Hanoi may be the capital of Vietnam, but Ho Chi Minh City in the south is the economic heart with plenty to do. If you’re in Vietnam, you definitely shouldn’t miss this fascinating destination! We’re revealing the best Ho Chi Minh City attractions here so you know exactly what to do in this city.
- Visit the attractions: Notre Dame, the post office & the temples in Cho Lon;
- Check out the local markets: food markets & the Ben Thanh market;
- See the highlights sky high from the tallest points: rooftops.
Tip: Hop on a bike and discover the enchanting countryside of Vietnam
Leave the city behind and get to know the traditional life in the Mekong Delta during the Mekong bike tour with Baja Bikes. After a quick pick-up at the Opera of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll head south in a van. Once there, you’ll hop on a bike for a relaxing two-hour ride through green rice fields, peaceful villages, and towering coconut palms.
You’ll cycle over elevated paths and narrow country roads, past stilt houses and smiling locals going about their daily activities. The guide is a true local and knows the area inside out. There’s plenty of time for photos and a refreshing break with fresh fruit and water along the way.
After the break, continue the journey under the shade of ancient trees. Was the first part of the tour a bit challenging? Then you can choose to complete the second part in the van. Of course, you can also keep cycling all the way to the ferry.
There, a soothing boat trip awaits to a small river island, where a homemade, local lunch is ready for you. Taste the real flavors of the Mekong before returning to the city. You’ll be back in Ho Chi Minh City around 6:00 PM, full of new impressions of Vietnamese rural life.
Ready for a unique experience off the beaten path? Book your Mekong Bike Tour online now!
The best markets in Ho Chi Minh City
Of course, the Vietnamese food markets are a must-visit during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The Asian cuisine is popular for a reason, and here you can experience a true culinary paradise. The freshest ingredients are stir-fried right in front of you on the street with a sauce and some spices. On every corner, you’ll find a street food stall. Delicious!
Tip: Visit the street food market on ‘Thu Khoa Huan’ street. This market is the Vietnamese version of the market hall in Rotterdam or the mercados in Spain, with fresh products and tapas. You’ll definitely fill your belly here!
Besides all that delicious food, you’ll find the famous ‘Ben Thanh Market’, where you can buy just about anything. This covered market is full of shopping locals and offers clothing, souvenirs, spices, and other treats. Make sure your bargaining skills are ready to navigate the maze of stalls. Ben Thanh Market is the place to shop and grab a souvenir.
Rooftop bars
Ho Chi Minh City has many skyscrapers that make the skyline so special. The fun part? The sky bars with impressive views!
For a true Ho Chi Minh City experience, you must visit one or several of these rooftops. I’ve listed my tips:
- Chill SkyBar: the first skybar in the city. Enjoy panoramic views and stunning sunsets while sipping a cocktail or a glass of bubbles.
- Saigon Saigon rooftop bar: a bar with live music atop the Caravelle hotel. Here you can taste their own brewed beer and enjoy the view of the opera and Notre Dame from the 10th floor.
- EON Heli Bar: Located on the 52nd floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, this bar offers a spectacular 360-degree view over the city.
Discover Mekong with Baja Bikes
Leave Ho Chi Minh City for a while and experience the traditional life along the Mekong within a few hours. Cycle through lush rice fields, past palm trees and villages, make regular stops for photos and refreshments, and enjoy a boat trip to a tranquil island with a homemade lunch. This tour combines cycling fun with authentic culture and local flavors—an ideal way to venture off the beaten path. Book your tour and discover Mekong with Baja Bikes.
