15+ Unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh: A Local’s Perspective

Ho Chi Minh City, alongside Hanoi, is the most visited city in Vietnam. However, it is because the city has become extremely packed and touristy, with almost every famous location crowded with people and, in some places, even scammers. Finding the true hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh is a challenge to most foreigners who wish to stay in the bustling city for a while, so here is a guide to all unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh city by far, updated from a local’s perspective to help you navigate an authentic Vietnam trip.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh Attractions: Exploring the Best of Saigon

By Day: Hidden Gems in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Also known as Saigon City) is bustling and crowded during the day, but there are also hidden gems in this busy city that allow you to explore quietly, calmly, and authentically. Here are some of them:

Experience Hidden Vintage Shops & Alleys

Saigon is home to numerous hidden alleys and vintage spots, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past. The 14 Ton That Dam Apartment Complex is a unique spot filled with retro-style cafes and boutique shops, giving off an old Saigon vibe. Meanwhile, Le Thanh Ton Alley, designed with a distinct Japanese aesthetic, is lined with quaint eateries and bars. If you’re an art lover, 144 Pasteur Alley boasts an open-air gallery showcasing bold graffiti art.

Take Photographs on Unusual Streets

For photographers seeking unique urban backdrops, Saigon has some fantastic, lesser-known locations. Nguyen Van Binh, also known as Book Street, is lined with charming bookshops and coffee stalls, perfect for literary-themed photography. The Art Street in Pham Ngu Lao is another hidden gem, with colorful murals reflecting the city’s creative soul. For something even more offbeat, visit the Go Vap Railway Station, an old yet picturesque spot where you can capture a retro charm, especially when trains pass through.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries

For those interested in history and art, Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of cultural institutions. The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine showcases ancient remedies and herbal treatments, providing insight into the country’s holistic healing traditions. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a stunning colonial-era mansion, exhibits an impressive collection of Vietnamese paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, the Southern Women’s Museum highlights the essential roles women have played throughout Vietnam’s history.

Read More: 12 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Exploring Saigon City

Spiritual Journey Through Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City’s diverse spiritual landscape reflects its rich cultural heritage. Some must-visit temples and religious sites include:

• The Jade Emperor Pagoda, with its intricate carvings and statues, offers a serene escape from urban life. 
• Ong Bon Pagoda, dedicated to the guardian of wealth, is a testament to the city’s Chinese heritage. 
• Pho Quang Pagoda provides a tranquil environment, ideal for reflection and meditation. 
• The Notre Dame Cathedral, with its neo-Romanesque architecture, stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past. 
• Tan Dinh Church, distinguishable by its pink facade, is both a place of worship and a visual delight. 
• The Jamia Al-Musulman Mosque serves as a spiritual center for the Muslim community
• The Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of rain, showcases the city’s multicultural fabric.

Have a Picnic at Saigon Riverfront Park

For a relaxing afternoon, visit the Saigon Riverfront Park, where you can sit back, enjoy local street food, and watch the boats go by. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s constant buzz and is also a great place to have a picnic with your loved ones.

Paddleboarding at Thanh Da Peninsula

For adventure seekers, Thanh Da Peninsula provides a perfect getaway for paddleboarding. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers looking for a tranquil escape from the city.

Waterbus tour across the Saigon River

One of the best ways to experience the city from a different perspective is by taking a water bus ride along the Saigon River. This scenic journey offers a mix of traditional riverside houses and modern skyscrapers, showcasing the city’s dynamic evolution.

Taste Coffee at The Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyen Hue)

Located at 42 Nguyen Hue, the Cafe Apartment is a transformed residential building filled with stylish coffee shops and boutique stores. Each floor has a unique charm, making it a haven for coffee lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.

For animal lovers, pet cafes such as Catfe Coffee and Hachiko Coffee offer a cozy setting where you can enjoy a drink while cuddling adorable cats and dogs.

Try Saigon’s Untouristy Markets

For an authentic market experience, skip the touristy Ben Thanh Market and visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, which has been operating since the 1980s. This is a sensory delight with its myriad of blooms and bustling activity that are open 24/24. The Ben Thanh Street Food Market, though more central, offers a plethora of local delicacies in a vibrant setting, allowing visitors to sample traditional dishes in one location.

Send Memories Back Home at Saigon Central Post Office

Beyond its primary function, the Saigon Central Post Office stands as an architectural marvel. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, its intricate design and historical significance make it a must-visit. Visitors can send postcards, purchase souvenirs, or simply admire the fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial design elements.

At Night: Unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh

At night, Saigon becomes one of the liveliest cities in Asia. The city offers countless unique activities and locations for you to explore day and night:

Have a Drink at the Hidden Bars

Visting bars is not some really unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh city, but Saigon is definitely filled with speakeasy-style bars that offer intimate settings away from the mainstream. The Secret Garden, perched atop a building, provides a rustic ambiance reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese homes. The Alley, true to its name, is tucked away in a narrow lane, offering craft cocktails in a cozy environment. Mot Cai Tu, translating to “A Closet,” is a tiny bar that surprises with its curated drink menu and eclectic decor.

Check out more on Ho Chi Minh nightlife here!

Visit Sai Gon’s Chinatown – Cho Lon 

Saigon’s Chinatown, known as Cho Lon, is a lively district filled with markets, temples, and traditional medicine shops. Exploring Binh Tay Market at night offers an authentic glimpse into the local Chinese-Vietnamese community, with stalls selling everything from herbal remedies to delicious dim sum.

Enjoy a Live Music Show

Saigon has a thriving live music scene, with venues ranging from jazz clubs to underground indie bars, which are definitely some unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh. Sax n’ Art Jazz Club, a renowned spot in the city, hosts talented local and international jazz musicians. Yoko Cafe provides an intimate setting for acoustic performances, making it a great place to unwind with a drink. For a taste of Vietnamese music, visit Acoustic Bar, where local bands perform a mix of Vietnamese rock and international hits.

Taste some Craft Beer

The craft beer movement in Saigon has gained popularity, offering unique brews inspired by local flavors. Pasteur Street Brewing Company is one of the pioneers, infusing Vietnamese ingredients like jasmine and passion fruit into their beers. Heart of Darkness Brewery serves a diverse selection of craft beers with bold flavors and creative names. East West Brewing Co. combines modern brewing techniques with a stylish rooftop bar, perfect for enjoying a cold pint under the Saigon skyline.

Watch an A O Circus Show

The A O Show at the Saigon Opera House is a mesmerizing blend of contemporary dance, acrobatics, and traditional Vietnamese storytelling. Performers use bamboo props and traditional music to depict the transition from rural to urban life in Vietnam. The show takes place at the iconic Saigon Opera House, an architectural gem built in the French colonial era. Tickets start at 800,000 VND, and it is highly recommended to book in advance for the best seating options.

Cruise through the Saigon River

A river cruise along the Saigon River offers a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. The Bonsai Dinner Cruise provides a luxurious experience with live entertainment and a buffet of Vietnamese cuisine. Budget travelers can opt for a public ferry or speedboat tour, which still offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. Sunset cruises are particularly magical, allowing passengers to witness the city lights reflecting on the water.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is far more than its mainstream attractions; its hidden gems offer a more intimate and unique experience of local culture. From exploring vintage alleys and underground bars to enjoying live music and cruising the Saigon River, there are countless unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for something different, Saigon has something for everyone. Book a tour with YESD Travel and customize your experience around the city like a true Saigonian!