Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the country was unified following the Vietnam War. The city is deeply tied to some of the most significant moments in modern history, with plenty of reminders scattered around. To learn more about Vietnam's reunification, you can visit monuments, museums, and war sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels. But the city is also known for its lively, modern vibe.

Ho Chi Minh City is full of energy, with tall skyscrapers and a nightlife scene that never slows down. The street food here is among the best in Vietnam. You can spend your days sampling delicious local dishes or even take part in a culinary tour.

Prepare yourself for the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh to fulfill your unforgettable trip:

Pho is Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, and Ho Chi Minh City offers some of the best. Popular spots include Pho 2000 and Pho Hoa Pasteur.​

As the city's oldest pagoda, Giac Lam offers a serene atmosphere and historical significance.​ There is a beautiful Bodhi tree, revered in Buddhism, at the temple’s entrance; a monk from Sri Lanka gave it to the temple in 1953.

One of the most powerful experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is committed to informing tourists about the horrors of the Vietnam War. More than half a million people each year make the trip to this museum, making it one of the most visited in all of Vietnam. This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War through various exhibits.​

At this location, you will have the opportunity to participate in a boat journey that includes dinner and transports you to a bygone era of refined dining on cruise ships. The boat is a replica of a classic Chinese dragon boat that was built in the 19th century, and on board they offer a dinner buffet accompanied by live music.

What's special: Combines dining with sightseeing on a traditional-style boat.

During the time of the Vietnam War, the Reunification Palace served as the official residence of the President of South Vietnam. In 1975, when the North Vietnamese invaded South Vietnam, this very location was the site where Ho Chi Minh City capitulated and surrendered to the invaders, hence the building itself has a significant historical significance.

Pham Ngu Lao Street is the place to go in Ho Chi Minh City if you are interested in participating in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. If you are in need of a refreshing beverage after a long day of sightseeing, you will find a wide variety of establishments to choose from in this district, which serves as the city’s bar and café epicenter.

It is common knowledge that Vietnam produces some of the world’s best coffee; hence, it should come as no surprise that the country also has a robust café culture. The house speciality is called ca phe sua da, and it’s an iced coffee drink that’s produced with a dark roast, combined with condensed milk, and served over ice.

The History Museum was established in 1929 and is housed in a lovely botanical landscape. You will find relics here that date back 4,000 years in the museum, which used to be a French colonial villa before it was converted into a museum. You can learn more about the museum’s history on its website.

The cuisine in Vietnam is often regarded as being among the best in the world, and Ho Chi Minh City is not an exception. Keeping this in mind, you may spend your time eating your way around the city, but if you want to learn how to prepare some of the dishes yourself, then you can also sign up for a cooking class. In conclusion, you can spend your time eating your way around the city.

A French-colonial cathedral built in the late 1800s, featuring Romanesque architecture, twin bell towers, and beautiful stained-glass windows (although currently under renovation, still worth seeing from the outside).

About four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta is a must-visit if you want to experience Vietnam's river life. This region spans over 39,000 square kilometres and is famous for its complex maze of rivers, swamps, and floating villages.

A fascinating (and slightly claustrophobic!) experience, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a massive underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War, especially during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

The Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh (around 2–3 hours from HCMC) is one of the most unique religious sites in Vietnam, blending elements from Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Islam.

Located in the heart of Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown), Binh Tay Market is a historic marketplace built in the 1880s. It’s a bustling spot for local life, especially in the morning.

Are you ready to get a memorable vacation in Ho Chi Minh? Try all these top things to do in Ho Chi Minh and don’t forget to plan your amazing trip with Traveloka. You can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions, and anything you have to plan from this all-in-one application.