Visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do

Ho Chi Minh City’s streets move fast, like the waves of a sea. Throngs of thousands of motorbikes, bicycles, and cars move in a high-wire act, but don’t let it alarm you. Watch for a bit and then figure out how to join in. You have plenty of options: either rent your own motorbike, hail a taxi (stick to reputed brands like Mai Linh and Vinasun), hire a private driver, or go old-school and get around via cyclo.

District 1 is the heart of Saigon, and it’s where you’ll find the majority of must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral tops most visitors’ lists; conveniently, it’s right next to the Saigon Central Post Office (go inside to truly appreciate the architecture) and not far from the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), or the famous InterContinental Hotel, where journalists hung out during the Vietnam War. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—a tour of top landmarks will knock off the best Ho Chi Minh City attractions in one go.

If there’s one thing you should do every day in Ho Chi Minh City it’s to savor the street food. From banh mi op la (egg baguettes) in the morning to bun bo hue and bun thit nuong (delicious noodle dishes) in the afternoon and evening, the city’s street-food vendors are a 24/7 occasion—you’ll soon learn that pho is really best as a midnight snack. Let a local show you the way, or simply look for the crowds gathering on the sidewalk.

Ben Thanh Market has been the city’s central market since anyone can remember—some vendors even distinguish themselves by saying they’ve been there since before 1975, aka the height of the Vietnam War. While you’re sightseeing in District 1, it’s absolutely worth a stop, but it’s best for window-shopping. This market is one of the top Ho Chi Minh City tourist spots, and the vendors know it. If there’s an item you want, just be prepared to haggle (although kindness and some finger-math go a long way).

Though none is as famous as Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City is scattered with great markets. You’ll find authentic wares, fresh produce, and great prices on souvenirs at spots like Tan Dinh Market, next to the pink church in District 3. The city also has a variety of night markets, like the Ky Hoa Night Market, that keep the bustle going until midnight.

Insider tip: Market tours sometimes pair with cooking classes, if you’d like to make a two-fer of the city’s epic market and food scenes.

District 5 is the city’s Chinatown, also referred to as Cholon, which means “big market”—and the market scene is, indeed, a big one here. Don’t miss the large-but-not-touristy Binh Tay Market (a great alternative to Ben Thanh), the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda, the architecture of Hao Si Phuong Alley, and the ambiance of Lantern Street. And, of course, don’t skip the delectable dumplings and wontons that can be found across the district’s countless food stalls. Book a private guide for a full-day tour and explore at your own pace.

Much like parts of Europe, Vietnam has a robust café scene, where locals of all ages wile away the hours over Vietnamese coffee, aka ca phe (coincidentally, pronounced like café). In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find dusty shops where old men slowly sip while playing chess, open-air joints full of plants and comfy chairs, and trendy themed cafés straight out of the storybooks. Regardless of your destination, a ca phe sua da, or coffee with ice and condensed milk, is a can’t-disappoint classic.

When the sun sets, the microphones come out. Karaoke joints are nearly as common as cafés and markets in Ho Chi Minh City—just look for the blinking signs and the sounds of music wafting into the streets. And for those who can’t carry a tune, don’t worry: karaoke takes place in private rooms with your friends, ideally with plenty of snacks, like french fries with butter and sugar. It’s a cultural phenomenon that should be experienced at least once—karaoke that is. And the french fries, too.

One minute you’re gazing at District 1’s skyscrapers, the next you’re taking a wrong turn in District 9 and facing the jungle. Ho Chi Minh City’s districts vary wildly, and it’s only by exploring that you’ll find the right vibe for you. While District 5 is Chinatown, District 7, for example, is “Little Seoul.” Each is home to different communities and vibes—be sure you get out of D1 to see true life in Ho Chi Minh City, either on your own or with a guide. Sightseeing by motorbike also gets you around town.

If you couldn’t already tell, Ho Chi Minh City lives on its streets. To take in its essence and discern its character, all you need to do is find an open-air eatery and order a refreshing drink. The people-watching is truly delightful while you take in the scents of grilling meat, beer, and even traffic. It’s gritty, lively, and chaotic—and oddly hypnotizing. For the price of a drink, that’s a worthwhile exchange.