Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Attractions & Events in Ho Chi Minh City
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Top Attractions
Ben Thanh Market
A bustling market offering local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and street food.
Tips: Bargain politely with vendors; try local snacks like banh mi and fresh spring rolls.
Binh Quoi Village
A riverside park and recreation area recreating a traditional Vietnamese rural village.
Tips: Great for a relaxing escape from the city; buffet dinners with folk music are popular.
Bitexco Financial Tower and Sky Deck
A modern skyscraper with a sky deck offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Tips: Visit at sunset for the best views; there is a café and bar at the top.
Cu Chi Tunnels
An extensive network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Tips: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; guided tours provide richer historical context.
Fine Arts Museum
A museum housed in a beautiful colonial mansion, featuring Vietnamese contemporary and traditional art.
Tips: Closed on Mondays; photography is allowed in most galleries.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
An atmospheric Taoist pagoda filled with statues, incense, and intricate wood carvings.
Tips: Dress modestly; photography is allowed but be respectful of worshippers.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A vibrant pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and lively fountains, especially popular at night.
Tips: Best visited in the evening; street performances and light displays are common.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
A striking French-colonial cathedral built in the late 19th century, known for its neo-Romanesque architecture.
Tips: Best visited in the morning for photos; combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Central Post Office.
Pham Ngu Lao Street
The backpacker district, known for its lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Tips: Great for meeting other travelers; take care of your belongings in crowded areas.
Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
A historic government building associated with the end of the Vietnam War; now a museum with preserved rooms and exhibits.
Tips: Guided tours available; visit the rooftop for a view of the grounds.
Saigon Central Post Office
A grand colonial-era post office featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences in its architecture.
Tips: Combine with a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral; souvenir shops inside sell unique postcards.
Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre)
A beautifully restored French colonial building hosting performances, concerts, and cultural shows.
Tips: Check performance schedules in advance; guided tours are available during the day.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Historic zoo and garden complex with diverse plant species and animal exhibits.
Tips: Ideal for families with children; visit in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua)
A popular local hangout spot with street food stalls and a small lake, surrounded by leafy streets.
Tips: Try Vietnamese street snacks; evenings are busiest with locals and students.
War Remnants Museum
A powerful museum documenting the Vietnam War and its impact, featuring photographs, weapons, and military equipment.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds; some exhibits can be graphic and may not be suitable for young children.
Events & Festivals
Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival
Features tourism promotions, cultural performances, and culinary showcases to boost tourism activities.
When: April
Tips: Look out for special travel deals and packages offered during the festival.
Hung Kings' Commemoration Day
Honors the legendary founders of Vietnam with ceremonies and cultural activities.
When: April
Tips: Visit local temples and participate in traditional rituals to gain insight into Vietnamese heritage.
Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon Techcombank
A marathon event promoting a healthy lifestyle and showcasing the city's landmarks.
When: December
Tips: Register early and train adequately to enjoy running through the city's scenic routes.
Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week
Features diverse tourism, sports, and music activities, along with promotional programs.
When: December
Tips: Take advantage of promotional offers and explore various cultural events throughout the city.
Tet Festival
Celebrates the Lunar New Year with cultural activities, exhibitions, cooking demonstrations, and art shows.
When: January or February
Tips: Book accommodations early, as the city becomes very busy during this period.
Ho Chi Minh City River Festival
Promotes river tourism with boat parades, cultural performances, and water-based activities.
When: June
Tips: Book river tours in advance to enjoy the best views of the festivities.
Southern Fruit Festival
Showcases a variety of fruits from Southern Vietnam with exhibitions and tasting events.
When: June
Tips: Try exotic fruits and attend fruit carving demonstrations for a unique experience.
Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival
Honors the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai dress through cultural and spiritual activities.
When: March
Tips: Participate in Ao Dai fashion shows and workshops to fully experience the festival.
Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Expo (ITE HCMC)
Aims to enhance tourism connections with exhibitions and business networking events.
When: September
Tips: Ideal for travel professionals seeking networking opportunities and industry insights.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
Celebrated with lantern displays, lion dances, and mooncake offerings, especially enjoyed by children.
When: September
Tips: Join local families in lantern-making workshops and enjoy traditional performances.