Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City 2026: War History, Markets and Street Food

HCMC’s main activities combine war history, French colonial architecture, eating, and nightlife. Two full days cover the main sights; the food scene alone justifies longer.

War Remnants Museum

One of the most visited and most powerful museums in Vietnam. Documents the American War (Vietnam War) from the Vietnamese perspective — extensive photographic documentation of casualties, chemical weapon effects, and prison conditions. The collection is deliberately confrontational.

Entry: ₫40,000 ($1.60). Open daily 07:30–18:00 (12:00–13:30 closed). Allow 2–3 hours. Emotionally difficult — be prepared.

Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

The presidential palace of South Vietnam, preserved as it was on April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks entered the grounds and the war ended. The building is a perfect example of 1960s modernist Vietnamese architecture. Guided and self-guided tours of the presidential quarters, war command centre, and communications bunker.

Entry: ₫45,000 ($1.80). Open 07:30–11:00, 13:00–16:00. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Ben Thanh Market

HCMC’s central market — a French-era building housing vendors selling clothing, handicrafts, food, and souvenirs. The market’s indoor food section (upstairs) is one of the better places to eat pho, bun bo Hue, and other Vietnamese dishes in a central location. Prices for non-food items require bargaining.

Honest note: Ben Thanh is heavily tourist-facing and prices reflect this. For genuine local market experience, Binh Tay Market in Cholon is more authentic.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Basilica of Notre-Dame)

Built 1877–1883 from materials imported entirely from France. The twin bell towers and neo-Romanesque facade are distinctive. The interior is active as a Catholic parish. Currently under restoration — exterior scaffolding present.

Central Post Office

The 19th-century colonial post office designed with Gustave Eiffel’s structural involvement. The arched iron interior ceiling and the mural portrait of Ho Chi Minh facing the entrance are both worth seeing. Still operating as a functioning post office. Free entry.

Cho Lon (Chinatown)

The Chinese-Vietnamese district in District 5. The Thien Hau Temple (dedicated to the sea goddess) is the most significant Chinese temple in HCMC — incense smoke, red lacquer, and genuine religious activity. Binh Tay Market operates as a wholesale market. The streets around Cho Lon retain their Chinese shophouse character.

Bui Vien Walking Street

The backpacker social hub — a pedestrianised street in District 1 with bars, restaurants, and street food. Loud, bright, and busy every evening. Not the most refined experience in HCMC but genuinely lively and a natural meeting point for budget travellers.

Rooftop bars

HCMC has the best rooftop bar scene in Vietnam. Several high-rise hotels in District 1 have rooftop bars with city panoramas.

Chill Skybar: Multiple levels on the AB Tower. City views from 26 floors. ₫80,000–200,000 ($3.20–8) per drink.

Saigon Saigon Bar: Long-running rooftop at the Caravelle Hotel — historic venue (journalists drank here during the American War). ₫80,000–180,000 ($3.20–7.20).