Things to do · TP.HCM
Things to do in TP.HCM
A working directory of places worth your time — what they are, where they are, and when they open. No scores, no ticket prices: those belong to the venue, not to us.
This directory is being read through before it goes public. Entries list publicly available facts; our written guides are at /things-to-do.
12 places
TP. Hồ Chí Minh is also in our curated catalogue — 3 experiences we verified ourselves.
Open the curated catalogue →
Ben Thanh Market
Sài Gòn's central market, trading under the current roof since 1914; the clock tower over the south gate is one of the city's emblems. Inside are fabric, souvenir and food stalls — agree prices before buying — and food stands around the edges serve into the evening.
Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Bahnfrend · CC BY-SA 4.0 · WikimediaBui Vien Walking Street
The backpacker quarter's main strip, pedestrianized on weekend evenings since 2017 — bars stacked on bars, street-food carts and music until late. Loud, neon and not for everyone; go for the spectacle and keep an eye on your phone.
Bùi Viện Phạm Ngũ Lão, phường, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnel
Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.
Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Dam Sen Water Park
A ticketed water park beside Đầm Sen Cultural Park in District 11 — slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, aimed squarely at families. Weekends get crowded; go early in the day.
3 Hòa Bình, Bình Thới, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
This colorful pagoda has ornate architecture & religious statues, plus an open courtyard.
Tân Thới 3, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Independence Palace
The former presidential palace of South Vietnam, designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and completed in 1966. It is kept as it stood in April 1975, when the war ended at its gates — cabinet rooms, private quarters and the basement command bunker included. Allow about an hour and a half.
Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Landmark 81
Vietnam's tallest building — 81 floors rising 461 metres over Vinhomes Central Park by the Sài Gòn River, opened in 2018. The SkyView observation deck on the top floors is the draw for visitors; sunset slots book out first.
720A Điện Biên Phủ, Phường, Thạnh Mỹ Tây, Hồ Chí Minh 72300, Vietnam
Saigon Skydeck
Glass-enclosed observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower with scenic views.
36 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Laid out in the 1860s, one of the oldest zoos in the world still operating, and as much a botanical garden as a zoo — old trees shade the walkways between enclosures. A low-cost, shady half day in the middle of the city.
2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Suoi Tien Theme Park
An amusement park in Thủ Đức built around Vietnamese legend and Buddhist imagery since 1995 — dragon gates, giant statues, a water park and rides. It is deliberately theatrical rather than high-tech; families with young children get the most out of it.
120 Song Hành Xa Lộ Hà Nội, Tăng Nhơn Phú, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Temple
Sprawling Buddhist temple with traditional architecture, a 25m-tall tower & a vegetarian restaurant.
339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Xuân Hòa, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
War Remnants Museum
Ho Chi Minh City's most visited museum, documenting the Indochina wars through photographs and artefacts, with tanks, aircraft and artillery in the courtyard. The exhibits are graphic in places; most visitors spend one to two hours.
Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam
Business-level facts collected from public listings. Not a review source; no pricing or availability.