Ho Chi Minh
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Also known as Saigon, it is not only the largest city in Vietnam but also the economic and cultural center of the country. The streets are more organized, the buildings taller, and the city is somewhat more modern. It was in Ho Chi Minh City that I truly noticed the difference between North and South Vietnam and how this continues to influence Vietnamese culture today. Whether Ho Chi Minh City is the start or the end of your journey through Vietnam, I encourage you to learn from its rich history, admire the French colonial buildings, be mindful of the countless Vietnamese scooters, enjoy the excitement on the nightlife street, and above all, have a great time in this vibrant city!
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| TABLE OF CONTENTS
War Remnants Museum
Chi Chu Tunnels
Pink Church
Daytrip Mekong Delta
Bui Vien Walking Street
Binh Quoi Tourist Village
Where to stay
Where to eat
Where to shop
Where to go out
War Remnants Museum
Before you visit Vietnam, it's important to learn about its history to better understand the sights and experiences you'll encounter. Knowing about the country's past will help you appreciate the differences between the conservative nature of the North and the modern attitudes of the South. Having some background knowledge about the Vietnam War will be especially helpful when you visit the war museum, where you'll see images, texts, and artifacts related to the harsh realities of the war. Although these exhibits showcase a somber part of Vietnam's history, they offer valuable insights into the country's resilience and the challenges it has faced.
Chi Chu Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels and the museum are fascinating places to visit for insights into the Vietnam War. Located about 70 kilometers outside of Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels were created by the Viet Cong. This communist movement fought against the South Vietnamese government and American forces during the war. The tunnels were cleverly and tactically constructed, providing the Viet Cong with an advantage over the better-equipped Americans. Some tunnels reached depths of up to 10 meters and were so narrow that the muscular Americans couldn't crawl through them. Additionally, they were well-hidden deep in the jungle, a terrain well-known to the Vietnamese but unfamiliar to the Americans.
The Viet Cong didn't just build tunnels; they also created sleeping quarters, kitchens, weapon storage, hospitals, and meeting rooms, all connected by narrow, winding passageways. These were extraordinarily complex networks, extensive and multi-leveled. Even if you're not a history enthusiast, visiting these tunnels is incredibly interesting and showcases the clever tactics used by the Viet Cong to outsmart the Americans.
Many organizations offer tours of the tunnels. These tours often start with a visit to a workshop where victims of the Vietnam War create art. These are victims of Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide sprayed over the jungles of Vietnam, which continues to affect the population generations later. The gas is so destructive that descendants of the soldiers are still born with birth defects, such as heart problems, disproportionate limbs, and mental health issues. In this workshop, they have the opportunity to create beautiful art despite their physical or mental limitations and sell it for income.
After the workshop, you travel to the tunnels, where you spend about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep in mind that this is a half-day excursion. Most tours include a meal and offer the chance to shoot at a firing range during the break.
This not only makes for an interesting day but also an enjoyable afternoon, especially if you go with ACE TRAVELS Ho Chi Minh. Tinh, the tour guide, shares many fascinating facts about Vietnam on the way and provides detailed information at the site. He is very friendly and his enthusiasm is contagious, making this tour highly recommended!
Pink Church
There are many organizations that offer the Ha Giang Loop. You have more well-known ones like Mama’s or Jasmine Tours, and some lesser-known ones. Personally, I went with Buffalo, and it was well-organized they arranged my hostel in Hanoi, the Ha Giang Loop, my transportation to the next destination, and my next hostel through them. What's nice about having multiple organizations is that you have more options to choose from. Essentially, they all offer the same tour, and many of them provide excellent service. I haven't heard of any organization where things weren't well arranged. When you're in Vietnam, look for the organization that gives you the best feeling. Perhaps you'll meet people along the way who already know of an organization that you can joint too.
Dagtrip Mekong delta
The Mekong is the heart of Southeast Asia. If you travel to other countries after Vietnam, you’ll see that the Mekong has a significant influence there as well. Many people take an extra day or more to explore this area in southern Vietnam. There are various floating markets, boat tours, stunning nature, and very friendly people. There’s plenty to see and do!
Bui Vien Walking street
During the day, this street is pleasantly quiet and a nice place to take a stroll. However, you won't recognize this quiet street anymore once night falls. It becomes packed with tourists, locals, loud music, clubs, and numerous stalls. If you get overwhelmed easily, this might not be the place for you. Despite the chaos, it truly is an experience worth having. Grab a cold beer, sit on a tiny stool, and watch the fire-breathing performers and bustling clubs along the road.
Binh Quoi Tourist Village
I discovered this place through a Pinterest blog and found it to be the perfect escape from the busy city for a few hours. Book a Grab and take a half-hour ride to the Binh Quoi Tourist Village. This place is the epitome of tranquility. You'll hear soothing music, encounter very few tourists, and enjoy the lush greenery and water around you. It's definitely a nice spot for a stroll and to capture some beautiful photos.
Where to stay
A few good hostels in Ho Chi Minh City are Mobylette, Violet, and Saigon Chill. Personally, I found Saigon Chill to be excellent! This hostel has some of the best beds I’ve seen on my entire trip, complete with a locker, small safe, hanging area, nightlight, and curtain all at the bedside. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and they offer great tours. Additionally, the hostel is in a nice neighborhood, and you can easily walk to the bustling parts of the city or to cozy pubs. Highly recommended!
Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com
A great spot where I've often had breakfast is Little HaNoi Egg. It can be a bit tricky to find, but they serve delicious toast and healthy options. Every morning, it's packed, so make sure to get there early or make a reservation in advance!
Where to eat
As mentioned above, Bui Vien Walking Street is the place to be. The street is quite long, so if you're not in the mood for the over-the-top clubs, there are also charming, cozy pubs in the side streets where you can enjoy a quiet beer.
Where to go out
During my time in Ho Chi Minh City, I urgently needed some good clothes. At the local shops, I was often told I was too big or too tall, and many times, the clothes didn't fit because they were often XXS in Western sizes. However, I still needed some shorts, and HCM was the place to find them. There are several shopping centers in this large city, but Vincom Center stands out with many Western stores like Zara and H&M. So, if you're in the mood for a shopping day or, like me, urgently need some items, this is a great place to find what you need.
