7 Fun Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a captivating energy and offers families the perfect blend of culture, adventure and fun. Stroll through the heritage Ben Thanh Market soaking up the atmosphere and shopping for high quality, local handicrafts and Vietnamese food and snacks.

Meander along the river front or take a sunset cruise on the Saigon River. Explore the Botanical gardens and Zoo and cycle through interesting alleyways and markets through three of the city’s lesser-known districts and enjoy a truly local experience. When you need to cool off, head to Dam Sen Waterpark for a fun day of waves and slides. 

Explore this fascinating and diverse city with our guide to seven of Ho Chi Minh City’s most fun things to do and places to visit. 

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers the perfect day out for the whole family.

Established in 1865 and stretching over twenty hectares, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to over 1,000 animals. You will be able to see reptiles, lions and even the rare white Bengal Tiger. Visit the elephant enclosure and watch these incredible giants up close. Stop by popular exhibits like the monkey enclosure and the bird aviary which is home to a variety of bird species.

The Botanical Gardens are home to thousands of plant species. Plant and nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the gardens. Venture into the Orchid Garden which is filled with orchids in a variety of colours, delicate shapes, spanning hundreds of different species. The Cactus Garden offers a range of cacti from all over the globe, and you can admire the colourful fish that live in the lakes connecting the zoo and the gardens.

Take a moment to rest in the shade under the ancient trees that are scattered throughout the gardens. Your kids will enjoy the small amusement park where they can bounce on a jumping castle or play in the ball pit. There is even an opportunity to ride bumper cars and small feet can rest, while enjoying a mini train ride. 

The zoo and botanical gardens continuously contribute towards conservation efforts and education around preservation of biodiversity and advocating for environmental awareness. Some endangered animal species like the rare white Bengal tiger and Indo-Chinese tigers have been bred in captivity. The goal being, to replenish endangered animal populations.

Enjoy scenic views whilst exploring the city with your family aboard a river cruise boat. There are a number of cruises on offer including The Saigon Boat Company's one hour Saigon River tour.

Relax and enjoy a slow ride on the river, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll pass historic landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Statue - a Vietnamese royal prince and military commander and Dragon Wharf, one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh.

If you are looking for some quality quiet time to unwind after a day spent exploring, then the Saigon River Tour’s Sunset City package offers a relaxing option. Twilight on the river is a tranquil time of day, perfect for soaking up daily life on the river.

You’ll see local fisherman returning home with their catch, and children bathing in the river. Watch as the city landmarks like the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral light up. 

Take family dinner to the next level with Happy Plus Travels’ Saigon River Dinner Cruise. Dinner includes a blend of pan-Asian and traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Pho; a delicious rice noodle soup and Ban Cha, a dish with grilled pork and noodles.

Enjoy live performances of traditional Vietnamese dances; one of them being the hat dance - a dance in honour of the farmers who work hard in the fields.

Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path city cycling tour of Ho Chi Minh City with Jackfruit Adventure. Bike through the vibrant streets of Chinatown’s Cho Lon district, and the maze-like alleyways of Doan Van Bo in District 4 where you'll find hundreds of food stalls, secret cafes, and tiny houses.

The tour also includes a trip through the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, and the quieter neighbourhood parks and markets of District 10. This immersive cycle tour is suitable for children aged thirteen and above and takes about half a day, ending with a market lunch.

Smaller kids need to cycle with an adult in a child seat - this can be arranged with Jackfruit Adventure in advance.

Enjoy a fun action-packed day with the whole family at the Dam Sen Water Park. Race family members down the various slides or grab a tube and enjoy floating leisurely down the Wandering River.

Little ones can splash around in the small kid’s pool with its themed fountains, tipping bucket and small slides. Thrill seekers will enjoy the Kamikaze Slide which includes an adrenalin pumping vertical downward free-fall and the fast and furious Tornado Slide.

The park features food stalls and shady areas where you can recharge in comfort until you’re ready to take on the Water Park’s next round of experiences.

• Bring along swimsuits, appropriate footwear or water shoes

• You will be in the sun for most of the day, so sunscreen is essential 

• Bring extra towels so you can comfortably dry off

• There are lifeguards at the park, however parental supervision of children is required

• Ensure you are familiar with the water depths of each pool on the marked signs, this gives guidance as to which area is appropriate for each family member

• Life jackets are also available for small children and less confident swimmer

• It's important to keep hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day 

Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine at the Ben Thanh Market located in District 1. This heritage market is filled with vendors selling meat, seafood and fresh vegetables.

Experience local cuisine such as Com Tam; grilled pork, pickled vegetables and sweet fish sauce. Seafood-lovers will enjoy Bun Rieu Ganh, a crab paste vermicelli soup with fried tofu, flavoured with various herbs, chilli and tamarind sauce.

Try Che, a sweet coconut milk porridge-type dessert made up of different fruits, beans and tapioca. Stroll through the different handicraft souvenir shops, fabric, clothing and jewellery stalls.

• Keep children close as the market tends to get quite busy

• Keep your personal belongings safely contained 

• Dress conservatively when visiting the market to respect the local culture

• Bargaining is expected, don’t be shy to negotiate 

• Bring along cash in small denominations

• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Bao Nhieu” which means how much? Or utilise a translations App 

• Get a local sim card at Circle K. This way you can check local currency conversions online

Travel up to the forty-ninth floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower to the Saigon Skydeck and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of urban landscape and the Saigon River.

Plan the trip in the late afternoon so you can watch the sunset and see the city lights and night sky. To get the best angle for sunset shots, head to the northwest corner of the Skydeck. If you want to get a clear view of the Saigon River and the harbour in the background, the southeast corner is a good option.

Learn more about Vietnamese culture and traditional clothing by visiting the Ao Dai Museum on the 49th floor. Enjoy a bite to eat EON51; the 51st floor restaurant offering a variety of dishes the whole family can enjoy.

Escape the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy an afternoon of local cooking at a countryside farm. The cooking adventure begins with a hotel pick up and hour-long transfer to an organic farm north of the city.

Upon arrival, you will explore the farm and handpick fresh, seasonal ingredients to use in your cooking. Led by a private chef you will learn to make traditional sauces, crispy spring rolls, and prepare a main course dish.

This hands on, family-friendly experience is fun and educational and offers a memorable day out. 

Your days will be jam packed with adventure and fun and you should consider staying in comfort at our family-friendly hotels.

Novotel Saigon Centre, located in District 3, is within easy walking distance of the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. The outdoor pool is a restful spot if you’re looking to relax and enjoy cocktails at the pool bar.

The spa beckons with indulgent massages and the buffet Food Exchange restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves up excellent Asian and Western cuisine.

For families looking for an apartment style hotel Novotel Living Saigon South, located in District 7, Ho Chi Minh’s greener suburb offers a convenient and affordable choice. There are different studio options with the family-sized two-bedroom apartment being an adequate size to sleep six people comfortably.

The modern apartment features an open plan living room with queen sofa bed, Smart TV, complimentary WiFi and dining area. A fully equipped kitchenette makes preparing family meals a breeze or you can enjoy in-room dining or dine at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, Food Exchange.

The two separate bedrooms offer king size beds and ensuite bathrooms. Hotel amenities include a spa and fitness centre and you can hire bikes to cycle around the neighbourhood and Ho Ban Nguyet Park.