27 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh: Top Activities & Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture that offers a plethora of activities and tourist attractions to enjoy – and all within a 2-hour-30-minute flight from Singapore! From bustling markets to historical sites and lively nightlife, this city in Southern Vietnam never ceases to amaze.

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, understanding what to do in Ho Chi Minh can help you make the most of your visit. From which travel insurance to buy to securing your travel insurance online to key essentials to pack to the top 27 attractions you can’t miss – read on for your ultimate guide to a worry-free trip to HCM!

Table of contents

• Things to Prepare and Pack Before Your Trip
• How Much Should You Bring to Ho Chi Minh?
• Outdoor Activities in Ho Chi Minh
• Adventurous Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh
• Things to Do for Couples in Ho Chi Minh
• Things to Do for Families in Ho Chi Minh
• Cultural Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh
• Things to Do for Free in Ho Chi Minh
• Things to Do at Night in Ho Chi Minh
• Best Places to Eat and Drink in Ho Chi Minh
• Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh
• How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh

Things to Prepare and Pack Before Your Trip

Preparation is key to enjoying your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, and that doesn’t just mean knowing what to do once you get there. Here are some tips and essentials to consider packing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. For more detailed guidance, check out our solo travel tips that can apply to group, family, or couple travellers too!

Clothes

Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate with a hot and humid weather pattern, interspersed with a rainy season. Here’s how to pack for each season:

• Hot and Humid Months (December to April): Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Shirts, shorts, and dresses made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal as they can help keep you cool when the weather doesn't want to cooperate.
• Rainy Season (May to November): Bring a portable waterproof jacket or a poncho to pack light, and consider quick-dry fabrics since showers can come suddenly and heavily.

Regardless of the time of year, it’s also advisable to pack a mix of casual and conservative clothing to respect the local culture, especially when visiting religious sites such as temples.

Other Essential Items

To ensure you can spend your time in Ho Chi Minh feeling cool and comfortable, your travel essentials checklist should also include:

• Sunglasses and Hat: Protect yourself from the strong sun overhead – a hat or cap is useful during light drizzles too.
• Umbrella: Useful for both sun and rain, definitely an all-year must-have for any traveller to Ho Chi Minh.
• Portable Neck Fan: Stay cool while exploring the outdoors so you can avoid heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or heat rash.
• Sunscreen: A must-have to protect your skin from sunburns and the looming worry of skin cancer from UV exposure.
• Insect Repellent: Essential, especially in the evenings or in rural areas around the city.

Portable Wi-Fi

Staying connected is crucial, especially in a bustling city like Ho Chi Minh where navigation and language barriers can pose challenges. Renting a travel wifi device from a provider in Singapore can help you stay online to access useful maps, translation apps, and travel guides on the go.

Travel Insurance

No trip prep would be complete without comprehensive travel insurance. While Vietnam is generally a safe destination for tourists, travel insurance ensures you’re financially protected should unexpected occurrences, natural disasters, or violent crimes occur. The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism even recommends purchasing insurance prior to your trip, with common health and safety concerns for tourists to Vietnam including:

• Urban air pollution that could trigger asthma, allergy, or respiratory symptoms
• Dengue fever
• Dehydration and heatstroke
• Traveller’s diarrhoea
• Insect bites
• Drive-by snatchings
• Taxi scams (e.g. fixed prices, rigged metres, overcharging)
• Tourist scams

You could possibly even encounter typhoons, tropical storms, or flooding due to heavy rain depending on the time of year you visit Ho Chi Minh.

Having travel insurance that covers common concerns like hospitalisation, baggage loss, flight delay, or medical costs means that you won’t have to face hefty charges should anything happen. So that even if your trip takes a sour turn, there’s still a silver lining waiting for you back home.

Stay protected on your Ho Chi Minh trip with travel insurance.

Travel Credit Cards

Who said you can’t earn even while spending on your trip? Using top-rated travel credit cards can offer numerous benefits such as earning miles for flights, receiving travel perks, and enjoying enhanced security compared to carrying large amounts of cash. This way, each purchase made for your Ho Chi Minh trip is also a baby step to even more exciting adventures in the future. (Psst, want to save on your travel budget even more? SingSaver’s got your back with some of the cheapest flights from Singapore to Vietnam!)

Any Additional Travel Documents

Singaporeans travelling to Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh, are generally able to travel visa-exempt for up to 30 days per entry. Additionally, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from the date of entry.

Foreigners staying in Vietnam are required to register their stay with the local police. While your accommodation can usually complete this for you, it’s recommended to bring a scanned copy of your passport to facilitate the process.

Should you plan to rent and drive your own vehicle while in Vietnam, do note that Singapore and international driving licences are not officially recognised in Vietnam. While some rental companies will still rent a vehicle to you, this may put you in legal liability should you get into an accident.

How Much Should You Bring to Ho Chi Minh?

Budgeting for your trip always depends on your lifestyle and the activities planned. While knowing exactly what things you want to do in Ho Chi Minh City will certainly help, here’s a basic guideline although you can always adjust your budget up or down depending on your own travel style:

• 2 or 3 Days Trip: SGD 150-200 can cover some modest dining and activities.
• 5 Days Trip: SGD 250-300 allows you to explore more extensively and perhaps enjoy some shopping.
• 7 Days Trip: SGD 400-500 is comfortable for exploring wider areas, including day trips and even some high-end dining.
• 10 Days Trip: SGD 600-700 allows for a relaxed pace with ample opportunities for guided tours, experiences, souvenirs, or even multi-city jaunts.

Outdoor Activities in Ho Chi Minh

Mekong Delta Tour

Source: @theislanderstories on Instagram

Exploring the Mekong Delta is a quintessential activity for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh. This vast network of rivers and swamps is rich with culture, food, and history. Located just a few hours away from the city, it's an easy and enlightening escape from the urban rush, offering a glimpse into the traditional Vietnamese way of life. Plus, you’ll have plenty of tour providers to choose from, each of whom has their own unique spin on this natural beauty. Of course, remember to do your research beforehand to ensure you’ve got a reliable tour provider and not a scammer. In case you do get scammed, however, that’s where travel insurance comes into the picture!

Price: Approximately VND 700,000 (SGD $40)

Opening Hours: Tours may start as early as 7:00AM

How to Get There: Organised tours usually offer pickup from Ho Chi Minh hotels. Check with your tour provider for accurate information.

Saigon River Cruise

Source: @rivercruisesaigon on Instagram

Walked all across the city and still feel like seeing it from a whole new angle? Book a cruise down the Saigon River to get a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City, combining leisure with sightseeing and a delicious meal. Enjoy dinner and live music aboard a traditional boat, providing a relaxing end to a busy day of exploration. 

Price: Around VND 1,000,000 (SGD $60)

Opening Hours: Cruises usually run from early evening till late night. Exact start and ending times vary based on provider.

How to Get There: Boarding points are typically central, such as near the District 1 area. Check with your tour provider for accurate information.

Binh Quoi Tourist Village (Làng Du Lịch Bình Quới)

Source: @trungivu on Instagram

For a serene escape, Binh Quoi Tourist Village replicates a traditional Vietnamese rural setting within 15 minutes of central Ho Chi Minh City. It's ideal for cultural immersion and relaxation, often featuring folk music and traditional games.

Address: 1147 Bình Quới, Phường 28, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Free entry; fees apply for optional activities and dining.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Bus routes heading towards Bình Thạnh District; a taxi or motorbike from central Ho Chi Minh is recommended for convenience.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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As one of the oldest zoos in the world, the Saigon Zoo offers a pleasant family-friendly day out with a variety of animals and plants. If you’re not interested in seeing the animals though, the Botanical Gardens surrounding it are still worth a stop for their ample IG-worthy photo spots.

Address: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 50,000 (SGD $3); concession prices available for children.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Accessible by bus routes 6, 14, 19, 45, and 52 stopping at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai gate. Also accessible by bus routes 18, 35, and 50 stopping at Sofitel Plaza-Le Duan hotel.

Cai Rang Floating Market

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Venture to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market for an authentic local shopping experience on water. Originally set up to facilitate trade along the Mekong River prior to infrastructural development, the market still lives on today despite the existence of traffic networks. Amidst the vibrant maze of boats loaded with fresh produce and goods you can expect to find local ‘home style’ dishes, live performances of Southern Vietnam folk music, and more.

Address: Cai Rang River, Near Can Tho City, Vietnam

Price: Free to visit; product prices vary.

Opening Hours: The most crowded time is between 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM but the boats are usually still busy up to 9:00 AM.

How to Get There: Organised tours from Ho Chi Minh City are recommended, though local buses are available to Can Tho, followed by a taxi or local boat to the market.

Adventurous Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

Cu Chi Tunnels

Source: @cuchitunnelstours on Instagram

As one of Vietnam’s most famous (or infamous) attractions, a visit to the sprawling underground tunnel system of the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a profound insight into the resourcefulness and resilience of the Vietnamese during the war. Located approximately 40 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh, this extensive underground network is now a poignant museum showcasing guerrilla warfare tactics. Visitors should be aware that the tunnels themselves are a tight squeeze and can feel claustrophobic.

Address: TL15, Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 110,000 (SGD $6.60) per person

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Take bus route 13 from 23-9 Park/Ben Thanh Bus Station or route 94 from Cho Lon/12 Xuan Dieu to Cu Chi Bus Station, then change to bus route 79 to Ben Duoc Tunnel.

Vinh Sang Farm

Source: Vemekong.com

Perfect for a family day out, Vinh Sang Farm offers a mix of wildlife encounters, fruit orchards, and traditional games. Located in the Vinh Long province, it is a blend of ecotourism and local culture exposure with activities such as fishing, water polo, canoeing, and more.

Address: An Binh, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam

Price: VND 50,000 (SGD $3) for adults, concession fares available for children

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Accessible by regional buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long, followed by local transport to the farm.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest

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Explore the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a vital ecological site rich in biodiversity part of the larger Can Gio Biosphere Reserve on Can Gio Island. This natural haven offers boat tours, a monkey sanctuary, and bird-watching opportunities — all must-do experiences that’ll seem totally unimaginable to the average Singaporean urbanite.

Address: Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 35,000 (SGD $2) for entry; additional costs for boat tours and other activities.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Bus route 20 from Ben Thanh Market to Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal, then take the ferry and continue on local transport.

Get travel insurance for your Ho Chi Minh trip.

Things to Do for Couples in Ho Chi Minh

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Source: @linzwang on Instagram

Considered one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a historic monument in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Standing as a testament to Vietnam’s French colonial history, it’s also a popular spot for couples due to its stunning architecture, sublime decorations, and romantic ambiance.

Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily. Mass times vary.

How to Get There: Easily reachable by foot or taxi from anywhere in District 1.

Starlight Bridge

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A romantic evening awaits at the Starlight Bridge, which features a dazzling display of water and lights, making it a favorite among couples looking for a picturesque evening stroll.

Address: Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; light shows from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM Thursday to Sunday.

How to Get There: Accessible by foot or taxi almost anywhere in District 7. You can also take bus routes D2, D3, 34, 68, 102, or 139 to stops Trần Văn Trà OR Trường Nam Sài Gòn OR CầU ThầY Tiêu.

Things to Do for Families in Ho Chi Minh

Dam Sen Water Park

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Cool off from the city heat at Dam Sen Water Park, which offers a variety of water slides and pools suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family getaway. If you just want to relax in the water, there’s a water jet massage pool and lazy river too.

Address: 03 Hòa Bình, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 180,000 (SGD $10.80) for adults, VND 90,000 (SGD $5.40) for children.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Wednesday to Monday.

How to Get There: Bus routes 41 and 69 to 45 Hoa Binh and walk to the park entrance.

Suoi Tien Theme Park

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Immerse in the mythical and historical themes of Vietnam at Suoi Tien Theme Park. This large park features rides, a sea water pool, and cultural performances ideal for a fun-filled family day. Haven’t clocked your full fill of adrenaline yet? Pop over to the Crocodile Kingdom where over 15,000 trained crocodiles live – you can even feed them from a safe distance! This part of the theme park focuses on combating illegal wildlife trade through its crocodile exhibitions so you can learn about wildlife research during your visit too.

Address: Tan Phu Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 100,000 (SGD $6) for adults, VND 50,000 (SGD $3) for children; rides and attractions charge separately.

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday to Sunday.

How to Get There: Bus routes 19, 30, 53, 56, or 76 to Suoi Tien (final stop on the route).

Cultural Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

War Remnants Museum

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The War Remnants Museum is a powerful, sobering experience that provides an in-depth look at the impact of the Vietnam War. Located near the city centre, it's a must-visit for history buffs and those looking to understand Vietnam's past. You’ll get to look at battle tanks and helicopters used in the Vietnam War and even a guillotine used during the French colonial period.

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 40,000 (SGD $2.40)

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

How to Get There: Bus routes 6, 14, and 28 will all bring you to the museum. It’s also easily accessible by taxi from major points in the city.

Reunification Palace

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Also known as Independence Palace, this historically significant site was the residence of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace and reunification. The palace also hosts an exhibition on the history of the palace, giving you a deeper glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 40,000 (SGD $2.40) for adult/student, VND 10,000 (SGD $0.53) for children for palace entry only. Additional fees apply for combined palace and exhibition entry.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM).

How to Get There: Located in District 1, it's within walking distance from Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

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Dive into the local history and culture at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum displays artefacts related to the evolution of the city and offers insights into its colonial past(s), from when it was part of French Indochina to Japanese occupation during World War II and beyond. The exhibitions here often revolve around contemporary affairs and cultural performances and is a must-see for any visitor to Ho Chi Minh.

Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: VND 15,000 (SGD $0.90)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

How to Get There: Situated in the heart of District 1, it is easily accessible on foot or by taxi from nearby tourist attractions. Take bus routes 4, 18, 31, 36, 42, 52, 93, 109, and 152 to Tòa Án Nhân Dân Thành Phố - 131 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa and alight, then cross the road to get to the museum.

Things to Do for Free in Ho Chi Minh

Tao Dan Park

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A green oasis in the middle of the bustling city, Tao Dan Park is a popular spot for morning exercises, leisurely walks, and cultural events. It's a great place to just observe local life, relax, or enjoy a spontaneous picnic with food you’ve taken away from a nearby cafe.

Address: Trương Định, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

How to Get There: Reachable by foot from the Independence Palace or by local bus routes stopping nearby.

Saigon Central Post Office

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An architectural gem, the Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit for its grand colonial architecture, historical significance, and vibrant atmosphere. It's still a functioning post office where you can admire the old telephone booths, buy stamps, and send postcards – so you can gift yourself a souvenir to receive when you’re back home!

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday.

How to Get There: Right next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, it's a central landmark that's hard to miss.

Pham Ngu Lao Street

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Pham Ngu Lao Street is the hub of backpacker activity in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its affordable eateries, vibrant bars, and bustling street life. It's a great place to experience the city's nightlife on a budget and even if you’re not planning to spend any Dong while you’re there, you can simply stroll through the street and soak up the energetic nightlife.

Address: Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: Opening hours vary from store to store.

How to Get There: Take bus routes 3, 4, 18, 19, 20, 28, 34, 36, 39, 46, 52, 65, 69, 72, 93, 102, 109, 140, D4, or DL02 to Nguyễn Thị Nghĩa - 187 Phạm Ngũ Lão - Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão. You’ll alight right in the middle of the street.

Things to Do at Night in Ho Chi Minh

Bui Vien Walking Street

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Bui Vien Walking Street, often referred to as the 'backpacker district,' offers an electrifying nightlife experience with its array of bars, clubs, and street food options. This area comes alive at night, providing endless entertainment and vibrant street performances. Settle down at a roadside stall with your travel buddies and indulge in mouthwatering Vietnamese-style BBQ grilled meats and seafood. Top it off with an ice cold beer!

Address: Phố đi bộ Bùi Viện, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Free to explore, varying prices for food and drinks

Opening Hours: Opening hours vary from store to store but the area is most vibrant from early evening into the wee hours of the night.

How to Get There: Accessible by quite a few bus routes or a quick taxi ride from District 1.

Chill Skybar

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Located atop the upscale AB Tower, Chill Skybar offers stunning panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City, sophisticated cocktails, and a chic ambiance, perfect for a stylish night out. The view of HCM from above alone is worth it, but you can stay for the bumping DJ beats too.

Address: AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Drinks start around VND 100,000 (SGD $6)

Opening Hours: 5:30 PM to 1:30 AM daily

How to Get There: Reachable by taxi or motorbike, a short distance from Ben Thanh Market.

Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar

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Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is an iconic nightlife venue known for its historical significance and classic charm, offering a relaxing atmosphere with live music and a comprehensive menu of beverages. Pop by before 7:00 PM to enjoy happy hour cocktails.

Address: 9th Floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price: Beverages start from VND 150,000 (SGD $9)

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM daily

How to Get There: A brief walk from the Opera House or a quick ride via bus numbers 3 or 4.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Ho Chi Minh

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

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Known for serving one of the best Banh Mi in the city, Banh Mi Huynh Hoa delights locals and tourists alike with its rich flavours and generous fillings. A must-try for any food enthusiast visiting Ho Chi Minh City!

Address: 26 Đ. Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Price: Around VND 50,000 per sandwich (SGD $3)

Opening Hours: 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM daily

How to Get There: Easily accessible by bus routes 5 and 18, located near Ben Thanh Market.

The Old Compass Cafe and Bar

Source: @oldcompasscaefsaigon on Instagram

This quaint cafe, coffeehouse, and bar offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle with its cosy ambiance, serving a variety of coffee, homemade food, and craft beers amidst bookshelves and quiet nooks. Look out for weekly specials on the menu or opt for their set menu to get a taste of Vietnamese home cooking.

Address: 3rd Floor, 63/11 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Price: Coffee and snacks from VND 50,000 (SGD $3)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday to Saturday.

How to Get There: Accessible by a short walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral, or take bus routes 3 or 36.

Propaganda Bistro

Source: @propaganda_bistro on Instagram

Propaganda Bistro is celebrated for its vibrant murals and a health-conscious menu that features fresh, local ingredients across a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Located in between Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Bến Thành Street Food Market, it’s a must-visit destination when you’re in the heart of the city.

Address: 21 Đ. Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Price: Main dishes from VND 100,000 (SGD $6)

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday to Saturday.

How to Get There: Just steps away from the Reunification Palace; bus routes 3 and 18 provide easy access.

Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

The Cafe Apartments

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The Cafe Apartments is a unique multi-story building filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and art spaces, each offering a distinct vibe and decor. Located in a former apartment block, this spot is perfect for those looking to explore contemporary Vietnamese cafe and coffee culture with an independent edge.

Address: 42 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Price: Free entry; prices vary by cafe or shop. The elevator costs VND 3,000 (SGD $0.16) and many shops in the building will reimburse the fee upon purchase.

Opening Hours: Most shops open from 10:00 AM onwards.

How to Get There: Situated on the popular Nguyen Hue Walking Street, easily accessible on foot from many parts of District 1 or by bus routes 35 or 45.

The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

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Experience traditional Vietnamese culture at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. This unique form of entertainment features puppets performing over a water stage, depicting folk tales and historical legends accompanied by live music.

Address: 55B Đ. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Price: Tickets from VND 200,000 (SGD $12)

Opening Hours: Shows at 6:30 PM daily

How to Get There: Located near the Reunification Palace, accessible by buses 5, 18, or 36.

Secret Weapons Cellar Museum

Source: Saigon for 91 Days

Dive into a lesser-known facet of Vietnam's history at the Secret Weapons Cellar Museum, sometimes referred to as the Secret Weapons Bunker. Hidden beneath a nondescript home, this small museum displays weapons and artefacts from the Vietnam War, offering insights into the ingenuity of the Vietnamese resistance.

Address: 70 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 5, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Price: Entry approximately VND 50,000 (SGD $3)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Friday.

How to Get There: A bit off the beaten path, best reached by motorbike or taxi from central District 1.

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh

Public Bus

Public buses in Ho Chi Minh City are an affordable way to travel, covering extensive routes that reach most tourist attractions and districts. Buses are frequent, and fares are typically very low, making this a budget-friendly option for getting around.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and available 24/7 in Ho Chi Minh City. Reputable companies like Vinasun and Mai Linh are known for their reliability and use of metres, ensuring fair pricing. Taxis can be hailed directly from the street or ordered via hotel concierge services.

Motorbike Taxis

Motorbike taxis, locally known as "xe ôm," are a swift and thrilling way to navigate the city’s bustling traffic. They are ideal for short trips and can be found on nearly every corner. It’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid confusion.

Cyclo (Cycle Rickshaw)

Cyclos offer a leisurely and scenic way to see the city. These pedal-powered rickshaws are perfect for short distances and are popular among tourists wanting a more intimate view of the local streets. However, it's important to negotiate the fare upfront.

Grab/Gojek/Be (Private-hire vehicles)

Apps like Grab, Gojek, and Be have transformed local transport options, offering both car and motorbike rides at competitive rates. These services provide a safe, convenient, and cashless way to travel around the city, with clear pricing and route information provided in the app.

Motorbike/Scoot Rental

For those comfortable with driving in dense traffic, renting a motorbike or scooter offers maximum flexibility. Several rental agencies are available, with daily rates varying depending on the model of the bike. International tourists will need a valid driver's licence and should wear helmets at all times.

Bicycle

Cycling is a viable option in less crowded districts and scenic areas such as District 2’s riverside or the outskirts of the city. Many hostels and rental shops offer bicycles for a small fee, making this a healthy and eco-friendly way to explore.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis rich with cultural heritage and modern attractions, is by far one of the best holiday destinations from Singapore due to its exciting offerings to suit any type of traveller.

From the historical depth of the War Remnants Museum and the architectural splendour of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon to the lively atmosphere of Bui Vien Street at night and the unique experiences of the local floating markets, there's no shortage of things to do!

Bitten by the travel bug and want to see what else Vietnam has to offer to soothe your wanderlust? Explore SingSaver’s guide to some of the best things to do in Vietnam or uncover even more affordable destinations for short trips from Singapore.

Plan ahead for your Ho Chi Minh trip. Stay protected with the best travel insurance.