How to Have Fun in Ho Chi Minh City - A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoyment

Located just north of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City remains the most popular travel destination in Vietnam despite losing its status as the nation's capital. As one of the largest cities in the country, this historic metropolis that's home to some of Vietnam's top cultural and recreational landmarks is the ideal location for a fun and engaging vacation experience. Regardless of the duration of one's visit, here's a rundown of some of the best activities to indulge in during a getaway in the city.

1. Catch a Water Puppet Show

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre |Image via Wikimedia Commons

Water puppet shows provide a unique cultural experience that few visitors get to witness. They offer a glimpse into an ancient art form that still captivates local audiences. The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre stages daily performances, where puppeteers, musicians, singers, and other artists narrate traditional Vietnamese tales on a water-bound stage. 

The shows are conducted in Vietnamese, but tourists can still enjoy the nuances of these charming performances using painted wooden puppets. Each showcase lasts nearly an hour, and there are several evening performances available, so visitors to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre won't miss out if they miss the first show.

2. Spend Time in Chinatown

As one of the most vibrant corners of Ho Chi Minh City, the city's Chinatown precinct is not only home to the Binh Tay Market but also some of the best restaurants in town. 

After shopping at Binh Tay Market, the city's biggest wholesale bazaar, tourists can wine and dine on traditional Chinese delicacies from street vendors or food stalls lining Cho Lon. Those with time to spare can also drop by the breathtaking Thien Hau Pagoda, which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Ocean.

3. Hit the Ben Thanh Market

Reputed as the city's busiest thoroughfare, the Ben Thanh Market is a veritable institution that's been trading wares for nearly a century. Considered the best place to buy everything from groceries and souvenirs to footwear, baskets and Da Lat coffee, this massive marketplace is divided into aisles so shoppers can find entire alleys dedicated to a single product range. There's also a wet market at the back of the compound, which comes alive with seafood stalls come evening time.

4. Dig into Delectable Street Food Treats

Travellers searching for the best food in Ho Chi Minh City need not look further than the city's bustling streets, which are often lined with kiosks, food carts, and small restaurants selling local treats around the clock. Street food in the city is affordable and freshly prepared, often surpassing the quality of fine dining restaurants, but it's important to follow the locals to find the best vendors. The best street food areas in Ho Chi Minh City can be found around Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao, and De Tham, where one can indulge in traditional Bánh xèo and Bánh mì.

5. Sign up for a Saigon River Cruise

Whether one is based at PARKROYAL Saigon or any other resort, hopping on a sunset cruise on the Saigon River is no doubt one of the best things to do In Ho Chi Minh. Offering passengers breathtaking views of the city's skyline and the iconic landmarks occupying the river banks, dinner cruises are perhaps the most romantic option available to tourists although there are day time tours geared towards families and groups. Sailing beneath the Thu Thiem Bridge and past the Saigon Harbour and Nha Rong Wharf, the cruises are a great way to see the sights for those who are spending a brief holiday in the city.

6. Marvel at the Reunification Palace

No tour of Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without a tour of the Reunification Palace in District One. Guided tours of the luxurious state rooms and other corners of this historic palace are accessible to visitors who make it to the venue before gates close at 4 pm.