Key Attractions & Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market – Local Life at Its Best
A great intro to Vietnamese culture, this central market is perfect for picking up souvenirs, tasting street food, or grabbing a strong iced coffee. Bargaining is expected, so brush up on your friendly negotiation skills.
War Remnants Museum – Sobering and Important
This powerful museum tells the story of the Vietnam War through compelling photography, aircraft displays and survivor stories. It’s an emotional but worthwhile visit for anyone interested in modern history.
Notre-Dame Cathedral & Saigon Central Post Office
These French colonial landmarks are side-by-side in the city centre and make for great photo ops. The post office, still operating today, was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is packed with charm.
Bui Vien Street – Backpacker Energy
This lively strip comes alive at night with cheap beer, street performers, and casual eats. A great place to meet travellers or experience the more chaotic side of HCMC’s nightlife.
Bitexco Tower Skydeck – City Views from the Top
Get a bird’s-eye view of the skyline from this 262m-high tower. It’s best at sunset, when the city starts to light up and the chaos below feels a world away.
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
Flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch typically connect via Sydney, Singapore or Bangkok. Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam’s busiest, with great onward links across Southeast Asia.
Book cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City today, such as flights from Wellington to Ho Chi Minh City, with Mix & Match and explore Vietnam’s most electric destination.
