HO CHI MINH CITY | Vietnam’s biggest city offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, with a vibrancy and energy that can be felt at any time of day. It has a culturally rich history shaped by ancient dynasties, periods of Chinese and French rule, and significant modern historical events.
There’s diverse architecture, fantastic food, world-class museums, galleries, and lively street life. As with any major city, two days is only enough to scratch the surface, and if you’re like me, you’ll want to return repeatedly.
If you only have 48 hours or so in town, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to ensure you make the most of your time.
At-A-Glance: Top Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
| Category | Top Recommendation / Highlight |
| Architecture & History | Notre-Dame Basilica, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace |
| Food & Drink | Street food stalls, Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê đá), modern dining |
| Markets & Culture | Old Market Ton That Dam, Tran Huu Trang Market, tropical fruit stalls |
| Day Trips & Experiences | Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta speedboat tour, Vietnamese cooking class |
| Transport & Local Life | Scooter rides via Grab, walking through vibrant neighbourhoods, Bui Vien Street |
Appreciate French Colonial Architecture
Vietnam’s French colonial era lasted from 1858 to 1945, and its impact is visible throughout Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in its grand civic architecture. In the older parts of District 1, which was once historic Saigon, you can see several prominent examples of this period.
Must-see sites include the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Hotel Continental, and Tan Dinh Parish Church, famous for its bright pink facade. Don’t sleep on the regular, small colonial-era buildings that you’ll find dotted around town, either.
Crawl Through The Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. They served as a strategic base for several military campaigns during the Vietnam War.
Today, visitors can crawl through designated sections of the preserved tunnels to gain a firsthand understanding of their role, construction, and significance during the conflict.
Eat Street Food
Vietnam is one of the world’s street food capitals, and Ho Chi Minh City is an exceptional place to immerse yourself in street dining culture. Vendors are set up across every district, often specialising in just one or two dishes served fresh on low plastic stools right on the sidewalk.
If you’re unsure where to start, follow the locals. A stall busy with local residents lining up is a reliable indicator that the food is fresh, popular, and safe to enjoy.
Looking for dining tips? Check out my Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide: Where To Eat for a full list of top spots.
Gain Historical Insights At Museums
To understand modern Vietnam, visiting the city’s key historical museums is essential. A visit to The War Remnants Museum offers a powerful perspective on the Vietnam War through photography, military equipment, and personal accounts.
Other key sites worth adding to your itinerary include the Reunification Palace, preserved largely as it was in 1975, and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, housed in a historic neoclassical building.
Go On A Mekong Delta Speedboat Tour
The Mekong River is a vital waterway for southern Vietnam, and taking a speedboat tour of the Mekong Delta provides a great look at river life in a short timeframe. Day tours navigate narrow canals to visit riverside villages, temples, local markets, and tropical fruit orchards.
Operators like Les Rives Authentic River Experience offer excellent small-group tours that depart directly from the central Saigon riverbank.
Learn To Cook Vietnamese Food
If you want to learn how to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes at home, consider booking a session at Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class. Founded by doctor-turned-chef Luong Viet Tan, classes take place on an organic farm on the city outskirts, teaching practical techniques in an engaging environment.
Because of its location outside the city center, booking a morning cooking class pairs well with an afternoon trip to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels.
Sample Local Craft Beer
Ho Chi Minh City has developed a dynamic craft beer scene, featuring a wide range of microbreweries and specialized taprooms across town. Pioneers like Pasteur Street Brewing Company helped kickstart the movement, and today local brewers incorporate regional ingredients like passionfruit, dragonfruit, jasmine, and local spices into their beers.
Craft beer fan? Check out my Ho Chi Minh City Craft Beer Guide for a full breakdown of the best taprooms and breweries in town.
Take A Ride On A Scooter
While taxis like Mai Linh and Vinasun are reliable and widely available, motorized scooters are the primary mode of transport for locals navigating Saigon’s busy streets. Rideshare apps like Grab allow you to easily hail a scooter driver for quick, affordable solo trips across town.
Taking a ride on the back of a scooter at least once offers a unique, memorable perspective on the city’s traffic flow and energy.
Taste Fresh Tropical Fruits
Vietnam’s tropical climate produces an incredible variety of fruit throughout the year. Standout seasonal fruits to try include mangosteens, lychees, rambutans, dragonfruit, and milk fruit.
Rather than buying fruit at supermarkets, head to local street vendors or open-air wet markets where growers sell fresh harvests directly by the kilogram at very reasonable prices.
Try Vietnamese Coffee
Introduced by the French in 1857, coffee is an integral part of daily life in Vietnam. Traditional Vietnamese coffee (cà phê đá) uses dark-roasted Robusta beans brewed through a metal drip filter (phin). It can be enjoyed hot or iced, black or sweetened with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá).
Great local spots to try traditional drip coffee include La Viet Coffee and Trung Nguyen Legend. For espresso-based drinks made with local Arabica beans, visit The Workshop Coffee in District 1.
Visit Bui Vien Street After Dark
Located in District 1, Bui Vien Street is the center of the city’s nightlife and backpacker area. While heavily tourist-oriented, taking a evening walk down the pedestrian street offers an energetic, sensory look at Saigon’s nightlife, neon signs, and street performances.
Visit Local Markets
While the famous Ben Thanh Market is central and popular with visitors, exploring neighbourhood street markets offers a more authentic look at daily trading. The Old Market on Ton That Dam Street is one of the last traditional street markets remaining in central District 1.
Another excellent market to explore is Tran Huu Trang Market in the Phú Nhuận district, where local vendors sell fresh seafood, produce, and everyday items.
Wander Around Local Streets
Ho Chi Minh City is a rewarding city to explore on foot, as much of daily life takes place outdoors on the pavements. From street food vendors and small alleyway cafes to historic shopfronts, walking through different neighbourhoods allows you to experience the city’s pace firsthand.
The city is generally safe to walk around, though standard precautions regarding personal belongings and phone safety near roads should be kept in mind.