Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

September 15, 2024
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2 mins read

Cu Chi Tunnels

These tunnels were crucial in helping the guerrillas win the war. You can see the various forms of torture, the clothes they wore, the narrow tunnels they used, maps of the tunnels, and their strategies for hiding them. You can even enter one of the hiding holes and have your photo taken, but since it’s very narrow, getting in and out is a bit difficult, and there’s usually a line.

Mekong Delta

Here, male and female rowers wearing Vietnam’s famous conical hats paddle the boats. The boats accommodate up to four people. There are plenty of boats around, and you travel through narrow canals on murky-colored water. Although it’s a pleasant activity, I didn’t find it very captivating after the floating market in Bangkok.

Opera House

We recommend seeing the Opera House illuminated at night. There’s also a famous building nearby with a café on every floor, which appears in many photos of Ho Chi Minh City. We couldn’t sit at any of the cafés, but it stayed with us—we hope to go there next time.

War Remnants Museum

Located in the city center, this museum is incredibly impactful. There are striking photos and stories from the Vietnam War. What’s particularly moving is the lasting damage caused by “Agent Orange” on generations of Vietnamese people. You walk around with a lump in your throat, I can tell you that.

Saigon Central Post Office

The phone booths labeled with different countries’ names are especially ideal for taking photos. There are also shops inside selling souvenirs. And maybe you’d like to send a postcard to your loved ones all the way from Vietnam—who knows?

Also nearby are Notre Dame Cathedral, right across from the post office, and Independence Palace, both worth a visit.

Eating and Drinking in Ho Chi Minh

Ngon Villa

A very elegant venue. I think we had the most delicious local dishes here, especially the sweet and spicy marinated meat, which was incredibly tasty. We also tried the local Saigon beer here for the first time, and everyone liked it.

Eon Heli Bar

Located on the 52nd floor of a mall. You can see the night-lit Ho Chi Minh City from here, but I can’t say it meant much to me. Still, it was one of the places where we enjoyed listening to live music and sipping drinks. With its dim lighting and romantic songs, it could be a great spot for couples to enjoy.