Ho Chi Minh is a wholly unique city where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world from the moment you land. It’s always busy and noisy, the streets are frankly terrifying for tourists, and the food is strange and almost always delicious. When you travel to Ho Chi Minh, you’ll walk away changed, it’s just unavoidable.
But this isn’t always the easiest city to explore. Everything is different in Ho Chi Minh, from the language to the food and even the way you cross the street! To help you navigate this strangeness and stay alive while you explore all the historical and beautiful places to visit in Ho Chi Minh, make sure you take this easy guide along with you.
Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Ho Chi Minh:
Pham Ngu Lao
Known as the “backpacker district,” Pham Ngu Lao is an area in District 1 that attracts budget travelers thanks to the low prices for everything from food and drink to accommodation.
- Join a Vintage Vespa Tour and explore Saigon on two wheels.
- Take a day trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn how the village protected themselves during the War.
- Learn about Saigon’s troubled past at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City.
These are the BEST Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh!
If Pham Ngu Lao isn’t quite your cup of Vietnamese coffee, there’s something in Ho Chi Minh for everyone. Be sure to check out where to stay in Ho Chi Minh and find the best accommodation in the area nearest to your favourite attractions!
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
#1 – Giac Lam Pagoda
Photo: Katina Rogers (Flickr)
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- The oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh.
- The gardens around this pagoda are amazing and deserve lots of attention.
Why it’s so awesome: Giac Lam Pagoda was built in 1744 and is the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh. Brightly colored and cheerful, the pagoda looks amazing set against the lush green trees and gardens that surround it. It looks great in photos and remains one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh if you’re looking for some serenity.
What to do there: When you arrive at the temple, make sure you pay attention to the Bodhi tree at the entrance of the temple, which was a gift from a Sri Lankan monk in 1953. The temple itself is beautiful and looks amazing in photos, but don’t forget to explore the gardens as well. They include some amazing architecture and have a serene atmosphere which is the perfect antidote to the busy city streets.
#2 – The Central Office – One of Ho Chi Minh’s coolest historical sites!
- A slightly strange area to visit, but this is still one of the most important landmarks in Ho Chi Minh.
- Bring your camera with you and marvel at this building, designed by one of the most famous architects in the modern world.
- A slightly strange area to visit, but this is still one of the most important landmarks in Ho Chi Minh.
- Bring your camera with you and marvel at this building, designed by one of the most famous architects in the modern world.
Why it’s so awesome: You might think that visiting a post office sounds boring, but this office is a little different. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the famous Eiffel Tower and dates back to 1886. Built in a gothic style, this stunning building remains one of the most striking points of interest in Ho Chi Minh.
What to do there: Take your camera along with you and explore this monument to architecture and French influence. Make sure you go inside as well, as the huge domed roof looks amazing and the walls are adorned with colonial maps that are worth some study.
#3 – The Reunification Palace
- The former home of the president of South Vietnam during the war.
- This building has an important significance to modern Vietnam as it was the place where the North Vietnamese invaded in 1975 .
Why it’s so awesome: Vietnam’s troubled history is very close to the present and you’ll feel it everywhere in the city. If you want to learn more about this history, then you need to put this building on your Ho Chi Minh sightseeing itinerary. It’s a monument to the Vietnam War and to the end of the war.
What to do there: This building looks the same as it did in 1966 and it carries its history heavily. If you want to gain a really complete understanding of the building and its place in history, then take the free tour. The guide will help you understand the cultural and historical significance of the building to the war and to modern Vietnam.
#4 – Pham Ngu Lao Street – A great place to visit Ho Chi Minh at night
- Ho Chi Minh’s bar and café hub.
- This is the best place to visit in Ho Chi Minh for a fun night out with friends.
Why it’s so awesome: This is the street where you need to go if you want to have a night out with friends. There are a huge range of bars and cafes in the area where you can sit and relax after a day of walking and sightseeing. Some of the best places to add to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary are located in this area too. So, if you can’t afford to stay at these expensive hotels, you can at least enjoy a drink in their luxurious bars and stay in one of Ho Chi Minh’s best hostels dotted around the area.
What to do there: Grab a group of friends and enjoy the friendly, busy atmosphere. You can have a drink, grab a meal, and explore the music and nightlife. Also, make sure that you have a drink at the Rex, the Majestic, or the Caravelle Hotels as they all have rooftop bars. There’s nothing quite like having a drink while looking out over the lights of the city.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
#5 – The History Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Ho Chi Minh
Photo: Nguyen Thanh Quang (WikiCommons)
- If you want to go deep into a location, then you need to learn more about its history and this is the place to learn about Ho Chi Minh’s past.
- The museum is located in a beautiful garden which provides a nice respite from the busy city.
Why it’s so awesome: This museum was once a French colonial villa and the building and grounds still reflect that history. But it’s what’s inside the museum that’s really worth the trip. It contains artifacts that span 4,000 years of Vietnam’s history, from Bronze Age weapons and art to pieces from the Cham and Khmer Kingdoms.
What to do there: Put aside a couple of hours to explore the history and art on display at this museum. And when you’re done, decompress in the garden and let all that history and artwork sink in and influence how you think about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh in particular.
#6 – The War Remnants Museum – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Ho Chi Minh
- This is a harrowing museum and definitely not a place to take the kids.
- When you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh, it’s important that you learn about this part of its history from the local point of view.
Why it’s so awesome: Most people in western countries knows about the Vietnam War, but as you backpack around Vietnam you’ll think about it from new perspectives you may have never considered. In Ho Chi Minh, this war is often known as the American War, and this museum explores it through this very different viewpoint. It doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of the war either, so prepare yourself to have an emotional and harrowing tour through a part of history you thought you knew about.
What to do there: Take your time to explore when you get to this museum, as it will teach you things about the War that you can’t find in the history books. You’ll get to see a variety of different types of war relics from Huey helicopters to attack bombers and tanks. But even more tragic, the museum includes personal memorabilia from the war’s victims as well as old photographs that will take you back to that dark time in history.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#7 – Cu Chi Tunnels
- A slightly terrifying and enlightening look at the past.
- The Cu Chi Tunnels were used by the Vietcong guerrillas during the Tet Offensive in 1968 and they’re a stark and frightening piece of the past.
Why it’s so awesome: The Cu Chi Tunnels are a series of underground tunnels and chambers which stretch for 30km outside of the city and they were used by the Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. You can actually crawl through these tunnels now and experience what it must have been like during that time which is an extreme and viscerally important experience.
What to do there: Don’t even think about exploring these tunnels if you have claustrophobia as they are very small and dark and frightening even if you don’t have trouble with tight spaces. But if you’re feeling brave and want to experience this little slice of history when you visit Ho Chi Minh City, take the time to immerse yourself in what it must have been like for those fighters during the war.
#8 – Notre Dame Cathedral
- A stunning neo-Romanesque style that sits like a beacon in the middle of the city.
- This cathedral was built in the 1800s and is in the center of the city, which makes it a great place to start your explorations.
Why it’s so awesome: You wouldn’t expect to be able to see a building in this style right in the middle of Ho Chi Minh. It’s a jarring contrast the buildings around it and that’s what makes it one of the most popular points of interest in Ho Chi Minh. Built between 1877 and 1883, the towers are 40 meters high and the inside is lushly decorated with stained glass windows and devotional tablets.
What to do there: The staff at this cathedral are available during the week to teach you all about the history of the cathedral. So, if you want to learn more about significance in Ho Chi Minh’s history, make sure you show up during working hours.
#9 – The Mekong Delta – A must visit place to visit in Ho Chi Minh on the weekend!
- This is one of the most densely populated areas in Vietnam and a fascinating mix of cultures and attractions.
- There are lots of tours to this area available in Ho Chi Minh.
Why it’s so awesome: Stretching over 39,000 square kilometres, this mass of waterways is densely populated and one of the hotspots in Ho Chi Minh for travelers. The Mekong Delta is about 4 hours from the city, which makes it the perfect place to visit on an organized tour. The waterways are filled with floating markets, homes, and schools and you simply can’t miss what all this looks like when it’s arranged around rushing water.
What to do there: If you have limited time to stay in this beautiful area of Vietnam then it’s probably best that you find an organized tour. That way you have the transport organized for you as well as a guide who can show you the best places.
#10 – Cao Dai Temple
- Possibly the most beautiful Cao Dai temple in Vietnam.
- This religion integrates other major religions into its doctrines, which is why the mix of religious statues inside the temple are the main draw for tourists.
Why it’s so awesome: Cao Dai is a relatively new religion established in Vietnam in the 20th century. It’s a monotheistic religion that integrates aspects from all the major religions within its doctrines. There are several Cao Dai temples in Vietnam, but the temple in Ho Chi Minh is said to be the most beautiful in the country.
What to do there: This temple looks amazing in pictures, so make sure you take a few selfies outside. Once you’re inside, you’ll find ornately carved dragons and a dazzling mix of religious statues that are from sometimes opposing religions but nonetheless look amazing together. Make sure you examine the effigies of Brahman, Buddha, and Christ in particular because they’re reflective of the inclusiveness this religion is known for.
#11 – Bitexco Financial Tower
- One of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh for amazing views!
Why it’s so awesome: This tower was designed by Carlos Zapata and reaches 68 storeys in the air and 262 meters. The building was designed to resemble a lotus bulb and there’s a sky deck on the 48th floor where you can take in the views of the city.
What to do there: Try to get to the tower at sunset for amazing views of the city against the colorful sky. You can also grab a drink at the rooftop bar if you want to sit and relax against the backdrop of that stunning vista.
#12 – Ben Thanh Market – A must-see for foodies!
- This is the best place to visit if you want to try eating everything!
- Make sure that you bargain hard when you want to buy something at this market, it’s both expected and necessary to get a good price.
Why it’s so awesome: This market is in the center of the city and is one of the most popular landmarks in Ho Chi Minh for shopping and eating. It contains a huge range of world-class street food vendors selling snacks and meals and you can find almost every type of souvenir in the market that you can imagine.
What to do there: When you arrive at the market, spend some time perusing the stalls first. You’ll find a dizzying array of ceramics, textiles, and souvenirs for sale and make sure that you bargain to ensure you get a good price. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the food sections and try as many snacks as you can fit in your stomach!
Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Get Yours Here Read Our Review#13 – Jade Emperor Pagoda – One of the most religious places to see in Ho Chi Minh
Photo: Andrea Schaffer (Flickr)
- A working pagoda that includes some of the most stunning imagery and statues in the city.
- This temple is incredibly atmospheric and almost spooky.
Why it’s so awesome: This is the type of pagoda that you probably imagined when you were planning your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. It’s atmospheric, with the heavy smell of incense and strange, fierce characters glaring at you from the walls. It was built in 1909 in honor of the supreme Taoist God, the Jade Emperor, and is also stunningly beautiful with amazing woodcarvings and a tiled roof.
What to do there: This is a working pagoda, so you’ll find people worshipping at the altars and praying at the statues. This means that you need to be quiet and respectful while you explore. Make sure that you explore all the different rooms. The room on the left-hand side of the Jade Emperor’s chamber is dedicated to the Chief of Hell and contains the Hall of the Ten Hells. You’ll find some amazing and slightly disconcerting imagery in this room.
#14 – The Fine Arts Museum
- A unique opportunity to learn more about Ho Chi Minh’s art scene.
- The building itself is a work of art as well, a colonial-era building with lots of period details.
Why it’s so awesome: This art gallery is housed in a colonial building from 1929 that includes stained glass, lovely verandahs, and art from the modern and ancient past. Some of the artwork dates back to the 4th century and a lot of it was inspired by the war and its effects on Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam as a whole.
What to do there: If you want to learn more about art in Vietnam, then this is the best place to visit in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the artwork on the walls, but also explore the ground as well. There are some amazing statues scattered around from the 7th through to the 14th century. And if you want to take home a memento of your visit, head to the shop for some great prints for reasonable prices.
Get insured for your trip to Ho Chi Minh!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ on the Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh
Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh
Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh is an exciting, frantic, frenetic city that will change what you think of Vietnam, traveling and the world. There are lots of amazing places to visit in Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam is safe meaning you don’t have to watch your back all the while you soak up the cultural wonders around you. The best part of being in this city is actually experiencing its heartbeat, the amazing food, and the local way of life. Ho Chi Minh isn’t a city that’s easily accessible to tourists. Not a lot of people speak much English and it is definitely very foreign. But it’s also a city that will delight your taste buds and your wanderlust. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of this experience, this guide should point you in the right direction.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
