There are many blogs that tell you what to do in HCMC Vietnam. And sometimes they give you too much of a list that you don’t really need to do like going to the botanical garden. Yes, you can if you are interested in those things. But if you are in Vietnam for only two weeks you should be focusing on things that you can ONLY do in Vietnam. So here are the lists that you can only do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Coconut Factory in Mekong River
If you understand coconut, you will be amazed. Nothing on a coconut is thrown to waste. the leafs are used for the roof. The water is used for coconut water. Coconut meat is used for oil, milk and nectar. The shells can be used for a bowl or charcoal. Coir is used for floor mats.
You will learn all that while you are in Mekong river. You can see the process of being picked to being created to charcoal. This is a great way to learn and see how your coconut water is produced before coming to Duane Reade. It is also a great way to learn about the locals in Ben Tre, Mekong River as well. If you are interested in how to do it, please let us know below comment or send use a message (Facebook messenger or Email Us)
Remnant Museum
Remnant Museum focuses on the Vietnam war, and if you are an American you might feel quite uncomfortable. This museum gives a different perspective than what we learn in America. It is quite shocking to see some raw photos of the children who were affected by the war.
To be honest, it was quite eye opening to learn a different perspective of Vietnam war. It made me think that maybe our country is becoming more and more divisive because we are not trying to understand or listen to different perspectives or views.
There are many museums you can go, but Remnant museum is the most interesting one to visit.
Riding Motorbikes in a Crowded Road
You might already know about the motorbike culture in Vietnam. It is absolutely spectacular. There are more motorbikes than cars on the streets in HCMC Vietnam and it is something that you will never see in other countries. When you cross the road, it almost feels like Noah’s arc. You are Moses and the motorbikes are like water.
Naturally, you will see a lot of tours related to motorbike and I have done it with Lee who really wanted to show me the life of Vietnam.
Go to the Parks to Hang with the Birds
Birds in Tao Dan Park is something so unusual, you feel like you are in a Disney Animation. When you enter the park, you will hear thousands of bird singing like the Cinderella called for help to the birds.
Every morning the local Vietnamese men bring their birds out to the park and have their coffee. One of Vieetnamese friend told me that it is like bringing out a girlfriend to a cafe while the wives are at home (I am sure he was joking). But it was all men sitting around having coffee with their birds.
RELATED: STAYING AT DONG KHOI WAS THE BEST IDEA!
Cu Chi Tunnel
One of the biggest reason Vietnamese were able to win the war was that they knew their land very well. Not only they were able to hide in the jungle but also created a whole new world below ground.
Vietnamese created a tunnel not only to hide but to live in the tunnel to avoid the American soldiers. There were families living there who even gave birth to a child. And this war went on for almost 20 years. Can you imagine living underground that small for that long?I was not only intrigued how Vietnamese used to fight with limited resources but also their strength of survival.
It is an hour outside of Ho Chi Minh City but because it’s one of the most popular tour in Vietnam, there will be a lot of tourists. LIKE A LOT THAT YOU CANNOT EVEN SEE. So, if you go on a speed boat, you will be able to go before all the tour buses arrive. It will be a better experience than going with the tour bus as you will be swamped with people and can’t even participate in many activities.
Making Rice Papers
This is another activity that you can do in Mekong River. This was very special to me because I eat Summer rolls and pho religiously. Almost every country I go, one thing I cannot skip is to have pho and Korean food even though it’s not the best. And learning how to make rice paper in Vietnam was like a special experience for me.
We also wrote the best pho restaurants in HCMC that locals and foreigners love to go, please check it out here.
Please let me know if you are interested in the tour in Mekong river. We can help you organize. Remember that you do need a tour as it is not easy to get to.
Nguyen Hue Boulevard (Cafe Apartment)
In a Western culture, it is hard to see cafes and stores on second floor or sixth floor. The stores are always on the ground floor. But in Asia, it is a very common thing to have cafes on a different floor.
In Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, they took it to another level. When you go to Nguyen Hue Boulevard, you will see one building that is covered with signs. This building is known as the cafe apartment. It was originally an apartment, but turned into cafes and restaurants. It is interesting to look at, but more interesting to go to a cafe on 3rd floor.
Bui Vien Walking Street (Backpacker District)
This is not necessarily something that you will only do in Vietnam, but I just want to put on my top list as I went here almost every night. It is always busy at night with clubs and bars. It is very foreigner friendly and you don’t have to struggle to order one drink.
I know this is not really a local thing to do, but I think it’s a great way to meet people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5RX6bjUi94&list=PLTRd9LvERM7lCAD3jPoqOKBbQJiySTYg6&index=13
Roof Top (Ben Than Tower)
The roof tops in HCMC Vietnam is on a different level than any other country. EVEN NEW YORK. They blast the music like you are in a club and it automatically gets you excited. It almost felt like a Las Vegas pool party but with a better view. It is on top of Ben Than Tower and you can see the lights flashing from far away. You have to try it if you are into clubs or roof tops. This is something new for a person who went to a lot of roof top in New York.
Drink Coffee
I put this to the last, because you already know how big coffee is in Vietnam in general. You will see at least one coffee shop on every block. Some block might even have three coffee shops. It is like Starbucks in midtown New York.
We even went to Dalat to learn about coffee and it was a blast. You can read about it here. You can go to any coffee shop, but Cheo Leo cafe was special. It was legit local where you don’t see any foreigners and they brew the coffee differently. So if you can travel a bit, try here and be a local.
Are you still struggling to find best things to do in HCMC? We not only help travelers by sharing our experience, but also help create the best customized itinerary.
If you need any help creating an itinerary, best way to reach us is by filling out a questionnaire about your travel style and needs. You can reach us by What’s App by clicking below or send a message on FB Message on below right.
