Yet, it feels less like a museum and more like a relentless, vibrant engine where motorbikes flow like blood through concrete veins. The air hums with the scent of pho and exhaust, embodying a resilient spirit that refuses to slow down. Today, it is a dazzling collision of colonial architecture and neon-lit skyscrapers, offering travelers an intoxicating mix of historical gravity and electric modernity that demands you keep moving.
Do Ho Chi Minh City the way locals do: start slow at Ben Thanh Market, eat where the regulars do at Hoang’s Kitchen -Vietnamese cuisine & Vegan food, let the evening run long at Layla - Eatery & Bar.
Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Independence Palace
Museum · ★ 4.5 (47,798 reviews)
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
Check tours & tickets 2
War Remnants Museum
Museum · ★ 4.5 (41,017 reviews)
Memorial museum exhibiting photographs, weapons & other objects from the Vietnam & Indochina wars.
Check tours & tickets 3
Ben Thanh Market
Market · ★ 4 (85,338 reviews)
Well-known standby for handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing & other goods along with local eats.
Check tours & tickets 4
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Church · ★ 4.4 (29,003 reviews)
1880s Catholic cathedral built with French bricks & featuring 58m-tall Romanesque bell towers.
Check tours & tickets 5
Cu Chi Tunnel
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (18,069 reviews)
Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.
Check tours & tickets 6
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Opera House · ★ 4.6 (17,771 reviews)
Ornate 19th-century French colonial opera house that is now home to the city's ballet & symphony.
Check tours & tickets 8
Tao Dan Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (15,593 reviews)
Leafy public park featuring manicured gardens, a Buddhist temple, play areas & sports facilities.
Check tours & tickets 9
Saigon Skydeck
Observation Deck · ★ 4.4 (12,713 reviews)
Glass-enclosed observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower with scenic views.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Hoang’s Kitchen -Vietnamese cuisine & Vegan food
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (20,161 reviews)
Website 12
De Tham Restaurant - Vietnamese cuisine & vegetarian Food
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (13,534 reviews)
Website 13
Tung's Restaurant - Vietnamese Cuisine & vegetarian Food
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (13,277 reviews)
Website 14
Hai’s Restaurant
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (8,190 reviews)
Website 15
Hoàng’s Kitchen
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (7,987 reviews)
Website 16
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (12,840 reviews)
Website 17
A Taste Of Saigon - Old Market - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegetarian Food
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (6,256 reviews)
Website 18
Nhà Hàng Lúa Đại Việt Restautant
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,973 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
24
KIM TRAVEL - Daily Tours - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta Tour from HCM city
Tour Agency · ★ 4.8 (3,942 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Ben Thanh Market
Market · ★ 4 (85,338 reviews)
Well-known standby for handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing & other goods along with local eats.
26
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Zoo · ★ 4.3 (36,437 reviews)
Straightforward zoo showcasing an array of animals, including giraffes, camels, elephants & snakes.
Website 27
Cu Chi Tunnel
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (18,069 reviews)
Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.
Website 28
Tao Dan Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (15,593 reviews)
Leafy public park featuring manicured gardens, a Buddhist temple, play areas & sports facilities.
Website 29
September 23rd Park
Park · ★ 4.4 (10,382 reviews)
Relaxed stretch of green space & walkways with a playground, duck pond & lots of trees.
Website After dark 30
Layla - Eatery & Bar
Bar · ★ 4.8 (6,171 reviews)
Website 31
The View Rooftop Bar
Bar · ★ 4.6 (5,014 reviews)
Website 32
Chill Skybar & Dining
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.4 (5,840 reviews)
Happening venue offering finger foods, sharing plates & meat dishes, plus cocktails & skyline views.
Website 33
Loop 1 - Cocktail & Kitchen
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.8 (2,444 reviews)
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