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.
If you’re a foodie, make sure to check out my blog
The 10 best foods you have to try in Ho Chi Minh City
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.
Recommended tour: Ben Duoc ‘Less-Crowded’ Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour
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.
Recommended tour: Authentic ‘Less-Touristy’ Mekong Delta Ben Tre 1-Day Tour
If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City and not doing a food motorbike tour, you’re seriously missing out. This city runs on two things: bikes and bites. The best way to explore both is by hopping on the back of a motorbike with a local guide. Trust me, walking around or Googling “best food in Saigon” just won’t cut it. Some of the most unforgettable dishes are hidden down alleys, behind markets, or tucked into street corners with no signs. Locals know exactly where to go, what to order, and when it’s best to eat it. Riding with them means you get the real deal.
Plus, the experience isn’t just about food. You’re weaving through neighborhoods, watching the city light up at night, and feeling the energy of Saigon from street level. It’s fast, exciting, and surprisingly chill once you’re in the flow of traffic. At every stop, you’re eating something totally new and delicious. It feels like a food adventure and a city tour rolled into one.
Tip: Book an evening tour for cooler weather, and make sure to choose a top-rated food tour company that keeps an original food list (smaller ones often copy) and has won global awards
Recommended tour: Top Notch Street Food Motorbike Tour In Ho Chi Minh City
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.
Recommended tour: Vietnam’s coffee journey – The unknown giant
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 Tran Van Lai (Hero of Saigon Commandos), 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.
Recommended tour: Saigon’s Chinatown Sunday Walking Tour
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.
Recommended coffee shops: Hoff Specialty Coffee, AMAZING SPECIALTY COFFEE, Mew in Saigon
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.
Bánh cuốn chợ Bàn Cờ
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.
