Top 15 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for First Time Visitors!
The bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh, of which the city as renamed after
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, otherwise known as Saigon! This city is one of those places that hits you with huge amounts of energy the moment you step out of the airport, with endless motorbikes, steaming bowls of noodles, old French colonial buildings, hidden temples, rooftop bars, and glass skyscrapers all mushed together into a dense sprawling urban landscape. If you are visiting for the first time, there is an almost overwhelming number of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
But do not worry because I’ve compiled a list of my recommendations for the best things to do in Saigon! from exploring historic landmarks, museums, and bustling local markets to eating your way through Vietnamese street food and experiencing the city’s nightlife. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll take you through 15 of the best attractions and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, along with practical tips, food recommendations, cultural sights, tours, and a few memorable activities that are well worth adding to your itinerary. So let’s get to it!
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Table of Contents
- Overview of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Go Shopping at the Iconic Ben Thanh Market
- Explore the Somber War Remnants Museum
- Eat Your Way Through Ho Chi Minh City Street Food
- Visit the Saigon Central Post Office
- Discover Independence Palace
- Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Wander the Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Get Caffeinated at the Famous Cafe Apartments
- Admire the View from the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
- Explore Chinatown (Chợ Lớn)
- Party at the Bui Vien Walking Street
- Have a Dinner Cruise Along the Saigon River
- Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Watch the AO Show at the Opera House
- Enjoy the Ho Chi Minh City Water Puppet Show
- Looking for More Things to do in Vietnam?
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Overview of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A lot of whizzing motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City, be careful when crossing the road!
If it’s your first time here well then you should know that Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest and busiest city, and it’s a place where centuries-old temples and French colonial landmarks sit alongside gleaming skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and bustling shopping streets.
Formerly known as Saigon, the city has grown into the country's economic heart. I spent a good 3 days here and let me tell you, this city is a JOY to explore. One minute you’ll wander through fascinating historic buildings and Vietnam war museums like the War Remnants Museum, and the next you're squeezing onto a tiny plastic stool in the middle of Bui Vien Walking Street to enjoy a plate of Cơm Tấm (broken rice) from a roadside vendor.
There are endless things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, and you'll quickly discover that the city's biggest attractions are just as memorable as its incredible food scene.
The Many Districts of Ho Chi Minh City
A coffee lover’s wet dream, the Cafe Apartments of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, with every district offering something different, from lively street markets and hidden cafés to peaceful pagodas and scenic riverfront views. That's exactly why Ho Chi Minh City is such a fantastic destination for first-time visitors, with a little bit of everything packed into one exciting city.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend staying in District 1, located right in the heart of the city, this is the area where most of the major tourist attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the Ben Thanh Market, and the aforementioned war museum are located.
If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, I recommend staying at the Fusion Original Saigon Centre, a really nice boutique hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s where I stayed during my trip to the city.
Anyways, this will be a pretty comprehensive and detailed blog post, so I recommend you bookmark this page or save it as a Pinterest pin via hovering over and clicking the “save pin” button on the top left corner of any of the images in this blog post.
Go Shopping at the Iconic Ben Thanh Market
The most prominent commercial hub in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market
If you are on a bargain hunt then shopping at Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially when you are visiting Saigon for the first time. Ben Thanh Market opens daily from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM and its history stretches back to an earlier trading area near the Ben Nghe River, before the French colonial authorities relocated it to its present site in District 1 in 1912 and opened the current recognizable big yellow clocktower building in 1914.
Inside, the market is laid out almost like a grid, with incredibly narrow aisles leading through different sections dedicated to clothing, accessories, souvenirs, fresh produce, dried goods, and even a food court-esque corner serving local Vietnamese street food. It’s very claustrophobic to be honest but continue straight and you’ll eventually reach a fairly open area in the middle.
A lot of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits on sale. I bought some dried lotus seeds to snack on
Stalls are piled high with Vietnamese coffee and tea, dried nuts and seeds, shoes, clothes, handbags, fabrics, handicrafts, and just about every souvenir imaginable. Although I would question the authenticity of any branded clothing or designer-style bags…
Better start practicing your bargaining skills as prices can be fairly reasonable once you bargain. For example, I got a 500g bag of coffee down from 500k VND all the way to 250K VND almost 50% off! But of course keep the haggling friendly and respectful.
For some souvenir suggestions I recommend looking out for
Dried lotus seeds (great to snack on, crunchy and salty)
Bags of Vietnamese coffee beans (many flavors to choose from) + a phin coffee maker
And if you don’t mind questionable authenticity, sling bags and backpacks are fairly priced
If you want some souvenirs to bring back home, then an hour or 2 shopping at Ben Thanh Market is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for you.
Explore the Somber War Remnants Museum
I’ve never seen military vehicles up close, these are epic
Now, I am a huge nerd when it comes to history, and so of course, visiting the Vietnam War Remnants Museum is high up on my list of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
The museum is open daily from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM including public holidays, although the ticket counter closes at 5:00 PM, entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person. I would describe the War Remnants Museum as “very cool but also very depressing”.
Cool in the sense that if you are a military nut then you’ll definitely enjoy walking amongst the dozen or so authentic and real US-made military hardware from the war, including tanks, artillery, an A-37B attack aircraft, and a large UH-1H “Huey” helicopter. In addition, the exhibits also showcases all of the weapons, guns, and armaments used during the war.
These are very cool to look at up close.
Some very disturbing photos are on display at the museum, trigger warning before you go
Now here is where the “very depressing“ part comes in.
Inside, the museum is spread across several floors, with exhibitions examining the Vietnam War primarily through the pain and suffering experienced by Vietnamese soldiers, political prisoners, and civilians. There are numerous galleries with photos depicting the effects of Agent Orange, alleged war crimes, brutal prison conditions, international opposition to the conflict, and the difficult recovery from the war’s long-lasting human and environmental consequences.
A huge TRIGGER WARNING is definitely appropriate here: many of the photographs are extremely disturbing, many are not shy about showing graphic images of death, gore, serious injuries, torture, and children affected by chemical exposure. And I think that’s very important.
The museum does not soften the reality of war. War is hell, and you will definitely feel it when you visit here. While intensely emotional, I do think the experience is necessary to understanding Vietnam’s identity.
Although I will say, the museum presents events firmly from the Vietnamese government’s perspective, and the exhibits and wording do feel heavily propagandistic in its criticism of the United States, although one exhibition also acknowledges anti-war movements and support from American citizens and veterans. I will not dive too deeply into the politics, but it is worth keeping that perspective in mind while moving through the displays.
If you want to immerse yourself in the Vietnam War even further, one of the funnest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that I recommend is taking a Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an enormous underground tunnel network built and used by the Viet Cong guerrillas. It’s a really cool experience and you get to learn why the Viet Cong forces were so feared amongst the US Marines. You can book a tour via the widget below.
Eat Your Way Through Ho Chi Minh City Street Food
When in Vietnam, ALWAYS have Pho, at least one bowl
As Feastography is a FOOD travel, I of course have to talk about one of my favourite things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Eating copious amounts of Vietnamese street food.
Street food here is part of everyday life and Ho Chi Minh City is particularly exciting for foodies like you and I because its cuisine reflects generations of migration and foreign cultural influences all intermingling with the local southern Vietnamese character. Some of my best meals I’ve had here were eaten sitting on tiny plastic stools on the side walk with motorbikes buzzing past just a few meters away, truly a uniquely Saigon experience.
A FEAST of steamed and cooked seafood, we got snails, clams, oysters, the whole shebang!
There is a ridiculous amount Vietnamese street foods to try, so to get you started here are some MUST EAT dishes (non-negotiable) to look out for. Also I’ve added restaurant recommendations in parenthesis after the dish’s name:
Cơm Tấm (Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền) - Saigon’s signature dish, broken rice served with smoky grilled pork and egg loaf eaten with fish sauce for a salty and citrus-y kick
Bánh Mì (Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa) - The iconic Vietnamese sandwich, crispy baguette, pâté, meats, and pickled vegetables.
Bánh Xèo (Bánh Xèo 46A) - A crispy egg-y flour crepe filled with various savory fillings like bean sprouts, minced pork, and shrimp
Bún Thịt Nướng (Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo) - A refreshing noodle dish, combining rice noodles, herbs, vegetables, grilled pork, and fish sauce.
Cà Phê Sữa Dá (Cafe Nắng) - Vietnamese iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk.
If you're hungry for more recommendations, I've put together a complete guide to the Best Street Foods in Ho Chi Minh City, including the local restaurants and stalls where you can try them.
If this is your first time in Vietnam, I also recommend joining the Ho Chi Minh City: Tasting & Sightseeing by Scooter Food Tour, especially if you want to explore real local street foods. In this tour you’ll be on the back seat of a scooter driven by the tour operators, whizzing past iconic landmarks and stopping at various food stalls to feast! It’s a very fun and adventurous experience and I highly recommend it!
Visit the Saigon Central Post Office
A very lovely post office I might say
For a little sightseeing. care for a little visit to the Saigon Central Post Office? It’s one of those things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that you can easily fit into a city tour, especially since it sits right beside the Notre-Dame Cathedral (not that one) in central Saigon.
Entry is completely free, and it’s open from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. The post office was built between 1886 and 1891 during the French colonial period, and the building is famous for its grand European-inspired façade, arched windows, high vaulted ceiling, decorative ironwork, and huge historic maps that covers the walls inside the post office.
Interestingly, although the building is frequently credited to Gustave Eiffel, yes THE Eiffel, the present structure is generally attributed to French colonial architect Alfred Foulhoux. Eiffel was instead associated with an earlier post office building on the site.
What I particularly like about the Saigon Central Post Office is that it is not simply a preserved monument, it still feels like an actual post office. You can buy a postcard, write a message to someone back home, stick on a Vietnamese stamp, and send it straight from one of Ho Chi Minh City's most recognizable historic buildings. Around the main hall you'll also find stalls selling postcards and souvenirs, including bookmarks, small artworks, hats, figurines, bags, and other Vietnamese gifts.
Discover Independence Palace
A very important building in Ho Chi Minh City’s history
Visiting the Independence Palace, also known as the “Reunification Palace”, is one of the most historically significant things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace is open daily from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and the entrance fee costs 40,000 VND for adults, while the combined ticket including the additional historical exhibition costs 80,000 VND.
The building has a long history, it use to serve as the presidential palace and workplace of the Republic of Vietnam, with President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu living and working here from 1967 until shortly before the end of the Vietnam war.
Its defining moment came on April 30, 1975, when tanks from the Liberation Army broke through the palace gates during the Fall of Saigon, followed by the surrender of President Dương Văn Minh and the collapse of the South Vietnamese government. Today, you can wander through remarkably preserved reception halls, presidential offices, meeting rooms, living quarters, and the underground bunker filled with narrow corridors and former wartime command rooms.
Very elaborately decorate, this huge art piece is awesome
The building was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ and combines modernist architecture with traditional East Asian design, containing nearly 100 rooms as well as a basement beneath the main structure. I especially recommend heading downstairs into the bunker, where the atmosphere changes completely from the grand ceremonial rooms above and you get a much clearer sense of the palace's role during the final years of the Vietnam War.
If you are visiting several major Ho Chi Minh City attractions in one day, a Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Bus Tour is also a convenient option, allowing you to combine the Independence Palace with other landmarks around central Saigon without constantly arranging taxis or Grab rides.
Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral
Mom: We have the Notre Dame Cathedral at home.
I’ve mentioned the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon briefly already as it was near the Central Post Office, well if you’ve finished taking a gander at the post office, then visiting this recognizable landmark is one of the classic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors. The Cathedral is open daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and it’s free entry.
Not to be confused with the Notre Dame Cathedral, this one was built during the French colonial era between the years 1877 and 1880, and it combines Romanesque and Gothic influences, with distinctive red-brick walls and twin bell towers rising above the surrounding streets.
One thing to note though before visiting, the building has been undergoing a major restoration since 2017, and work is still continuing in 2026, so expect to see some scaffolding or construction.
Still though, despite the ongoing restorative work, I think this landmark is worth the visit, maybe just to pass by and capture a few photos, If you’re already sightseeing through Saigon then it’s a no brainer to stop here.
Wander the Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A little bit of open space in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City’s dense urban landscape
While we’re still in the cultural mood, if you find yourself exploring till the late afternoon (around 5PM), I recommend you check out the Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the cultural heart of modern day Saigon and wandering around exploring here is one of my favorite things to do in Ho Chi Minh City because the atmosphere is just so relaxing!
Running through the centre of District 1 between the Saigon River and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, this is a hub for community gatherings. Locals come here to meet friends, families bring their kids out for the evening, and there are plenty of interesting spots to explore such as cafés, restaurants, bars, and some of downtown Saigon’s most impressive architecture.
Some things I recommend you checking out are:
People’s Committee Building - An early 20th century French colonial landmark, beautifully illuminated during the evening.
Ho Chi Minh Statue and Nguyen Hue Square - Bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh overlooking an open square, very famous photo spot and for “check-ins“ on social media.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street - Located nearby, a pedestrian lane lined with dozens of cozy bookshops, cafés, and reading areas. You can find Vietnamese AND international books here.
Live Performances - Spontaneous musicians, dancers, performers, and even public K-Pop dances can be enjoyed here during weekend evenings.
For another destination on your list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, if you are a huge coffee nerd, then there is a famous Apartment located here , the Cafe Apartments at 42 Nguyen Hue, but I will talk about that in more detail in the next section…
Get Caffeinated at the Famous Cafe Apartments
Every single room you see in the Cafe Apartments is a cafe
Now this is a Saigon landmark that I was looking forward to the most on my list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City! Long time followers of this blog or My YouTube Channel would know that I am a huge coffee nerd and so of course I have to visit this colossal caffeine complex.
The first thing you notice from the outside is that this towering 9 storey urban monstrosity is a decaying old residential apartment complex but it’s contrasted by every single room being covered in bright colorful signs and advertisements for the 50+ independent cafes inside.
Traversing this tower is not an easy feat. Actually it WOULD’VE been easy except for the fact that the elevator is paywalled by a lady collection 3,000 VND for an elevator ride up. I could not say if she was on official or just a random lady trying to capitalize on tourists but she said that the money would be reimbursed by the cafe if you notify them of the payment.
It is hardly a large amount of money, but I have to admit the whole system feels a little unnecessary and very time consuming as there was a long line of people waiting to get up…. If you don’t pay for the elevator though, be prepared to climb the stairs and slither your way through tight corridors.
The Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Po Cafe, one of the more unique coffee drinks I’ve ever had, very delicious though
Exploring the building is half the fun because there isn't really one obvious café you are supposed to visit. You wander from floor to floor, peek through doors, read little signs stuck to the walls, and eventually find somewhere that looks interesting.
I stopped at Po Cafe where I sat down to try Cà Phê Trung, Vietnamese egg coffee, but Po Cafe does it differently by adding a layer of torched creme brûlée on top. It was delicious of course. Other cafes I recommend checking out at the cafe apartments are:
Madam Quyên - More of a Café restaurant that also provides local Vietnamese dishes, if you’re hungry stop here. For coffee, I recommend ordering their Cà Phê Muối, Vietnamese iced coffee topped with a creamy salt foam.
Cà Phê Sài Gòn Ơi - A cozy cafe overlooking the Nguyen Hue Walking Street, I recommend ordering their Coconut Coffee, a combo of strong Vietnamese coffee mixed with a sweet rich coconut cream.
If you are a coffee snob like me, then the Cafe Apartments is a must visit on your list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Admire the View from the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Tell me that doesn’t look like Tony Stark’s Tower from Marvel…
Now looking at the distant skyline, you might notice the Marvel “Stark Tower”. I’m not kidding, This towering skyscraper that overlooks the entirety of Saigon is the Bitexco Financial Tower, and it’s easily one of the most scenic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
You are able to go up to the Saigon Skydeck, and observation platform located on the 49th floor, here is where you can admire a full 360-degree panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City’s dense skyline as well as the winding Saigon river. Trust me, you’ll be shocked at how humongous the city actually is…
The skydeck is open daily from 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM with an entrance fee of 240,000 VND. I recommend to book your Saigon Skydeck ticket through Klook, it offers instant confirmation, making it an easy option if you want to have everything sorted before arriving.
The floor to ceiling windows are absolutely appreciated to admire the full glory of Saigon and I would recommend coming around sunset, around 5:00 PM, that’s when the views are the most gorgeous with vanilla sky and the illuminated neighborhoods below. Though the darkness does make photographing through the reflective windows a bit of a challenge.
Truly one of the more beautiful things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore Chinatown (Chợ Lớn)
Binh Tay Market, the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown
Many great cities have a Chinatown, and Saigon is no different. One of the most culturally interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to take a stroll and explore Chợ Lớn, the city’s Chinatown located in District 5.
Chợ Lớn has been shaped by generations of Chinese immigration and trading, leaving behind a fascinating mix of colourful temples, old shophouses, wholesale markets, family businesses, and narrow streets packed with everyday local life. It is an incredibly different vibe from the colonial influences of District 1.
At the centre of the action is Binh Tay Market, a sprawling wholesale market with more than 2,000 shops selling everything from spices and dried seafood to mushrooms, clothing, household goods, and ingredients destined for restaurants across the city. Nearby streets become surprisingly specialised, particularly around Hai Thuong Lan Ong, where traditional medicine shops display drawers and enormous sacks filled with dried herbs, roots, bark, and other remedies.
You will also regularly stumble across Chinese temples hidden between shops and apartment buildings, usually filled with red lanterns, intricate carvings, enormous incense coils, and locals stopping in to pray.
The revered Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to Mazu
Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown is massive so to make things easy for here you are some of the points of interests that I recommend you DO NOT MISS:
Binh Tay Market - Commercial heart of Chợ Lớn, a densely packed market filled with spices, dried ingredients, snacks, textiles, household goods, and wholesale produce.
Thien Hau Pagoda - An 18th century temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. A beautiful temple is filled with elaborate porcelain decorations, red lanterns, altars, and huge spirals of hanging incense.
Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street - A street famous for traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicine shops selling aromatic dried herbs, roots, spices, and medicinal ingredients.
For foodies, don’t worry, food plays a huge part in the fun of exploring Chợ Lớn. The area is particularly famous for old school Cantonese and Teochew-influenced dishes. Things like dim sum for breakfast or Phá Lấu (braised offals) are popular here, and be sure to stop by for some traditional Chinese desserts while you’re at it!
If you’re looking to escape some colonialism (aren’t we all?) then exploring Chinatown is one of the funnest cultural things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Party at the Bui Vien Walking Street
Even Thailand’s Walking Street in Pattaya doesn’t have pole dancing women out on display, wow…
Nowhere in Saigon is the night more alive than at Bui Vien Walking Street, exploring here is one of the wildest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in District 1’s famous backpacker quarter, the street is packed with hostels, pubs, clubs, cheap beer bars, restaurants, and GIANT neon signs, no seriously there is a huge neon tiger right at the entrance to the street.
After 6:00 PM, the street erupts in insanity. Loud music blasting from every direction, thumping EDM and DJs to live bands and street performers. And I kid you not, every single bar has stripper poles with scantily dressed women AND men dancing away. It is loud, crowded, unapologetically touristy.
There are plenty of massage parlours and spas offering everything from foot massages to full-body treatments, with ladies sitting out in front catcalling and even physically dragging you into their shops. Although I am pretty sure the majority of these are fronts for prostitution or illicit services. Bui Vien Walking Street does have a reputation for being Ho Chi Minh City’s red light district after all…
I’ll be honest, I didn’t really spend much time here, just had a quick walkthrough because nightlife and partying like this is just not my thing. I think this kind of atmosphere is quite unsavoury to be honest… But if you’re looking for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in regards to partying and nightlife, there is no better place in Saigon than at Bui Vien Walking Street. Just be careful.
Have a Dinner Cruise Along the Saigon River
A very luxurious and fancy cruse (Image provided by Elite of Saigon)
If you are looking for one of the more memorable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night, I would seriously consider booking the Elite of Saigon Luxury Dinner Cruise along the Saigon River. This 3 hour evening experience combines sightseeing with a proper luxury dinner. You’ll get to watch Ho Chi Minh City's illuminated skyscrapers drift past while you eat onboard one of the city's more upscale river cruises.
The whole cruise goes on from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, and you can choose between a Premium Buffet or an elegant Western-style set menu depending on the type of evening you want. Dinner is only part of the experience though, once you are out on the Saigon River, I want you to head up to the open-air deck and just simply admire the city as it' opens up around you with views of Ho Chi Minh City's glowing waterfront, modern skyline, and reflective waters, all accompanied by live music. Sometimes there’s even dance performances.
On the weekends there is also a mini fireworks show, which to me, sounds like a pretty spectacular backdrop for photos from the upper deck. Alcoholic drinks are also available onboard but cost extra.
If you are only going to splurge on one evening experience in Saigon, this would be high on my list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. I would personally aim for a Thursday - Sunday sailing if the entertainment and nightlife atmosphere matters most to you.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
A bright red serene temple amongst the chaotic urban landscape
Hidden away on Mai Thi Luu Street in District 1, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Ho Chi Minh City if you want a break from the city’s traffic and skyscrapers. Built in the early 20th century by the city’s Chinese community, the temple is primarily dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in Taoism, although Buddhist and Chinese folk-religion influences also appear throughout the complex.
Once you step through the entrance the mood changes almost immediately. Thick clouds of incense drift through dimly lit halls filled with altars, painted statues, fierce guardian figures, and hand-carved wooden decorations, while worshippers quietly leave flowers, candles, and incense as offerings.
The architecture is one of the main reasons I would make time for a visit. Traditional Chinese-style roofs are covered with colourful yin-yang tiles and decorative figures, while inside you will find hundreds of statues and elaborate carvings packed into a series of intimate halls.
Outside, the leafy courtyard contains lotus and fish ponds along with the temple’s famous turtle pond, where turtles are associated with longevity in traditional symbolism. And if you enjoy photography, this is a gorgeous place for some snaps.
Watch the AO Show at the Opera House
One of the more impressive cultural performances I’ve seen in Asia
For something completely different from markets and street food, watching the À Ố Show at the Saigon Opera House is one of the most unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. Lovingly nicknamed as “Vietnam’s Bamboo Circus” this is a one-hour performance that showcases the impressive Vietnamese acrobatics, contemporary circus, dance, humour, and live folk music played using 17 traditional instruments.
Bamboo takes center stage throughout the show, the performers are balancing, climbing, tumbling, and transforming simple bamboo poles and baskets into constantly changing sets and props. The performance tells a series of stories inspired by southern Vietnamese life, contrasting peaceful rural villages with the frantic energy of the modern city.
This is a great cultural performance and I’d recommend booking your À Ố Show tickets through GetYourGuide here, especially because performances can sell out and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within your selected ticket category.
Enjoy the Ho Chi Minh City Water Puppet Show
One of the more unique cultural performances I’ve seen in Asia
And finally the last item on this list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, another fun traditional Vietnamese performance that involves the allure of water! The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show is one of the most entertaining cultural performances that I have seen.
Water puppetry is a centuries-old Vietnamese folk art in which puppeteers remain hidden behind a screen and control brightly painted wooden characters using long bamboo rods and mechanisms concealed beneath a pool of water. During the performance, the puppets splash, dance, race boats, chase animals, and act out humorous scenes inspired by rural Vietnamese life.
Farmers working in rice fields, fishermen catching frogs, a boy playing a flute while riding a buffalo, and legends featuring dragons, phoenixes and the famous Golden Turtle. All of this while a live traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies every scene with music, singing, percussion, and narration, giving the show far more energy than you might expect from the words “puppet theatre”.
The dialogue is performed in Vietnamese though, but the story is quite easy to follow despite that.
I’d recommend booking your Ho Chi Minh City Water Puppet Show tickets through GetYourGuide here, especially since the theatre has limited seating and this is one of those experiences that is much easier to reserve before your evening plans are already set. And that rounds up my recommendations for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors!
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Discover the 15 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for first time visitors! From street food and historic landmarks to markets, nightlife, and cultural shows!