Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and its commercial center. It’s a lovely destination where modern and historical influences meet and form a city of great facilities, history, shopping, and interesting architecture.
Are you visiting Ho Chi Minh City soon and not sure about what to do and see in the city? No worries, I will give you my best tips!
Here are the top 7 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:
Table of Contents
Eat Street Food
Vietnam’s reputation for having one of the world’s tastiest street food is quite deserved – while many of the country’s finer restaurants can be a big disappointment. Among the city’s street stalls you will find excellent food at low prices. Here you can get a great meal with both meats, rice and vegetables for 3 USD. Hot Pots and Pho is also dishes that are good and recommended in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Binh Tay Market
This is one of the busiest and most popular markets in the city. Binh Tay market was built in the 1880s by the French and is now filled with local specialties, souvenirs, and other beautiful objects! Come here to eat a good breakfast or have a nice cup of coffee while people-watching!
Central Post Office
Right next to Notre Dame Cathedral lies the old post office in town. This post office was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was built between 1886 and 1891. Inside the post office, you can watch the beautiful French architecture, see old historical maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon, and a portrait of Ho Chi Minh that’s made of mosaic!
A must among the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City if you’re interested in architecture!
Jade Emperor Pagoda
If you don’t have much time in Ho Chi Minh City, then I think you should prioritize the Jade Emperor Pagoda and skip the other pagodas in the city. Jade Emperor Pagoda was built in the 1900s by Taoists and Buddhists and have an amazing architecture of beautiful carved details. The Pagoda is filled with both lotus flowers and fruit that’s sacrificed by the locals, and a thick smoke that’s coming from all incense. Such cool experience!
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and is today a great example of beautiful Romanesque architecture. The cathedral is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and has two 40 meter high towers and stained glass windows.
If the main entrance is locked when you’re visiting the cathedral – then try the door on the side of the building opposite the Reunification Palace.
Chi Chi Tunnels
Chi Chi tunnels have an important role in the country’s history. Here lived the Vietnamese soldiers in 1948 when France invaded the country. These tunnels are located 70 kilometers outside the city and are 120 kilometers long with several trap doors, rooms, kitchens, storages, armories, hospitals, and a command center.
After the war against the French, they expanded the tunnels and imposed an air filtration system during the American war. This filter made it possible for the soldiers to survive in the tunnels when the Americans bombed and passed by with their tanks.
The Chi Chi tunnels are a must among the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Drink Coffee
Since the French colonists first introduced coffee in the country during the 1900s, locals have become completely obsessed with the drink. There are many excellent coffee drinks in Ho Chi Minh City ranging from; “Ca Phe Phin,” iced coffee, egg-coffee, yoghurt-coffee – which all of them are delicious!
Visit the Tan Tao Park one morning and enjoy a cup of coffee together with the locals!
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