Different Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a fun destination for first-time visitors. It’s hard to describe the scale of this place, but it’s massive. It’s not only huge, but it’s a real hive of activity. Even if you don’t have an idea of what you want to do in this city, there are still countless things to do here.
From hidden speakeasies and coffee shops to the best food in the world to incense-filled temples, there are plenty of activities and tourist attractions that will keep you entertained for days on end. Look for it in the right places.
Here’s the list of Different Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh…
Discover the Shops in 14 Ton That Dam
Saigon is filled with old, M.C. Escher-like buildings. You can find them while exploring the nooks and crannies of the tourist center of District 1. It’s hard to find, and it feels a bit awkward to walk through a building where people actually live, but it’s well worth seeking out and exploring this beautifully rundown apartment complex.
Once you go inside, it’s a bit maze-like but you’ll find all sorts of cool bars, boutiques, and cafes hidden in what honestly feels like an abandoned building/perfect setting for a horror movie. You’ll find your way through a maze of rooms and hallways when you get inside. Otherwise, you might not find out where the actual shops are located.
Explore Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)
This church is one of the most colorful and festive ones you’ve seen. This Vietnamese Catholic Church is famous for its pink exterior, which gives it a striking contrast to its whitewashed interior. When you’re feeling the need for a change, travel to District 3 and check out the quirky church that stands out so much that it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe.
The interior of the church is even more colorful than the outside. Be sure to check it out. The church was built in the 1870s, but it got a fresh coat of paint in a vivid shade of pink in 1957.
Look for Saigon’s Hidden Cocktail Bars
There are lots of cool bars in HCMC, but it’s a bit tricky to find them all. Many of these bars serve classic cocktails but offer a variety of really interesting cocktails with off-the-wall ingredients. You can try martinis and Moscow Mules, and you can also try sipping cocktails that include peanut butter, spicy peppers, dill and coconut water and so much more. A lot of the places were awful but most were shockingly amazing and the atmosphere of these places is always really cool.
Tour Saigon’s incense-filled Temples
Cholon in Saigon’s China Town is also home to some of the city’s most picturesque Buddhist temples. You should the 20-minute taxi ride from District 1 to Cholon (District 5) for the temples alone. Thien Hau Temple, Ong Bon Pagoda, and Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda are highly recommended. However, there are so many more temples that are worth exploring.
If you’re interested in delving into Saigon’s various religious sites — including mosques, Caodaist temples, and Hindu temples, Saigon Religions Tour by Motorbike is the perfect option. It’s on the back of a motorcycle, which always adds excitement! It takes you to several far-flung places as well.
Try Pho But Eat Other Foods Too
Vietnam is famous for pho but there are so many other noodle soups and dishes to try. Definitely get some pho but don’t be afraid to sample other foods too. Get out there and eat because this city has a lot of amazing options. Saigon is most definitely a great place for your taste buds. The perfect balance between warming and cooling ingredients, heavier meats and lighter rice-based carbs, and fresh herbs to round out the taste, and never get boring.
Photograph a View from a Rooftop Bar
Most tourists visiting HCMC will visit the observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower (the second-highest building in HCMC). There are so many amazing rooftop bars in the city that you’ll want to take in the view with a fruity cocktail in hand. If you’re looking to mix business with pleasure, Chill is the most high-end rooftop bar in town—though be aware that there is a dress code. There are lots of different bars in HCMC, and Shri Bar is one of the mellower ones. There are lots of options though.
Walk Along the Saigon River
Saigon is crazy, chaotic, and really, really loud. But there are some areas around the city that are kind of peaceful. Walk along the river and take it all in! The little path along the Saigon River is located in downtown Saigon. It’s great for getting around and for tourists. A nice walkway is a great place to go for a walk or a lazy stroll. Plus, you get to view the scenery from a water-level perspective.
Take a Selfie at Mong Bridge (Rainbow Bridge)
This bridge in Saigon was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1882. The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge that spans the river and links District 1 with District 4. These days, more and more couples are taking wedding pictures at the beach. It’s right downtown, just down the street from Bitexco Tower. If you haven’t already, check out the Saigon River walking trail in District 1.
Enjoy Street Food at Ben Thanh Food Market
The Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The Ben Thanh Street Food Market is an ultra-hip, casual, foodie paradise where you’ll find tons of trendy eateries serving everything from Vietnamese to Mexican to Vegan southern comfort food. They even have fried “chicken”! This place is certainly worth a visit for foodies who want a unique food experience in HCMC. There’s no shortage of options here, so be prepared to try a little bit of everything.
Explore Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park
The Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park is Vietnamese water-filled fantasy land, located next to a rubbish dump 15 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City. Suoi Tien, which translates to “the fairy stream,” is the world’s first water park devoted to Buddhism. It’s especially popular among Singaporean Buddhists.
The park has several interesting historical sites and is home to an ancient, over-1,000-year-old temple. You can also learn more about Vietnam’s history, the country’s folklore, and the Buddha himself. Among the many things to do at the park include visiting the enormous golden statue of Buddha, taking a dip in the pool (which is shaped like a giant elephant’s trunk), and playing arcade games.
Visit The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument
The Thich Quang Duc Monument in Ho Chi Minh City is a memorial that honors the Buddhist monk’s final act of courage in the face of religious discrimination. It’s reported that Thích Quảng Đính burned himself to death by setting himself ablaze on a busy highway to protest the killing of Buddhist civilians. The memorial shows him wreathed in flames in front of a bas-relief, which depicts him falling backward.
For his bravery and sacrifice, the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument was built in 2010, around the corner from where he self-immolated. The park has an elevated structure of Quang Dung, surrounded by rising flames. This sacrifice is a truly peaceful place. It helps you understand a little bit of Vietnam’s history, as this is not to have sympathy but to be acknowledged. His photographs capture the horror and heroism of this incident, and it’s truly a story that will keep you riveted.
Feed Alligators at Suoi Tien Theme Park
Suoi Tien is one of the largest theme parks in Ho Chi Minh City. It has a variety of great entertainment facilities, including roller coasters, rides, live shows, and more. People travel from far and wide to visit the Ngoc Nhu water park. It’s the largest water park in Vietnam, and it’s definitely a fun place to spend the day.
The water park is split into two sections, one section is suitable for kids and the other is not safe for children. You’ll find a number of water activities for adults here, including aside from water slides and splash pads which are definitely not suitable for cowards and children. Other than the water park, Suoi Tien Water Park has a lot more to offer. It also has an alligator feeding area.