Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Ho Chi Minh City is like a melting pot when it comes to sights and tours. As the most populated city in Vietnam, it’s packed full with private guides, tour companies, and sights galore.

History buffs, foodies, and explorers will all find their calling here, whether it’s crawling through old war tunnels, dining on traditional home cooked Vietnamese meals, or hopping on the back of a motorbike for a spin around the city.

Tours and entrance tickets come at cheap costs compared to what you might find back home, but they are more expensive than those found in other cities throughout the country.

Cooking classes

To start your visit to HCMC, why not learn to cook like a local? You’ll see street carts, food stalls, and even living rooms dishing out mouthwatering meals; see if you can replicate the glory that is traditional Vietnamese food with your own two hands. Hoi An Express offers a half-day class with hotel pick up for USD45. We had a blast learning how to cook like a local; it’s something we were able to practice once we got home, too.

Food tours

One of our favourite tours in HCMC is with Saigon Street Eats, a tour group that specializes in local food offerings. We chose the Pho Trail, which is a morning walking tour that includes breakfast, snacks, and lots of wandering through alleyways. You won’t just eat pho on this tour, but if you’re a fan of the dish, you don’t want to miss out. The tour lasts about 4 hours and costs USD55.

Walking and cyclo tours

Ho Chi Minh City Urban Adventurers puts you on a wonderful cyclo and small group walking tour through the city. These aren’t your regular bicycles, but rather 3 wheeled bike carriages that are pedalled around by guides. The Cyclos and Markets tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours and costs USD32. The English speaking guides are excellent.

Visiting Saigon Opera House

If you’re looking to experience Vietnamese culture in a more refined setting than out on the streets, book tickets for Teh Dar: Vietnamese Tribal Culture at Saigon Opera House. This one-hour performance is not to miss, as the story told through dance and music is outstanding. For USD30, you’ll get a ticket to the show with included drinks.

A bird’s eye view of Saigon

The Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower sits perched on the side of this 262 meter tall building, with high speed elevators that take you up in under 35 seconds. Besides the slight rush from ascending so quickly, we loved the jaw dropping views offered over the city. The ticket to get up costs just USD9.

A trip to the Mekong Delta

If you’re in HCMC, you cannot miss touring the Mekong Delta. Les Rives offers a Mekong Delta by Speedboat tour that’s excellent if you’re short on time, as the other tours last multiple days. Enjoy experiencing real life in Vietnam on this 9-hour tour, and expect a delicious meal, English speaking guides, and hotel pick up all for USD110.

Exploring it under earth

Of course, you have to tour the Cu Chi Tunnels to discover just what life was like for the soldiers during the Vietnam-American war. You can get to the tunnels without a tour, but booking one is easier. A Travel Mate - Day Tours Saigon runs a small group tour with transportation and water, and will whisk you out and back in several hours for USD26. If you’re claustrophobic, beware of the tiny spaces, and plan to stay above ground.

Sightseeing-cum-partying

If you’re looking for a way to mix it up, try the Jeep Tour Saigon By Night. Starting around 8pm, you’ll be picked up, driven around the city in open-sided Jeeps, shown the monuments, and then taken out for drinks at a rooftop bar. This tour is geared toward younger travellers and backpackers and costs USD55, which includes one drink at the bar.