Viewing District 1 from the Saigon Riverfront Park across the Saigon River. This is a nice, free thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. There's a walkway along the river, some coffee shops, bathrooms, etc. Has anyone been here to explore yet?
The Hung Long money exchange in Ho Chi Minh City. This is in a very convenient area between Nguyen Hue Street and Dong Khoi Street in District 1. Has anyone used this exchange before?
At the Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church) in Ho Chi Minh City. Nice day. It's a quick stop and a pretty popular photo spot in HCMC. Anyone headed to see the church?
I'm a big fan of the La Siesta hotel chain in Vietnam. They have great properties in Hanoi that I've stayed at, a nice one in Hoi An, and these two here in Ho Chi Minh City. Both of these hotels are in a great area to stay in HCMC, right near Ben Thanh Market and Ly Tu Trong Street.
Does anyone have experience staying at any La Siesta hotels in Vietnam? 👇
The Bui Vien Walking Street area in District 1, HCMC. A lot of tours pickup/depart from nearby. There are lots of hostels, bars, parties, and karaoke in the area. At night, it gets loud and crazy. A lot of travelers love Bui Vien for its nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City. Anyone been recently?
Outside the Saigon Central Post Office in HCMC. This is a great, free thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. A good place to buy fairly priced souvenirs. It's also right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral and HCMC Book Street. A lot of travelers buy postcards and mail them home from this post office, which is still operating and over 100 years old.
Anyone planning to visit or recently visited? Let everyone know 👇
Strolling through the busy Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Always crowded, with tons of vendors and activity. Lots of vendors asking over and over if you need anything or what you're looking for.
Any interesting experiences or stories from inside Ben Thanh Market? Anyone haggle for any good deals?
Ben Thanh Market is one of the busiest and most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. I think it's worth visiting at least once, but if you want to buy anything, be prepared to haggle. And if you aren't buying anything, be prepared to be asked by vendors over and over what you're looking for or if you want to buy anything.
Does anyone have any stories or interesting experiences from Ben Thanh Market? Any examples of haggling with vendors for better prices? 👇
At the War Remnants Museum in District 3. Consistently one of the most popular attractions in HCMC, though it's not for everyone. Has anyone been or is planning to visit? 👇👇
This is the HCMC Metro from An Phu Station in Thao Dien (District 2). It goes all the way to Ben Thanh Market in District 1. Does anyone have any helpful or interesting experiences to share about riding the HCMC Metro?
There are a lot of stations along the way, but getting to/from some of them can be a little hectic due to crosswalks, traffic, etc. Jump in and share your experiences/advice below. Anything you learned too!
The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum in District 1. Tickets are 30.000 VND each. It is not the biggest museum, so it can be seen in less than an hour, give or take. It's also right next to the Saigon Zoo, so you can visit both places on the same trip if you want. The museum is definitely worth spending the 30.000 VND on.
Outside the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, across from the Saigon Central Post Office. The cathedral has been under renovation for years, and they just installed the two golden crosses atop the cathedral in March. The estimated completion of restoration is now sometime in 2027. This is a nice area to walk around in District 1. The post office is next to HCMC Book Street. Both are free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
One of the entrances to Japan Town in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. There are some coffee shops and several Japanese restaurants, including many with good Japanese ramen. I'll sometimes eat at Daiichi Ramen or Ramen Danbo. I'd visit during the day when it's quiet. At night, the bars open, and it gets pretty crowded. The area is free to enter and walk through, and is easy to access on foot in District 1.
The Hotel Majestic Saigon is in a great area to stay in HCMC, right on the corner of Dong Khoi Street and across from the Saigon River. The hotel has an older feel, having been originally built in 1925 in a French Colonial style.
Has anyone stayed here before, and could you share your experience with the group?
Visiting the Saigon Zoo in District 1. Adult tickets are 60.000 VND each. It's very busy on the weekends, with a lot of families and kids running around. A lot of the enclosures and cages aren't the nicest or well-maintained. Just be prepared for that. Otherwise, it's a good way to spend a few hours in HCMC.
I recommend visiting earlier in the day, during the week, if possible. You could easily spend 1, 2, or 3 hours here if you take your time. Plenty of places to sit and relax, bathrooms, cold drinks, etc.
Here's an ongoing list of some great things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for a first visit. You don't need to tackle all of them on a HCMC trip; many are optional, and some are must-dos. Skim the list and pick out whichever items resonate with you. Feel free to start a discussion or ask any questions about these (or other) activities in HCMC. Enjoy!
Standing behind the HCM Opera House, looking at the 5-star Caravelle Saigon -- a hotel in a great location in Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few other hotels in the area too. So it's a great base for visiting HCMC! Has anyone stayed here or around here?
Anyone planning to visit the Bitexco Financial Tower and go up to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor? It's on the more expensive side for attractions in Vietnam -- 240.000 VND for adults and 160.000 VND for children and seniors.
The views are great - - but for those who visited: was it worth it or not?