Ho Chi Minh City, often called Saigon by locals, is a place that never stops moving. It’s Vietnam’s biggest city, with over 8 million people living here. While many visitors stick to the famous spots, there’s so much more to see and do if you know where to look.
So, let me take you through some of the most unusual and interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll explore hidden buildings, quirky museums, and unique experiences that even some locals might not know about. By the end, you’ll have a list of adventures that will make your trip to Saigon truly special.
- Visit Old and New Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit Different Museums in Saigon
- Try Cultural Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
- Try Less Known Activities in Saigon
- Taste Coffee Culture in Ho Chi Minh City
- Shop at Unique Places in Ho Chi Minh City
- Relax in Green Spaces in the City in Ho Chi Minh City
- Make the Most of Your Unusual Ho Chi Minh City Activities!
Visit Old and New Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City
Let’s start our journey by checking out some of the city’s coolest buildings. Ho Chi Minh City has a mix of old and new architecture, and some of the most interesting spots are hidden away from the main tourist areas.
1. Take Photos at the Pink Church in District 3
In District 3, there’s a church that stands out from everything around it. The Tan Dinh Church, better known as the Pink Church, is bright pink and looks like something from a storybook.
| Name | Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church) |
| Address | 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3 |
| Built | 1876 |
| Painted Pink | 1957 |
| Open Hours | 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
This church was built in 1876 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It wasn’t always pink, though. The church got its rosy color in 1957. Now, it’s one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 6 AM. The streets are quieter then, and the morning light makes the pink walls look even prettier. Don’t forget to go inside too. The interior is just as impressive with its detailed stained-glass windows and peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re hungry after your visit, there’s a great little coffee shop across the street called Cong Caphe. They serve a tasty coconut coffee that’s perfect for a hot Saigon morning.
2. Shop and Eat at the Cafe Apartment Building
Next, let’s head to District 1 to see one of the coolest buildings in the city. At 42 Nguyen Hue Street, there’s an old apartment building that’s been turned into a vertical village of cafes, shops, and offices.
| Floor | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Ground | Clothing stores and a convenience store |
| 2nd-3rd | Coffee shops and bubble tea places |
| 4th-5th | Art galleries and fashion stores |
| 6th-7th | Co-working spaces and design studios |
| 8th-9th | Rooftop bars with city views |
This building is like a small town stacked on top of itself. Each floor is packed with tiny cafes, cute shops, and interesting businesses. You could spend hours exploring all the different floors.
One of the best spots is a small book cafe on the 5th floor called Thinker & Dreamer Coffee. They serve great coffee and have a nice view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street below.
The building is open from about 8 AM to 10 PM every day, but each shop has its own hours. It gets busy on weekends, so try going on a weekday afternoon if you want a quieter visit.
3. Tour Art Deco Buildings from French Times
Now, let’s look at some older buildings. Ho Chi Minh City has some beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture from the 1920s and 30s. These buildings show what the city looked like during French colonial times.
| Building Name | Address | Year Built | What’s Special About It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majestic Hotel | 1 Dong Khoi Street | 1925 | Classic Art Deco style, by the river |
| Central Post Office | 2 Cong Xa Paris | 1891 | Designed by Gustave Eiffel, still a working post office |
| Catinat Building | 26 Ly Tu Trong Street | 1927 | Curved corner, pretty iron balconies |
| Ben Thanh Market | Le Loi Street | 1912 | Famous clock tower, busy market inside |
The Majestic Hotel is still open and is a great place to stop for a drink. If you go up to their rooftop bar, M Bar, you can have a drink while watching the sunset over the Saigon River. It’s more expensive than most places in Saigon, but the view is worth it.
The Central Post Office is really worth a visit. It’s still used as a post office, and inside you’ll see huge old maps on the walls and a big picture of Ho Chi Minh. It’s a fun place to send a postcard home to your friends or family.
If you like looking at old buildings, you could do a walking tour of these places. Start at the Central Post Office in the morning, then walk to the Catinat Building, and end at the Majestic Hotel for a sunset drink. It’s a nice way to see the city and feel like you’ve traveled back in time a bit.
Visit Different Museums in Saigon
Now that we’ve seen some interesting buildings, let’s check out some of Saigon’s more unusual museums. These aren’t your average boring museums – they’re fun, interactive, and full of surprises.
4. Taste and Drink Beer at the World of Heineken Museum
Let’s start with something fun – a museum all about beer! The World of Heineken is at the top of the Bitexco Financial Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the city.
| Location | 58th-60th floors, Bitexco Financial Tower |
| Address | 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1 |
| Open Hours | 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily |
| Ticket Price | 250,000 VND (about $11 USD) |
| What’s Included | Interactive exhibits, beer tasting, city view |
| How Long It Takes | About 1.5 hours |
This isn’t a regular museum where you just look at things. Here, you get to do stuff. You can try pouring the perfect beer (it’s harder than it looks!), make your own Heineken commercial, and learn how beer is made.
The best part comes at the end when you get a free beer at the Skydeck bar on the 60th floor. The view from up there is amazing – you can see the whole city spread out below you. If you can, try to visit around sunset. The view of the city turning from day to night is really special.
A good tip is to book your tickets online before you go. It can get busy, especially on weekends, and you don’t want to miss out on that view.
5. Learn About Vietnamese Medicine at the Fito Museum
For something totally different, check out the Fito Museum in District 10. This museum is all about traditional Vietnamese medicine, and it’s way more interesting than you might think.
| Name | Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito Museum) |
| Address | 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, District 10 |
| Open Hours | 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily |
| Entrance Fee | 120,000 VND (about $5 USD) |
| What’s Cool | Herbal medicine demos, old medical books, recreated old pharmacies |
| Best Part | You can watch how medicines are made |
The museum is in a beautiful wooden building that looks like an old Vietnamese house. Inside, there are over 3,000 things related to traditional medicine. You’ll see old books, tools for making medicine, and even setups that look like old pharmacies.
What makes this place really interesting is that you can see how things are done. They show you how medicines are made, and sometimes you can even try making some yourself. There’s also a small garden where they grow plants used in medicine.
It’s pretty amazing to learn that Vietnam has been using herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Some of the remedies they show you are still used by people today.
If you can, try to join one of the guided tours. The guides know a lot and can explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you don’t know anything about medicine.
Try Cultural Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about buildings and museums. There are lots of cool cultural experiences you can have here too. Let’s look at some of the most unusual and fun ones.
6. Watch the A O Show at the Opera House
If you like acrobatics and cool performances, you’ll love the A O Show. It’s like Vietnam’s version of Cirque du Soleil but with a unique twist.
| Location | Saigon Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, District 1 |
| Show Times | Tuesday to Friday at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, weekends at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM |
| Ticket Prices | From 630,000 VND to 1,470,000 VND ($27 to $63 USD) |
| How Long It Lasts | About 60 minutes |
| What’s Special | Uses bamboo and basket boats in the performance |
The A O Show tells the story of how Vietnam has changed from a country of villages to a place with big cities. But they do it without any words – just music, dance, and amazing acrobatics.
What’s really cool is how they use everyday Vietnamese objects in the show. They turn simple things like bamboo poles and basket boats into props for incredible stunts and beautiful scenes.
The show is in the Saigon Opera House, which is a beautiful old building from French colonial times. It’s worth getting there a bit early just to look around the opera house itself.
If you can, try to get seats in the middle of the theater. That’s where you’ll get the best view of all the action on stage.
7. Play Lo To Bingo with Drag Queens
Now, here’s something you probably won’t find in any guidebook – the Lo To Show. It’s like bingo, but way more fun and totally Vietnamese.
| What It Is | A mix of bingo, music, and comedy |
| Where to See It | Various places, but Tan Thoi Troupe at 141 Bac Hai, District 10 is popular |
| When It Happens | Usually from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM |
| How Much It Costs | About 20,000 VND (less than $1 USD) per game card |
| What’s Special | Performers in drag call out numbers and sing |
Lo To is a game that’s a bit like bingo. But in these shows, the numbers are called out by performers in drag who also sing traditional songs and tell jokes. Even if you don’t understand Vietnamese, it’s still fun to watch.
The atmosphere is always lively, with people laughing, cheering, and having a great time. It’s a chance to see a side of Vietnamese culture that most tourists never get to experience.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play. The performers and other people there are usually happy to help newcomers. Just buy a game card, grab a drink, and join in the fun.
8. Visit the Cao Dai Temple
For a really unusual cultural experience, take a day trip to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh province. Cao Dai is a religion that started in Vietnam and mixes ideas from different beliefs.
| Location | Tay Ninh province, about 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City |
| Prayer Times | 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 12:00 AM |
| Best Time to Visit | For the noon prayer service |
| What to Wear | Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees |
| What’s Cool About It | Colorful architecture, unique religious ceremonies |
The Cao Dai Temple looks like no other religious building you’ve ever seen. It’s full of bright colors and has symbols from different religions all mixed together. You’ll see a Christian cross, a Buddhist wheel, and an all-seeing eye that represents God.
The best time to visit is for the noon prayer service. Worshippers dressed in white robes gather to chant and play traditional music. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a fascinating thing to see.
It’s a good idea to go with a guide who can explain what’s happening. There’s a lot of symbolism in the temple and the ceremony, and a guide can help you understand what it all means.
The trip to the temple takes about 2-3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Many tour companies offer day trips that include the Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are also in Tay Ninh province.
Try Less Known Activities in Saigon
Now that we’ve covered some of the more well-known unusual things to do, let’s dive into some activities that are really off the beaten path. These are experiences that even many locals might not know about.
9. Join Morning Exercise in Tao Dan Park
If you’re an early riser (or just want to see a different side of the city), head to Tao Dan Park in District 1 early in the morning. From about 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, the park turns into an outdoor gym.
| Location | Tao Dan Park, 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 |
| Best Time to Visit | 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM |
| What You’ll See | People doing tai chi, aerobics, and even ballroom dancing |
| Cost | Free |
You’ll see people of all ages doing tai chi, aerobics, and even ballroom dancing. It’s a great way to start your day and see how locals keep fit. If you’re feeling brave, you can join in – most groups are welcoming to foreigners.
After your morning exercise, treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. There are usually street food vendors near the park selling things like pho (noodle soup) or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches).
10. Walk Through Cholon Chinatown
Cholon, which means “big market” in Vietnamese, is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. It’s a maze of narrow streets, busy markets, and beautiful temples that feel very different from the more modern parts of the city.
| Location | District 5 and parts of District 6 |
| Main Attractions | Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Temple, Cho Lon Mosque |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning for markets, afternoon for temples |
| How to Get There | Take bus number 1 from Ben Thanh Market |
Binh Tay Market is the heart of Cholon. It’s a huge wholesale market where you can buy everything from spices to textiles. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s fascinating to walk around and see all the different goods for sale.
Thien Hau Temple is another must-visit spot in Cholon. It’s dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu and is known for its beautiful roof carvings and spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
For a real local experience, try some dim sum in one of Cholon’s many Chinese restaurants. Tan Nguyen Thai Restaurant on Nguyen Trai Street is a popular spot with both locals and tourists.
11. Go Night Fishing on the Saigon River
For a truly unique nighttime experience, try a night fishing trip on the Saigon River. It’s a chance to see the city from a different perspective and maybe catch your own dinner!
| Departure Point | Usually from Bach Dang Wharf |
| Duration | About 4 hours |
| Best Time | Start around 6:00 PM |
| What’s Included | Fishing equipment, bait, sometimes dinner |
| Cost | Around 500,000 VND ($22 USD) per person |
These trips usually start around sunset. As you cruise down the river, you’ll see the city lights come on, creating a beautiful backdrop for your fishing adventure.
You don’t need any fishing experience – the boat crew will show you how to use the equipment. You might catch fish like catfish or snakehead. Some tours will even cook your catch for you right on the boat!
Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s a peaceful way to spend an evening and see a different side of Ho Chi Minh City. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and a light jacket, as it can get get chilly on the water at night.
Taste Coffee Culture in Ho Chi Minh City
Do you think that the best beaches in Vietnam are always the stars of he show? Nope. Vietnam is well-known for its coffee, and Ho Chi Minh City is at the heart of the country’s caffeine scene.
But there’s more to it than just strong, sweet ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). Let’s explore some unusual ways to dive deeper into the coffee culture of Vietnam.
12. Find Hidden Cafes in the City
Some of Saigon’s best cafes are hidden in plain sight. Spend a day hunting for these secret spots:
| Cafe Name | Address | What’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Ut Lanh Cafe | 4 Ly Van Phuc Street | Hidden at the end of a narrow alley |
| The Loft Cafe | 26th Floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai Street | Tucked away on the 26th floor of an office building |
| Thinker & Dreamer Coffee | 42 Nguyen Hue Street | Inside the Cafe Apartment building we talked about earlier |
Start your hunt at Ut Lanh Cafe. It’s down a tiny alley that you might walk right past if you’re not looking carefully. The cafe is in an old house and feels like stepping back in time. Try their coconut coffee – it’s creamy and delicious.
Next, head to The Loft Cafe. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret when you step out of the elevator on the 26th floor. The view of the city is amazing, especially at sunset.
End your cafe crawl at Thinker & Dreamer Coffee in the Cafe Apartment building. It’s a cozy spot with good coffee and a great view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street below.
13. Join a Coffee Tasting Workshop
For a hands-on experience, try a coffee cupping workshop. These are usually held at local roasteries and teach you how to taste and evaluate different types of coffee.
| Location | The Workshop (27 Ngo Duc Ke Street) |
| Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Cost | Around 350,000 VND ($15 USD) per person |
| What You’ll Learn | Coffee tasting techniques, Vietnamese coffee history |
In these workshops, you’ll learn about the different coffee-growing regions in Vietnam and how to identify the flavors in each cup. You’ll get to taste a variety of coffees and learn how professionals grade them.
It’s a fun way to deepen your appreciation for Vietnamese coffee and maybe discover a new favorite blend. Plus, you’ll impress your friends back home with your coffee knowledge!
14. Try Egg Coffee in Saigon
Egg coffee (ca phe trung) is a Hanoi specialty, but you can find it in Saigon too. It’s a rich, creamy drink made with coffee, egg yolks, and condensed milk – like a dessert in a cup.
| Name | Luu Gia Cafe |
| Address | 8 Hoa Cuc Street, Phu Nhuan District |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Price | About 35,000 VND ($1.50 USD) per cup |
Luu Gia Cafe is a tiny, no-frills place, but their egg coffee is incredible. The owner learned the recipe in Hanoi and brought it back to Saigon. You can get it hot or iced – both are delicious.
Egg coffee is very rich, and it’s more of a treat than an everyday drink. But it’s definitely worth trying at least once during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
Shop at Unique Places in Ho Chi Minh City
Forget about generic souvenirs – Saigon has some truly unique shopping experiences if you know where to look. Here are some of my favorite offbeat places to shop:
15. Browse Antique Street (Le Cong Kieu Street)
This short street near Ben Thanh Market is lined with shops selling all sorts of antiques and curiosities.
| Location | Le Cong Kieu Street, District 1 |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning for the best selection |
| What to Look For | Old propaganda posters, vintage cameras, French colonial-era items |
You’ll find everything from old coins and stamps to vintage radios and war memorabilia. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fascinating to browse. Just be aware that some “antiques” might be reproductions, so bargain hard and buy at your own risk.
16. Buy Books on Second Hand Book Street
For book lovers, Tran Nhan Ton Street in District 5 is a must-visit. This street is lined with shops selling second-hand books, many in English and other languages.
| Location | Tran Nhan Ton Street, District 5 |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekday afternoons |
| What to Bring | Cash and a bag for your books |
It’s a great place to find old travel guides, vintage magazines, and even rare first editions if you’re lucky. Plus, most books are incredibly cheap – you might find a hardcover English novel for just 20,000 VND (less than $1 USD).
Remember to check the condition of books before buying, especially if you’re looking for collectibles.
17. Get Custom Made Shoes in Saigon
Did you know you can get custom-made shoes in Saigon for a fraction of what you’d pay back home? There are several skilled cobblers in the city who can make shoes to your exact specifications.
| Name | Trinh Shoe Shop |
| Address | 55 Pasteur Street, District 1 |
| Price Range | From 1,000,000 VND ($45 USD) for a basic pair |
| Turnaround Time | 3-5 days usually |
At Trinh Shoe Shop, you choose the style, material, and color, and they’ll make your shoes in just a few days. They can make everything from sandals to dress shoes. It’s a great way to get a unique souvenir that you’ll actually use.
Pro tip: Bring a pair of shoes that fit you well as a size reference. This will help ensure your custom shoes fit perfectly.
18. Find Street Art in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon’s street art scene is still emerging, but there are some cool spots to check out if you know where to look. Here’s a mini street art tour you can do:
| Location | Address | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| 3A Station | 3A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1 | Rotating murals by local and international artists |
| Pham Ngu Lao Street | Backpacker area | Colorful wall murals |
| 287 Bui Vien Street | Look for the hem (alley) | Graffiti and street art |
| Saigon Outcast | 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, District 2 | Often hosts street art events |
Start at 3A Station, a creative hub with rotating murals. The art here changes regularly, so you never know what you’ll find. It’s also a great place to grab a coffee or beer and watch artists at work.
Next, head to the backpacker area around Pham Ngu Lao Street. Look for the colorful wall murals – they make great backdrops for photos.
Don’t miss the graffiti in the hem (alley) at 287 Bui Vien Street. It’s a hidden spot that many tourists walk right past.
End your tour at Saigon Outcast in District 2. This alternative venue often hosts street art events and workshops. Check their Facebook page to see what’s happening during your visit.
Take note that street art can be ephemeral, so what’s there one month might be gone the next. That’s part of what makes it exciting!
Relax in Green Spaces in the City in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon can feel like a concrete jungle sometimes, but there are some lovely green spots if you know where to look. Here are a few of my favorite hidden oases:
19. Visit Hoang Van Thu Park in Tan Binh District
This park in Tan Binh District is a local secret. It’s much less crowded than the more famous parks in District 1, and it’s beautiful in the early morning when locals come to exercise.
| Location | 3 Hoang Van Thu Street, Tan Binh District |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
| What to Do | Rent a paddle boat, have a picnic, watch tai chi classes |
There’s a large lake where you can rent paddle boats, plenty of shady spots for a picnic, and even a small zoo. It’s a great place to relax and watch local life unfold.
20. Eat at The Secret Garden Rooftop in District 1
This isn’t really a garden, but a lovely rooftop restaurant that feels like a green oasis in the middle of the city.
| Location | 158 Pasteur Street, District 1 (8th floor) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily |
| What to Try | Grilled fish in banana leaf, passion fruit juice |
It’s hidden on the top floor of an old apartment building, and you have to climb several flights of stairs to reach it. But once you’re there, you’ll find a space filled with plants and fairy lights that feels a world away from the busy streets below.
21. Explore Thanh Da Peninsula in Binh Thanh District
For a real escape from the city, head to Thanh Da Peninsula in Binh Thanh District. It’s technically part of Ho Chi Minh City, but feels like a rural village.
| How to Get There | Take the water bus to Binh An station |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekday mornings to avoid crowds |
| What to Do | Cycle, eat seafood, visit Binh Quoi Tourist Village |
You can rent a bike and cycle along quiet roads past rice paddies and fruit orchards. There are also some great riverside seafood restaurants where you can relax and watch the boats go by.
Make the Most of Your Unusual Ho Chi Minh City Activities!
The key to really enjoying this travel destination is to embrace its chaos and go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to get lost down a hem (alley), try a strange-looking street food, or strike up a conversation with locals. Some of the best experiences here come from saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities.
Remember, Saigon is a city that’s constantly changing. What’s here today might be gone tomorrow, replaced by something equally exciting. That’s part of what makes it such a thrilling place to explore.
