Hi, I’m Phuoc, founder of SaigonVibes. I was born in the coastal city of Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, about 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, and I’ve studied and worked in Saigon. Let me get straight to the point. You’ve probably read tons of articles about the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, right? They always throw around words like “local,” “authentic,” and “unique” in the description of each place, especially from commercial tour companies or expat bloggers. But have you ever wondered which ones are really a must-do?
As a local, a city lover, and a food explorer, here’s my quick list of the 10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that I think you should try if you’re visiting for 3 or 4 days.
Personal note to save your time: Each place comes with a short description because this blog is meant to help guests collect info quickly. I’ve also included some GetYourGuide affiliate links for activities I genuinely recommend. Thank you, and happy reading.
Forget the crowded tourist trails. If you want the real Cu Chi Tunnel experience, head to Ben Duoc. This site keeps the original tunnel structure used during the war, narrow and raw. Unlike Ben Dinh, which is widened for tourists, Ben Duoc gives you a true sense of what life underground was like during wartime.
There’s also a massive memorial temple and historical complex that adds context and emotion to your visit. Fewer crowds, deeper stories, this is the version for travelers who want more than just a selfie.
Tip: Combine it with a local guide who can explain the deeper meaning behind each area.
For a peaceful day outside the city, Ben Tre is your best bet. This part of the Mekong Delta is quieter than the usual touristy spots and gives you that slow, breezy vibe the region is famous for.
Expect to ride a boat through small canals, visit coconut candy workshops, hop on a tuk-tuk through sleepy villages, and sit down to a home-cooked Southern meal. It’s not rushed or fake – just real life on the river.
Tip: Go with a small group tour for a more intimate and flexible experience.
You haven’t really experienced Saigon until you’ve jumped on the back of a scooter and eaten your way through its alleys. A motorbike food tour is hands-down the best way to explore hidden spots and street food stalls you’d never find on your own. Make sure to try goi du du (green papaya salad) and bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew). Goi du du is light and crunchy with a tangy kick. Bo kho is rich, hearty, and best mopped up with a warm baguette.
Tip: Book an evening tour for cooler weather and peak street food action.
If you’re a coffee fan, this one’s for you. A hands-on coffee workshop teaches you how Vietnam’s iconic drinks are made, from choosing beans to brewing with the phin filter. It’s slower, more intentional, and you’ll never look at your morning cup the same way again. Brewing looks simple, but it’s a science: exact water temperature, the right grind size, the perfect amount of coffee. When you nail it, the flavor is amazing.
Tip: Do it in the morning when your taste buds are fresh.
Hidden in a quiet alley, this place looks like a normal house but underneath is a full-blown Viet Cong bunker packed with weapons, passageways, and war secrets. Built by Trần Văn Lai, it played a key role in the Tet Offensive. It’s not flashy or touristy. It’s raw history. You’ll walk through the actual tunnels, see old weapons, and hear stories straight from the family that lived there.
Tip: Go with a local guide who knows the background – most info inside is in Vietnamese.
Cholon, which stretches across Districts 5, 10, and 11, is packed with Chinese-Vietnamese history, temples, and food. Binh Tay Market is the main hub, surrounded by stalls selling roast duck, herbal soups, and some of the best old-school eats in the city. Grab a bowl at Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice or eat like a local at Truyen Ky—an 80-year-old eatery that hasn’t changed in decades. The mix of cultures here creates flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Tip: Don’t rush. Wander around, pop into temples, and try whatever smells good.
Vietnamese coffee isn’t just about cà phê sữa đá anymore. Saigon’s new wave of specialty cafes is pushing the limits with single-origin brews from Đà Lạt, slow drips, cold brews, and even egg coffee done right. These cafes are often tucked inside creative spaces, with baristas who are serious about their craft. It’s a cool fusion of tradition and innovation that really shows how far Vietnamese coffee has come.
Tip: Try a flight of different brews and chat with the staff. They love sharing their process.
There’s no better way to feel the heartbeat of Saigon than by starting your day at a wet market. Ban Co Market is a classic local spot where everything feels alive. Vendors shout over each other, motorbikes squeeze through narrow stalls, and steam rises from bubbling soup pots. Stop for bánh cuốn (fresh rice rolls), delicate and handmade right in front of you. Eating here is loud, cheap, and unforgettable.
Tip: Go before 10 AM. After that, things start to wind down.
Skip the malls. Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving scene of local designers making cool, affordable, and stylish pieces. It’s fashion with a Vietnamese twist-minimalist, bold, or experimental depending on the brand. You’ll find quality and creativity that international chains can’t match. Plus, you’re supporting local talent.
Local brands are actually trending now among Vietnamese youth 2025:
Tip: Follow them on Instagram for drops and pop-ups.
Saigon is packed with hidden gems that make for stunning photos, perfect for the ‘gram or just capturing your own travel memories. Think pastel churches, colonial architecture, rooftop cafés, and neon-filled streets that come alive after dark. Here are some must-visit spots for your photo collection:
Tip: Check each spot on Instagram first to scout photo angles and lighting. Morning light is soft and golden, while sunset brings out the city’s glow.
