Top 6 Things to Do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

While Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is commonly known and a popular destination for its varieties of food, there is so much more the city has to offer than just delicious bites. While present day Vietnam was established on 2nd September 1945, Vietnam has a rich history that spans centuries. If you’re a foodie, history buff, or just looking to chase stunning sunsets, Saigon will have a little something for everyone.

the Notre-Dame in Saigon
Notre Dame - a must-do for Saigon

We’ve compiled a list of cool things to do in Saigon to make your trip more memorable.

Energize your day with a Vietnamese coffee

If you’re going to explore the city, you’re going to need your energy. One of the best things to do in Saigon is start your day with a Vietnamese coffee. Coffee lovers, brace yourself!

Ho Chi Minh City's egg coffee
Ho Chi Minh City’s must-try egg coffee

Vietnam is one of the world’s top Robusta bean producers, which are known for their bold flavor and high caffeine content. Vietnamese brew their coffee by using what is called a phin, which is a traditional filter that allows for a slow drip for the flavors to infuse gradually. Topped off with sweetened condensed milk and you’re ready to tackle the city!

Pro-tip: If you’re not a fan of sweets, order a cà phê đen không đường (black coffee, no sugar).

Stroll along Pham Ngu Lao Street

Now that you’ve got your coffee buzz, another thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to take a stroll down Pham Ngu Lao Street, also commonly referred to as “backpacker street”. It’s an imperfectly perfect concrete jungle that will help get your feet wet for Vietnam’s bustling life - both day and night. At night, you’ll get to experience how locals and travelers interact while cheering the day away on little stools. While the food and drinks will be more expensive than in more local areas, it’s sure to be a story to take back home!

Backpacker’s street - where the party never ends in Saigon

Safety tip! While Vietnam is very safe for travelers, we recommend keeping your items close to your person and holding your phone close.

Indulge in local food

Arguably the best thing to do in Saigon is to eat. No matter what street or alley you find yourself in, there will always be food. You already know about the banh mi and of course, the various noodle dishes that Vietnam is famous for so how about stopping off to try another popular local street food, bánh xèo?

Banh Xeo - Specialty in Saigon
Eating like a true local in Ho Chi Minh City

Bánh xèo, or sizzling pancake, is a crispy, stuffed rice pancake. It gets its name from the sound the thin layer of rice batter makes when it is poured into the hot skillet. The savory fried pancake is made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. Some common stuffings include pork, prawns, diced green onion, and bean sprouts. Bánh xèo is often served with sides such as leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, and pickled vegetables.

Compile your pancake and dip in fish sauce which will make for a refreshing snack.

Explore Cho Lon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City

Another cool thing to do in Saigon is to embrace Vietnam’s vast history.

Cho Lon was founded by Chinese emigrants in 1778, finally becoming a part of Ho Chi Minh City province in 1976. It acted as a distribution and marketing hub for rice and fish.

Located on the west bank of the Saigon River, Cho Lon covers the western half of District 5, as well as parts of Districts 6 and 11 making it one of the largest Chinatown’s in the world by area.

Saigon China Town - Lantern Street
Lantern street in Chinatown - Saigon’s must visit

You’ll be embraced by crafted lacquered wood, brightly embroidered fabrics, and plastic kitsch of all varieties. If all of that walking has increased your appetite again, make your way to the food stalls for a taste of traditional Chinese foods such as dim sum.

If you need a moment of peace, make your way over to On Lang (Guan Yin) Temple. It was built by Chinese traders who arrived by sea to pray for maritime peace. For a small fee, you can light incense and send your prayer.

Saigon's Chinatown and its temple
Our Saigon’s Secrets tour will take you to see the true charm of Chinatown and its temple.

Take in the colors of Cao Dai Temple

If you want to take in more history and get slightly outside of the city, the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, roughly 90km outside of Ho Chi Minh City, comes highly recommended.

Vietnam is known for having two popular religious belief systems - Buddhism and Catholicism, with Caodaism being the third most popular. Founded in 1926, the Cao Dai Temple complex functions as the Holy See for the Cao Dai religion.

Cao Dai Temple near Ho Chi Minh City
Cao Dai temple - hidden gem of Vietnam

The Cao Dai Temple boasts bright, bold colors. Worshipers flock to the temple daily dressed in white robes to pray. While it is a two square pagoda style, the outside of the main temple appears to be sagging, but that is an optical illusion caused by the stairs leading up. Inside, statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha, and the Hindu god Brahma stand peacefully side by side. The most common motif in the temple, the eye, is in the form of a triangle much like that found on a US dollar bill.

Don’t forget our cultural tips especially when entering temples or pagodas.

Looking for more cool things to do in Saigon?

We don’t believe there is one best thing to do in Saigon, we know the list is endless and Vietnam will have something to offer for everyone no matter what their interests. Overwhelmed by what to do or see? Book a tour with us and let us take the planning out of it so you can see all Saigon has to offer!

Address: 3/8 Thanh Thai, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Email: support@vespaagogo.com.

Hotline: +84 385 312 407.

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