Buzz
Two years ago, I promised myself that every year I would travel to at least one country. In 2011, I visited Sangkhlaburi, Thailand. In 2012, it was India, and in 2013, I explored the beautiful country of Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, I am certain that it is one of the most fantastic destinations for a weekend getaway.
Many people think it would be boring to spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City, but if you think so, you are completely mistaken. Here is a list of amazing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Enjoy Beer, Smoke, and Entertainment
Drinking beer in Saigon is a completely different experience from other places, such as upscale bars with expensive wine or extravagant dishes. Having a beer here means sitting on a small plastic chair overlooking the street, which is quite fascinating. Why do people do that? Simply because the beer is very cheap. From 5,000 – 7,000 (0.25 USD) per glass (equivalent to 12,000 (0.70 USD) per bottle), what could be better? And the popular choices are Tiger beer and Saigon beer!
2. Indulge in French Cuisine
Having endured years under French colonial rule, Vietnam's strong influence from France, particularly in cuisine, is unsurprising. One standout establishment is Bistro 48 – the ultimate destination for French gastronomy. Stepping in, you'll feel like you've entered a luxurious restaurant with a romantic French ambiance. The food quality is beyond discussion.
The French delicacies offered here, such as beef tenderloin with foie gras, braised rabbit with red wine, or mint-infused grilled lamb chops, range from 78,000 to 300,000 VND (5 – 15 USD). Additionally, don't miss out on the grilled oysters.
Indulge in exquisite desserts like chocolate mousse cake or French wine-infused treats...
Address: Bistro 48, 48-52 Le Thi Rieng, District 1
Open from 10:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 22:00.
3. Instant noodles and pho
Known globally for their influence, these two dishes need no introduction. Most instant noodles and pho in Saigon come with aromatic herbs like basil, bean sprouts, and finely chopped chili, enhancing their delightful flavors.
My favorite Phở spot is tucked away on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street – the backpacker's district of Ho Chi Minh City. A bowl of beef phở is priced around 60,000 VND (2-3 USD), and my top pick is the Phở Bò Kho paired with a baguette. The flavor is simply perfection.
Address: Phở Quỳnh, 323 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Enjoying a stroll with a side of baguette
When it comes to popular dishes in Vietnam, Phở is a top contender. And Banh Mi is right up there too. Walking the streets of Saigon, nibbling on a Banh Mi, creates an indescribable experience. Like all local dishes in Vietnam, Banh Mi is a budget-friendly delight, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND (0.5 – 1.5 USD).
Address: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, 26 Le Thi Rieng (a local spot dedicated to Banh Mi, open from evening till late)
5. Sipping iced coffee while exploring Ho Chi Minh City
Known for its iconic Vietnamese coffee, the phin coffee has always been a symbol of Vietnam's coffee culture, and I absolutely adore the coffee here. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily find fantastic drinks at street stalls, or at renowned Vietnamese coffee shops like Trung Nguyen, Highland, and even independent cafes like L’usine.
My go-to coffee spot: L’usine Cafe, just a 10-minute walk from Saigon Square. It's considered the perfect coffee spot for men who need a place to relax while their significant others indulge in shopping!
Address: L’usine Cafe, 70B Le Loi, District 1.
6. Beauty Care
As a woman, you'll undoubtedly enjoy pampering yourself. Ho Chi Minh City is perhaps the only place where you can get nail, hair, and beauty treatments for around 30 USD (at Angel’s Beauty Salon on Bui Vien Street). It would be a shame to miss out on these beauty services while traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Address: Angel’s Beauty Salon, 115 Bui Vien, District 1.
7. Experiencing the art of massage
When it comes to massage and spa services in Ho Chi Minh City, Eden Spa near the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao stands out with prices ranging from 130,000 – 200,000 dong for a 60-minute massage.
Address: Eden Spa & Nail, 57 Bui Vien, District 1
8. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and fire the M16 submachine gun
To be honest, I've never been a fan of museums or interested in history. However, during my trip to Vietnam, my perspective changed. The visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels was truly eye-opening. Witnessing how the Vietnamese designed traps to resist their enemies during the war, and the experience of crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels was truly amazing. If you're a bit adventurous, squeezing through the narrow tunnels is an unforgettable experience.
What I loved most about Cu Chi was getting to fire a real gun (M16 submachine gun) with live ammunition. It's worth noting that the one-day Cu Chi tour is priced around 10 USD.
9. Boating on the Mekong River
Depending on the tour you choose, you can explore floating markets where locals exchange their regional products such as watermelons and bananas. Alternatively, you can directly paddle through nearby canals. Regardless of the option, your boat journey concludes at a restaurant where guides introduce the specialties of the Mekong Delta, like the iconic catfish. The fish here is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced.
10. Explore Museums
The entrance fee for museums is just over 1 USD per visitor.
On my first visit to the War Remnants Museum, I was genuinely overwhelmed by the profound emotions evoked by the impressive display of US military tanks and aircraft. The exhibition on the consequences of Agent Orange in Vietnam was particularly striking. I felt a profound sense of unease when contemplating the scenes of Vietnamese prisoners of war being tortured during the wartime.
Address: War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore the vibrant Dinh Thống Nhất area at 106 Nguyễn Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
11. Local Shopping Extravaganza
Unlike Bangkok, Saigon isn't a fashion haven, but it's a backpacker's shopping paradise. Unearth unique finds and embrace the local market spirit.
Indulge in local delights like the famous G7 coffee, alongside dried fruits such as fried mango, french fries, dried jackfruit, and crispy lotus seeds—perfect souvenirs. Especially, when shopping for clothes in Saigon, you can bargain until you get a price that suits you.
Some recommendations: Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, Tax Shopping Mall.
12. Dive into a Culinary Masterclass
Experience the culinary wonders at 'The Saigon Culinary Art Center,' where you'll be equipped with essential cooking skills and recipes to become an outstanding culinary expert.
Courses typically commence with shopping for ingredients at local markets, allowing you to delve into the variety of Vietnamese spices and explore an array of fresh seafood. Subsequently, hands-on sessions at renowned cooking schools will guide you through the necessary steps to prepare a complete meal.
Address: Saigon Culinary Art Center, 42/3 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan District
In addition, Saigon boasts numerous other tourist attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Central Post Office, which you shouldn't miss. An important tip is to exchange all your currency for Vietnamese Dong, as you may end up paying more if you transact in USD.
Favorite Hostel:
1. Phan Anh Hostel (Prices starting from 176,000 VND)
The room is fully equipped with cable TV and WiFi, a private bathroom with a hot shower. Breakfast is included. Moreover, you can easily walk to all the famous attractions in the city (Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and more).
2. Seventy Hotel (Price from 444,000 VND)
Seventy Hotel offers rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a minibar, and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel provides services such as airport transportation and car rental, along with currency exchange and laundry services.
By blog writer jcheongwrites
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – By blog writer Jcheongwrites
