1. Stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a lively area in Ho Chi Minh City where locals and tourists gather, especially on weekend evenings. It’s completely free to enjoy its wide granite-paved promenade, light shows, and musical fountain. Street performances, cultural parades, and art exhibitions often take place here. The mix of colonial and modern architecture, plus people-watching, makes it a perfect stop. For a small cost, you can taste local food or relax at nearby cafés.
2. Wander through Ben Thanh Market
Visiting Ben Thanh Market to enjoy its buzzing atmosphere is among the top free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. At this icon of Saigon, just strolling through its four grand gates and admiring the century-old clock tower are rewarding enough. The bustling stalls here showcase local handicrafts and souvenirs. Even without shopping, the vibe is memorable. For reasonable prices, try street foods like banh mi, crab noodle soup, or sweet soups.
3. Admire Notre Dame Cathedral
For free attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss Saigon's Notre Dame Cathedral. Here, visitors can admire Roman and Gothic architecture, which features tall towers, stained glass, and vaulted ceilings. The peaceful atmosphere invites reflection and photography. Outside, the statue of Our Lady of Peace is a popular gathering spot. Affordable coffee stalls nearby let you sip a drink while enjoying the church’s timeless beauty.
4. Go inside Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is one of the city’s most striking colonial-era buildings, and entry is free. Stepping inside, you can admire its neo-Baroque design, vintage maps, and tiled floors. The arched hall lined with wooden counters makes visitors feel like stepping back in time. You can take photos, browse old stamps, or pick up inexpensive souvenirs. Painted bright yellow, the post office remains a symbol of Saigon’s historic charm.
5. People-watch at Turtle Lake
Regarding free things to do in Saigon, a favorite hangout spot where you can relax without spending a cent is Turtle Lake. Its octagonal fountain, shaded pathways, and spiral walkways create a unique setting for people-watching. Locals gather in the evening to chat, sing, or snack on street foods like grilled rice paper or stir-fried corn at very affordable prices. Sitting by the water under old trees, tourists can feel both the city’s energy and its laid-back charm.
6. Visit Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
To enjoy Ho Chi Minh City travel on a budget, visit Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, which is perfect for book lovers and is completely free to enter. This tree-lined street near Notre Dame Cathedral features book stalls, cultural exhibits, and author meetups. You can browse rare old volumes or the latest best-sellers, and relax with a coffee at a reasonable price. The peaceful vibe makes it not just a shopping place but a cultural experience in itself.
7. Unwind at Bach Dang Wharf Park
Bach Dang Wharf Park near Bach Dang Wharf offers a free riverside escape with green lawns, walking pathways, and stunning views of the Saigon River. Locals often come here to jog, chat, or enjoy the refreshing breeze. From the benches, you can admire sunsets, bridges, and skyscrapers like Landmark 81 in the distance. This park is also a great spot for photography, strolling, and immersing yourself in the relaxing atmosphere.
8. Explore Chinatown
On the list of the best free things to do in Saigon, Chinatown stands out with many experiences for culture lovers. You can wander through colorful temples like Thien Hau Pagoda or Quan Am Pagoda, with ornate roofs and ceramic details. Simply walking the bustling streets reveals Chinese heritage, traditional medicine shops, and lantern-lined alleys. Markets such as Binh Tay are ideal for exploration. For low prices, you can enjoy dim sum, noodle dishes, and sweet soups.
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9. Step inside Jade Emperor Pagoda
One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for free is visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Entry is free, and visitors can admire its intricate Chinese-inspired architecture, from carved wooden altars to colorful roof tiles. Inside are hundreds of statues and artworks. As one of Saigon’s most sacred temples, the pagoda draws many who come here to pray for blessings. Its tranquil, spiritual setting offers a meaningful experience without spending money.
10. Relax at Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan Park is a lush green space in the city center, open free of charge. Shady trees, flowers, and sculptures make it a perfect spot for jogging or picnicking. Families can enjoy the playgrounds while culture buffs can visit Hung King Memorial Temple here. Birdsong cafés offer inexpensive drinks in a unique setting. Tao Dan Park is an ideal place for unwinding amid nature without leaving the city.
11. Enjoy a walk along the Saigon River waterfront
If you are looking for free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, take a riverside walk along the Saigon River. This area offers stunning views of shimmering skyscrapers, bridges, and colorful reflections on the water, especially at sunset or night. Benches and parks along the river make it convenient to sit and relax. For a small fee, tourists can enjoy extras like a waterbus ride or stand-up paddleboarding.
12. Experience nightlife at Starlight Bridge
To experience nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, the Starlight Bridge is a free spot. At night, LED lights create a dreamy starry effect, while water jets glow with rainbow hues on weekends. You can stroll across its curved design, enjoying the cool breezes and city views. Affordable street foods like mixed rice paper or smoothies add more flavor to the evening.
13. Visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the largest of its kind in Saigon, is free to explore 24/7. Bursting with colors and scents, it is a dream spot for photography. Hundreds of stalls sell everything here, from orchids to lotuses, offering a lively glimpse into local culture. At night, the market glows under lights and feels more relaxed. Affordable street food stalls nearby serve Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean snacks, making the visit even more enjoyable.
14. Wander around Thao Dien
Ranked among Time Out’s 38 coolest neighborhoods in 2024, the area of Thao Dien in the former District 2 charms with leafy streets, cafés, spas, and craft shops. Xuan Thuy Street bustles with boutiques and creative complexes. Tourists can enjoy free photo spots, SUP, or kite flying. Michelin-rated Vietnamese dining, European restaurants, and bakeries delight food lovers. By night, lively bars and food markets create a cosmopolitan yet relaxed vibe.
15. Explore old apartment blocks
Old apartment blocks preserve the old Saigon’s charm, offering a glimpse into the locals’ everyday life. Here, tourists can wander narrow corridors and enjoy budget-friendly street food. Famous blocks include 47-57 Nguyen Thai Binh with eateries, 42 Nguyen Hue with cafés and bars, and 14 Ton That Dam with cocktail lounges and tattoo studios. These retro spaces blend nostalgia with creativity.
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16. Watch the sunset at Thu Thiem Tunnel
The park on the top of Thu Thiem Tunnel offers panoramic views of the Saigon River and the city skyline. It is a lively spot for free experiences like watching the sunset, flying kites, or taking photos. You can also enjoy snacks like tamarind quail eggs at affordable prices. The riverside setting invites tourists to relax and chat with friends. As dusk falls, the city lights reflect beautifully across the water.
17. Visit the Southern Women’s Museum
For free cultural experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, head to the Southern Women’s Museum. Founded in 1985, it showcases Vietnam’s history through the lens of women’s contributions. Free to visit, the museum spans 3,000 square meters with around 27 exhibitions and over 44,000 artifacts. The Southern Women’s Museum also houses 12,000 historical books and films, making it an inspiring tribute to Vietnamese women’s heritage.
18. Admire Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church, striking in bright pink, is one of Saigon’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 19th century, it blends Gothic and Roman styles with ornate interiors and a 52.6-meter-tall spire topped by a bronze cross. Inside, majestic columns and stained details create a solemn atmosphere. Free to enter, the church draws worshippers, architecture lovers, and photographers alike, offering both spiritual serenity and stunning beauty in the city center.
19. Tour the People’s Committee Building
Standing out among the top free things to do in Saigon, the People’s Committee Building, built in 1898, is a French Renaissance Revival masterpiece. Free tours on weekends let visitors explore its pastel-yellow façade, steep roofs, dormer windows, and a belfry flying the Vietnamese flag. Sculptures of goddesses, angels, and mythical beasts adorn the exterior, while the interior features elegant murals. This architectural gem is both the city government’s headquarters and a symbol of Saigon’s colonial heritage.
20. Take photos at Ba Son Metro Station
In the center of the former District 1, Ba Son Metro Station is a photogenic underground stop by the Saigon River. Its wavy ceiling and lush vines create a refreshing setting. Exit 3 frames views of Landmark 81 Tower and Ba Son Bridge, which are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Nearby graffiti walls and green lawns offer extra photo spots, making it a favorite place for photographers, where modern design meets riverside tranquility.
21. Ride a motorbike to Thanh Da
Thanh Da spans 427 hectares of rice fields, ponds, and villages. Just a 15-minute ride away from downtown, it offers riverfront walks, sunset views, and countryside charm. Tourists can relax on benches, sip drinks, or watch Landmark 81 Tower glow across the water. With temples, old houses, and street food along the embankment, Thanh Da blends rural simplicity with urban culture in one unique escape.
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FAQs about free things to do in Saigon
Are there really many free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Absolutely. From ancient temples and bustling markets to lively parks, the city offers countless free experiences.
What are the best free attractions in the city center?
Highlights include Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral’s exterior, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ho Chi Minh City Book Street - all situated within the former District 1.
Are public parks in Ho Chi Minh City free to enter?
Yes. All the public parks in the city are free to enter. They are ideal for relaxing, exercising, or simply people-watching.
Where can I explore the local culture for free?
Join morning tai chi or dance groups in parks, stroll through markets, or wander Chinatown to observe authentic daily life.
Can I enjoy nightlife in Saigon without spending money?
Yes. You can soak in the energy of Bui Vien Street or relax on Nguyen Hue Walking Street for free.
From historic churches and old apartments to riverside sunsets and vibrant neighborhoods, these free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City reveal the city’s charm without straining your budget. They show how Saigon’s energy and beauty are accessible to everyone at no cost.
For extra excitement in Ho Chi Minh City, make your way to Grand Park, the newest addition to the list of entertainment complexes in the city. Here, there is an amusement park, a water park, and all sorts of fun outdoor activities to enjoy.
Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam boasts many other gems like Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In those destinations, the upscale hotels and resorts of Vinpearl provide stylish stays with pools, spas, golf courses, fine dining restaurants, and event venues. At Vinpearl, guests can also experience the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, all packed with family-friendly attractions.
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