12 ways to fall in love with Ho Chi Minh City

Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer or a culture enthusiast, there is always something exciting to do in Vietnam's largest city.

1. Take a street food tasting tour

Two American tourists Roger and Lynsey Sugarman join a street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

No trip to HCMC is complete without indulging in its world-famous street food. Join a motorbike or walking food tour led by locals to explore hidden street stalls and family-run eateries. Try banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), pho noodle soup, goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli). Tours typically cost VND600,000 – 1,000,000 (US$25–40) per person and last three to four hours.

2. Experience the city traffic

Annee and Christopher from France pose at Ben Thanh Station of HCMC's metro line No.1, December 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

Immerse yourself in the city's bustling streets by booking a Vespa tour, hopping on a double-decker bus, taking the metro, or riding a motorbike. Vespa tours offer an exciting way to explore the city, with options like Saigon After Dark, which costs VND1,600,000–2,200,000 ($65–$90) and takes in street food stops and live music, and The Insider's Saigon at VND1,400,000–1,800,000 ($55–$75), perfect for discovering hidden gems.

For a panoramic view of the city's landmarks, the double-decker bus is a great choice with its tickets starting at VND150,000 ($6) for a short ride and VND350,000 ($14) for a full-day hop-on-hop-off pass. If you prefer a budget-friendly and efficient option, the newly opened metro is a convenient way to navigate the city.

3. Join a Vietnamese cooking class

Clarissa from the Philippines joins a cooking class in HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

If you love Vietnamese food, why not learn to cook it yourself? Cooking classes usually start with a trip to a local market where you will pick up fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen. You will learn to make iconic dishes like pho or banh xeo (crispy pancakes). They cost VND800,000–1,200,000 ($32–50) per class, and most include a full meal at the end.

4. Get a traditional Vietnamese massage

After a long day of exploration, treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese massage. Unlike western-style massages, Vietnamese massages incorporate acupressure, herbal compresses and deep-tissue techniques to relieve stress and improve circulation. Prices vary depending on the spa, but a one-hour massage costs VND250,000–600,000 ($10–$25).

Some popular spots include Temple Leaf Spa, Miu Miu Spa and Golden Lotus Spa.

5. Learn to make Vietnamese coffee

Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world, and its coffee culture is unique. Join a coffee-making workshop to learn how to brew ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and ca phe trung (egg coffee).

These classes usually last one to two hours and cost VND300,000–600,000 ($12–25). Some even let you take home a bag of freshly roasted Vietnamese coffee.

6. Go bargain hunting at a local market

 

 

12 ways to fall in love with Ho Chi Minh City

What tourists think of the iconic Ben Thanh market 

For an authentic shopping experience, visit one of HCMC's bustling markets. Ben Thanh is a great place to find souvenirs, clothes and local snacks, but expect higher prices. So don't be bashful about bargaining! For a more local feel, check out Tan Dinh Market for fabric shopping and Binh Tay Market in Chinatown for wholesale goods. Most markets open early and close by late evening.

7. Join a Vietnamese language class

Want to impress the locals? Try learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases in a short language class. Many schools offer beginner-friendly courses that cover common greetings, numbers, and food vocabulary. Even knowing simple words like xin chao (hello) and cam on (thank you) can enhance your experience. They cost VND200,000–500,000 ($8–20) per session.

8. Take a photography walk at sunrise or sunset

Ba Son Bridge across the Saigon River is lit up at night. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

HCMC is incredibly photogenic, especially in the early morning and evening when it is lit up. Join a photography walk to capture stunning scenes, such as street vendors setting up morning stalls, rooftop skyline views and the golden glow of the Saigon River at sunset. Great spots for photography include Nguyen Hue Square, Turtle Lake and Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam.

9. Volunteer at a local charity or orphanage

If you want to give back during your trip, consider volunteering at an orphanage, community kitchen or English-learning program. Organizations like Friends for Street Children and Green Bamboo Warm Shelter welcome volunteers to teach, cook meals or simply spend time with underprivileged children.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with locals and make a positive impact.

10. Get a custom ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) made

For a unique souvenir, have a custom-made ao dai tailored just for you. This elegant Vietnamese dress is often worn for special occasions and features beautiful silk fabrics and intricate embroidery. Visit a tailor shop in District 1, such as Ao Dai Minh Thu or Ao Dai Ngoc Chau, where a full custom set can cost VND1,000,000–2,500,000 ($40–$100) depending on the fabric and design.

11. Discover the city's history at Independence Palace & War Remnants Museum

Visitors watch photos inside the War Remnants Museum in HCMC, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Explore HCMC's past by visiting Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

Independence Palace, once the official residence of the president of South Vietnam, is where the Vietnam War officially ended on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates.

Visitors can explore its war rooms, secret bunkers and rooftop helipad to get a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime strategies.

Nearby, the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering and insightful look at the war's impacts through photographs, military vehicles and exhibits on Agent Orange. While some displays are graphic, the museum is a must-visit for understanding Vietnam's history. Entry fees are VND40,000 ($1.50) per site, and guided tours are available.

12. Crawl through the Cu Chi tunnels

Situated 70 km from HCMC, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a firsthand look at Vietnam's guerrilla warfare tactics.

This 250 km underground network was used by the Viet Cong for hiding, ambushes and storing supplies.

Visitors can crawl through the tunnels, see hidden traps, and even fire an AK-47 at the shooting range.

There are two main sites: Ben Dinh, with a wider, more tourist-friendly entrance, and Ben Duoc, with an entrance suitable for those who want to experience the authenticity of the tunnels.

Tours cost VND400,000–1,200,000 ($16–$50) with options to combine it with a Mekong Delta tour.