic, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, stands as the beating economic heart of Vietnam and the primary hub in the southern region. This cosmopolitan metropolis, brimming with innovation, seamlessly weaves the historical and contemporary in its dynamic cityscape, encapsulating the essence of the city's past and future. Ho Chi Minh City boasts many renowned attractions, from the poignant War Museum and the captivating Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, creating an irresistible tapestry of experiences for every visitor.

Let's dive into this article and discover the exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, making your tour the most valuable!

About Ho Chi Minh City

Approximately 1,730 kilometers north of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is a pivotal hub in Vietnam's Southeast and Southwest regions. As the nation's most densely populated urban center, it holds significant international importance as a gateway along major maritime routes. The city boasts a dynamic atmosphere and bears the postal code 700000.

Ho Chi Minh City is an important traffic hub, facilitating connectivity between surrounding provinces. It borders Binh Duong and Tay Ninh provinces in the north and northwest, Dong Nai Province in the east and northeast, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in the southeast, and Long An and Tien Giang provinces in the west and southwest.

Capitalizing on advantageous conditions, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as Vietnam's economic powerhouse, drawing substantial foreign investments. Furthermore, with a history spanning over 300 years, Saigon has enormous tourism potential due to its old architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and unique culinary legacy, offering an extensive array of things to do in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City serves as an important traffic center 

Ho Chi Minh City's weather

Ho Chi Minh City experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. 

The rainy season is distinguished by tropical monsoons that provide brief but frequent afternoon rainfall. Visitors should come equipped with raincoats or umbrellas. In contrast, the dry season has average temperatures of 27.55 degrees Celsius and up to 270 hours of sunshine per month. Temperatures can reach 40°C, therefore, passengers should take care to avoid heat stroke. 

The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is pleasant. Additionally, the Tet Festival in late January or early February provides visitors with a unique and culturally rich experience.

Ho Chi Minh City transport

Visitors have multiple transportation options to reach Ho Chi Minh City, including buses, trains, and planes. 

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a daily entry point for foreign and domestic travelers. Various bus companies offer shuttles from destinations such as Phnom Penh and other locations within Vietnam. 

The city also attracts train travelers, and taxis are readily available. Those with a Vietnamese SIM card can utilize ride-hailing apps like Grab. Local buses' extensive coverage facilitates convenient city-wide transportation. 

Moreover, for day trips to places like the Củ Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta, travelers can opt for boat rides along the river.

Let’s choose the best mode of transportation in Vietnam for your vacation through our sharing - Getting Around Vietnam: A Guide to Transportation Options.

Visitors have multiple transportation options to reach Ho Chi Minh City 

Explore Top Things To Do In Saigon

1. Enjoy a stroll through Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Street holds a significant place in the vibrant tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its lively tourist attractions and bustling nightlife. This charming street is adorned with boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and towering structures, crafting an enchanting atmosphere.

As night descends, Nguyen Hue Street transforms into a lively spectacle, featuring an enchanting water fountain that lights up the surroundings and lively street performances. While meandering along this lively thoroughfare, be sure to indulge in delectable treats such as banh mi (Vietnam baguette), mixed rice paper (banh trang tron), and enticing ice cream rolls.

Let’s fill your travel diary with incredible tasty Vietnamese street food with Discovering The Vibrant Flavors Of the Vietnamese Street Food Scene

2. Admire the European-inspired architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon

Marvel at the exquisite European-inspired architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an iconic landmark testament to the city's rich history. The cathedral's design, influenced by French colonial aesthetics, features a striking red-brick façade, intricately crafted sculptures, and twin bell towers that reach towards the sky. The meticulous attention to detail in its architectural elements creates a sense of grandeur and elegance. 

As you stand in front of this cultural gem, you can't help but admire the blending of European design with the lively spirit of Ho Chi Minh City, which transforms the Notre Dame Cathedral into a mesmerizing symbol of the city's distinctive legacy.

Admire the European-inspired architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon 

3. Head up to the Saigon Skydeck inside the world's 124th-tallest building

Shaped like a blooming Lotus bud, symbolizing Vietnam's national flower, the Bitexco Financial Tower stands as Ho Chi Minh City's tallest skyscraper. 

Perched on the 49th floor, the Saigon Skydeck offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views of the bustling city below. With 68 floors and a soaring height of 262 meters, this architectural gem has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, drawn by the allure of amenities like the sophisticated shopping hub, Icon 68. The complex invites visitors to explore high-end stores, catch a movie in the cinema, and indulge in diverse culinary delights. 

Nestled in the financial district, the skyscraper also hosts the EON Helibar, featuring a helipad that provides a unique opportunity to book helicopter rides and transport services for an elevated and distinctive experience.

The Ho Chi Minh City's tallest building Bitexco Financial Tower 

4. Cruise along the Mekong Delta

Escape the city hustle, dive into the lush Mekong Delta landscapes, and discover traditional villages on a boat cruise—one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh. Explore intricate canals, charming villages, and traditional stilt houses to connect deeply with the local culture. The hospitable locals and vibrant community activities offer an authentic glimpse into daily life along the Mekong.

Moreover, a Mekong Delta cruise provides hands-on experiences like navigating narrow water passages and visiting coconut candy workshops. The tranquil river ambiance transforms the journey into more than sightseeing—a sensory adventure immersing you in the essence of this captivating region.

Cruise along the Mekong Delta 

5. Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels not only serve as a destination but also stand as a renowned Vietnamese military achievement with significant historical and cultural importance. 

Passengers must travel around 70 kilometers from the city center to access this underground complex. This tourist destination spans 250 kilometers and features three separate levels. The top level is around 3 meters below the earth, the middle level is 6 meters, and the bottom level is 12 meters. 

These unique attributes contribute to recognizing Cu Chi Tunnels as one of the six notable man-made structures globally and as one of the top seven most extraordinary destinations in Southeast Asia.

Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels 

So, let the tantalizing aromas of street food beckon you, the vibrant nightlife energize you, and the warmth of the locals embrace you. Ho Chi Minh City isn't just a destination; it's an immersive journey where each moment is a brushstroke, painting a vivid and unforgettable picture of Vietnam's past, present, and future. As you prepare for your adventure, explore the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether it's arranging accommodations, navigating the bustling streets, or even applying for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Immigration & e-Visa Portal.

Get ready to savor the flavors, feel the rhythm, and create memories that will linger in your heart long after you bid this captivating city farewell. Ho Chi Minh City awaits, offering many exciting things to do and experience.

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