Destination guideVietnam
29 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh (2026)
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam.
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Its documented history begins in the 17th century when Vietnamese settlers established administrative structures under the Nguyen dynasty in an area previously known as Prey Nokor. In 1862, it became the capital of French Cochinchina, leading to significant urban development characterized by wide boulevards and European-style architecture. On July 2, 1976, the city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City following the reunification of the country.
- 29 spots
- 6 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Ho Chi Minh6 dishes
Southern-style Phở Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
Bột Chiên Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
Cua (Crab) Specialties Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
Vietnamese Tasting Menus Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
Bánh Croissant Phô Mai Kéo Sợi Where to order it in Ho Chi Minh
The short answer
- The top things to do in Ho Chi Minh, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Independence Palace (Ben Thanh)
- Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Tân Định (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)
- Bảo tàng Đỗ Hùng (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)
- War Remnants Museum (Phường 6)
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)
- 6 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
29 places worth your time in Ho Chi Minh
Things to see and do
Independence Palace
Why it’s on the map
Designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, this 1960s modernist landmark served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam.
Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Tân Định
Why it’s on the map
Known as the 'Pink Church,' this Romanesque and Gothic-style landmark is famous for its vivid pastel-pink exterior and intricate white limestone carvings.
289 Hai Bà Trưng, Xuân Hòa, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Bảo tàng Đỗ Hùng
Why it’s on the map
A relatively new and highly curated addition to the city's cultural scene, this private museum is divided into two distinct sections that showcase the splendor of Vietnamese heritage.
68duong Nguyễn Huệ, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
War Remnants Museum
Why it’s on the map
This is the most visited museum in the city, offering a somber and powerful perspective on the Vietnam War through a vast collection of over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and photographs.
Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Why it’s on the map
A premier example of French colonial architecture, this neo-Romanesque basilica is famous for its twin bell towers and a vibrant red-brick façade constructed entirely with materials imported from Marseille.
01 Công trường Công xã Paris, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Natural Feature · Gò Công Đông
Clothing Store · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Museum · Nguyễn Thái Bình
Park · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Business Center · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Art Studio · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Place to see · Nhiêu Lộc
Neighborhood
Park · Ben Thanh
Business Center · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Museum · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Park · Ho Chi Minh City
Where to eat
See the full Ho Chi Minh food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Coffee Shop · Street
Vietnamese Restaurant · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Restaurant · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Cafe · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Sandwich Shop · Bến Thành
Portuguese Restaurant · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Coffee Shop · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Seafood Restaurant · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Restaurant · An Khánh
Asian Fusion Restaurant · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Pizza Restaurant
Cafe · Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
24 more places on the map
12 to eat · 11 to see and do · 1 to shop · 6 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh?
- The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to March, when the weather is consistently sunny and humidity is at its lowest. While the city remains hot year-round, the rainy season from May to October brings frequent afternoon downpours that can cause localized flooding. Peak tourist season coincides with the dry months and the Tet Lunar New Year (late January or February), so travel during the shoulder months of April or November offers a practical balance of lower prices and manageable weather.
How do I get around Ho Chi Minh?
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) The primary gateway located within the city limits, offering extensive international and domestic flights. Travelers can reach the city center via the 152 or 109 airport buses, or by using the Grab app for reliable ride-hailing services.
- Grab (Ride-Hailing App) The most efficient way to navigate the city, allowing users to book cars or motorbikes with transparent pricing. It eliminates the need for price negotiation and provides a safer, tracked alternative to traditional street-hailed taxis.
- Public Bus System An affordable network of over 100 routes identified by bright blue or green colors. The 'BusMap' mobile app is essential for real-time tracking and route planning, making it a cost-effective way to reach major landmarks like Ben Thanh Market.
What should I know before visiting Ho Chi Minh?
- Cross the street with a slow, steady pace and predictable movement to allow motorbike riders to navigate around you.
- Carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong as many local street vendors and family-run stalls do not accept credit cards.
- Keep your phone and valuables tucked away near busy roads to prevent snatch-and-grab thefts by passing motorcyclists.
- Signal for the bill in restaurants by catching the server's eye and making a writing motion, as it is considered impolite for staff to bring it unrequested.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for transparent pricing and to avoid common taxi fare disputes.
What’s new in Ho Chi Minh in October 2026?
- The Capital Grille: The American steakhouse's first Asia location, recently opened on the 50th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.
- City Park at The Global City: A newly popular lifestyle hub in District 2 featuring RC car racing tracks and riverfront skyline views.
- Flavorhood Season 2: A collaborative culinary program at the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel running through November 29, 2026.
Research receipt
How this Ho Chi Minh guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Ho Chi Minh replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh?
Start with Independence Palace, Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Tân Định, Bảo tàng Đỗ Hùng, War Remnants Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 29 places are pinned on the Ho Chi Minh map.