Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ho Chi Minh City.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Bunty8
    United Kingdom617 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting museum, I think it was 40,000 VND entry fee, outside there are helicopters, tanks etc. inside there are several floors, I did find some of the photographs quite distressing, but that is war.
    I would recommend visiting to give insight into the horror of the war, you could spend several hours, we just spent around an hour.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kate L
    Harrogate, UK57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have visited the Cu Chi Tunnels twice - there are 2 locations and my word of advice is to choose the larger site. I did this on my first visit and recently went to the smaller site which was not nearly as good. Admittedly it was the weekend so likely to be busy, but busy is an understatement for such a small site (compared to the other). We were moved on by the tour guide as there was no time to wait for others to finish viewing/listening at certain locations which made it feel rushed and difficult to get a true sense of place (given the incredible history). The larger site was quieter and left more time for exploring and going down into tunnels. At both sites you are able to try machine guns (definitely not something I would do - it just did not feel appropriate). the issue I had with the smaller site was the noise - at the midway point of the tour they leave you at a cafe for 10mins but the gun range is right next to it and the noise is unbearable. They even leave ear defenders out!

    The sites offer an insight into the incredible stories and plight of those that fought in the war and I feel that the larger site did that justice. A chance to engage and truly imagine what life may have been like. The smaller site felt very much a tourist destination rather than having significant historical value. If I were rating the smaller site I would only give 3/5.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wills
    Australia19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely historic building both inside and outside. The souvenir shop is worth a look and no harassment by the shop keeper.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne B
    Sydney, Australia98 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Put this on your must do list in Ho Chi Min. To be honest i cant believe it isn’t ranked higher.

    The troupe is incredibly talented. The show is a fast paced, very entertaining hour . It has athleticism, grace, comedy and a story to follow despite being in Vietnamese you will understand it.

    Turn up an hour early and you get a a short tour of the Opera House and a pre show drink. Alcoholic or non alcoholic.

    I ordered my ticket online before leaving home and ordered the wow seats. It was well worth paying the extra but seats downstairs looked good too if you don’t have the budget to extend . You will still have a great view. I an 5 Ft so don’t risk floor seating . People were buying to tickets at the door and the night before online. So if you aren’t organised still give it a shot. Highly recommended.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    From historical point of view this is a very important Palace, however not from the architectural. It's a must for any history buff, and I would rate it the second best attraction in HCMC, just after the War remnants museum.
    The present edifice dates back to last century 60's, when it was built under president Dinh Diem orders, by a famous Vietnamese architect in a Socialist style.
    It replaced the former French colonial government residence which was built in 1871 in French style and served for that purpose until Geneva peace talks in 1954. After that the old Palace was renamed to Independence Palace becoming the residence of Dinh Diem - first (puppet) President of Saigon.
    After his assassination several others took his function until 30 Apr 1975 when North Vietnamese captured the Palace entering with two tanks you can see in the courtyard, forcing the South to surrender and rising the national unification flag on top of the Palace.
    You can visit the entire Palace which will take around 1 hour. Rooms are not that opulent one might expect, rather ordinary and official. Don't forget to climb the rooftop where's the escape helicopter, as well the basement bunker.
    Written 25 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aussie_Travel_Writer
    Sydney, Australia2,457 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Skydeck which is part of the Financial Tower (so don't be confused if you ask for either and getting directed to the other). One side is the entry to the actual finanical tower and on the other side is the entry to the skydeck - two different entrances to the same building.

    The cost is 240 000 VND per person. Definitely worth the money as you are awarded with amazing views of HCMC.

    You can walk all the way around the centre of the tower. It is massive up there with wrap around windows and enough space for everyone to take photos or selfies without anyone else in the photo. Plenty of seating is you need a rest.

    Everything is super well organised with getting into the lifts and directed on where to go. Staff is very friendly and helpful. There is lots of information against the inner walls of the tower such as the history of Saigon becoming HCMC and also comparions to other highest skyskrapers in the world.

    There is a gift shop for souveniers, water and snacks and also some more expensive quality gifts.

    Sharing a few photos of the views but as always, it is better to experience in person.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DotsGirl2
    Vancouver, Canada448 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful building but you can only see the outside unless you purchase a ticket for a performance. But spend 5 minutes admiring it and taking photos. It is in an area of town with other things to see
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CanisHan
    Seoul, South Korea24,034 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    C (24.03.10 )
    Ho Chi Minh City's representative market is large. Personally, it's not impressive because I don't like shopping, but it's a place worth a visit.
    There are various products and many stores, and it is a popular place for foreigners. Even if you don't buy anything, it's a place to stop by.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SingaporeSusan88
    Singapore, Singapore13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Maybe you should swot up on the local history before you visit. It is a place of great importance for Vietnam and its past. Lots of restaurants nearby and just 300 meters from the theatre where the AO show incase you want to combine the visit.
    Written 24 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Micky
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loads of choice of food and drinks. Happy hour cocktails most of the day was a bonus! Plenty of seats and live music. Would recommend the banh xeo (pancake)!
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CanisHan
    Seoul, South Korea24,034 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    C ( 24.03.10 )
    On the outside, it is a very beautiful and magnificent cathedral. At the entrance, it was in harmony with the statue of Mary, and it was a shame that I could not see the inside because it was under construction. I really want to see the inside when I get the next opportunity, so I moved to another place with regret.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the main walking street stretching from the People's Committee (former French City Hall) all the way down to Saigon river promenade.
    During the day it's very average, but it comes alive at night with many street food vendors, street performers and thousands of locals hanging out.
    Written 28 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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