Top 6 Exciting Activities in Ho Chi Minh City for Tourists

It is a kaleidoscopic tour through Ho Chi Minh City where every moment is an alive adventure-a collision of ancient charisma and modern dynamism. The city has everything: from historical sites and animated markets to hip nightlife and richly diverse cuisine. In this post, we are going to show you the Top 6 Exciting Activities in Ho Chi Minh City that you definitely cannot miss during Ho Chi Minh Tours. From the moment you dive into the culture of the locals, taste street food, and explore the history of the city-you’re about to capture the spirit of Saigon!

Discover the Historic Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

Get ready to take part in one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City in an excursion to the fabled Cu Chi Tunnels! Only 70 kilometers from the city’s heart, this extensive underground maze is integral to any Ho Chi Minh Tour. Stretching over more than 250 kilometers, the tunnels were built as a strategic network of defense by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Winding through the narrow, curving passageways, you will find a surprising number of chambers used for living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, and even field hospitals. Truly, this is the closest you will ever come to stepping back in time and understanding the resiliency and ingenuity of the Vietnamese in a very difficult era in their history.

But that’s not all! Further down the tunnels is the shooting range where one can try an AK-47 or M16 rifle, just like the soldiers did decades ago ultimate in adrenaline. You can also watch a documentary that delves into the interesting history, construction, and significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels. For a more engaging experience, take one of the guided tours given by natives who tell stories and give elaborate information and anecdotes about this site.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance tickets cost an approximate value of 90,000 VND per head, about 4 USD, not inclusive of added activities such as shooting. A visit to Cu Chi Tunnels during Ho Chi Minh Tours is the best combination of history and adventure, challenging both your physical and mental strengths. It’s the realization of huge appreciation that will arise in the realms of heritage and spirit in Vietnam, therefore making it an absolute ‘must-do’ and one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City one could indulge in while in Ho Chi Minh City!

Explore the Bustling Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

A tour of Ho Chi Minh City would not be complete without a visit to the symbolic Ben Thanh Market located in District 1. This very lively marketplace has been, for over a century, a pinpoint of Saigon culture; thus, any Ho Chi Minh Tour should not miss this spot. Inside, it’s a riot of color and sound with stalls selling everything from gaudy fabrics and the latest fashions to handicrafts or command souvenirs. Don’t leave without asking for the taste of some of the more exotic fruits such as dragon fruit or mangosteen, or tasting local street food, pho, bahn xeo, and so on and so on. Each corner has its flavor, which is supposed to count as one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City.

For the most proper visit, try to go in the early morning or late afternoon when the market has fewer people and the vendors are more willing to accommodate. Note that bargaining is expected, perhaps 50% off from the starting price; pass through stalls selling traditional Vietnamese items such as conical hats, embroidered linens, to local coffee beans. The best part? Entrance to Ben Thanh Market is free, and it’s open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM the night market goes until midnight.

Visitors like to visit Ben Thanh Market not only for shopping but also for cultural identity. You can experience local life here, see the friendly faces of vendors, and take with you a portion of vibrant Vietnamese culture. Whether you want to get unique gifts or take in the sprightly atmosphere, this is bound to top the exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City!

Enjoy a Saigon River Dinner Cruise

Saigon River Dinner Cruise

Indeed, one of the most exhilarating evening exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon River Dinner Cruise. Imagine being on a wonderfully decorated boat just when the sun has begun to set and cast its golden colors throughout the water in the city. While having a gentle cruise down the Saigon River, you will have a sumptuous dinner with a mix of gourmet Vietnamese and international dishes at its best, skillfully prepared by leading chefs. This is not just dinner but an opportunity to see the beauty of the city from another perspective; hence, it is one of those things that must be done on any Ho Chi Minh Tour.

It’s more than just great food! Savor the evening with soft sweet sounds of music floating in the air while you dine, giving a touch of magic to your journey. You will also be entertained with captivating cultural performances, which include captivating traditional folk dances and live instrumental performances that showcase a snippet of Vietnam’s rich heritage. In this regard, some provide small trips ashore to have you view some of the city’s iconic landmarks upfront, such as the Saigon Opera House and Bitexco Financial Tower. From culture to entertainment down to the sceneries, all these combined make the Saigon River Dinner Cruise one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City.

You are advised to book the cruise tickets in advance to get the best out of a whole cruise. Starting the cruise at around 6:00 PM is also one of the best options since you can catch the breathtaking view of the sunset and how magical it would be to see the city getting transformed into a sea of lights starting at night. Prices: approximately 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND, depending on cruise package and menu order. With its departure at the centrally located Bach Dang Wharf, this dinner cruise is easily accessible and just perfect for utter relaxation while taking in the romance of Ho Chi Minh City. This is something one should not miss!

Immerse in the Vibrant Nightlife of Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street

Get ready to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s heartbeat after dark in Bui Vien Street, the ultimate holiday destination in nightlife and one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City! Locals refer to it as the “Backpacker Street," and at dusk, this street is transformed into a vast, twinkling playground with neon lights, where locals and tourists gather, serenaded by live music, and enchanted by street performers doing their thing-from fire dancing to acrobatic feats. From casual lounges to pulsating dance floors, these bars and clubs cater to every whim. So whether one wants to bond over a dance, tap their feet to the beat of live bands, or just feel the energy of the place themselves, a night on Bui Vien is one of the things that must be mainstays on any tour to Ho Chi Minh City.

Remember to have your belongings secure and enjoy the local culture of haggling for the best deals on drinks and street foods. Take the chance to chat with locals and other travelers, as Bui Vien offers more than partying offers a gateway to culture in the city. It’s a place that epitomizes the vibrant and eclectic feel of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re a party lover or an inquisitive soul, taking in the infectious energy of Bui Vien Street is one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City just not to be missed!

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office are two striking French colonial structures found in Ho Chi Minh City and thus should not be missed. These architectural miracles give the touch of the colonial heritage and, therefore, feature in every Ho Chi Minh Tour. Notre-Dame Cathedral is strikingly red-bricked with twin bell towers, great to photograph and explore in historical architecture. These go along with the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel and form an ideal spot for photography and touring historical architecture. After visiting these places, stop in at souvenir shops for those unique keepsake items representing Saigon.

These represent significant meanings in culture and history to the people in the area as well. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is still a main place of worship and community, while the Saigon Central Post Office is still running, reflecting the rich history of the city. Admission to both is free, and they are open at the cathedral from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the post office from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is recommended to go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon for just an amazing photo with no crowds, one of the exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City!

Stroll through the Vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Taking a walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street is arguably one of the best and most exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City! Centrally located right in the heart and center of District 1, this busy pedestrian boulevard offers a spirited mix of modern architecture combined with wide, tree-lined pedestrian paths and a truly festive atmosphere that lures locals and tourists alike. It’s a great spot for capturing photos, with iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building or the colorful Lotus Fountain, hence this makes it a must-visit on any Ho Chi Minh Tour.

It’s a food haven where lots of street vendors prepare local treats such as grilled skewers, banh trang nuong Vietnamese pizza, and fresh sugarcane juice. This place turns out to be a cultural hotspot, whether it is festivals, events, or live performances going on throughout. Finish off the vibrant appeal with a sit-down and relaxation in one of the cafes or rooftop bars nearby after touring the surroundings, including The Workshop or The Loft Cafe, with majestic views and hives for unwinding.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street operates day and night, and entry is free of charge; thus, it can be accessible to everyone. If you want to fully feel its charm, head out in the evening when it’s full of bright lights and activities along the street. Be it just to take in the delicious street foods, join in on one of the local festivals, or just vibe to the dynamic atmosphere following is one of the most exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City on a walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Conclusion

In all, these things to do in Ho Chi Minh City offer a fantastic combination of historical, cultural, and gastronomic experiences, along with nightlife that no visitor should miss. From exploring Cu Chi Tunnels to the architecture at the Notre-Dame Cathedral and further to the Saigon Central Post Office, to the vibrant scenes at Bui Vien Street and the serene dinner cruise along the Saigon River, each depicts a unique charm of the city. Whether a street food experience on Nguyen Hue Walking Street or diving into the vibrant festivals, these ensure that you internally experience the dynamic spirit of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your chance and make these experiences part of your journey to discover the true spirit of the vibrant city! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel  for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.