Best Hotels & Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

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Advisor - Jennifer Schwartz
Curated By

Jennifer Schwartz

  • Vietnam

  • Ho Chi Minh City

  • Adventure Travel

  • City Travel

  • International Travel

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

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Curator’s statement

Ho Chi Minh is an energetic and vibrant city on the bank of the Saigon River. The energy of the city is evident from the moment you step outside of your hotel. You’ll be swept up by the dizzying sounds, smells and traffic patterns. As you’re touring around the city, don’t forget to stop, and stop often, for mouth-watering street food.

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Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

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Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

yellow building during daytime
  • Saigon Central Post Office - A post office that was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.

  • Notre Dame Basilica - Cathedral.

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda - Taoist pagoda in District 1, built in honor of the Jade Emperor.

  • Saigon Opera House - An example of French Colonial architecture.

  • Quan Am Pagoda - Chinese-style Buddhist pagoda in District 5.

  • Ong Bon Temple - One of the oldest Chinese pagodas in Vietnam.

  • Khanh Van Nam Vien Taoist Temple - The only pure Taoist Temple in Vietnam.

  • Giac Vien Buddhist Temple - One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City.

  • War Remnants Museum - Exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and First Indochina War.

  • Reunification Palace - Home and office of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels and Ben Duoc Temple.

Places to eat & drink in Ho Chi Minh City

two bowls of food on table

Markets & Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Ben Thanh Market - Located in District 1, Ben Thanh Market is a vibrant and lively market with a variety of food and souvenir stalls.

  • Cuc Gach Quan - Upscale eatery in a cozy setting, a recreation of a French colonial home, with a motto of “eat green, live healthy.”

  • Cho Cu - The oldest street market.

  • Anan - Experimental Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Prem Bistro - Vegetarian bistro.

Craft Breweries in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Pasteur Street Brewing Company.

  • Biacraft.

  • Nong Trai Khoai.

Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City

  • T House Cafe.

  • September Saigon.

  • Barista Collective.

  • Cong Ca Phe.

Advisor - Jennifer Schwartz

Travel Advisor

Jennifer Schwartz

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For more travel tips, check out my guide to Zermatt: Best Activities & Hotels for a Winter Adventure in Zermatt.