Lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re moving to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll soon find that Vietnam’s bustling southern hub is packed with entertainment options and caters for all tastes and budgets, from couture clothing and flashy malls to bustling markets and aromatic street food stalls. Ho Chi Minh City offers an enviable expat lifestyle, where boredom is highly unlikely.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has numerous shopping districts that make it a treat for bargain hunters.

District 1 and the markets are the best places if you’re after variety and bargaining power. An Dong Market and Ben Thanh Market are great places to hone your bargaining prowess. Each has an assortment of products ranging from spices to silk scarves and more. It’s always best to browse a bit before buying, as vendors will tend to mark up their prices for Western customers.

Large department shops can also be found in District 1. These house all sorts of things, such as the latest CDs and DVDs, perfumes, and colognes.

Diamond Plaza is a popular shopping choice for designer wear, leather goods and interior decor materials. As far as clothing is concerned, you might choose to make use of one of the numerous, incredibly skilled and cost-effective tailors around town.

Nightlife and entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City

The city is packed full of clubs and bars, which range from small, dark pubs to upmarket music lounges and cocktail bars, making nightlife and entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City abundant for all tastes. You’ll find that most of the nightlife is in District 1. You’ll soon find out, though, that imported drinks sold in the exclusive bars are typically more expensive than local beverages, so opting for the latter is a good way to save money.

If you enjoy cultural activities, Ho Chi Minh City is steeped in history. It’s home to several fascinating museums which document various elements of the country’s history and diverse culture. If you have children, you should be sure to catch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, which is great fun for the whole family.

Sports and outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the tropical climate await through sports and outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City. The city has numerous parks where you can jog, practice tai chi, or simply relax away from the urban hustle.

Tao Dan Park and September 23 Park are popular green spaces where locals gather for morning exercises and evening strolls. If you’re into cycling, you’ll find that early morning rides through the quieter districts offer a different perspective on the city before the traffic builds up.

Sports enthusiasts can catch local football matches at Thong Nhat Stadium, home to Ho Chi Minh City FC. The city also has numerous gyms, tennis courts, and swimming pools, particularly in the expat-heavy areas of District 1 and District 3.

Eating out in Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll likely head to Pham Ngu Lao Street when eating out in Ho Chi Minh City, as this backpacker hub buzzes with nightclubs, restaurants and bars. Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1 is another popular late-night spot for dining and drinks. The city has a wide range of restaurants catering to all palates, and you may find that Vietnamese street food is often just as good as the food found in the more expensive restaurants.

For authentic street food, it’s best to hit the markets and ask Vietnamese friends what their favourites are, as word-of-mouth always wins. Some dishes to try include pho bo (beef noodle soup), Saigon nem (fresh spring rolls) and bun cha (barbecued pork with noodle soup). Saigon is a port city, and the seafood dishes, particularly seafood spring rolls, are absolutely mouthwatering.

Vietnamese coffee is potent and tasty, rounding out the city’s food scene perfectly. Coffee shops abound, and it’s easy to see where the Vietnamese get their zing from. According to the locals, the best way to have coffee is with condensed milk over ice. There are coffee shops or kiosks on just about every street corner, and the coffee served is cheap and strong.

Kids and family activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Families with children will find kids and family activities in Ho Chi Minh City are plentiful, with the city offering educational and entertaining options that cater to different age groups.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens provide a classic family day out, combining wildlife viewing with peaceful garden walks. For a more modern experience, Diamond Plaza and other shopping centres often host family-friendly events and have dedicated play areas.

Water parks like Dam Sen offer relief from the heat and hours of entertainment for children. The city’s many parks also provide safe spaces for kids to play, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.

See and do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a loud, exciting and dynamic destination. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s delicious street food and bustling night markets or prefer the peaceful atmosphere of its pagodas, temples, churches and parks, Saigon has something to suit any mood.

Below is our list of the best things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City for expats and visitors alike.

Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

Originally built in 1962 as the home and workplace of the South Vietnamese president, this Ho Chi Minh City landmark was made famous in 1975 when a tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the front gates of the palace, effectively ending the Vietnam War. Visitors can view the tanks involved in the capture of the palace and can explore its secret rooms, command bunker and lush garden.

War Remnants Museum

This museum showcases artefacts that act as a stark reminder of the devastation that took place during the Vietnam War (locally known as the War of Resistance against America). Those interested in military history can spend hours looking at the fascinating displays.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

This cathedral serves as a reminder of Ho Chi Minh City’s French colonial past. The beautiful basilica dates back to 1880 and is located in the heart of the city. A visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon provides a peaceful break from the hectic pace of life in Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral is currently closed for renovations until 2027.

Ben Thanh Market

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, Ben Thanh Market, offers an authentic Vietnamese shopping experience in the heart of District 1. Beyond the daytime market selling everything from textiles to local handicrafts, the area transforms into a bustling night market after dark, where you can sample street food and soak up the local atmosphere.

Saigon Skydeck

A trip to this observation deck, located in the Bitexco Financial Tower, is a must for anyone living in Ho Chi Minh City. This iconic structure stands tall in the middle of the city centre and offers visitors the best panoramic views over the bustling metropolis below.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Located about 25 miles (40km) from the city centre, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history. Viet Cong soldiers used this extensive underground network during the Vietnam War. Visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels and learn about the ingenious survival techniques used during the conflict.

Meeting people and making friends in Ho Chi Minh City

The city’s active expat community and friendly local population make meeting people and making friends in Ho Chi Minh City relatively straightforward. You’ll find plenty of opportunities through shared interests, whether that’s joining sports clubs, participating in cultural activities, or volunteering with local charities.

Many newcomers connect through online platforms like Meetup, which hosts regular events for different interests and nationalities. Business networking events are also common, particularly in District 1’s central business district, where many international companies are based.

Social media groups and expat forums are excellent starting points for finding like-minded people, while language exchange meetups offer a chance to practice Vietnamese while helping locals with English.

Useful links

• Meetup Ho Chi Minh City
• Saigon Children Volunteer Opportunities
• Saigon Hash House Harriers
• British Chamber Of Commerce Vietnam