Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a buzzing, chaotic, and utterly addictive metropolis where world-class street food costs less than a dollar and boutique hotels undercut most Western cities by 70%. With a weak-dollar-friendly dong and a density of history, nightlife, and cuisine unmatched in Southeast Asia, it remains one of the best-value big cities on earth.
Why go to Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum
Viscerally powerful photography and artifacts from the Vietnam War that will leave you speechless for hours.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Crawl through the legendary 250km underground network used by Viet Cong fighters during the war.
Reunification Palace
Tour the intact 1960s government complex where the Vietnam War officially ended on April 30, 1975.
Ben Thanh Market
A sensory overload of street food, souvenirs, and local life at the historic heart of District 1.
Bui Vien Walking Street
The wildest budget nightlife strip in Southeast Asia, packed with rooftop bars and neon from dusk to dawn.
Make it real
Add your details for a shareable plan: flights, stays, and an estimated cost.
Good to know in Ho Chi Minh City
- Transit: Grab-bike (motorcycle Uber) is the cheapest and fastest way to get around, most rides under $1.50; avoid metered taxis unless using Vinasun or Mai Linh to dodge scams.
- Tipping: Not culturally expected but appreciated at tourist-facing restaurants; rounding up or leaving 10% at sit-down places is generous and welcomed.
- Tap water: Do NOT drink tap water, buy a large 1.5L bottle from a convenience store (7-Eleven or Circle K) for under $0.50, or refill at your guesthouse.
- Free-entry days: The Jade Emperor Pagoda and most active temples are always free; the War Remnants Museum has no free-entry days but admission is only $2.
Trip essentials
More places like Ho Chi Minh City
- Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam
- Things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam
- Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Things to do in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
- Things to do in Ubud, Indonesia
- Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand