Navigating Ho Chi Minh City: Top Places to Visit for First-Time Visitors

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most populous Vietnamese city. Be it international trade, global culture, or historical events, this city’s heritage is representative of the dynamic blend of perplexing shades of humanity. Flight booking and travelling to Ho Chi Minh City is quite easy as the city is well-connected in the region as well as to the rest of the world.

The city has seen powerful transitions of powerful dynasties and conquering colonial rules. From its roots in the expansive Khmer Empire to rapid expansions under French colonial rule, and the modern Republic of Vietnam era, Ho Chi Minh City has been at the forefront of changes.

At the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, majestic architecture lines its streets. It is hard to miss the grand and intricately built French-era architecture like the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon or the exotic and ornate Buddhist temples around the city. From historical memorials and museums, bustling flea markets and upbeat nightlife, to the famous Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City calls you to an experience of a lifetime. With luxurious hotels and boutique stays, hotel booking within Ho Chi Minh City lets you enjoy this immersive and memorable getaway.

In this article, we have categorised and covered the major themes and attractions in Ho Chi Minh City so that you do not miss a beat. In the outskirts of the city, pack your daypack for outdoor adventures, and while in the city check off the list of historical attractions and cultural experiences. Let’s hop in!

Outdoor Adventures at Ho Chi Minh City

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

The historic Cu Chi Tunnels of the city are quite an attraction among the tourists and the locals alike. Enter into an immersive experience as you meander through the alleys of this underground city. Peep into this bygone subterranean world that once housed living areas and kitchens to hospitals and other facilities. Emerge into the modern world and head to the nostalgic and famous Mekong Delta.

2. Mekong Delta

The best way to enjoy the Mekong Delta is a local dinghy-like boat ride, called ‘Sampan’. There, enjoy a boat ride lazily meandering through the coconut-lined Mekong canals. Stop by the islands of the Mekong Delta which are named after mythical creatures like Unicorn, or Phoenix, and the Dragon Islands, which are equally enchanting to this modern day. Disembark to visit the villages on the islands and taste freshly prepared local tea blends and exotic fruits. Make a trip to Ben Tri province which makes everything from coconut. Buy coconut candies and coconut coir items for souvenirs while enjoying the breezy “Land of Coconuts”. While you are there, do not miss out on Mekong Delta dinner tours on gently rocking cruises. Enjoy varied and delicious cuisine and a night filled with lively and soulful Vietnamese music and dance.

3. Cai Rang Floating Market

Do not leave the Mekong Delta vicinity just yet as the next experience is the Cai Rang Floating Market. Whether you are making your international flight booking to arrive at Saigon or if you are travelling there from another city in Vietnam, first head towards Can Tho city. From there on, head early in the morning to Cai Rang Floating Market on a boat ride, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Watch the boats filled with local exotic produce, aromatic spices, rice noodles, locally grown coffee and so much more.

Historical Attractions of Ho Chi Minh City

1. Notre Dame Saigon

The peak of French influence in the city, the Notre Dame of Saigon is an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral in the Ben Nghe area of the city. Its Gothic and Romanesque style architecture, massive spires housing massive bells from France, and stained glasses depicting scenes from the Bible will stop you on the track. The cathedral’s main hall can accommodate up to 1200 people during praying hours.

2. Saigon Opera House

Near the Cathedral, you cannot turn away from the grandeur of this French-styled architectural marvel. Walking down the stone-chiselled halls, and granite floors reflecting crystal chandeliers above will make you special already. Other than being the choicest location for opera performances, the Saigon Opera House has hosted ballets, symphonies, and orchestras since the 1900s and is a National Relic.

3. Museums of Saigon

Being a historic city with its fair share of upheavals that have shaped its identity, Ho Chi Minh City embraces its past with numerous museums that are popular with tourists and locals. Topping the list of museums in Saigon is the popular War Remnants Museum in District 3. This is followed by the majestic neoclassical architecture of Ho Chi Minh City Museum housing many artefacts and a hidden tunnel. Head to District 9 to visit the Ao Dai Museum showcasing elegant rows of ethnic wear and attires. You will have some of the best stays in District 1 so hotel booking is best done there. Plus, you can visit the nostalgic Independence Palace, stroll in the Fine Arts Museum, and spend the day at the Museum of Vietnamese History inside the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden at a stone-throwing distance away.

4. Pagodas and Temples

The rich and diverse cultural heritage of Ho Chi Minh City is palpable from the ornate pagodas and temples. The most famous ones are the Jade Emperor Pagoda in District 1, the heritage Thien Hau Temple visited by the significant Chinese population in the city, Nhi Phu Temple in Chinatown which would remind you of the ancient Chinese temple, the ornate and towering Mariamman Hindu Temple, and the glistening Buu Long Pagoda.

Experiencing the Culture in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Shopping Districts of Saigon

No experience in Ho Chi Minh City is complete without shopping as the experience itself is like no other. The markets have an eclectic mix of high-end fashion, quirky local items, and a huge variety of delicious food stalls that will test your decision-making abilities. Many of these markets are open at night which will make your nightlife experience in Saigon unique. Heads-up for the backpackers who do not want to miss the nightlife scene in Saigon. So, doing your hotel booking in this area is a must. Stroll into the Ben Thanh Night Market surrounded by bright lights, swarms of people browsing through local items, and a lively atmosphere. Visit the Ming Phung Night Market for some local handicrafts and slurp delicious ‘pho’ at roadside stalls, or walk the busy lanes of Hanh Thong Tay Market.

2. Street foods in Saigon

Forget your Western-adapted bland Asian takeout and binge on real Asian and Vietnamese food at street food hubs of Ho Chi Minh City. In the Ben Thanh district, you cannot help but stop at the joints on Van Kiep Street and Phan Van Han Street. Devour delicious local delicacies when visiting District 1 at Co Giang Street and Su Van Hanh Street in the District 10 area.

3. Nightlife in Saigon

The city offers all tastes for nightlife that you can imagine. From live performances at pubs and bars to partying the night away on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the sheer number of choices will keep you vibing through the night. Enjoy local people, food, and performances on the lively streets of Bui Vien Street and Nguyen Hue Street, or buy nighttime flowers at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. For fun-filled nights with friends, join the party at one of the many rooftop bars like the Sky XX or the Chill Sky Bar. For a special evening, spend the night away enjoying various amenities and watching the entire city from Landmark 81 Vietnam, the tallest building in the entire country.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City, popularly known as Saigon, is a truly multicultural city in Vietnam. A city with a rich history and a fair share of events that have shaped its aura, visiting Saigon makes anyone feel welcome. From historical monuments preserving and celebrating the rich culture that blends the East and the West, vibrant city life and fun-filled activities that roll from day into night, and back again, Ho Chi Minh City is a complete package of experiences that would last a lifetime.

**************************
About The Author:  Tripti Agrawal is a seasoned travel writer with a passion for exploring new destinations and sharing captivating stories. With extensive experience in crafting insightful travel blogs, she specializes in providing tips and recommendations on trip planning, including flight booking, accommodations, and must-visit spots. Tripti‘s writing inspires readers to embark on unforgettable adventures around the globe.