Now offering 99+ Tours and Activities and more than 101+ Places to Stay in and around Saigon
Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.
Take a boat trip along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in Ho Chi Minh City. Release native bottom-dwelling fish on a daytime cruise to help the aquatic environment during the day or float eco-friendly paper lanterns made from bamboo pulp at night.
This combined tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ho Chi Minh City by first visiting the Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Guests begin by ascending to the observation deck, where panoramic views stretch across the sprawling cityscape, the Saigon River, and distant mountains on clear days. The itinerary allows flexible entry times for the Skydeck, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the city from above at their own pace. After taking in the skyline, the tour continues with an evening performance of the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1. This traditional art form dates back centuries and features puppeteers skillfully manipulating wooden puppets over a water stage, accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music. The key stops include the Saigon Skydeck, where visitors will witness the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture below. The spectacle of motorbikes weaving through the streets, the glittering lights as dusk falls, and the gentle flow of the Saigon River create a rich visual narrative of city life. At the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, the audience is treated to lively scenes depicting rural Vietnamese folklore, daily village life, and mythological tales. The sound of traditional drums, chimes, and the splash of water enhances the storytelling, while the puppets’ intricate movements captivate viewers. This tour is designed for small to medium groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Participants can choose their Skydeck entry time, allowing for flexibility depending on their schedule. The Skydeck visit involves a self-guided experience with informative displays about the tower and city, while the water puppet show includes seating in a cozy theater setting. Transportation between the two locations is not included, but both sites are accessible by taxi or public transport. Knowledgeable local staff are available to provide background information and answer questions. Ideal for visitors interested in combining a modern perspective of Ho Chi Minh City with a traditional cultural performance, this tour suits travelers who appreciate architectural vistas and performing arts. It works well for solo travelers, couples, and families with children old enough to enjoy a theatrical show. Those seeking a relaxed yet enriching afternoon and evening in Ho Chi Minh City will find this combination rewarding.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City's streets on the back of a scooter. A local guide will pick you up and take you through neighborhoods and interesting spots for craft beer and street food. Start with a glass of Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s fresh beer. Sample IPAs, pale ales, and pilsners brewed with traditional techniques. Try Lao Gia Beer, a local favorite from Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown, known for its unique flavor. Along the route, enjoy a variety of street food, with vegan and non-vegan options available. Visit places where locals eat and drink, and hear about Vietnam’s beer culture and history from your guide. At the end, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation.
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 and drive to My Tho, a journey of about two hours. Visit the Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, which combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River to Ben Tre. Visit coconut candy and honey farms along the way. Have a local lunch on either Turtle Island or Unicorn Island. The meal often features elephant ear fish. Go on a sampan ride through calm canals. Listen to local folk music and taste tropical fruits. Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00 - 18:00.
Take a boat trip along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in Ho Chi Minh City. Release native bottom-dwelling fish on a daytime cruise to help the aquatic environment during the day or float eco-friendly paper lanterns made from bamboo pulp at night.
This combined tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ho Chi Minh City by first visiting the Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Guests begin by ascending to the observation deck, where panoramic views stretch across the sprawling cityscape, the Saigon River, and distant mountains on clear days. The itinerary allows flexible entry times for the Skydeck, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the city from above at their own pace. After taking in the skyline, the tour continues with an evening performance of the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1. This traditional art form dates back centuries and features puppeteers skillfully manipulating wooden puppets over a water stage, accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music. The key stops include the Saigon Skydeck, where visitors will witness the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture below. The spectacle of motorbikes weaving through the streets, the glittering lights as dusk falls, and the gentle flow of the Saigon River create a rich visual narrative of city life. At the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, the audience is treated to lively scenes depicting rural Vietnamese folklore, daily village life, and mythological tales. The sound of traditional drums, chimes, and the splash of water enhances the storytelling, while the puppets’ intricate movements captivate viewers. This tour is designed for small to medium groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Participants can choose their Skydeck entry time, allowing for flexibility depending on their schedule. The Skydeck visit involves a self-guided experience with informative displays about the tower and city, while the water puppet show includes seating in a cozy theater setting. Transportation between the two locations is not included, but both sites are accessible by taxi or public transport. Knowledgeable local staff are available to provide background information and answer questions. Ideal for visitors interested in combining a modern perspective of Ho Chi Minh City with a traditional cultural performance, this tour suits travelers who appreciate architectural vistas and performing arts. It works well for solo travelers, couples, and families with children old enough to enjoy a theatrical show. Those seeking a relaxed yet enriching afternoon and evening in Ho Chi Minh City will find this combination rewarding.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City's streets on the back of a scooter. A local guide will pick you up and take you through neighborhoods and interesting spots for craft beer and street food. Start with a glass of Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s fresh beer. Sample IPAs, pale ales, and pilsners brewed with traditional techniques. Try Lao Gia Beer, a local favorite from Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown, known for its unique flavor. Along the route, enjoy a variety of street food, with vegan and non-vegan options available. Visit places where locals eat and drink, and hear about Vietnam’s beer culture and history from your guide. At the end, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation.
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 and drive to My Tho, a journey of about two hours. Visit the Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, which combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River to Ben Tre. Visit coconut candy and honey farms along the way. Have a local lunch on either Turtle Island or Unicorn Island. The meal often features elephant ear fish. Go on a sampan ride through calm canals. Listen to local folk music and taste tropical fruits. Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00 - 18:00.
Attend a traditional 45-minute water puppet show featuring Vietnamese art. Water puppetry is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, especially in rural areas. The performance takes place on a water pool stage. Skilled puppeteers use long bamboo rods and strings to control the puppets from beneath the water's surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the show with its music. The puppets depict stories from the songs, portraying scenes of everyday life in the Vietnamese countryside.
Start your day with a pickup from central hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. After a 1.5-hour ride, explore the underground network that played a key role in the Vietnam War. Learn about its history and crawl through sections of the tunnels. Have a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant with vegan options available. In the afternoon, go to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong River and see the lush scenery before boarding a sampan to glide through narrow canals lined with coconut palms. Visit a bee house, taste seasonal fruits with honey tea, and listen to traditional folk music performed by villagers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
From steaming bowls of phở to crispy bánh xèo at sidewalk stalls — Saigon's best bites and where to find them.
Museums, tunnels, and landmarks that tell the story of Vietnam's turbulent 20th century.
Boat rides, floating markets, and river towns in the lush Mekong Delta south of the city.
French-era architecture, grand post offices, and ornate cathedrals that shaped Saigon's skyline.
Sprawling indoor markets, night bazaars, and local craft shops across the city's districts.
Rooftop bars, backpacker strips, live music venues, and late-night street food scenes.
Centuries-old Buddhist temples, incense-filled pagodas, and hidden shrines tucked between modern towers.
Drip-brewed cà phê sữa đá, egg coffee, and the city's best independent cafés.
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Complete Guide to Saigon Neighborhoods and Districts
Guide to Saigon’s Culture and History: Key Facts and Places
We got picked up from our hotel on time, which was nice since we were kinda tired from walking all morning. The boat was open-air and pretty fast, so it was cool to see parts of the Mekong most bigger boats don’t get to.
Went on this tour on a hot day and it was a good way to see a bunch of spots without sweating it all out. Our guide, Thanh, was funny and knew his stuff, especially about the war history.
Got the combo ticket and it was worth it! The park's huge so wear comfy shoes and bring water, it gets hot. We caught a circus show that was pretty entertaining, even if a bit cheesy.
We got picked up from our hotel on time, which was nice since we were kinda tired from walking all morning. The boat was open-air and pretty fast, so it was cool to see parts of the Mekong most bigger boats don’t get to.
Went on this tour on a hot day and it was a good way to see a bunch of spots without sweating it all out. Our guide, Thanh, was funny and knew his stuff, especially about the war history.
Got the combo ticket and it was worth it! The park's huge so wear comfy shoes and bring water, it gets hot. We caught a circus show that was pretty entertaining, even if a bit cheesy.
Each area has its own character. Find the local flavour that sets each one apart.
Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao form the main backpacker district in Ho Chi Minh City, often called the 'Backpacker Street.' It's a lively area filled with budget hostels, street food stalls, and bars that stay open late. This neighborhood suits travelers who want to meet others, enjoy affordable drinks, and have easy access to travel agencies organizing trips around Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The streets are often crowded, especially in the evenings, with a mix of tourists and locals. Noise and occasional aggressive vendors can be a downside, so if you prefer quieter nights, this might not be ideal. The area is also known for its late-night food options, which are practical after hours of partying. Street hygiene varies, so carrying hand sanitizer is advisable. The location is central, making it easy to get to other parts of the city by foot or motorbike taxi.
Phu My Hung in District 7 offers a clean, organized urban environment far from the narrow alleys and traffic jams typical of central Ho Chi Minh City. The area suits families, expatriates, and professionals looking for quieter residential streets and green spaces. Wide roads, modern apartments, and shopping centers line the neighborhood, reflecting a carefully planned layout. Korean businesses and restaurants are abundant here, reflecting the significant Korean community. The atmosphere is calm during weekdays but can feel somewhat sterile or quiet compared to the city center's energy. Public transportation options are limited, so owning a motorbike or car is helpful. The price of housing and services tends to be higher, reflecting its appeal as a suburban alternative.
Dong Khoi sits at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, catering mostly to visitors who appreciate polished surroundings and a touch of colonial history. The wide sidewalks, lined with mature trees and French-era buildings, offer a calm contrast to the city’s more frenetic districts. Upscale boutiques, art galleries, and luxury hotels shape the street’s sophisticated feel. While it’s well-maintained and quiet during weekday mornings, the area draws more foot traffic on weekends and evenings, particularly around Nguyen Hue walking street nearby. The prices here reflect its upscale nature—expect higher costs for dining and shopping compared to other districts. If you’re after a refined atmosphere with plenty of cafes where you can linger over a coffee, Dong Khoi fits the bill, though it might be less lively if you prefer a more casual or local vibe.
In District 1 / Ben Thanh, apartments like The Tresor and Saigon Pearl offer modern amenities starting from $600 per month. The area is known for its proximity to Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, making it ideal for urban living. District 1, particularly the Ben Thanh area, sits right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s where colonial architecture meets daily urban life and a steady stream of locals and tourists cross paths. The neighborhood is a mix of old and new: French-style buildings stand alongside modern shops and street vendors. If you want to be in the middle of everything, with easy access to public transport, markets, and office buildings, this is your spot.The atmosphere can be noisy and crowded, especially around Ben Thanh Market and the surrounding streets. This is where you’ll find an endless flow of motorbikes, street food stalls, and souvenir shops. It’s not the place for quiet mornings, but it offers a real feel for city life. The trade-off here is that it’s busy and sometimes tourist-heavy, but the convenience and energy make it worth it for many.People who want to stay close to major landmarks like the Opera House and Notre-Dame Cathedral will find District 1 very practical. It’s walkable to many attractions, and taxis or Grab rides are easy to get. At night, the area lights up with bars and eateries, though some spots can be pricey compared to other districts.
District 3 is a mostly residential area with a steady rhythm that suits people who want to live among locals rather than tourists. It has a mix of old French colonial villas, narrow alleys filled with small shops, and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is quieter than District 1 but still has plenty of cafes, eateries, and small markets where residents shop daily. Traffic is less intense here compared to the city center, making it easier to get around by motorbike or bicycle. However, it’s not free from noise and congestion during rush hours, especially near major roads like Điện Biên Phủ and Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. District 3 attracts long-term residents, expats who prefer a less hectic environment, and families. The area’s charm lies in its everyday life scenes—people chatting outside their homes, kids playing in small parks, and street vendors selling fresh food. If you want a base that is close to the city’s main spots but still has a local feel, District 3 works well. It’s not the best place if you want late-night entertainment or big shopping malls, but it’s solid for those who appreciate neighborhoods where you can walk to a good coffee shop or a quiet park without too much fuss.
Binh Thanh district lies just northeast of Ho Chi Minh City's central districts, offering a primarily residential atmosphere that appeals to locals and budget-conscious visitors. The area is marked by a dense grid of streets, where motorbikes dominate the traffic and small shops line the sidewalks. Compared to District 1 or 3, Binh Thanh is quieter in terms of nightlife and tourism but lively during the day with markets, street food vendors, and local services. Housing here includes a mix of older apartment buildings and modest houses; prices for rentals and dining are significantly lower than the city center. This neighborhood suits travelers who want to stay close to the action without paying District 1 rates, and those interested in seeing everyday city life outside the main tourist zones. The trade-off is that public transport options are less direct, and some streets can be crowded with motorbikes during rush hour. English signage and foreigner-friendly amenities are limited, so some familiarity with Vietnamese helps.
Thao Dien is a neighborhood on the east side of Ho Chi Minh City, favored by many expats and locals who want a quieter, greener environment away from the dense urban core. The area features tree-lined streets, low-rise villas, and a mix of modern apartments and standalone houses. It's particularly popular among families and professionals, thanks to its range of international schools, cafes, and shops catering to foreign tastes. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with less traffic congestion compared to District 1 or 3.One trade-off is that Thao Dien is a bit removed from the city's main business districts, which can mean longer commute times during peak hours. Public transport options are limited, so most residents rely on motorbikes or cars. The neighborhood is developing rapidly, so construction noise is common in certain parts. That said, the proximity to the Saigon River adds a fresh breeze and some green spaces that are hard to find elsewhere in the city.Overall, Thao Dien suits those who prefer a balance between modern living and a leafy environment, with easy access to international amenities but without the intensity of the city center.
Cholon, or District 5, is Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown and home to a large ethnic Chinese community. The neighborhood is dense, with narrow streets lined by low-rise shophouses, traditional medicine shops, and markets selling dried herbs and spices. It suits travelers interested in cultural immersion and those comfortable navigating busy, sometimes chaotic streets. The atmosphere is authentic, with temple bells mixing with market calls and street vendors. Visitors should be prepared for the strong smells of incense and street food frying in the humid air. While it isn’t polished or tourist-friendly in the conventional sense, Cholon offers a glimpse into the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage. The area’s busy streets and older buildings mean it’s not ideal for those seeking modern comforts or quiet streets, but it’s rewarding for those who appreciate urban density and cultural layers.
