UnpinnedGlobal City Directory

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.