Ho Chi Minh City – still affectionately called Saigon by locals – is a city that hums with energy from sunrise street markets to late-night rooftop views. If you are wondering what to see in Ho Chi Minh City beyond the usual postcards, focus on its three greatest strengths: bustling markets, moving museums, and endlessly walkable streets.
In this in-depth guide, you will discover what to see in Ho Chi Minh City, how to combine markets, museums, and city walks into practical itineraries, and where to find the city’s most atmospheric corners. Whether it is your first time in Vietnam or you are returning for a deeper dive, use this article as a blueprint for exploring Saigon at your own pace.
- Best central markets to feel the city’s pulse and taste iconic dishes.
- Key museums that explain Vietnam’s complex history and culture.
- Self-guided city walks you can follow without a tour group.
- Tips on safety, etiquette, and timing your visits for the best experience.
Why Ho Chi Minh City Is Perfect for Market Lovers and Urban Explorers
Ho Chi Minh City is not a museum city frozen in time. It is a place where scooters weave through French colonial boulevards, incense drifts out from hidden pagodas, and high-rise towers glow over century-old markets. What makes the city especially attractive for travelers is how walkable and dense its main sights are, especially in District 1 and nearby District 3.
If you love to wander, snack, and people-watch, you will find that Saigon rewards curiosity at every corner: an alley that turns into a tiny food market at dusk, a coffee shop tucked into a war-era apartment block, or a temple that suddenly breaks the line of shopfronts. Planning what to see in Ho Chi Minh City quickly becomes less about ticking off monuments and more about stitching together experiences.
Food & coffee
War history
Colonial architecture
City walks
Rooftop views
- Best time to visit: December–April for dryer, slightly cooler weather.
- Top areas to stay: District 1 (central), District 3 (local vibe, still close).
- Getting around: Walking for short distances, taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer trips.
Essential Markets in Ho Chi Minh City
Markets are the quickest way to understand how Saigon eats, shops, and socializes. From historic indoor halls to chaotic night markets, they form a key part of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are the most important ones and how to enjoy them.
Ben Thanh Market: Classic Stop in the Heart of the City
Ask anyone what to see in Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Thanh Market is almost always on the list. Located in District 1, its iconic clock tower and packed alleys have become a symbol of the city. Inside, you will find everything from dried fruits and coffee to souvenirs, lacquerware, and cheap clothes.
While prices here are higher than in neighborhood markets, Ben Thanh is useful for first-time visitors to get used to the sounds, smells, and rhythm of Saigon’s commerce. It is also a good place to try local dishes like pho, bun thit nuong (grilled pork with rice noodles), and fresh spring rolls at one of the food counters.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | District 1, central Ho Chi Minh City |
| Best time to visit | Morning (8–10 a.m.) to avoid peak heat and crowds; or early evening when stalls spill outside. |
| What to buy | Coffee, tea, spices, simple souvenirs, knock-off clothes, local snacks. |
| Skill needed | Basic bargaining; always ask prices first and smile when negotiating. |
Binh Tay Market: The Wholesale Soul of Chinatown
To see how Saigon truly feeds itself, head to Binh Tay Market in District 6, within the city’s historic Chinatown (Cho Lon). This wholesale market is less polished, more local, and far more intense than Ben Thanh.
Here you will walk through narrow passages stacked with sacks of rice, spices, dried seafood, and household goods. Vendors typically sell in bulk, but most will still offer small quantities if you ask. What to see in Ho Chi Minh City for a more authentic vibe? Binh Tay rarely disappoints.
- Come early: Before 9 a.m., when deliveries, gossip, and breakfast bowls fill the air.
- Look up: The central courtyard and colonial-era facade hint at the market’s long history.
- Combine with: Nearby temples such as Thien Hau Pagoda for a half-day in Cho Lon.
Backpacker Area Night Markets: Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao
In District 1’s backpacker area, streets like Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao transform each evening. While not traditional markets, they combine food stands, bars, souvenirs, and services aimed at travelers. They are noisy, bright, and not for everyone, but they show a different face of the city.
If your idea of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City includes nightlife and street food, wander through these streets to sample skewers, hotpots, fruit juices, and late-night snacks. Keep an eye on your belongings and treat it as a quick immersion, not necessarily the place to spend your entire evening.
Hidden Neighborhood Markets: Where Daily Life Unfolds
Beyond the famous names, some of the most rewarding markets are anonymous neighborhood stalls that appear at dawn and vanish by late morning. As you walk through District 1, 3, or 5, you will often encounter clusters of fruit sellers, butchers, and noodle vendors spilling into the street.
These micro-markets rarely appear in guides, but they are a key part of a more local list of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City. Buy a piece of seasonal fruit, watch how shoppers balance baskets on scooters, and notice the pace of city life before the workday gets busy.
Museums You Should Not Miss in Ho Chi Minh City
Markets reveal the city’s present; museums help decode its past. To fully appreciate what you see in Ho Chi Minh City’s streets and architecture, set aside at least one full day to explore its museums. They offer context on war, colonialism, art, and everyday life.
War Remnants Museum: Essential, Intense, and Unforgettable
For many visitors, the War Remnants Museum is the most powerful experience in Ho Chi Minh City. It documents the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War) from a primarily Vietnamese perspective through photographs, artifacts, and outdoor displays of aircraft and weaponry.
This is not an easy museum; some exhibits are graphic and emotionally heavy. However, if you are serious about understanding what to see in Ho Chi Minh City beyond its modern skyline, the War Remnants Museum is essential.
- Allow time: Plan 2–3 hours and take breaks between the most intense sections.
- Go earlier in the day: Crowds are thinner and you will have more emotional energy.
- Reflect afterward: Many travelers choose a quiet cafe nearby to process their visit.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Just a short walk from the War Remnants Museum stands Independence Palace, the command center of South Vietnam’s government during the war. It is famous as the place where tanks broke through the gates on April 30, 1975, effectively ending the conflict.
Today, you can tour its preserved war rooms, communication centers, and reception halls. Architecturally, the building is a time capsule of 1960s modernism, complete with mid-century furniture, rooftop helipad, and surprisingly lush gardens. It is a must on any list of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City for history and architecture fans.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum and Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
To broaden your understanding beyond war, add these two museums to your plan of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum: Housed in a former colonial building, it covers the city’s transformation from a small trading port to a modern metropolis, with exhibits on commerce, resistance, and culture.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts: Located in a beautiful yellow-and-white colonial mansion, this museum showcases Vietnamese painting, sculpture, and ceramics from different eras. The building itself, with its tile floors and wrought-iron balconies, is a highlight.
Both museums are relatively quiet compared to the War Remnants Museum, offering a slower and more reflective atmosphere. They also provide great photo opportunities, especially if you enjoy architecture.
Cu Chi Tunnels: A Day Trip That Complements the Museums
Although not technically inside the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are usually included in conversations about what to see in Ho Chi Minh City. Located about 60–90 minutes away, this vast network of underground tunnels was used by Vietnamese fighters during the war.
Today, visitors can see reconstructed sections of the tunnels, learn about guerrilla tactics, and, if they wish, crawl through short segments to appreciate the cramped conditions. Combined with the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi offers a more physical sense of what the war meant on the ground.
City Walks: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on Foot
Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can look chaotic at first glance, but once you learn to cross streets confidently, you will find that walking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore. Many of the key things to see in Ho Chi Minh City are concentrated in a compact area, perfect for self-guided walking tours.
Walk 1: Classic District 1 Highlights
- Start at Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A broad, pedestrian-friendly boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and the People’s Committee building at one end.
- Saigon Opera House: A short stroll from Nguyen Hue, this ornate French colonial building is especially beautiful at night when lit up.
- Dong Khoi Street: Walk down this historic avenue, once Saigon’s most elegant street, to appreciate old and new architecture side by side.
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral: A red-brick cathedral built by the French in the late 19th century (under restoration at times, but the exterior remains photogenic).
- Saigon Central Post Office: Right across from the cathedral, this Gustave Eiffel–designed building remains a functioning post office with stunning interiors.
- Book Street (Duong Sach): A shaded street lined with bookshops and cafes, perfect for a rest and people-watching.
Along this walk, you will cover many of the city’s most iconic sights in one go. It is ideal for your first full day in town and anchors your sense of direction for the rest of your stay.
Walk 2: War History and Green Spaces
- Start at the War Remnants Museum: Spend 2–3 hours exploring the exhibits.
- Stroll to Independence Palace: Walk roughly 10 minutes through tree-lined streets.
- 22 Ly Tu Trong and nearby streets: After the palace, wander through surrounding streets for cafes and lunch options.
- Tao Dan Park: End the walk with a break in this large park, where locals practice tai chi, play badminton, or simply relax.
This route can be emotionally heavy, so do not overload your schedule afterward. Plan a quieter evening, maybe with a rooftop drink overlooking the city lights.
Walk 3: Cho Lon and the World of Chinatown
- Binh Tay Market: Start early to see the market at its busiest and grab a local breakfast.
- Thien Hau Pagoda: A short ride or walk away, this centuries-old temple is dedicated to the sea goddess and filled with incense coils.
- Alley explorations: Wander through the side streets to find smaller temples, herbal shops, and local eateries.
- Street-side lunch: Finish with a simple bowl of noodles or rice in a family-run restaurant.
Cho Lon feels like a city within a city. Adding it to your list of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City gives you a deeper appreciation of the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage.
Food, Coffee, and Rooftops: Tying Your Days Together
Markets, museums, and city walks are the structure of your days in Ho Chi Minh City. Food, coffee, and views are the rewards you sprinkle in between. To make the most of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City, build your itineraries around local flavors and atmospheric stops.
Street Food Near the Markets
Each major market acts like a magnet for street food and simple eateries. Around Ben Thanh Market, for example, you will find stalls serving banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), and endless variations of noodles.
In Binh Tay and Cho Lon, focus on dishes with Chinese influence: noodle soups with wontons, roasted meats over rice, and herbal drinks. You do not need to chase famous names; crowds of locals are usually your best guide.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Any guide on what to see in Ho Chi Minh City would be incomplete without mentioning coffee. The city is packed with cafes, from old-school spots serving thick, sweetened condensed milk coffee to modern specialty shops experimenting with cold brews and pour-overs.
- Cafe sua da: Iced coffee with condensed milk, strong and sweet.
- Cafe den da: Iced black coffee, intense and less sweet.
- Egg coffee & coconut coffee: Popular twists that are easier to find in tourist-friendly areas.
Use cafes as your punctuation marks between walks and museums: a mid-morning coffee near the War Remnants Museum, a late-afternoon break off Dong Khoi Street, or a quiet evening espresso after Cho Lon.
Rooftop Bars and Skyline Views
To see Ho Chi Minh City from above, spend at least one sunset in a rooftop bar. Many are located in District 1, with views of the Saigon River and the modern Bitexco Financial Tower.
Dress codes range from casual to smart casual, so check before you go. Arriving slightly before sunset gives you the best experience: watch the sky change color as the city’s lights flicker on below, another layer of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City beyond daytime traffic.
Practical Tips for Exploring Markets, Museums, and City Walks
Good preparation makes it easier to enjoy everything there is to see in Ho Chi Minh City. These practical tips will help you navigate safely and comfortably.
Money, Safety, and Bargaining
- Cash and cards: Cash is king in markets and small eateries, though larger cafes and museums often take cards.
- Pickpocket awareness: Keep phones and wallets secure, especially in crowded markets and busy pedestrian streets.
- Bargain with respect: Haggling is expected in most markets, but do it with a smile. If the price does not suit you, politely decline and walk away.
What to Wear and Carry
Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid for much of the year. Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are essential, especially if you plan long city walks.
- Clothing: Modest outfits for temples and museums; shoulders and knees covered show respect.
- Footwear: Closed sandals or light sneakers for walking and uneven pavements.
- Day bag: A small backpack or crossbody bag for water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket in the wet season.
Timing Your Days
To get the best out of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City, think in terms of temperature and crowds:
- Morning (6–10 a.m.): Ideal for markets and parks before the heat peaks.
- Midday (10 a.m.–3 p.m.): Better for museums and indoor activities with air conditioning.
- Late afternoon and evening: Perfect for walks along Nguyen Hue, night markets, and rooftop views.
Transport Between Sights
While this article focuses on what to see in Ho Chi Minh City on foot, you will still need transportation at times, especially for Cho Lon or the airport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used and relatively affordable. When you can, cluster your visits by neighborhood to minimize travel time.
Suggested 2–3 Day Itineraries in Ho Chi Minh City
To make planning easier, here are sample itineraries that combine markets, museums, and city walks into cohesive days. Adjust them to match your pace and interests.
Two-Day Highlights Itinerary
Day 1 – Classic District 1 and War History
- Morning: Ben Thanh Market + nearby street food breakfast.
- Late morning to early afternoon: War Remnants Museum.
- Afternoon: Independence Palace and surrounding streets.
- Evening: Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Saigon Opera House; optional rooftop bar.
Day 2 – Chinatown and Coffee Culture
- Morning: Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Pagoda in Cho Lon.
- Afternoon: Ho Chi Minh City Museum or Museum of Fine Arts.
- Evening: Explore Bui Vien area briefly, then relax at a quieter cafe or bar.
Three-Day Deeper Dive Itinerary
If you have three days, you can slow down and add more variety to what you see in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1 – District 1 Orientation
- Morning: Walk 1 (Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Book Street).
- Afternoon: Museum of Fine Arts + cafe stop.
- Evening: Riverfront stroll and rooftop drink.
Day 2 – War History and Green Spaces
- Morning: War Remnants Museum.
- Midday: Independence Palace.
- Afternoon: Tao Dan Park and neighborhood wandering.
- Evening: Ben Thanh night stalls and casual dinner.
Day 3 – Cho Lon and Optional Day Trip
- Morning: Binh Tay Market and Cho Lon temple visits.
- Afternoon: Flexible time – more markets, shopping, or a long cafe session.
- Alternative: Use Day 3 for a Cu Chi Tunnels day trip if war history is a top priority.
By the end of three days, you will have experienced the main things to see in Ho Chi Minh City while still leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.
Understanding Local Culture While You Explore
Seeing markets, museums, and streets is more meaningful when you understand a few cultural basics. Ho Chi Minh City is cosmopolitan and used to visitors, but small gestures of respect go a long way.
Language and Communication
Vietnamese is the official language spoken in Ho Chi Minh City and throughout the country, but you will hear other languages too, especially in tourist areas and international businesses. English is widely used in central districts, particularly among younger people working in cafes, hotels, and shops.
Learning a few simple phrases—hello (xin chào), thank you (cảm ơn), and sorry/excuse me (xin lỗi)—adds warmth to your interactions. Body language and smiles bridge many gaps when words fail.
Temple and Museum Etiquette
- Dress modestly for temples; cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts.
- Speak quietly and avoid blocking worshippers as you take photos.
- In museums, follow photography rules and be sensitive when photographing war-related exhibits.
Environmental Awareness
Like many growing cities, Ho Chi Minh City faces challenges with traffic, pollution, and waste. While exploring what to see in Ho Chi Minh City, you can make simple choices that have a positive impact: carry a refillable water bottle, refuse unnecessary plastic bags in markets, and walk when distances are short.
Final Thoughts: How to Make the City Your Own
Lists of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City are useful, but the most memorable moments often happen in between: an unexpected conversation with a market vendor, a quiet side street lined with frangipani trees, or the calm of a pagoda courtyard after the chaos of traffic.
Use the structure of this guide—markets, museums, and city walks—as a starting map. Then, allow yourself time to drift, take wrong turns, and follow your curiosity. Saigon is a city that rewards those who slow down enough to notice its rhythms, from sunrise breakfasts to after-dark neon.
Whether you are staying for two days or a full week, you will leave with a deeper sense of Vietnam’s history, its resilience, and its everyday joys woven through markets, museums, and the endlessly fascinating streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
FAQ: What to See in Ho Chi Minh City
How many days do I need to see the main attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?
For a balanced visit that covers markets, museums, and city walks, plan at least two full days in Ho Chi Minh City. Two days give you enough time for Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and a classic District 1 walking route. If you can stay three days, you can add Cho Lon (Chinatown), extra museums, and more relaxed cafe time without rushing.
What are the must-see markets in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should prioritize Ben Thanh Market for its central location and variety of goods, plus Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon to see a more local wholesale scene. Around both markets you will find excellent street food. Neighborhood pop-up markets that appear in the early morning are also worth exploring if you want to see everyday life, even though they rarely have official names.
Which museums in Ho Chi Minh City are most important for understanding Vietnam’s history?
The War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace are the two most important museums for understanding Vietnam’s modern history, especially the Vietnam War and its aftermath. To broaden your perspective beyond conflict, add the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, both housed in historic buildings that also showcase the city’s colonial past and artistic traditions.
Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable for tourists?
Central Ho Chi Minh City, especially District 1 and parts of District 3, is quite walkable for tourists. Many major sights—including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Saigon Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and several museums—are within comfortable walking distance of each other. Traffic can look chaotic, but once you learn to cross the street slowly and confidently, walking becomes one of the best ways to explore the city.
When is the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is typically from December to April, during the drier season. Temperatures are still warm, but you will face less rain, which makes it easier to enjoy markets, museums, and long city walks. The rainy season, usually from May to November, brings heavier showers, often in short bursts, so it is still possible to visit if you plan indoor activities during downpours.
Is the War Remnants Museum suitable for children?
The War Remnants Museum contains graphic photos and exhibits that can be disturbing, particularly for younger children. Parents should use their judgment based on their children’s age and sensitivity. One option is to visit in pairs, with one adult seeing the more intense sections while the other stays with the children in less graphic areas, or choose to skip the most disturbing rooms.
Do I need to join a tour to see the main sights in Ho Chi Minh City?
You do not need to join a tour to see the main sights in Ho Chi Minh City. Most key attractions are centrally located and easy to reach on foot or by taxi. Self-guided walks through District 1, visits to markets like Ben Thanh, and museum visits can all be done independently. However, organized tours can be helpful for day trips like the Cu Chi Tunnels or for travelers who prefer additional historical context.
What should I wear when visiting temples and museums in Ho Chi Minh City?
When visiting temples and museums in Ho Chi Minh City, opt for modest, lightweight clothing. Covering shoulders and avoiding very short shorts or skirts is considered respectful in religious sites. Comfortable shoes are essential for city walks and museum visits. Many travelers carry a light scarf or shawl to cover up quickly when needed.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for solo travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally considered safe for solo travelers, including solo female travelers, especially in central areas and during normal hours. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and phone snatching can occur, particularly in crowded markets and nightlife areas, so keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items. Stick to reputable transportation, be cautious late at night, and use the same common-sense precautions you would in any large city.