Things to do in Ho Chi Minh city

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most dynamic metropolis, is packed with activities for every kind of traveler. From trendy cafes and vibrant bars to unique attractions like ice skating and swimming pools, the city offers a wealth of experiences. Below is a comprehensive guide to what you can do in each district.

District 1: The Heart of the City

Bars

1. Apocalypse Now – One of the oldest and most famous bars in Saigon, known for its lively atmosphere and mix of expats and locals.

2. Broma Not a Bar – A rooftop bar with a great selection of craft beers and a fantastic view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

3. Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar – A historical bar at Caravelle Hotel, offering stunning skyline views and live music.

Coffee Shops

1. The Workshop – A stylish, third-wave coffee shop known for its excellent espresso and pour-over brews.

2. Cong Caphe – A Vietnamese retro-style café serving coconut coffee, a must-try specialty.

3. L’Usine – A chic cafe with an attached boutique, perfect for brunch and shopping.

Ice Skating

• Vincom Center Ice Rink – The only ice-skating rink in District 1, located in Vincom Center, offering rental skates and lessons for beginners.

Swimming

• Rex Hotel Rooftop Pool – A relaxing rooftop pool with a view of downtown Saigon.

Nightlife & Partying

1. Lush Saigon – A well-known nightclub that attracts a mix of locals, expats, and travelers.

2. Kasho Club – A Japanese-style club with luxury bottle service and top DJs.

District 2: The Expat Hub

Bars

1. Malt Saigon – A bar with a great selection of craft beer and fun bar games like shuffleboard.

2. Rabbit Hole – A speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails.

Coffee Shops

1. Dolphy Cafe – A quiet, pet-friendly café perfect for remote work.

2. The Snap Cafe – A family-friendly café with a large outdoor garden.

Ice Skating

• Estella Place Ice Rink – Located in the Estella Mall, a great spot for kids and families.

Swimming

• The Crescent Club Pool – A luxurious swimming pool in the affluent Thao Dien area.

Nightlife & Partying

1. Aura Nightclub – A high-end club with an international crowd.

2. Bar 22 – A cozy lounge with great music and cocktails.

District 3: The Cultural Center

Bars

1. Yugen Bar – A hidden Japanese whiskey bar with an intimate setting.

2. No Vacancy – A creative cocktail bar with vintage decor.

Coffee Shops

1. Okkio Caffe – A small but stylish café with quality coffee and pastries.

2. Goc Ha Noi – A Hanoi-style café serving traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Ice Skating

• No major ice-skating rinks in District 3, but Vincom Center in District 1 is a short drive away.

Swimming

• Ky Dong Swimming Pool – One of the most popular public pools in the city.

Nightlife & Partying

1. Carmen Bar – A Latin music bar with a lively crowd and live performances.

2. Acoustic Bar – A favorite spot for live rock music.

District 5: Chinatown

Bars

1. Whisky & Wares – A whisky lover’s paradise with a great selection of Japanese and Scotch whiskies.

2. Havana Club – A Cuban-themed bar with salsa nights.

Coffee Shops

1. Cheese Coffee – A trendy café with creative coffee drinks and desserts.

2. Thuc Coffee – A well-known local coffee chain with strong Vietnamese coffee.

Ice Skating

• No dedicated ice-skating rinks, but easily accessible from District 1.

Swimming

• Windsor Plaza Hotel Pool – A rooftop pool with a great view of Cholon (Chinatown).

Nightlife & Partying

1. Piano Cafe – A place with live piano performances for a more relaxed evening.

2. Phoenix Lounge – A stylish cocktail bar with live music.

District 7: The Modern Urban Area

Bars

1. Rogue Saigon – A rooftop craft beer bar with a relaxed vibe.

2. The Tavern – A British-style pub with great beer and hearty food.

Coffee Shops

1. Starbucks Phu My Hung – One of the largest Starbucks in Vietnam, located in a beautiful area.

2. Maison de Boony – A cozy and Instagrammable café.

Ice Skating

• Crescent Mall Ice Rink – A spacious ice-skating rink perfect for family fun.

Swimming

• SC VivoCity Pool – A large outdoor pool inside a popular shopping mall.

Nightlife & Partying

1. Ruby Soho – A bar with live music and DJ sets.

2. The Dubliner – An Irish pub with sports screenings and hearty meals.

District 10: Local Vibes

Bars

1. Commas Saigon – A trendy bar attracting young locals.

2. The Gin House – A gin-focused cocktail bar with a relaxing ambiance.

Coffee Shops

1. M2C Cafe – A modern Vietnamese cafe with excellent cold brews.

2. Fly Cupcake Garden – A great place for desserts and coffee.

Ice Skating

• No major ice-skating rinks, but nearby District 1 has good options.

Swimming

• Le Thi Rieng Park Pool – A large and affordable public pool.

Nightlife & Partying

1. Lavish Lounge – A club with hip-hop and electronic music.

2. Kool Club – A favorite spot for the younger crowd.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City offers endless activities across its many districts, whether you’re looking for a night out, a relaxing coffee, a fun ice-skating experience, or a great swimming pool. No matter your interests, this vibrant city has something to offer.