Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A First-Time Visitor's Planning Guide

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A First-Time Visitor's Planning Guide

If you're planning things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, start here: this city, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and a common start or end point for first-time visitors. Highlights include District 1's colonial landmarks, Ben Thanh Market, street food, and day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta. A metro line connecting central Ben Thanh to the eastern suburbs opened in December 2024.

Ho Chi Minh City is often the other bookend of a Vietnam trip that starts in Hanoi. The two cities feel quite different, and this guide is written as a planning resource rather than a first-hand local account, since our own guiding experience is based in Hanoi.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: What It's Known For

Most locals still call it Saigon, and the name shows up everywhere from street signs to menus. It's Vietnam's largest city and its commercial center, with a noticeably faster pace and more modern skyline than Hanoi, alongside pockets of French colonial architecture that survive between the newer high-rises.

District 1: Where Most First Visits Start

District 1 is the central district and where most first-time visitors base themselves. Landmarks here include the Reunification Palace, built in the 1870s under French administration and later the site of the war's end in 1975, the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral, which reopened in late 2025 after a multi-year restoration, and Ben Thanh Market, a large indoor market selling everything from dried food to souvenirs, with a small food court inside.

Street Food in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon-style pho tends to be lighter and slightly sweeter than the northern version served in Hanoi, and it's typically eaten for breakfast, between roughly 6 and 9am, when the broth is freshest. Beyond pho, the city is known for banh mi, com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), and a huge network of small, family-run eateries that locals return to daily rather than tourist-facing restaurants.

Day Trips: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta

The Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the war, are a common half-day or full-day trip from the city, with visitors able to walk through sections of the tunnels and learn about how they were used. The Mekong Delta, a few hours south, is often visited for its rivers, floating markets, and a slower pace than the city itself, and can sometimes be combined with a Cu Chi Tunnels visit in a longer day trip.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Grab is the most common way to get around for visitors, alongside metered taxis. The city's first metro line opened in December 2024, connecting central Ben Thanh station to the eastern suburbs, though most travelers still rely mainly on Grab and walking within District 1.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ho Chi Minh City

How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?

Two to three days is typical for District 1's main sights, with an extra day if you're planning a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?

Like most major cities, standard precautions apply, keeping valuables secure, being alert around crowded markets, and using licensed taxi apps like Grab rather than unmarked taxis.

What's the difference between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, older and generally quieter, with a compact Old Quarter that rewards slow, on-foot exploring. Ho Chi Minh City is larger, faster-paced, and more modern, with its main sights spread across a bigger area. Many first-time visitors combine both on a single trip to see the contrast.

This guide is a planning resource, not a first-hand account. Our own on-the-ground expertise is Hanoi, where we run small-group food and walking tours through the Old Quarter, guided by people who grew up there.

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Dung (Emma) Co-founder of Beyond Vietnam

Xin chào! I’m Dung, but many travellers call me Emma. I grew up on the outskirts of Hanoi, and no matter how far I travel, this busy and slightly chaotic city still feels most like home.

I’ve explored Vietnam on my own and with the people I love, while also spending years volunteering and joining community projects. Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of stories, local tips and unforgettable moments. I share them here to help you feel closer to Hanoi and Vietnam, hopefully even before you arrive.

You can also find me on Facebook. Come and say hi!

Continue planning: Vietnam for first-time visitors