Ho Chi Minh City is a good starting point for first-time visitors who want to experience Vietnam’s energy, history, food, and modern city life in one place. The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City include visiting the War Remnants Museum, exploring Ben Thanh Market, seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral area, walking around Nguyen Hue Street, trying street food, and taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
This guide introduces 10 practical activities for travelers who do not know where to go first. Each section focuses on one real place or experience, with clear advice on what to do, where to go, and how to plan a simple Ho Chi Minh City itinerary without feeling rushed.
1. Visit Independence Palace for 1960s Architecture and Modern History
Independence Palace is one of the most practical things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors who want history in one clear stop. The site is at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, and the official ticket price from August 2025 is 80,000 VND for general adult admission or 40,000 VND for limited palace admission.
What to See Inside Independence Palace
Visitors should focus on the main reception rooms, meeting halls, presidential working rooms, rooftop area, and underground bunker. These spaces show how the building functioned as a political headquarters, not only as a sightseeing landmark.
The interior still keeps a strong 1960s atmosphere, with wide halls, wood details, old furniture, communication rooms, and command spaces. The bunker area is especially useful for understanding the historical role of the palace during wartime.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers should spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at Independence Palace. The site is open daily, with visiting hours listed from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the official page.
This stop works well in the morning before the weather gets too hot. Travelers can combine it with the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral area, Saigon Central Post Office, or a café stop in District 1.
2. Explore the War Remnants Museum for a Deeper Historical View
The War Remnants Museum is one of the most important things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for travelers who want to understand Vietnam’s wartime history. The museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street, and its official website lists daily opening hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
What to See Inside the War Remnants Museum
Travelers should start with the outdoor display area, where military vehicles, aircraft, and wartime equipment are shown before entering the main galleries. This area gives visitors a clear first impression before they move into the more emotional indoor exhibitions.
Inside the museum, visitors can see photographs, documents, and displays about the Vietnam War and its impact on civilians. Some exhibition rooms can feel heavy, so travelers should move slowly and allow time to read the information instead of treating it as a quick photo stop.
How to Plan the Visit
Most visitors should spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the War Remnants Museum. Many travel guides list the ticket around 40,000 VND, but travelers should check the current price before visiting because museum fees can change.
This stop works well after Independence Palace because the two sites are not far from each other. Travelers can visit Independence Palace first, then continue to the War Remnants Museum for a deeper historical context.
3. See Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1
Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral are two of the easiest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors who want French colonial architecture in one short stop. Both landmarks sit near Paris Commune Square in District 1, so travelers can visit them together without needing a long transfer.
What to See at Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral
Inside Saigon Central Post Office, travelers should look at the high arched ceiling, old telephone booths, tiled floors, yellow façade, and colonial-style details. Visitors can also send a postcard from the post office, which makes the stop more practical than a simple photo visit.
Across the square, Notre Dame Cathedral is known for its red-brick exterior, twin bell towers, and Roman-style architecture. The cathedral has been undergoing major restoration, so visitors should treat it mainly as an exterior photo stop unless access is open during their visit.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers need about 45 minutes to 1 hour for both landmarks. Start at Saigon Central Post Office, walk through the main hall, buy a postcard or small souvenir, then cross the square to view Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside.
This stop works well after Independence Palace or before Ben Thanh Market. Travelers can also combine it with Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or Book Street because these places are close to the same central area.
4. Visit Ben Thanh Market for Local Food and Souvenir Shopping
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most practical things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors who want food, shopping, and local atmosphere in one stop. The market is located on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, and it is one of the city’s most famous traditional markets.
What to Do at Ben Thanh Market
Travelers can browse souvenirs, clothes, coffee, dried fruit, spices, handbags, textiles, and small gifts inside the market. This is a good place to compare items before buying, especially if visitors want simple gifts to bring home.
The food area is also useful for a quick local meal. Visitors can try dishes such as phở, bún thịt nướng, bánh xèo, spring rolls, chè, smoothies, or Vietnamese coffee without planning a separate food tour.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers need about 1 to 1.5 hours at Ben Thanh Market. It is easy to combine this stop with Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, or Nguyen Hue Walking Street because all are in the central area.
Visitors should bring cash and ask prices before buying. Bargaining is common for souvenirs, clothes, and accessories, so travelers should compare a few stalls before deciding.
5. Walk Along Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the Evening
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the easiest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City after a day of museums, markets, and historical sites. The street is located in District 1 and runs through one of the city’s most central public spaces, making it a practical stop for an evening walk.
What to Do on Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Travelers can walk along the wide pedestrian area, take photos with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building, and enjoy the city lights around the central square. The street often feels livelier at night, with families, couples, street performers, and visitors gathering in the open space.
A useful stop here is the Cafe Apartments at 42 Nguyen Hue Street. Visitors can go up to one of the cafés for drinks, balcony views, and photos looking down over the walking street.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers need about 45 minutes to 1 hour for Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This stop works best after Ben Thanh Market or dinner in District 1.
A simple evening route can start from the Nguyen Hue area, continue toward the Saigon River, then end with coffee or dessert nearby. Travelers can also combine this walk with Dong Khoi Street, Saigon Opera House, or Bach Dang Wharf because these places are close to the same central area.
6. Eat Street Food at Ho Thi Ky Food Street
Ho Thi Ky Food Street is one of the most practical things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors who want a real street food experience. The street is located in District 10 and is known for many small food stalls packed into a short, busy area.
What to Eat at Ho Thi Ky Food Street
Travelers can try grilled skewers, seafood snacks, noodles, rice paper snacks, sweet soups, fruit drinks, and Vietnamese street desserts. The area is useful because visitors can eat several small dishes instead of choosing only one restaurant.
This is a good place to go with friends or family because sharing makes the experience easier. Visitors can order a few dishes first, then continue walking and try more food from different stalls.
How to Plan the Visit
Ho Thi Ky Food Street works best in the evening, when more stalls are open and the area feels livelier. Local information lists the food street around 73B Ho Thi Ky, with many food businesses operating along the route in the evening.
Most travelers should spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here. Bring cash, keep bags close, and choose stalls that look busy and prepare food fresh in front of customers.
7. Take a Half-Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
A trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most meaningful things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors who want to understand wartime history outside the city center. The tunnel system is usually visited through two main areas, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, with Ben Dinh often chosen for shorter half-day tours.
What to See at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Travelers can see hidden tunnel entrances, short underground tunnel sections, Hoang Cam kitchen, wartime shelters, trap displays, and outdoor exhibition areas. These stops show how the tunnel system supported movement, cooking, hiding, communication, and daily survival during wartime.
Visitors who feel comfortable can try entering a short tunnel section. This activity is optional because the space can feel narrow, dark, and hot, especially for travelers with claustrophobia or mobility concerns.
How to Plan the Visit
Most first-time visitors choose a morning half-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. This option is easier because transport, entrance, and guide explanation are usually arranged together.
Travelers who want a quieter and deeper visit can consider Ben Duoc instead of Ben Dinh. Ben Duoc is farther from the city center, so it works better with a private car or a full-day plan.
8. Take a Saigon River Cruise from Bach Dang Wharf
A Saigon River cruise is one of the most relaxing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City after a busy day of walking, museums, and markets. Many sightseeing boats depart from Bach Dang Pier in District 1, giving travelers a different view of the city from the water.
What to See on a Saigon River Cruise
Travelers can see riverside landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf, Ba Son Bridge, Landmark 81, and the modern skyline along the Saigon River. The route is especially beautiful around sunset or in the evening, when the city lights reflect on the water.
Some cruises are short sightseeing rides, while others offer dinner or private boat experiences. First-time visitors who want something simple can choose a short cruise before or after dinner in District 1.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers should start from the Bach Dang Wharf area near Ton Duc Thang Street. Some sightseeing boats ask passengers to arrive around 30 minutes before departure, so travelers should check the schedule before going.
A simple plan is to walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Street first, then continue to Bach Dang Wharf for a river cruise. This route works well in the evening because both places are close to each other and easy to combine in one relaxed night plan.
9. Explore Cho Lon and Visit Thien Hau Pagoda
Cho Lon is one of the most interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for travelers who want to see the city beyond District 1. Located mainly around District 5, Cho Lon is known as the city’s Chinatown area, with old temples, busy markets, traditional medicine streets, and strong Hoa community culture.
What to See in Cho Lon
A good first stop is Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Tue Thanh Assembly Hall. The pagoda is located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, and it is one of the most famous Chinese-style spiritual sites in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors can see incense coils, carved wooden details, ceramic roof decorations, altars, and traditional Chinese architectural features. The site is not only a religious place, but also a cultural landmark connected to the history of the Chinese community in southern Vietnam.
How to Plan the Visit
Most travelers should spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Cho Lon. A simple route can start at Thien Hau Pagoda, then continue to nearby streets such as Nguyen Trai, Luong Nhu Hoc, or Hai Thuong Lan Ong.
This area works best in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable for walking. Travelers can go by taxi or ride-hailing app from District 1, then return to the city center for dinner or an evening walk.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City is a destination where first-time visitors can experience history, local food, architecture, markets, nightlife, and day trips in one itinerary. The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City include visiting Independence Palace, exploring the War Remnants Museum, seeing Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, shopping at Ben Thanh Market, walking along Nguyen Hue Street, and taking a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
For a simple first visit, travelers should spend at least two or three days in the city. This gives enough time to explore the main landmarks in District 1, enjoy street food in the evening, visit Cho Lon, and add one historical day trip outside the city center. With the right plan, Ho Chi Minh City becomes more than a quick stop and gives travelers a clear first impression of southern Vietnam.
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