10 TOP Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh Municipality March 2026

hotel de ville de Hô Chi Minh au Viet Nam

Didn't know what to expect for a water puppet show. And iT turned out to be quite unique and interesting. The show was in Vietnamese language using their traditional songs and instruments. Worth a visit in HCM!

This cathedral is located right in the middle of historical buildings in Saigon. Across the road is the General Post Office.

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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.

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Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.

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Pham Ngu Lao Street showing night scenes, street scenes and shopping

3. Dong Khoi Street

Heritage icons and modern high-rises stand side by side in Dong Khoi Street, leading down to the Saigon River in central HCMC. The elegant Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Central Post Office are unmistakably French. Once called Rue Catinat, named after a French military leader, this main street became known as Freedom Street during the war with America and when the communists arrived it became Dong Khoi , meaning “Total Revolution”. Don’t miss it!

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Dong Khoi Street which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

4. Saigon River

As the Saigon River flows down to the South China Sea, it snakes through South Vietnam, bringing with it trade and travellers. For a romantic encounter, book a floating restaurant or dinner cruise. The Ho Chi Minh City skyline by night is sure to impress. Or how about a speedboat tour of the countryside? Head upstream for a buffet lunch or temple visit on Thanh Da Island. Go downstream to explore the Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Viet Cong-dug Cu Chi Tunnels.

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Saigon River showing a city, a river or creek and boating

5. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.

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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing zoo animals and a garden

6. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.

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Opera House showing heritage architecture and night scenes

What to do in Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Ben Thanh Market

4/5(253 reviews)

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Aerial view of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and the illuminated Bui Vien party street at night, Vietnam.

Bui Vien Walking Street

4/5(168 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Ho Tram Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Ho Tram Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Phuoc Thuan. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.

Dong Khoi Street

This character-filled street’s many transformations sum up Ho Chi Minh City’s history, which is pretty impressive.

Saigon River

4/5(134 reviews)

See bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful countryside from the river for a different perspective on Vietnam.

Lion dance on lunar new year in saigon vietnam

Saigon Square

4/5(199 reviews)

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

3.5/5(70 reviews)

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Opera House which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and theatre scenes

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

4/5(117 reviews)

This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.

Explore areas of Ho Chi Minh Municipality

District 1

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in District 1. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and HCMC Museum, and jump on the metro at Opera House Station or Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

Top view aerial of Mai Chi Tho road, Thu Thiem peninsula and center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with development buildings, transportation, energy power infrastructure. View from District 2

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or The Most Holy Redeemer Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market featuring night scenes, street scenes and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(259 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Vincom Center Shopping Mall or Dong Khoi Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Little Japan

4/5(41 area reviews)

Take time in Little Japan to visit attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Opera House Station to see more of the city.

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