Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A 2026 Visitor's Guide

Ho Chi Minh City spans 9 million people across a sprawling metropolis offering the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels 70km northwest, and Vietnam's most diverse street food scene from banh mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa to pho at countless stalls. This city pulses with an energy unlike anywhere else in Vietnam, rewarding those willing to dive into its magnificent chaos and discover its many layers. As someone who visits regularly from Da Nang, I'm always struck by how different Saigon feels from anywhere else in the country.

Historical Sites

War Remnants Museum

Sobering and essential, this museum presents the American War from the Vietnamese perspective. The exhibits on Agent Orange and the tiger cages of Con Son Island are particularly impactful. Allow two to three hours and prepare for an emotional experience that will change how you understand this country's recent history. Go early to avoid crowds and give yourself time to process.

Independence Palace

The former presidential palace of South Vietnam remains frozen in time, its 1960s interior preserved exactly as it was when tanks crashed through the gates in April 1975. The basement war rooms, the rooftop helicopter, and the retro furniture throughout offer a fascinating glimpse into the final days of the war. The architecture itself is beautiful - a masterpiece of Vietnamese modernism.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The underground tunnel network used during the war is now a popular day trip, about 70 kilometers northwest of the city. Crawling through sections of the tunnels gives you a visceral understanding of guerrilla warfare conditions. Choose the Ben Duoc site over Ben Dinh for a less crowded, more authentic experience. Book a small-group tour rather than a large bus excursion.

Cultural Attractions

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

These French colonial landmarks anchor the city center and showcase Saigon's colonial heritage. The cathedral (currently under renovation but still worth seeing) stands opposite the stunning Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm. The post office interior with its vaulted ceilings, vintage phone booths, and hand-painted maps is particularly impressive. You can still mail letters home from here.

Ben Thanh Market

The iconic market has stood since 1912 and remains the city's most famous shopping destination. Everything from souvenirs to street food to fabric is available here. Bargain hard - starting at 50% of the asking price is standard - and watch for pickpockets in the crowded aisles. The night market outside, running after 7pm, offers better food at lower prices.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

This Taoist temple, built by Chinese immigrants in 1909, is one of the city's most atmospheric religious sites. The interior is filled with intricate wood carvings, fierce deity statues, and clouds of incense smoke. The tortoise pond in the courtyard adds to the mystical atmosphere. Visit in the late afternoon when light filters through the smoke.

Food and Nightlife

Street Food

Banh Mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (legendary, worth the queue), pho at any street-side stall, Com Tam (broken rice) for lunch, and fresh spring rolls everywhere - Saigon's street food scene is Vietnam's most diverse. District 4 has excellent local eateries away from tourist prices. Don't miss the food stalls around Ben Thanh Market or along Nguyen Thuong Hien Street in District 3.

Rooftop Bars

The city's skyline views are best appreciated from rooftop bars that have proliferated across District 1. The Saigon Saigon bar at the historic Caravelle Hotel offers history alongside the views - journalists covered the war from here. Chill Skybar and Air 360 provide more modern experiences with craft cocktails and DJs.

Day Trips

The Mekong Delta floating markets at Cai Be or Cai Rang make excellent day trips, offering glimpses of river life that feels unchanged for centuries. The Cu Chi Tunnels combine well with Tay Ninh's Cao Dai Temple for a full historical day. Vung Tau beach is two hours away for those craving sand and seafood.

Getting Around

Grab is essential for navigation - the app handles payment and eliminates bargaining stress. Motorbike taxis (Grab Bike) are faster and cheaper than cars. The metro line opening in 2026 will transform transportation in the city center, connecting Ben Thanh with the suburbs. For now, walking District 1 is manageable, and the chaos becomes part of the charm.