Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a must-visit in Southeast Asia because of its rich history, culture, affordability, and liveliness metropolitan. There is something for everyone. Our local guide brings you the 11 free things to do in Saigon that ensure you can still experience the local culture on your budget travel.
1. Explore Ben Thanh Market
First opened in 1912 and in a prime location in the city center, Ben Thanh Market has emerged as one of the leading marketplaces. It also offers visitors a vast selection of branded items, knockoff brands, foods, and a glimpse into the local trades.
In many cases, the clock tower at the south gate of this market is considered an unofficial symbol of Saigon. Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is a great place to buy local handicrafts, Vietnamese art, and ornaments, try Vietnamese foods and refreshing coconut, and other souvenirs.
Tips and note:
-In a crowded place, keep your eyes on your valuables at all times and avoid keeping things in your back pockets
-Go with a local to help bargain if you would like to buy souvenirs
See How to Bargain at a Vietnamese market
Location: Intersections of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Lai Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Opening time: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Get Closer to Nature in Tao Dan Park
There are so many free things to do in Saigon, and Tao Dan Park is the perfect place for a fresh atmosphere. The abundant urban green space covers 10 hectares of Saigon and is home to over 1,000 prominent trees. Situated in the city’s center, this refreshing park provides much oxygen to the people in a congested city.
In the early morning or late afternoon, you can see more of the local lifestyle with people doing exercise, walking, and practicing yoga or tai chi together. Not to mention that there is a bird singing contest in the early morning, where locals bring their pet birds in cages to meet up and enjoy a cup of coffee. This is a fascinating part of Vietnamese culture.
Tips and notes:
-You should not go to Tao Dan Park late at night
-Sit on the bench in the early morning, have some coffee, and take a deep breath to relax your body and mind, and you will have a great starting day
Location: 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 5 AM – 8 PM
3. Walk Around Nguyen Hue Street
One of the main Saigon attractions you should not miss is the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. After opening on Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, it has become an ideal attraction for Saigonese and tourists far and near.
Nguyen Hue walking street is a popular place for hosting significant events in the city, such as parades, concerts, street festivals, and the annual flower displays on the Tet holiday. Besides, this walking street is a social gathering place for the young generation on weekends and evenings. One of the free things to do is join in the water fountain fun with the local kids trying to get some cooling from the tropical heat. Occasionally, street performers put on live acoustic music and dance entertainment. At night, all the lights light up, making Saigon lively and busy.
Tips and notes:
-Come on the evening on weekends if you want to watch water music performances
-Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas
Location: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 5 AM – 12 AM
Check out more fun things to do in Saigon:
Klook.com4. Visit Thien Hau Temple
The Chinese built Thien Hau Temple in the early 19th century, and this beautiful Saigon Pagoda is also known as Chua Ba to the locals. It was named after one of the famous sea Goddesses who protected the voyagers when they crossed the ocean to reach Vietnam. The temple is located on the busy Nguyen Trai Street, and you can access it by entering the iron gate and passing a small yard.
Inside, ceremonial displays of spiral incense hang on the ceilings, and majestic interior ceramic decorations line the roofs and walls. When a religious event is happening, Thien Hau Temple is constantly flooded with visitors who come to pray for their families, particularly during the Lunar New Year. This free attraction in Saigon is a valuable work of history and a significant religious site for the Chinese and Vietnamese communities.
Tips and notes:
-Keep noises to a minimal
-Be careful with the porcelain dioramas
Location: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Cho Lon, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
5. Stroll Through the Book Street
If you are a book lover, we recommend you visit one of the new free attractions in Saigon: Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. They sell new and second-hand Vietnamese and foreign-language books, though they don’t have a vast selection.
Located opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent to the Central Post Office, Book Street now has over 20 shops selling many domestic and international books. On this fancy new pedestrian book street, locals sometimes host live music performances, and authors come and talk about their books.
Fancy stopping by a reading station, browsing your favorite books, and enjoying a cup of coffee? Take part of these free things to do in Saigon.
Tips and notes:
-Choose a shaded place in the center where you can enjoy some quietness, away from the traffic
-Be aware of pickpockets
Location: Nguyen Van Binh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 8 AM – 8 PM
6. Join in the Nightlife Scenes at Bui Vien Walking Street
Bui Vien Walking Street, as known as “Pho Tay,” is a street located in the backpacker’s area of Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Cong Quynh, and Do Quang Dau Streets in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
From July 2017, the city officially turned this place into a walking street for travelers to safely walk around and join in the liveliness of the city scenes full of bars, restaurants, mini-marts, street food vendors, and cheap beers. Some places are open late until past midnight. Join in the fun and stroll with other locals and travelers at Bui Vien’s exciting night scene in the evening.
Tips and notes:
-The night scenes start from 7 PM, and it’s much more crowded on the weekends and holidays
-Be mindful of your belongings
Location: Bui Vien Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vehicles are prohibited from 7 PM – 2 AM (Saturday and Sunday only)
7. See Saigon’s Overview at Thu Thiem Tunnel Park
Thu Thiem Tunnel Park is a place to see the city across from the Saigon River. Located on the roof of the Thu Thiem underground tunnel connecting District 1 and District 2, this is one of those free things to do in Saigon not many people know of. From here, you can enjoy fresh air, a splendid river, and a panoramic city view of Saigon’s significant buildings. At night, this place becomes a romantic dating spot for young locals.
Tip: it’s best to come in the late afternoon to watch the sunset or with a local
Location: on the roof of the Thu Thiem tunnel, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
8. Join a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to see the city is with the locals. There are university student groups in Saigon that offer free walking tours to tourists in exchange for the students to practice English and get international exposure. It’s a great way to meet people and get their advice.
Tour guides passionate about sharing the city also do freelance tours. They work on tips alone, and you’re not obligated to pay unless you think the trip was worth it in the end. As one of the free things to do, the schedules fill up fast, so you should plan ahead.
9. Admire the 19th Century Architecture at the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral
The French built both the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral in the 1800s. These two main attractions are free to visit in Saigon and are just adjacent to each other. Built in 1880, the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation, so only outside visits are allowed. At the post office, a favorite thing to do for travelers is to send a postcard home.
Location: Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 7 AM – 6 PM
10. Enjoy a Free Concert at the Saigon Opera House
Early Sunday mornings at the front steps of the Saigon Opera House, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a free concert ringing in the city’s heart.
Location: Municipal Theatre, 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Time: 8 AM – 10 AM
11. Discover the Local Trades at Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon)
Binh Tay Market, known as “Cho Lon,” is Saigon’s most prominent wholesale market. Binh Tay Market was built in 1928 by a Chinese businessman. It just currently closed for renovation in 2017 in Chinatown, but temporary booths of over 1,000 shops are set up near Thap Muoi Street. This busy local market in District 6 is where visitors can witness the local trades.
Location: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Summary of the 11 Free Things to Do in Saigon
Saigon is a busy city with many things to do, and this guide introduces you to the free things to do. From historical sights to parks and local markets, visiting these attractions can give you a glimpse of the local lifestyle and customs. To check out other attractions in the city, read more about the 3-day customized itinerary in our Saigon Travel Guide.