Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a fast-paced metropolis brimming with activity. It's a side to Vietnam with relentless energy - a whirlwind of scooters, street markets, and glittering skyscrapers. Generously dotted with heritage sites and temples.
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh
Just wandering through the streets you'll feel the city's buzz. Follow your taste buds around the food stalls. Sip cocktails with skyline views. And when you need a breather, there are plenty of temples and gardens to retreat to.
- Tao Dan Park: Enjoy a peaceful stroll or join locals practising Tai Chi amidst beautiful gardens and bonsai trees.
- Saigon: Saunter down leafy boulevards lined with French-style mansions-turned-galleries.
- Water Puppet Shows: Experience traditional Vietnamese puppetry at local theatres.
- War Remnants Museum: With stirring exhibits of Vietnam's tumultuous mid-20th-century history.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: Visit this serene Buddhist temple, known for its intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
- Mekong: Cruise along the Mekong River, visiting floating markets and rural villages.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben Thanh Market: Experience vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, fashion, and diverse coffee vendors from dawn till midnight.
- Vincom Center: Two buildings with over 250 shops, blending colonial charm with modern brands.
- Cholon (Binh Tay Market): Immerse yourself in local culture with crafts, textiles, and Chinese cuisine at this bustling market.
- Boutique Fashion: Discover unique shops across District 1, like Dong Khoi Street, for diverse fashion finds.
- An Dong Market: Visit District 10 for artisan crafts like lacquerware and woodwork.
Food & Drink in Ho Chi Minh City
Indulge in Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant food scene with iconic dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and fresh spring rolls. The local favourites to try are bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), served up all across bustling street stalls and eateries.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
Get ready to paint the town red along bustling Bui Vien Street, known for its lively bars and clubs. Sip cocktails with a skyline view from Dong Khoi's chic rooftops. And soak up Nguyen Hue's bustling night markets - alive with music and excitement.
