Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
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Reunification Palace
Time has stood still here since 30 April 1975, a slightly scary thought. The striking modern architecture and the slightly eerie feeling you get as you walk through its deserted halls make Reunification Palace one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC. The building was once the symbol of the South Vietnamese government, which hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese and 58,183 Americans died trying to save.
reviewed
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Acoustic Bar
The leading live-music venue in town, Acoustic pays homage to Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and other rock ’n’ roll legends. Vietnam’s leading musicians flock here for cameo cover versions and, judging by the numbers that turn up nightly, the crowd just can’t get enough.
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Spa Tropic
Spa Tropic is a good place to spoil yourself with a top-notch 'proper' massage. This Zen-like beauty spa offers an array of aromatherapy facial treatments, body treatments and therapeutic massage, from Swedish and deep-tissue to shiatsu. Call ahead for reservations.
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Au Lac do Brasil
For a taste (and then some) of Brazil, head to Au Lac. Decked out with Carnaval-themed paintings, this churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) serves all-you-can-eat steak (and 11 other cuts of meat), just like back in Rio. Plus a new à la carte menu.
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Mekong Delta Cycle
3 days (Ho Chi Minh City)
Explore the fertile heartland of Vietnam at handlebar level.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$820 -
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Cho Quan Church
Built by the French about 100 years ago, Cho Quan Church is one of the largest churches in HCMC. Jesus on the altar has a neon halo, though the best reason to come here is for the view from the belfry (a steep climb). The church is between ÐL Tran Hung Dao and Ð Nguyen Trai. Sunday masses are held at 5am, 6.30am, 8.30am, 4.30pm and 6pm.
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Temple Club
This classy establishment is housed on the 2nd floor of a stunning colonial-era villa and has been decked out in spiritual motifs. The menu includes delightful dishes such as fish with tamarind or shrimp in coconut milk. The spirited cocktails are a good way to prepare for the experience.
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Glow
Trendy spa in the heart of downtown, set in a mall that used to be an old French cinema. It’s almost like a little boutique hotel, and offers an array of aromatherapy facial treatments, body treatments and therapeutic massage.
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Zan Z Bar
An ultrahip diner on Dong Du, this place has quickly generated a buzz thanks to its Pacific-Rim fusion cuisine. Try chilli crab noodles or the excellent pita pizzas. Definitely one of the ‘in’ places.
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Sushi Bar
Set on a frenzied intersection; enjoy the show over delicious Japanese bites. Delivery available until 10pm.
reviewed
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Song
A central boutique that specialises in sophisticated linens and cottons for men and women.
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Bobby Brewers
This is a contemporary cafe set over three floors, and the range of coffees here is professional. There are also juices, sandwiches, pastas and salads, plus movies upstairs.
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Pho 2000
Near Ben Thanh Market, Pho 2000 is where former US president Bill Clinton stopped by for a bowl.
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Dam Sen Park
If there is one place every family should take kids to in this city of Ho Chi Minh, then Dam Sen Park is it. It includes a wide variety of amusements, such as paddle-boat rides around a lake lined with dragons. There are rides that include a monorail snaking through the park – a good way to get your bearings – plus a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and bumper cars. There are also plenty of parks and theme areas, such as orchid gardens, an aviary and a dinosaur park. On weekends the bandstand sees a range of shows, which feature singing and dancing warriors, rabbits and hip-hop stars all under the age of 12. Fishing is allowed in the lakes. There’s also a water park on the gr…
reviewed
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Giac Lam Pagoda
Believed to be the oldest pagoda in greater HCMC, Giac Lam Pagoda dates from 1744. It’s a fantastically atmospheric place full of gilded statues, colourful wall panels (depicting among other things the path to enlightenment as well as the tortures awaiting those condemned to hell) with one of the country’s most impressive stupas (32m tall). For the sick and elderly, the pagoda is a minor pilgrimage sight, as it contains a bronze bell that, when rung, is believed to answer the prayers posted by petitioners. Home to several monks, the Buddhist pagoda also incorporates aspects of Taoism and Confucianism. It is well worth the trip out here from the centre and is one of the ci…
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Fine Arts Museum
A classic yellow-and-white building with a modest Chinese influence, the Fine Arts Museum, houses one of the more interesting collections in Vietnam, ranging from lacquer- and enamel-ware to contemporary oil paintings by Vietnamese and foreign artists. If that doesn’t sound enticing, just come to see the huge hall with its beautifully tiled floors. The 1st floor includes a display of officially accepted contemporary art: most of it is just kitsch or desperate attempts to master abstract art, but occasionally something brilliant is displayed here. Much of the recent art is for sale and prices are reasonable.
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Notre Dame Cathedral
Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral is set in the heart of HCMC’s government quarter. The cathedral faces Ð Dong Khoi. It is neo-Romanesque with two 40m-high square towers tipped with iron spires, which dominate the square here. In front of the cathedral (in the centre of the square bounded by the main post office) is a statue of the Virgin Mary. If the front gates are locked, try the door on the side of the building that faces Reunification Palace.
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Ben Thanh Market
The most central of all markets is Ben Thanh Market. The market and surrounding streets make up one of the city’s liveliest areas. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is available here: vegetables, meats, spices, sweets, tobacco, clothing, hardware and so forth. There’s also a healthy selection of souvenir items. However, you will need to bargain efficiently here, as prices are usually higher than elsewhere.
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Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
8 hours (Departs Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
by Viator
Travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta on this small group adventure tour from Ho Chi Minh City. You'll board a private longtail boat, experience the diversity…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$45.00 -
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Mariamman Hindu Temple
This is the only Hindu temple still in use in HCMC and is a little piece of southern India in the centre of town. Though there are only a small number of Hindus in HCMC, this temple is also considered sacred by many ethnic Vietnamese and ethnic Chinese. Indeed, it is reputed to have miraculous powers. The temple was built at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman.
reviewed
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Diamond Plaza
If you’re pressed for time, several shopping centres are reliable one-stop destinations, including the sleek, high-end Diamond Plaza. A good shopping journey is at the gallery-and boutique-lined Ð Dong Khoi and the streets that intersect with it. This is also the place to look for high-quality handicrafts. Better deals can be found in Pham Ngu Lao, although the selection is less extensive.
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Cu Chi Tunnels Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
by Viator
Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system. This network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary during t…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$32.50 -
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Mon Hue
Hue’s cuisine is justly famous beyond the borders of old Annam (the former Chinese name for Vietnam) and was once the preserve of emperors. Mon Hue is an up-and-coming chain of restaurants that offers a good introduction to the cuisine for those who don’t make it to the old capital. Open late.
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Cepage
An impressive addition to the international dining scene, Cepage is a trendy wine bar with a lounge downstairs and a serious foodie place upstairs. Try the ‘black box’ – a mystery three-course set lunch for 130,000d.
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Carmen
One of HCMC's rarer breeds, Carmen has a stone wall exterior and a cosy wine cellar-like interior (duck your head when you enter) with live music nightly (from 19:00-21:00) - often Flamenco, hence the name.
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