See the top landmarks

Walk down Đồng Khởi street to acquaint yourself with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city’s Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House. On a more local level, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are worth a visit.

Shop small boutiques

Around District 1, a host of old apartments and former office buildings have been repurposed as shopping centres. Decades-old buildings such as 22 Lý Tự Trọng and 42 Nguyễn Huệ are brimming with all kinds of fascinating stores.

Explore the Chinese Quarter

The Chinese neighbourhood known as Chợ Lớn is great for exploring on foot. Head for Bình Tây Market, a colossal wholesale trading centre, and Thiên Hậu Pagoda, an atmospheric temple that pays homage to the goddess of the sea.

Hop on a motorcycle

Do as the locals do and hop on the back of a motorbike to see the city on street level and feel its energetic pulse. Motorbike tours set off in the evening, when the city is at its most romantic and the sidewalk vendors are out in force.

Eat street food

Ho Chi Minh City locals love to gather around dented metal tables across the city for incredible roadside feasts. Don’t miss highlights such as bánh mì, southern-style savoury pancakes (bánh xèo) and broken rice (cơm tấm).