Top 12 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025

Upon arrival, start with your favourite breakfast and a walking tour through District 1 to nail the real rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City. This guide delivers trust-worthy, practical details you can act on today, with plenty of specifics that keep your trips efficient and your budget happy.

That first thing sets the tone: a real pho or banh mi, then a stroll past colonial buildings and busy markets. Some corners may feel spoilt by crowds, but there are plenty offbeat spots where you can hear the city’s loud heartbeat without losing time.

We’ve curated 12 concrete options, designed for different tourist types and easy to mix into a day or a weekend. The hotels and hostels in the area offer quality facilities, with a range of dorms and private rooms to fit your budget and preferences.

Budget travellers will find hostels in Pham Ngu Lao with plenty of beds from around $8–15 per night, plus private rooms from about $25. Facilities include air conditioning, lockers, hot water, and 24/7 reception. There are some better-value options just a short walk from Ben Thanh Market.

Each pick supports a straightforward plan: trips that fit your type of adventure, whether you travel solo, with friends, or with family. You’ll meet fellow tourist crowds, swap tips, and thats the moment you’ll remember long after you return.

These cities offer different flavours, with Ho Chi Minh City serving as a gateway for trips to nearby delta towns and floating markets.

Travelled readers often list Cu Chi tunnels trips, a Saigon River sunset cruise, and Chinatown explorations among the standouts. This collection covers many travel styles, with clear notes on distances, transit, and the best times to visit.

Download the complete Top 12 list to tailor your 2025 Ho Chi Minh City itinerary today.

Practical Guide to Ho Chi Minh City: 12 Must-Do Experiences and Nearby Areas for 2025

Begin with a sunrise stroll at Ben Thanh Market for budget bites and a fast plan toward a full day of experiences.

Plan an 8-Hour Itinerary: Ben Thanh Market to Bitexco Tower

Begin at Ben Thanh Market, claim a compact map, and set a brisk pace toward Bitexco Tower along a route that fits into 8 hours.

Found the energy of Ben Thanh Square right outside the market, with colourful stalls and fresh fruit. A quick coconut water refresh keeps you light on your feet, and the safety of the pedestrian areas makes the first minutes smooth.

From the square, follow Le Loi toward the business district, then turn onto Dong Khoi. This 20–25 minute walk lets you enjoy building facades, a light breeze, and the active morning mood that defines the city throughout the district.

Pause at a japanese-inspired cafe for 15 minutes. A crisp matcha latte and a light pastry restore focus; your phone camera will capture crisp notes and the sense of place.

Lunch options include chinese-influenced dim sum and Vietnamese staples along Nguyen Hue or Hai Ba Trung. Choose a quick, quality meal to avoid misses and keep a second wind for the next leg; keep a short list of items to try so you don’t miss anything.

Proceed toward Bitexco Tower. The business district mood grows stronger as you approach the river, and a short ride or 15–20 minute walk brings you to the building. The route is straightforward, and safety cues are posted along the way to reassure every step during peak hours.

End atop the Sky Deck of Bitexco for about 45–60 minutes, taking in a 360-degree city view and a refreshing breeze. Throughout the ascent, you’ll notice the colour of the skyline shift with the sun; use your phone to snap shots and think about future plans. слушатель источник

Top Pho, Banh Mi, and Coffee Stops in District 1

Begin with a pho bowl near Ben Thanh Market for deep broth, tender beef, and a bright array of herbs. A typical bowl runs 45k–60k VND; broth simmers 8–12 hours; you hear the sizzle as noodles slide in. The stall sits on a busy corner with a view of scooters along Le Loi towards the market, making the wait easy and worth it.

Next, Banh Mi Huynh Hoa at 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1, delivers a baguette packed with pate, cilantro, pickled veg, and a kick of chili; price sits around 25k–40k VND. It’s visited by locals and travelers, and the line often snakes onto the sidewalk. The crust stays crisp as you bite, its aroma lingering long after your bite–perfect for a quick stroll along Pham Ngu Lao and Dien Bien Phu, with the scent guiding you homeward.

For coffee, seek cà phê sữa đá or rich egg coffee along Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi; cups run 35k–70k VND. International beans flavor the cup, and many spots offer a calm, efficient service. A small pool of condensed milk swirls into the espresso, the aroma rising above the street noise as you sip and watch the city flow by. No ticket needed for most tastings, and the overall experience feels truly local yet comfortable for visitors and members alike.

Safety tip: keep bags zipped, stay aware in crowded lanes near Ben Thanh, and watch for pickpockets in busy markets. If you want a post-meal unwind, many venues mix a lightweight cocktail menu with snacks, offering citrus-forward options that pair nicely with a fried bite or banh mi. Some lanes hide tunnels of shade from awnings and trees, a cool break on hot days while you traverse between stops, making the route easy to map and move toward Parc Tao Dan for a short rest in the park.

Route idea: walk from Ben Thanh toward Le Loi, then swing toward Dong Khoi and Nguyen Du to connect a cluster of cafes and eateries. You’ll gain a view above the crowds from rooftop spaces, and the plan proves truly practical for a half-day walk. By midday you’ll have visited two pho stalls, a banh mi counter, and a couple of coffee spots, all within a compact zone that keeps momentum high and options easy to mix.

Cultural Highlights: War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House

Start your day with a guided walk that stitches War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Opera House into a perfect loop that suits travelling in a single morning.

1. War Remnants Museum

   • Location: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 1, centrally located beside the citys bustle.
   • Theme and history: Vietnam’s modern history is presented with a respectful, clear focus on the years of conflict and its impact on people; the exhibits provide details that are absolutely powerful and thought-provoking.
   • Ticket and access: ticket price is modest, and some guided tours can feel pricey, so choose a level of involvement that fits your pace and interests.
   • Tips: allow 60–90 minutes, go in the morning to avoid heat, and be prepared for intense displays; the surrounding courtyard offers a wide, photogenic backdrop.
   • Being here will give you a grounded sense of the country’s past, a must-see that pairs well with a later stroll through nearby cafes in the bustle of the area.

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

   • Location: Dong Khoi Street, District 1, a cornerstone in the heart of the city and the perfect next stop after the museum.
   • Architecture and access: a striking red-brick facade with Gothic Revival details; the interior is open during limited hours, while exterior views are always worth your time.
   • Photo and breeze: a gentle breeze often travels along the avenue, making exterior shots especially alive and lively.
   • Tips and tickets: exterior viewing is free; interior access can require alignment with service times or special events, so check ahead for exact details.
   • Somewhere nearby, a cluster of cafes invites a brief pause to reflect on what you’ve seen and to plan the next leg of your day.

3. Saigon Opera House

   • Location: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1, just steps from the cathedral; this centrally located venue anchors a lively cultural corridor.
   • Historic vibe and program: French colonial influence is evident in the grand facade; the theatre hosts opera, ballet, and classical concerts on a regular schedule.
   • Tickets and value: tickets for premium seats can be pricey, but gallery and standing options offer exceptional atmosphere without breaking the budget.
   • Visiting tips: for a close-up look, join a short exterior tour or plan to attend a show; check the official schedule for times and ticketing details.
   • Next to the opera house, the area breathes with bustle and charming cafes, giving you a perfect moment to absorb the citys rhythm.
   • Travel note: this areal cluster is ideal for travellers who want a compact, centrally located cultural experience in the capital.

Above all, these stops keep you centrally connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s heart, offering a compact, exceptional view of culture, history, and performing arts–a must-see sequence that respects your time while giving you a vivid sense of the city’s soul.

Hidden Gems Beyond District 1: Thao Dien and Local Day Trips

Visit Thao Dien for a chill morning by the river; this must be your first move if you want a calmer rhythm before the city’s bigger crowds.

Stroll Nguyen Van Huong Street to spot a japan-inspired bakery, then join a quick french pastry class. The area features a landmark cafe on the water, a string of boutique shops, and a restored building with dragons on the facade, plus family-run houses that feel approachable and safe for visiting.

For day trips, pick two options: Can Gio Mangrove Reserve for boardwalks, birds, and a seafood lunch, or a Mekong Delta excursion to Ben Tre or My Tho for fruit stalls, canal rides, and temple visits. Opt for a guided tour to cover logistics, keep financials predictable, and avoid dangers, worry, and the horrors of wandering on unfamiliar roads or late-night partying spots.

If youre up for a longer plan, consider a weekend to cambodia with a reputable operator; it pairs well with your Ho Chi Minh stay and broadens your cultural view. A post-trip reflection will highlight what you learned and the memories you’ll carry.

In Thao Dien you stay close to a landmark vibe, safe streets, and a very human pace that makes your last stop feel rewarding. The area helps you feel the city’s glory, and you can keep sharing posts with friends, knowing you’re staying well covered and looked after by guided locals.

Nightlife and Evening Eats: Rooftops, Night Markets, and Safe Routes

Recommendation: Begin with a sunset rooftop near nguyen street, sip a beer, and map the night-market stroll before the bustle grows.

Rooftop picks include terraces with river views and a refreshing breeze. If you want a quiet moment, find a corner where jazz drifts; for energy, choose a terrace where the crowd moves with the city’s pulse. Order a noodle bowl or a light meal, and drink water between sips. Many spots offer deals after 9 pm, helpful for travelled backpackers who want to stretch a budget from the trip.

At the night market, watch for stalls run by artists selling crafts and catch passing musicians between bites. Try a bowl of pho or fresh noodles, a grilled skewer, and a coconut water. A short temple stop nearby adds a calm counterpoint to the neon buzz. being here after dark makes sightseeing feel alive, with reflections on damp pavement and warm air.

Safe routes are straightforward: walk with a friend along well-lit streets, use a trusted ride app, and share your location with someone back home. Have a thao guide show you where to go for the best path from the market to a rooftop bar. Buy a ticket in advance for a jazz set or a street-food tour to avoid long lines. Stick to the main sidewalks and avoid empty lanes after dark.

For a balanced night, budget around 300,000–500,000 VND for a rooftop drink and a couple of market bites; add more for a late taxi. If you plan ahead, thinking about which stalls to hit helps, and look for cooking classes or live music nearby. vietnam offers bold flavors, and you know you cant miss the noodle flavors you love. The chance to sample a local beer and a regional dessert makes the night worth it. Consider your financial limit and pick a few deals to keep the night flexible. Ask locals where to go next and you’ll find pretty corners away from the touristy glow, blah.

Keep a lightweight backpack, a small water bottle, and a portable charger; you’ll appreciate them for your night out and your memories.