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Vietnam is not high on the “MUST SEE” travel list for many people. That’s unfortunate. Because…IT SHOULD BE! From the food to the amazing people, the interesting history to the culture, and the rice patties to the temples. It’s all simply amazing!

Undoubtedly, your first stop in Vietnam will be Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon. Whether you plan to make this your base while in Vietnam or intend to travel on to other parts, why not check out all that Ho Chi Minh has to offer.

Here are some great suggestions on what to do in Ho Chi Minh:

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh

Silverland Yen Hotel

Deciding which Ho Chi Minh city hotel to stay in shouldn’t prove too difficult. There are plenty of quality hotels in Ho Chi Minh. After much research, I chose the Silverland Yen Hotel which is arguably one of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh city. In about a 30 minute ride from the airport, you’ll walk up the steps to a Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) oasis. This “clean-lined”, zen-decorated beauty is just what you would expect from a top-notch accommodation.

With an in-house restaurant and rooftop jacuzzi with phenomenal views you really can’t go wrong here. The afternoon tea service is also a nice touch. In addition (and this is big), included in your stay is complimentary airport transfer service. Listen…they had me at complimentary!

The ability to grab something from the free breakfast buffet before heading out for a day of sightseeing is always a plus in my book. The food was always fresh and varied. On the morning of my departure, the even offered to send me on my way with a breakfast to go. I really loved this place and would absolutely stay here again.

Some travelers are of the opinion that the accommodations when traveling are not that important (since you’re only in the room for a short while). NOT ME! Returning from a long day of walking and sightseeing to a beautiful establishment, superb customer service, and the ability to hop up to the roof for a quick dip in the jacuzzi is well worth the extra coins.

Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

1. Sign up for FREE walking tours

One of the first things you should do when visiting a new city is research free walking tours.  Ho Chi Minh has one of the most organized with a network of student volunteer guides and tour leaders.  This is the best way to get a feel for the authentic side of Saigon. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to check out Ho Chi Minh City attractions-this is it!

Saigon Free Walking Tours offers a variety of tours to choose from which also include night tours:

Saigon City Tour – a walking tour of the downtown district featuring the beautiful colonial architecture of the city, including the Saigon Central Post office, Notre Dame Basilica, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and the Ben Thanh Market.

The Oriental Saigon – a great way to learn about the cultural side of the city. Temples, markets, and the FITO (Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine) are a part of this tour.

Light Up The Night – everything looks different at night.  The highlight of this tour is dinner and the Thu Thiem Tunnel which offers a stunning view of the sparkling lights of Saigon.

Saigon Street Food – LISTEN!  If you are a foodie then this is the tour for you.  It’s a great way to tantalize your taste buds with the delicious street food of Vietnam.  Of course, the food isn’t free, but the tour curates the street food experience for you.

China Town – the history of China’s rule of Vietnam and Vietnam’s revolt is interesting, indeed.  Tour the temples and monasteries which serve as markers to some of these events and take it all in in the largest Chinese community in the south of Vietnam.

2. Dine at the top places to eat in Ho Chi Minh

Shri Restaurant & Lounge – Looking for a dinner spot with a rooftop view, great music and a superb selection of wines than look no further. Be advised that the menu is primarily European and the prices are on the high side. However, this one of a kind experience is well worth it.

Secret Garden Restaurant – Now if you’re looking for Vietnamese flare then don’t overlook this place. The food is fantastic and the presentation is some of the best I’ve seen while in Ho Chi Minh. The warm and inviting decor, attentive staff, and great prices make for a superb dining experience. Check out the Secret Garden Restaurant Facebook page.

The Deck Saigon – A short 15 min ride from downtown Ho Chi Minh. This is where you go for the ambiance. Picture it. Sitting on the backs of the Saigon River, sipping your favorite beverage, and indulging in your favorite Pan-Asian dish. I’m partial to seafood and they did not disappoint. Go see for yourself!

Banh Xeo 46A – Looking for a local spot? This is it! Have you ever had Banh Xeo? It’s a kind of crepe “thingy” that’s somewhat crunchy and folded over like an omelet filled with “whatever”. That “whatever” could be shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs. Your choice. Now, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience…this ain’t it. But if you’re looking for great food at an even greater price…THEN ABSOLUTELY!

3. Take a cooking class

Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class – Learn all about the different herbs and ingredients on the organic farm. This hands-on cooking class which lasts about 5-6 hours will have you serving up authentic Vietnamese dishes in no time. In the end, you will have cooked three dishes and a dessert. They even have a vegan option. There are half-day and full-day programs.

Chef Vu Cooking Class – Get two experiences for the price of one. Get picked up at your hotel and transported to the class on a Vietnamese “cyclo”. With a stop at the Ben Thanh market and instructions on how to up your knife skills (which I suck at, by the way) this class is one you don’t want to miss. The step-by-step guidance will have you wowing your friends and family with your new-found skills when you get back home. The best way to book this cooking experience is on Viator.

4. Slow it down with a spa day

Cat Moc Spa – Add a bit of pampering to your schedule. Treatment options include herbal baths, coconut body scrub, dead sea mud body wrap, and foot reflexology (MUST DO). Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to be satisfied.

I chose the coffee ground body scrub and foot reflexology. This combination had my body glistening and my feet feeling like new.

Note: If you’re ever in a situation where you’re not happy with a spa treatment (in the moment), SPEAK UP! Right then! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!

5. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta

This is certainly a MUST DO! Although, not in Ho Chi Minh you’ll not want to miss this experience.

The floating markets, rice fields, fish boats, fresh fruit, and knowledgeable tour guides make for an amazing experience. Most tours include hotel pickup.

My tour was booked through my hotel. Be mindful that each tour company may include different options so research to ensure you’re getting what you want. The tour I chose included a boat ride on the Mekong delta, kyack canal tour, bike riding, cooking class (spring rolls), local Vietnamese folk music for entertainment, and lunch. I loved every minute of it.

6. Check out the water puppet show

Another MUST SEE! A wonderful cultural experience presented in Vietnamese. However, the gestures of the puppets make it easy to understand. Both the live music and the performers are phenomenal.

A great depiction of rural life in Vietnam combined with stories that have been passed down from generation to generation is performed over a waist-deep pool of water. Your best bet is to purchase tickets at the door. Shows sell out quickly so get there early.

Check it out at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater located at 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Kai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Packing List

Don’t forget to pack these necessities for your Vietnam trip:

• Water-Resistant Backpack – I never travel without this thing.
• Lightweight Rain Poncho – Comes with its own pouch.
• Insect Repellant – Protect yourself from being bitten.
• Water Sandals – These can also be used as walking shoes. They’re not the prettiest but oh so comfortable.
• Travel Wash Cloth – Never leave home without it. Some places don’t have washcloths.
• Travel Towel – Throw it in your backpack. You never know when and how you’ll get wet.
• Sunscreen – That Asian sun hits different. ALWAYS wear sunscreen! This is a travel size.
• Charcoal Tablets – Stomach issues when trying new food is common. Take a couple of tablets at the first sign of an issue.
• Imodium Caplets – If you get traveler’s diarrhea then this will be your best friend.
• Travel Battery Pack – A definite necessity! Keep those phones and cameras charged and ready.

Turn One Trip Into TWO

I turned my trip to Vietnam into a two-for-one with a several day stopover in Tokyo. Airline stopovers are a great way to get more vacation value for your money. Check out my blog post on how to use airline stopovers to turn one trip into two.

Vietnam is really a traveler’s dream. There is so much to see and do and Ho Chi Minh is just a small part of that. Have you ever been? Tell us about it. If not, will you add Vietnam to your “MUST GO” travel list?

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