Top 8 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City on Your First Day

Ho Chi Minh City is a place of contrasts - where French-colonial buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with neon-lit skyscrapers, where the smell of incense drifts from ancient temples even as espresso machines hiss in sleek cafés. For first-time visitors who are looking for things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, the city can feel like sensory overload. But if you lean into it, you'll find a city rich in character, resilience, and warmth.

As local travel experts who’ve had the privilege of showing thousands of visitors around Saigon, we’ve learned one thing: your first day in this city sets the tone for your whole Vietnam journey. That’s why we put together this curated list, not of tourist traps, but of authentic cultural touchpoints. These are places that speak to the city’s soul.

Each stop is meaningful, easy to access, and offers something unique whether it’s a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s past, a taste of everyday life, or a chance to connect with local traditions. Let’s get started.

1. Start with Perspective at the War Remnants Museum

If there’s one place that can shift your understanding of Vietnam within an hour, it’s here. The War Remnants Museum doesn’t sugarcoat history. Through powerful photojournalism, preserved military equipment, and deeply personal accounts, it gives voice to the people most affected by the Vietnam War, especially civilians.

Expect to see:

• Real U.S. helicopters, tanks, and fighter planes displayed in the front courtyard
• A chilling exhibit on Agent Orange, with stories of ongoing health issues affecting multiple generations
• The “Requiem” photo collection curated by war photographers from both sides, many of whom lost their lives in combat
• Protest posters and magazine covers from around the world, showing the war’s global resonance
• A prison cell reconstruction complete with barbed wire, isolation cages, and mannequins to depict conditions under the old regime

This isn’t a museum about glorifying war, it’s about remembering it with honesty. Some visitors find it emotional, others transformative. Either way, it’s an essential stop for anyone hoping to understand more than just Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes.

Local Insight:

• Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours, and consider ending with a stop at the small café just outside, it’s a good place to decompress.e to sit with you.
• Visit before 10 AM for a quieter experience, especially if you want time to reflect without feeling rushed.
• If you're traveling with kids, know that some images can be graphic, there’s a recommended age of 12+ for some exhibits.
• Check out our best Full-day and Half-day Ho Chi Minh guided tours (with over 500 5-star reviews) by local experts.

2. Step into History at the Independence Palace

Once the seat of South Vietnam’s presidency, the Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace) is more than just a mid-century architectural curiosity, it’s where modern Vietnamese history changed course in a single moment.

On April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the front gates, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the war. The image of that tank is iconic and you can still see it parked on the palace grounds today.

What you’ll experience:

• Cold War-era meeting halls with long mahogany tables and rotary phones
• Presidential living quarters, including a bedroom, private cinema, and poker lounge
• The underground war bunker, a highlight for many, with original radios, maps, and escape tunnels
• A rooftop helipad, where the final evacuations by helicopter were attempted just before the fall
• Fascinating architectural details, like secret passageways and bomb-proof conference rooms designed with both style and survival in mind

Why it matters:
This is the kind of place that makes history real. You’re not just reading about it, you’re standing where it happened. The preserved spaces feel eerily still, almost like the residents left moments ago.

Local Tip:

• Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa) for a cold drink or some people-watching under the trees.
• Opt for the self-guided audio tour or better yet, go with a local guide (like us!) to uncover the deeper symbolism in each room from Feng Shui-based design to subtle political messages in the decor.
• Visits usually take 1 to 1.5 hours, but history lovers could easily stay longer.

3. Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Standing tall in the heart of District 1, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic colonial landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists, it was constructed entirely from materials imported from France, including red bricks from Marseille that still glow in the morning light.

Its Romanesque architecture, twin bell towers, and stained-glass windows (some original pieces still remain) made it a spiritual and cultural centerpiece of old Saigon.

Although the interior has been closed for renovation since 2017 (and likely will remain so until around 2027), the cathedral’s exterior still draws locals and visitors alike. Early in the morning, it’s quiet enough to hear the bells echoing faintly across the square, offering a rare moment of calm in the city.

What to know:

• It’s a functioning Catholic church and still holds mass on weekends.
• The square in front is a local hangout spot, especially in the evenings.
• You’ll often see wedding photographers shooting couples here, it's a popular backdrop.

Photo Tip:
For the best view, stand on the garden path across the street (by the statue of the Virgin Mary). The bricks take on a beautiful hue around 7–8 AM.

Local Insight:
Even if you can’t go inside right now, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and symbolism. Ask your guide (or us!) about the French-Vietnamese tension reflected in its design, it’s more than just a pretty building.

4. Step Inside the Grand Saigon Central Post Office

Just across the square from the cathedral, the Central Post Office is another relic of colonial-era Saigon but with a totally different feel. Where the cathedral is solemn and spiritual, the post office is lively, full of movement and echoing voices under its massive iron-arched roof.

Built between 1886 and 1891, the post office is often (mistakenly) credited to Gustave Eiffel, but was actually designed by architect Alfred Foulhoux. It still operates as a real post office today but it's also a beloved sightseeing stop.

What to expect inside:

• A giant portrait of Ho Chi Minh hangs at the far end of the main hall.
• Arched green iron beams and high ceilings give it a European train station vibe.
• Wooden booths, marble floors, and vintage ceiling fans make the whole place feel like a step back in time.
• You can buy stamps, postcards, or even have your name hand-lettered in Vietnamese calligraphy.

Why visit:
This isn’t just for architecture buffs, it's for anyone who loves places where old and new coexist. You might see a tourist mailing a postcard next to a local paying their utility bill.

Local Tip:
The souvenir stalls inside sell quality items like lacquerware, retro maps, and hand-drawn artwork at fair prices. If you're lucky, you'll meet one of the older calligraphers who’s been writing names in Vietnamese script for decades, ask for yours as a keepsake.ttle surprise.

5. Get a Taste of Chinatown - Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

While District 1 showcases modern Saigon, District 5 offers a deeper, older rhythm of life. Welcome to Cholon, the city's historic Chinatown and home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Southeast Asia.

What to explore in Cholon:

• Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street – Known as the traditional medicine street, it’s lined with apothecaries and herbal shops. The air smells of dried roots, mushrooms, and ginseng. You might spot locals having their pulses checked the traditional way.
• Gold and jade shops – Dragon motifs, phoenix patterns, and feng shui symbols decorate many of these stores. It’s a good place to browse (or buy) lucky charms or handcrafted jewelry.
• Dim sum houses and noodle stalls – Cholon is heaven for food lovers. Try hủ tiếu mì (egg noodles with pork and wontons), or stop by a shophouse dim sum spot—bamboo baskets steaming by the sidewalk.

Cholon isn’t about sightseeing in the usual sense. It’s more like soaking in the textures of a place still deeply tied to tradition where families run multigenerational businesses and incense smoke curls from altars tucked behind shop counters.

Pro Tip:
The neighborhood can feel like a maze, especially if you don’t speak Vietnamese or Cantonese. That’s where a local guide (like us!) can really help bring it to life, whether it’s helping you navigate a hidden alley or translating a temple ritual.

6. Visit the Atmospheric Thien Hau Pagoda

Tucked between motorbike-filled streets and fruit stalls, Thien Hau Pagoda offers a moment of calm and reflection in the heart of the city’s busiest district.

Originally built in the 19th century by the Cantonese community, the pagoda honors Mazu, the revered sea goddess who protects fishermen and seafarers, a spiritual anchor for Chinese immigrants who crossed oceans to settle here.

What makes it special:

• The temple’s roof is a work of art, ceramic dioramas depict legends and folk stories from Chinese mythology.
• Inside, the hanging incense coils burn slowly for days, carrying prayers skyward in a visual and fragrant spiral.
• Shrines glow with red and gold, where devotees bow deeply, whispering wishes or lighting candles.
• The central courtyard lets light in just enough to illuminate the patina-covered statues and carvings.

Unlike more polished temples in other cities, Thien Hau retains a raw, authentic feel. The worn stone steps and soot-darkened walls are signs of constant use, a sacred space that breathes.

Local Insight:

• Dress modestly, knees and shoulders covered and step quietly.
• Want to make a small offering? Buy incense near the entrance and follow the lead of locals.
• If you’re a photographer, ask permission before taking close-ups of worshippers.

Extra Tip: Combine your visit with nearby Quan Âm Pagoda for contrast, it’s lighter, more open, and devoted to the goddess of compassion.

7. Dive into the Chaos of Binh Tay Market

If you want to step into the daily life of working-class Saigon, Binh Tay Market in District 6 is where it’s at. Built in the 1920s by Quach Dam, a wealthy Chinese philanthropist, this massive market was designed not just for trade but to reflect the community’s values. Its layout features a spacious central courtyard, beautiful tiled roofs, and a unique octagonal clock tower at the center.

Unlike Ben Thanh, Binh Tay isn’t dressed up for tourists. It’s a working wholesale market, no flashy lights, no inflated prices, and definitely no pushy vendors.

What you’ll experience in this of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Two buzzing floors packed with merchants selling bulk goods: dried seafood, preserved fruits, spices, tea, rice noodles, and more.
• A steady stream of porters shouting “cho!” (“move aside!” in Vietnamese) as they wheel massive deliveries through tight corridors.
• A mix of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture and signage that shows off Cholon’s rich cultural fusion.

Cultural Note:
This is where many smaller street vendors and restaurant owners come to stock up. You’re walking through the engine room of Saigon’s food scene.

Pro Tip:
Wander into the narrow alleys behind the market for food stalls that locals swear by try hủ tiếu (pork & seafood noodle soup), xôi mặn (savory sticky rice), or a hot cup of freshly made đậu nành (soy milk).

Local Insight:
Want someone to help decode the chaos? Join a morning walk with a local expert (yes, that’s us!), we’ll translate, taste, and tell you which vendor makes the freshest mango in the district.

8. Eat Like You Mean It - Must Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Let’s be honest: no one leaves Ho Chi Minh City talking about how clean the sidewalks were. But everyone remembers the food.

Street food isn’t just convenient, it’s part of daily life, and arguably the most delicious way to get to know the city. It’s fast, fresh, affordable, and insanely flavorful. Plus, you’ll learn a lot just by sitting on a plastic stool and watching the world go by.

Must-try dishes:

• Bánh mì – A crispy French-style baguette filled with grilled meat, pate, pickled veggies, herbs, and chili sauce. Try it spicy!
• Phở bò – Beef noodle soup with a fragrant broth simmered for hours, topped with lime, herbs, and chili.
• Bún thịt nướng – Grilled pork served over cold vermicelli noodles with fresh greens and fish sauce.
• Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper, dipped in thick hoisin-peanut sauce.
• Cà phê sữa đá or cà phê trứng – Iced coffee with condensed milk or whipped egg yolk, Vietnam’s creamy take on espresso.

Where to eat it all:

• Ben Thanh Night Market: Good for a “sampler plate” approach. Prices are a bit higher, but the atmosphere is lively.
• Sidewalk vendors on Nguyen Thai Binh, Co Giang, or Vinh Khanh Street: These are where the locals go.
• Food tours: We offer scooter-based food safaris that hit hidden gems (with hygiene checked). You'll get more than just great bites, you’ll learn the stories behind each dish.

Local Insight:
Don’t be afraid of the little plastic stools. If it’s packed with locals and looks slightly chaotic, you’re probably in the right spot.

9. End the Day at Nguyen Hue Walking Street

After a long day soaking in Saigon’s flavors and stories, there’s no better place to decompress than Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Located in the center of District 1, this wide, pedestrian-only boulevard stretches from the Saigon River to the stately City Hall, and is flanked by historic buildings, cafés, shops, and ice cream stalls.

What makes it special isn’t just the open space, it’s the local energy. At night, this street transforms into Saigon’s front porch. You’ll see:

• Roller skaters and breakdancers showing off moves
• Teenagers on dates, kids chasing balloons, street musicians filling the air with sound
• Entire families just sitting on the ground chatting and people-watching

Don’t miss:

• The glowing fountains that light up after sunset
• A stop at Apartment 42, a quirky vertical maze of indie coffee shops, bookstores, and boutiques. Grab a cà phê sữa đá, head to a balcony, and watch the city buzz from above.

Evening Tip:
This is the perfect place to wrap up your first day. It's safe, lively, and doesn’t require a plan, just wander, snack, and soak it all in.

10. Visit All These Attractions with Us as Vietnam Local Experts

This itinerary hits all the must-see spots in Ho Chi Minh City, blending history, culture, markets, and food in one day. It’s perfect for first-time visitors with limited time but a big curiosity. Thoughtfully paced, it avoids burnout while letting you fully experience Saigon’s vibrant spirit. Moments to explore, reflect, and savor make it truly memorable.

As local experts who’ve lived and breathed Saigon’s rhythms for years, we know the city’s hidden corners and cultural nuances that most guidebooks miss. We’ll help you navigate through the city’s contrasts with insider knowledge, ensuring you experience each destination authentically - no tourist traps, just real stories and real moments.

Join us for a guided day tour and discover Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of locals from highlight attractions to authentic local dining. We operate daily Full-day or Half-day tours or even customized private tours which are rated 5 stars by over 400 travelers and led by cultural experts born and raised right here in Saigon.

Ready to see the real Saigon? Let us lead the way.

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