Top 10 what to do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city

Being the economic centre of the country, the old Saigon seems to display every day a boundless energy. This feverish metropolis always in perpetual mutation successfully marries the memories of its colonial history with futuristic achievements. A destination out of the ordinary that it is unthinkable not to discover during your stay in South Vietnam. To see, to do, we explain everything!

1. Exploring one of its many markets

The city is full of markets, each neighborhood has its own one. Among all the markets we suggest you to explore the two most interesting markets that should not to be missed. First Ben Thanh market located in District 1 where the tourist activity is at its briskest. A centuries-old market, built under the colonial period, where you can buy souvenirs, food items, clothes and even something to eat in the place. Don’t forget to also see the Binh Tay market in the Cholonarea which is full of smells and colors, it is crowded, active, a beautiful and fascinating immersion in the popular shopping activities in Saigon.
>>>Read more about Ben Thanh Market and Binh Tay Market HERE

2. Explore the Chinatown (Cholon)

City in the city, a real anthill, the Chinatown in Saigon is the former area of opium smokers and strippers during the colonial period. This once “naughty” area today is the great commercial center of the Saigon. One comes to feel its particular atmosphere, to stroll along the traditional stalls decorated with Chinese ideograms or to taste some Chinese specialties and to discover its superb pagodas drowned in the smoke of incense which burns continuously everyday.

3. Go to the Vietnam War Museum

War Remnants Museumin Saigon Ho Chi Minh City is a must to visit if you want to understand Vietnam and its contemporary history. A poignant visit which allows people to realize the hardness of a conflict and to better understand the values of peace.

4. Admire the colonial heritages of Saigon

Although the city has vastly modernized, Saigon still has a magnificent colonial architectural heritage. While walking in the city and especially in the district 1 you can admire some of the most emblematic colonial buildings of the city like the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Hotel Majestic Saigon, the Saigon Opera House or the Saigon Museum of Fine Arts.

5. Go to Landmark 81 Tower

Saigon in all its modernity with this elegant tower that launches itself proudly against the sky. With a height of 461.2 meters for 81 floors, it is Saigon's tallest building and the emblematic building of the city, a symbol of Vietnam's modernization, development and nation pride when it’s the first building built by Vietnamese contractors. You can visit the tower and go to the top of Landmark 81 to enjoy a breathtaking view of Saigon city.

6. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels

Located forty kilometers northwest of Saigonthe Cu Chi tunnels are an incredible and ingenious tunnel system of more than 250 kilometers on several levels. Originally created by the Viet Minh under the French Indochina period, the Cu Chi tunnels housed thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War against the Americans. This is one of the best half or full day tours from Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, and is an excellent history lesson.
>>> Read more about Cu Chi tunnel HERE

7. Explore Caodaism

Another excursion from Saigon, which also combines very well with the Cu Chi tunnels, is the visit of the Caodaism templein Tay Ninh. This unique religious building with picturesque decorations and vibrant color blends is the seat of the Cao Dai religion. You can attend one of the daily Masses, a breathtaking spectacle whose followers all dressed in white worshiping in a stunning architectural setting which is harmoniously combined the architectural styles of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity and of Islam.

8. Taste the culinary specialties of the Saigon

Certainly less famous than the cuisines of Hanoi or the Center of Vietnam, the cuisine of Saigon and the South of Vietnam has something to delight the most delicate palates. Especially since some time already good restaurants are constantly emerging everywhere in the city, from the most chic to the trendiest, from the most traditional to the most street food. This real culinary boil should soon propel Ho Chi Minh City is a must gourmet destination in South East Asia.

9. Visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

Many people remember the tank smashing the grid of the Reunification Palace on April 30th 1975, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. A place steeped in history that is also a magnificent example of a combination of modern and traditional Eastern architectures in Saigon. Located in District 1, Independence Palace can be combined perfectly in any tour with the other sights of the city.
>>>Find the detailed article about the Independence Palace HERE

10. Have a drink on a rooftop bar

Go up in one of the many rooftop bars that bloom on the rooftops of buildings and enjoy an unforgettable view of Saigon at night when it shines brightly. Everyone will choose his ambiance, the most retro on the terrace of the Majestic or the Rex, the most trendy on the roof terrace of the AB Tower which houses the Chill Sky Bar.