Beside a lot of attractions, Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) has a lot of activities beside many attractions. Here is a few things you can do here

1. Cheap eats

Vietnam is a food paradise, and Ho Chi Minh City has all the food from all over the country, with many price, from street food to restaurant. You can try the food at family shop, named like “Aunty” or “Chi” followed a number representing their order in the family, or chains, such as Pho24 and Pho 2000. Interestingly, the chain store cannot beat the family shops here.

2. Motorbike tours

Riding on a motorbike to travel in the traffic with nearly 5 million motorbikes is an exhilarating way to experience the city like a local. Be caution that helmet is compulsory in Vietnam, so don’t forget it. If you’re not confident enough to find your own way around, take an organized tour that give you some idea on food, nightlife, unusual sights or attractions, remember to ask the guide for hot spots so you can visit them yourself later.

3. Bia hoi (Fresh bear)

Fresh bear, free preservatives and therefore best gulped down immediately, was first introduced in Czechs, but now you can it on most street corners and in ramshackle bars. The price can vary from place to place, but still reasonable, but the trial and error is the best part here.

 

4. Coffee

Vietnam is one of the biggest coffee export country in the world. It is still the local’s favorite beverage since the introduction in 19^th century by French colonist. The local has a unique filtered steeping process leads to a richer, more naturally sweat flavors. The coffee served here is usually ca phe da, or iced coffee, and ca phe sua da, iced coffee with condensed milk.

In 30/4 park (opposite of Independence Palace), you can try out a unique coffee culture only in Ho Chi Minh, Ca phe Bet. What unique is that you’ll drink coffee while sitting on the ground in the park, no chairs or tables. There a lot of clubs, group of youths come here, and they’re usually really friendly.

5. Cooking class

Find the food here is to your liking? How about bring the recipe home and cook it to surprise your family? Many major hotels offer generic cooking class, but small-size class can be better. The best classes will assign a chef to your team, and teach you from the very beginning: buying ingredients in a nearby market, to cook classic dishes (summer rice rolls, rice noodle soup and many more). Cooking class usually come in private, half-day, or full-day class, depend on how much you love it.

6. Cu Chi Tunnels

Here is where you’ll learn what claustrophobia really mean. This vast network of interconnecting underground tunnels was used during the Tet Offensive of 1968, and was an important part in many military campaigns. You’ll be allowed to experience the tunnels first hand, and even fire the AK-47.

7. Tailored clothing

If you haven’t know, the World Heritage-listed town Hoi An, in the Central of Vietnam, is a top spot for quality tailoring, but Ho Chi Minh city is also another safe bet. For the best result, you should make preparation by taking magazine, or clothing you want to replicate. Determine how much you’ll spend, or you might change your whole wardrobe. Allow a few days for necessary adjustments, so you won’t have any regret later.

8. Nightlife

The night in Ho Chi Minh is still very bustling. You can go to Pham Ngu Lao Street, known as backpacker district, which is another version of Bangkok’s Khao San Road. If you’re looking something more expensive, try the rooftop bar hop in three most famous hotels in the city: The Rex, Caravelle, and Majestic. The price can be … scary, but the view from here and the colorful history can worth your money. Dong Khoi area is another area full of live-music venues and more upmarket bars.

9. Shopping

Beside market, you can still find high-end shopping in major department stores such as Diamond Plaza and Saigon Centre, and as expected, price won’t be much different from home. Other shopping center you can try out is Vincom Centre, or Nguyen Hue Street.