What to do in Ho Chi Minh City over two days

Ho Chi Minh City has a bustling coffee culture. Vietnam being the second largest coffee exporter of the world, it makes perfect sense to begin your Ho Chi Minh City things to do list with a steaming hot cup of coffee in one of the many quirky cafés. The Workshop Coffee is a great place to give your tastebuds a tour of the specialty coffee scene of the country.  

Next on the ‘what to do in Ho Chi Minh City’ is a visit to the Reunification Hall or Independence Palace. Built in the 1960s, the magnificent building was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. Today, it is an icon of the end of the Vietnam War, symbolically marked by North Vietnamese army tanks driving through its gates and Viet Cong soldiers draping their flag over the building. Some of the original tanks are still on display at the Reunification Hall, a top in the list of Ho Chi Minh City things to do. 

Explore the intriguing past and glorious historic architecture of the city by adding a stroll through its colonial quarter to your list of Ho Chi Minh City things to do. You will find yourself discovering incredible hidden jewels such as the 19th century canary yellow Central Post Office building, the beautiful 1908 structure of the City Hall, the multitude of fascinating museums and the gorgeous edifice of Hotel Continental. 

An absolute must on your ‘what to do in Ho Chi Minh City’ list is a motorcycle tour of the town. Ho Chi Minh City has eight million inhabitants and half as many motorbikes. Join a guided motorcycle tour to fill your night with the intoxicating sights and sounds of the dynamic city. Watch the famous sites of the city come alive after dark and visit its vibrant food markets for a taste of local Vietnamese street food, bursting with authentic flavours. 

On your second day in the city, depart early for a half day trip exploring one of the most famous landmarks on the city’s outskirts – the Cu Chi tunnels. Join a guided tour that will pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation to save time. On your 90 min coach ride to the tunnels, you will get a chance to view the idyllic Vietnamese countryside – rice paddies, villages and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam. At the Cu Chi tunnels, learn all about the intricate tunnel system, built using simple tools and bare hands, which helped the Viet Cong soldiers defeat a much stronger American army. And if you’re not the claustrophobic kind, maybe even try squeezing through the tight entrance to explore the 250 km long maze. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the soldiers to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits.

Return to the town centre to tick off another item on your Ho Chi Minh City things to do list – the Ben Thanh Market. First, fill yourself up with delicious and authentic Vietnamese street food from the many hawkers, including crispy rice pancakes, pho noodles, steamed cakes, spring rolls, fresh seafood, and the like. And then, begin your souvenir shopping, stocking up on spices, nuts, Vietnamese coffee beans, apparels, and electronics. 

To conclude your delightful two days in the lively city, dress up and make your way to the gorgeous Saigon Opera House. From ballet to opera, the stage here sees a wide range of performances that showcase Vietnamese dance and music in all its glory, and is sure to be the highlight of your ‘what to do in Ho Chi Minh City’ agenda. Under the soft nightlights, the peach coloured French colonial building shines like a polished pearl and the elegant interiors take you back to its 19th century glory days. Take a seat and prepare to be blown away by performances that are a unique blend of theatrical visual drama portraying the lives of Vietnamese countryside and cities, and spectacular acrobatic manoeuvres.