Unraveling Mysteries: 6 unique things to do in Saigon (HCMC)

Table of contents

• Water Puppet Show: Experience Vietnam's Traditional Folk Art
• Unveiling the Magic of Hát Bội in Saigon
• Vietnamese Cooking Class: Learn to Cook Authentic Local Cuisine
• Explore Saigon's Hidden Cafes and Coffee Culture
• Kau Cim – Fortune in a Cylinder
• Join a “game” tour

Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, pulsates with energy, history, and culture. This bustling metropolis in Vietnam is a melting pot of traditions, flavors, and activities waiting to be discovered. While iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum often dominate tourist itineraries, Saigon has so much more to offer. Here are several unique experiences to elevate your visit to this dynamic city. If you're looking for unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this guide has some truly unforgettable options.

A traditional Vietnamese art where stories come to life on water through music and movement.

Transport yourself back in time with a traditional water puppet show, a captivating form of Vietnamese folk art that dates back centuries. Originating in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, water puppetry combines music, storytelling, and intricate puppetry to depict scenes from rural life, legends, and folklore. This art form is unlike anything else you’ll see in Southeast Asia and offers a mesmerizing window into the spirit of Vietnamese culture.

The cultural roots of this art form reflect Vietnam's agrarian heritage, with water symbolizing both life and theatrical stage. As the puppets glide across the water, you’ll notice traditional costumes, mythical creatures, and ancestral characters. These themes are not just entertainment - they convey lessons, values, and historical context that generations of Vietnamese have passed down.

Accompanied by live music performed on instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord) and drums, the performance creates an immersive sensory experience. The puppeteers, though hidden, are the heartbeat of the show - manipulating each figure with remarkable precision using long bamboo rods. This art form requires years of training and dedication, often passed down within families or master-apprentice traditions.

Where to book and see the show: http://www.goldendragonwaterpuppet.vn/ 

Writer’s tips: Book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats, and arrive early to soak in the atmosphere of the theater. Keep in mind that the performances are in Vietnamese, but the visual storytelling transcends language barriers, making it enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Unveiling the Magic of Hát Bội in Saigon

Among the unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Hát Bội stands out as a cultural immersion unlike any other. Once performed exclusively for the royal court, Hát Bội gradually became a beloved tradition across Southern Vietnam, particularly in rural communities where performances enlivened temple festivals and village celebrations.

This theatrical art form is a vibrant mix of acting, singing, dance, and martial arts - all performed with highly codified gestures and richly colored costumes. Each movement on stage holds symbolic meaning: a warrior may ride an invisible horse using only a tasseled stick, while a general’s loyalty is marked by a bold red face and gilded robes.

The themes of Hát Bội reflect Vietnamese values: loyalty to the nation, reverence for ancestors, and the triumph of good over evil. Stories are drawn from history and legend—performed in poetic language and accompanied by a live orchestra using traditional instruments like the trống chầu (ceremonial drum) and đàn nguyệt (moon lute). The drumbeat not only guides the actors but also signals the audience’s reactions - cheers, awe, or laughter.

Hát Bội is a vibrant folk opera full of color, music, and powerful stories from Vietnam’s past.

Cooking classes in Saigon offer hands-on fun while learning to make local dishes with fresh ingredients.

Taking a cooking class in Saigon isn’t just about making a meal - it’s a cultural deep dive. Many classes begin at a local wet market, where the guide explains how to pick out herbs like rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) or unique ingredients like fish sauce brewed in Phu Quoc. This excursion offers insights into Vietnamese food philosophy: balance of flavors, freshness of ingredients, and respect for natural elements.

The cooking process itself is a window into family traditions. You might learn that pho broth simmered for hours, or that bánh xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) is meant to be eaten with your hands - wrapped in lettuce and dipped in nước chấm. Instructors often share personal anecdotes or childhood stories tied to the dishes, adding layers of emotion and heritage to each bite.

For many travelers, it becomes more than just a cooking session - it’s a shared meal that transcends borders. You leave not just with recipes, but with stories, memories, and a newfound appreciation for Vietnamese hospitality and culinary artistry.

Where to book: https://saigoncookingclass.com/ 

Not quite ready to do the cooking? Check out our Dining Delights to get a one-stop shop for the flavors of Saigon!

Writer’s tips: Choose a cooking class that offers a small group size for a more personalized experience and hands-on instruction. don't forget to ask for the recipes, so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home!

Explore Saigon's Hidden Cafes and Coffee Culture

Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a beverage - it’s a ritual, a conversation starter, and a historical legacy.

Ever wonder what all those hidden alleyways - or hẻm as called in Vietnamese - have lurking down them? Believe it or not, when you start wandering around, you’ll find yourself in Saigon's mazey alleyways its hidden cafes, each offering a unique atmosphere and specialty brews. From cozy hideaways to trendy rooftop spots, Saigon's coffee scene is as diverse as it is delicious.

Wander off the tourist area in District 1 and seek out hidden gems tucked away in Saigon's alleyways and side streets in District 3, Phu Nhuan district or Binh Thanh district. These districts are known for their cafes housed in colonial-era buildings (Cheo Leo cafe), rooftop terraces (Chang Vang rooftop) with panoramic city views, and quirky-themed (Mien Dong Thao coffee) establishments that cater to every taste and preference.

While exploring the alleyway cafes of Saigon, don’t miss the chance to order some local favorites. Try bạc xỉu, a creamy concoction with more milk than coffee, perfect for those who prefer a lighter yet flavorful sip. Another must-try is cà phê trứng - Vietnamese egg coffee - made by whipping egg yolks with condensed milk into a rich, velvety foam layered over strong coffee. For something refreshing, cà phê cốt dừa (coconut coffee) blends robust espresso with icy coconut cream. Each cup offers a different take on Vietnam’s coffee legacy, where bold flavors and unexpected textures collide.

If you’re into the hidden alleyways, narrow quirky staircases and untold secrets of the hẻm of Saigon, join us HERE with our Saigon’s Secrets tour.

Writer’s tips: Take your time to explore different neighborhoods and seek out cafes that reflect your style and preferences. Don't be afraid to venture into unassuming alleyways or up narrow staircases – some of the best cafes are hidden in plain sight. And be sure to indulge in a sweet treat or two to accompany your coffee, such as a slice of cake or a freshly baked pastry.

Kau Cim – Fortune in a Cylinder

Looking for divine guidance wrapped in ritual, poetry, and a little old-world mystique? Try Kau Cim, or fortune sticks - one of the most enduring spiritual practices across East Asia. Known in Vietnamese as xin xăm, this ancient form of divination has been passed down for generations, rooted in Taoist tradition yet deeply adapted into the cultural fabric of Vietnam. It’s more than a superstition - it’s a dialogue with the unseen, a quiet moment of surrender to fate and the divine.

The City’s Codes tour turns the streets of Saigon into a game, full of clues, stories, and surprises.

Vespa A Go Go’s City’s Codes tour is not your simple city tour - it’s an immersive, puzzle-solving adventure that unveils the hidden narratives of Ho Chi Minh City. Far beyond just sightseeing, this interactive experience takes you deep into the soul of Saigon, blending cultural storytelling with the thrill of discovery. You'll ride vintage Vespas through the city’s maze of alleyways and historic quarters, guided not by maps, but by a trail of cryptic clues waiting to be decoded.

Designed for curious minds, this tour takes you to five carefully selected stops - each with its own mystery, historical anecdote, and hands-on activity. From secret wartime sites and architectural gems to everyday street corners steeped in forgotten tales, every puzzle you solve brings you closer to understanding the city’s rich, layered identity. Along the way, you’ll engage with local artisans, uncover folklore, and sample some of Saigon’s lesser-known delicacies.

What makes City’s Codes one of the most unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is its ability to transform the streets into a living storybook. Whether you're deciphering ancient symbols at a temple or uncovering wartime codes near a hidden bunker, the tour invites you to think like a detective and move like a local. It’s a perfect blend of play, education, and cultural immersion - ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to connect more deeply with the city.

The experience encourages interaction, curiosity, and teamwork, making it not only fun but also deeply enriching. Plus, riding a vintage Vespa through the buzz of Saigon traffic adds a retro twist that makes the adventure all the more unforgettable.

Whether you're a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or simply seeking a creative way to explore Vietnam's cultural treasures, this Vespa-powered expedition offers a dynamic, memory-making journey. So gather your wits, sharpen your senses, and get ready to solve the mysteries of Saigon - because in this city, the stories are everywhere... if you know where to look.

Discover Saigon's top attractions with our curated itineraries! Explore historic landmarks and enjoy unique vintage vespa tours with Vespa A Go Go.

Where to book: https://vespaagogo.com/our-tours/city-code.html 

Saigon Vintage Tour - Vespa A Go Go
ADDRESS: 13A Nguyen Van Mai, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
PHONE & WHATSAPP : +84 385 312 407
EMAIL: support@vespagogo.com
Website: https://vespaagogo.com/

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