A Cultural Enthusiast's 10-Day Deep Dive into Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Ao Dai Museum in District 9 to learn about the history of Vietnam's national dress. On weekends, enjoy traditional local dishes at the food fairs. Entry is 50,000 VND.

Enjoy a refreshing drink at this spacious, airy cafe where you can sit right in the middle of koi ponds and feed the fish. It is highly kid-friendly.

Set up your Silly eSIM upon arrival to ensure a stable internet connection for booking rides and navigating the city.

Take the newly opened metro line from District 9 back to District 1 to experience the city's modern public transit system.

Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of one of the city's oldest markets. Browse fresh produce, local delicacies, clothing, and handicrafts.

Explore the grand halls, presidential office rooms, and underground bunkers of this historic site, which marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Entry is 40,000 VND.

Admire the Roman and Gothic architectural elements of this stunning late-1800s French-built cathedral. Note that it is undergoing restoration until 2027.

Step inside this masterpiece of French colonial architecture to see its vaulted ceilings, ornate details, and vintage maps. You can send postcards to loved ones here.

Stroll down this peaceful street lined with bookshops, cafes, and souvenir stalls right next to the post office.

Observe the elegant French architecture of the opera house. The creator recommends watching the famous 'A O Show' here, which features bamboo circus and contemporary dance.

Explore this symmetrical Renaissance-style palace turned museum, highlighting the cultural traits and history of the region's diverse ethnic groups.

Experience the spiritual side of the city at this atmospheric pagoda filled with intricate woodcarvings and incense. Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Walk along this lively pedestrian street in the evening to experience local nightlife, street performances, and great people-watching.

Take a photo of this famous, unique building filled with individual cafes and boutiques stacked on top of each other.

Visit this eye-catching, bright pink church which serves as a highly popular spot for photography and Instagrammers.

Discover a hidden trapdoor bunker in a quiet alley that once hid nearly two tons of Viet Kong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Gain a powerful and sobering perspective on the brutal impacts of the Vietnam War through detailed exhibits and photographs. Entry is 40,000 VND.

Relax in the 'green lungs' of the city. Watch locals exercise, play shuttlecock, and visit the beautiful temple built to honor the Hung Kings. Clean public restrooms are available here.

Pay respects at this powerful monument dedicated to the Buddhist monk who self-immolated in 1963. Look for the sacred Salot tree nearby.

Gather at this unique octagonal lake, a favorite local hangout steeped in intriguing feng shui legends tied to the former presidency.

Visit this massive market in Chinatown (Cholon) designed in a bagua shape. It is best visited in the morning for the liveliest experience and great deals on souvenirs.

Explore this historic church built in 1865 by French missionaries, serving the Catholic community in Cholon with a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Take a peaceful evening walk across this pedestrian bridge in District 7, illuminated with color-changing lights that mimic stars reflecting on the water.

Marvel at Vietnam's tallest skyscraper. You can head up high for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline.

Stroll through the expansive park surrounding Landmark 81 to watch locals enjoy the evening and wind down your trip.