TOP 10 ACTIVITIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) FOR THE FIRST TIME VISIT

• Travel Guide Tips

When you come to Ho Chi Minh City, whether you are looking for places where to have fun or where to go. I will introduce you top 10 activities in this city. These activities do not be missed because it will bring you the best experience.

Explore top 10 activities in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists

1. Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Par

2. THE BCR

3. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

4. Landmark 81

5. Suoi Tien Theme Park

6. Buu Long Pagoda

7. Galaxy Archery Club

8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

9. Bui Vien Walking Street

10. Cong Ca Phe

1. Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Park

Dam Sen Cultural Park is located in 11, which is a paradise for families, offering an array of activities to entertain visitors of all ages. You can go there by bus, taxi or motorbike, it takes 20- 30minutes from district 1 to Dam Sen Park.

Botanical Gardens and Wildlife, Culinary Delights, Roller coaster, Ice house are the highlights activities when you visit there. You need to spend almost one day to experience all the activities in Dam Sen, and the park also has variety of culinary options where you can. taste the local dishes. For example, the small shops in there serve Pho, Banh Mi, Seafood fried rice, Bun Bo Hue, Bun Thit Nuong. Dam Sen will bring you the best experiences and smiles with family and friends.

Besides, there is Dam Sen Water area, which is the option for you to swim and play in the waterfalls. Pool with water jet massage, take a ten-meter-high swing above the waterfall, and relieve stress with a network of waterfalls, slides, and multi-patterned slides are the top activities that you need to try.

Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Park are separate areas, so you need to take that into consideration. You can get to Dam Sen Park by bus, taxi, or motorbike. It just takes about 30 minutes from District 1 to Dam Sen Park by car. You need to buy a ticket to visit Dam Sen Park, and it also has different types of tickets. In my opinion, if you want to play all the games, the package ticket includes the game. However, you can buy an entrance ticket to visit and walk to experience the sightseeing.

Address: No. 3, Hoa Binh Street, District 11.

Opening Hours:   7:30 am – 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm from Saturday and Sunday

Ticket Prices for Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Park

2. THE BCR

BCR Tourist Area in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers a blend of nature, adventure, and culinary delights. It is located in District 9, which is far from city center, you can go there by taxi or bus, it takes around 50 minutes from city center to BCR.

Covering over 300 hectares of forested land, lakes, and streams, it provides a perfect escape from urban life. It has many activities include kayaking and tubing, fishing, camping, and swimming. In addition, the popular here is the 1,000 square meter swimming pool caters to both adults and children.

Next, the area is known for its delicious Tan Binh Quang Noodles, grilled rice paper, fresh seafood, and Beef Dipped in Vinegar. You can taste the Vietnamese cuisine and experience lots of activities in BCR. The best time to visit is November to February for cool weather and special seasonal activities like Christmas and Lunar New Year celebrations. During the summer months (June to September), outdoor sports like swimming and cycling are perfect. You must visit here on weekdays, and outside peak seasons for a quieter experience.

Address: No. 191, Tam Da Street, District 9

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm from Saturday to Sunday

Prices: 60.000 vnd – 150.000 vnd per activity (2.3 – 5.9 US Dollar)

3. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, founded in 1864, is a prominent establishment in Vietnam, widely recognized for its role in conserving and exhibiting the region’s rich biodiversity. It acts as a center for conservation and education while protecting the local flora and animals. Both uncommon and exotic plant species as well as local and exotic animals are available for visitors to see and learn about. With its peaceful setting and educational displays, the zoo is also a well-liked leisure attraction. Saigon Zoo is located in District 1, so you can go there by taxi or motorbike.

Address: No.2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1

Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm from Monday to Sunday

Ticket prices: Adult: 60.000vnd (2.3 US Dollar), Children height from 1m to 1,3m: 40.000vnd (1.5 US Dollar) and Children height under 1m is free ticket. In addition, entertainment activities will be charged depending on each game (15.000vnd – 40.000vnd).

4. Landmark 81

In the Binh Thanh District of Ho Chi Minh City, Landmark 81 is a sophisticated and contemporary building that is a must-visit location for activities and shopping. You can get there by bus, taxi or motorbike, it takes 20 – 25 minutes from district 1 to there. The popular activities in Landmark includes Landmark 81 Skyview, Ice Rink, CGV Cinema, Infinity swimming pool, Coffee and food stalls, and clothings store. You can experience the popular activities in this building and shopping at the various brand clothing here.

Landmark 81 – One of the skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City, which has range of activities for entertainmant and shopping in there

You can experience natural ice skating rink.

Relax with the infinity swimming pool at Landmark 81.

Address: No.720A, Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District

Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm from Monday to Sunday

5. Suoi Tien Theme Park

Suoi Tien Theme Park is located in District 9. This entertainment complex is built on historical imagery and Vietnamese folktales, including those of Lac Long Quan – Au Co, King Hung, and Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh. It has various activities such as roller coasters, climbing rope, and visit snow castle, and magic castle. In addition, Suoi Tien Aquarium, Underground Tunnel, and 18 Gates of Hell, are the outstanding sightseeing. Besides, you can enjoy visiting Suoi Tien Theme Park throughout the year, but the optimal period is from June to September annually. During this time, you can engage in numerous distinctive outdoor activities, events, and festivals, like the Spring Festival and the Fruit Festival. You can go there by bus, taxi, or motorbike, it takes 30- 50 minutes from District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park.

Suoi Tien Theme Park – One of the top attractions with the various activities

Address: No.2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1

Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Sunday

Ticket prices: Adult: 150.000 (5.8 US Dollar), Children height from 1m to 1,3m: 80.000vnd (3.1 US Dollar) and Children height under 1m is free ticket. In addition, entertainment activities will be charged depending on each game (25.000vnd – 60.000vnd).

6. Buu Long Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda built in 1942 with the Thailand style, is located in District 9, and it is quiet far from the city center. The pagoda has Vietnamese characteristics like dragon and crane designs, while having a strong yellow tint that makes it resemble Thai pagodas. It takes around 50 minutes from the city center to there by taxi. You can come here to pray because people here have shared that worship is very spiritual. This is important that you need to dress respectfully and modestly when going to the pagoda. There are many beautiful photography angles here, so do not miss this opportunity to take great photos for yourself.

Buu Long Pagoda – A spiritual temple with Thai style full of magic and charm

Address: No.81, Nguyen Xien Street, District 9

Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm from Monday to Sunday

7. Galaxy Archery Club

If you are looking for activities to have fun and entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City but have not chosen a suitable place yet, try Galaxy Archery Club. The Galaxy Archery Club is located in District 1 and has proficient archers. You can get here by motorbike taxi, just around 10 – 15 minutes from the city center. Before you practice archery, you will receive careful and meticulous guidance from them. Additionally, instructors and personnel constantly monitor the shooting process to guarantee that clients practice safely. This is one of the activities that you must experience.

Galaxy Archery Club – A place to experience the feeling of a real archer

Address: No.55B, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm from Monday to Sunday

Prices: 80.000 vnd per hour (3.1 US Dollar)

8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Street in Saigon transformed into a “walking street” in 2015, which is located in District 1, promoting pedestrian-friendly public spaces. You can get there by taxi, however motorbike is the best option transportation. It takes 5-10 minutes from city center to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Despite being a scorching urban island, it becomes a vibrant hub at night, attracting local youth to socialize, sing, dance and ride skateboards. The street’s absence of motorbikes provides respite for pedestrians, and its lively character compensates for the lack of distinct architectural landmarks. Along both sides of the road are notable landmarks including the historic Hotel de Ville and the statue of Ho Chi Minh. The street also has Bitexco Financial Center, Rex Hotel and the French colonial State Treasury building. You can walking the street and sightseeing both sides of the road, and enjoy the fresh air. Besides, you can enjoy foods or beverages at the shops right on Nguyen Hue Street.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Walking Street is located in the center of Saigon, which attracts many locals and tourists.

Walking street at night, people gather to admire the scenery and chat together, making the atmosphere here lively.

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1

9. Bui Vien Walking Street

Explore Vietnam’s vibrant walking streets, which blend culture, entertainment, and delicious cuisine, to experience the heart of urban life.  Bui Vien Walking Street, also known as “Western Street,” is a bustling hub of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. You can go there by taxi or motorbikes. It would thus be advisable to join on a weekend evening if you wish to hang out on Bui Vien Street. It was a hotter, more lively time of day with travelers from all around the world, and the pedestrian strip was lit up. Also, a wide variety of artistic mediums, mouthwatering cuisine, and fresh, innovative entertainment venues are frequently showcased throughout these weekends.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Attracts a large number of locals and tourists to enjoy the atmosphere of Saigon at night. You can taste the chill beer with a snack, and enjoy the music of these bars.

Address: Bui Vien Street, District 1.

10. Cong Ca Phe 

Cong Ca Phe has many branches in Ho Chi Minh City, and has a reputation with the vintage style. With its unique blend of tradition, quality brews, and inviting ambiance, it offers a journey back in time for coffee enthusiasts. The decor is meticulously curated with vintage furniture, nostalgic artifacts, and old photographs. The menu includes classic Vietnamese drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, and refreshing iced variations. You can taste the cup of coffee with delicious snacks or Banh Mi. Beyond beverages, Cong Coffee offers a sanctuary in the city, offering a quiet corner for work or conversation. It serves as a cultural hub, connecting locals and tourists with the heartbeat of Vietnamese hospitality.

Here is the photo of the Cong Ca Phe branch, which is located at No.274, Hai Ba Trung, District 1. Although it looks small from the outside but the space inside is very airy and has 2 floors and 1 rooftop.

Cong Ca Phe – You can taste a cup of coffee and enjoy the vintage style.

With the vintage style, it brings the cozy and comfy to customers.

Diagonally opposite this cafe is Tan Dinh church, covered in bright pink, accentuating its personality. You can enjoy a drink here and take a few photos with this pink church.

Address: No.274, Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm from Monday to Sunday

Prices: 35.000 vnd to 65.000 vnd (1.3 – 2.5 US Dollar)

I have introduced you to the most popular activities in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the best experience that you will not miss.