Top 10 Things To Do In Saigon – Second Time Visit
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Check out the top 10 things to do in Saigon for your second visit!
Ho Chi Minh City (“HCMC”) is the best destination in Vietnam. The center is located ~ 30 minutes Grab ride from the airport with wonderful food and experiences. If you are going to visit for the second time, I would assume you have already covered most of the main attractions in District 1. No worries, it’s a wonderful city with more to offer than just Nguyen Hue Square, Bui Vien Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Post Office.
I have been to HCMC multiple times. Based on my experience, I would like to recommend the top things to do for your second visit or extended stay.
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1. Revisit The Main Icons In District 1
I believe you must love the city in love to spend another annual leave on it. If so, why not start with a quick walk through the main attractions in District 1? As you already know, attractions like Notre Dame Basilica, Central Post Office, Opera House, Café Apartment, Saigon River, etc, are all within 45 minutes walking distance.
If you stayed in HCMC for a layover or just the business lounge last time, then these icons should be on your priority list.
So the very first thing to do for your second visit is to have a quick retrospective walking tour.
2. Cu Chi Tunnel Or Mekong River Day Tour
The Cu Chi Tunnel day tour and the firing range there are the most unique attractions in HCMC. It is one of the very few places in the world where you can actually get into this over 250-kilometer tunnel. If you didn’t go to Cu Chi Tunnel, then you should go for it this time.
If you completed this destination for the first time, then you could pick the Mekong River Day Tour instead. The Mekong River is the longest river in Southeast Asia, crossing the border of China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The day tour usually departs in the morning at 730 am, cruising multiple islands including Unicorn Island (Ky Lan), a coconut candy workshop on Thoi Son Island, and a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, then returning at 5 pm.
Day Trip Option For Your Seond Visit
A Meikong River day trip from HCMC normally would start from ~ 7 am and end at ~ 5 pm. The trip brings you to the local village in the area with multiple attractions. It is usually advisable to prioritize the Cu Chi Tunnel day trip instead of the Mekong. So it is a good option for your second visit to Saigon.
3. Visit The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, is a historic site established in 1865, making it one of the world’s oldest zoos. It is a very local zoo frequented by the locals and some tourists alike. The zoo houses over 30 species for exhibition, including white tigers, bears, giraffes, rhinos, etc. Other than animals, it is also famous for its botanical garden with a small amusement park. With the great variety of attractions, it only costs less than 3 USD. It is one of the local places to go to spend a good half day.
For details of the Saigon Zoo review, feel free to check out our dedicated post here.
4. Spend A Day In Suoi Tien Theme Park
The Suoi Tien Theme Park, located in District 9 of Ho Chi Minh City, offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, thrill rides, and a water park. Its combo ticket options can be overwhelming, with over ten choices available, including admission to various rides and attractions. The park features highlights such as the “18 Levels of Hell” ride, the Crocodile Kingdom, and a water park, alongside decorations inspired by Vietnamese folklore and culture.
If you get so bored with an international brand theme park like Disneyland or a chain brand like Vinwonders in Vietnam. Then Suoi Tien Theme Park will definitely offer you one of the most unique experiences of thrill rides, animal experiences, cultural icons, and a water park all together. Check out our article for Suoi Theme Park and its water park for more details.
The best way to get to the park is via the newly launched HCMC metro. It is also the best way to enjoy the city landscape on your way there.
🎡 Looking For A Day In Suoi Tien Theme Park ✅ Book Your Ticket !
Multiple Combo Ticket Options
At the time of writing, there are over 10 options for Suoi Tien Theme Park tickets. Comparing the official website, Trip.com, and Klook. Trip.com, in general, provides the cheapest price for all of the options. However, Klook has clearer descriptions on the packages.
5. Explore the Local Food Market And Flower Market At Ho Thi Ky
Unlike Bangkok, Saigon does not have lots of night markets like Jodd Fairs or Chatuchak Weekend Market. Ho Thi Ky Food and Flower Market is the most popular local market there. In the food market, you will find a variety of local seafood such as grilled shrimp, lobster, urchin, and even “giant sea cockroach”. Other than seafood, you can find exotic local Vietnamese food such as Trung Vit Lon. As for the flower market, it is also nice to walk around even if you are not buying anything.
Unfortunately, we usually would skip this attraction, given that it is located in District 10. The best way to get there is either via Grab or GrabBike for ~ 15 minutes from District 1. If you didn’t visit the market on your first visit, you could consider that during 2nd visit. Also, remember to bring enough VND, as most of the vendors there take cash only.
6. Explore The Landmarks Beyond District 1
There are lots of landmarks beyond District 1. For example, the War Remnants Museum in District 3 is a must-visit item even on a first visit. If you have missed it before, you should go for that this time.
Other than that, in District 3 the the pastel-pink Tan Dinh Church stands out with its Gothic architecture—a peaceful contrast. This landmark is best for photos during the daytime and nighttime.
Meanwhile, District 5 also houses Saigon’s Chinatown, and the most popular building there is the Binh Tay Market. The market has an ancient Chinese-style exterior, a temple in the middle with multiple traditional shops selling dried seafood nearby. In the same district, there is another famous market called An Dong market, which is similar to the Ben Thanh market in District 1.
Apart from the War Remnants Museum, all other icons are less common on the Saigon itinerary. You should cover them during your second visit or a long stay in the city.
7. A Short Trip To Vung Tau
If you are staying in HCMC for more than 5 days or visiting them second time, having a short trip to a nearby destination would be a great idea. Vung Tau is a peninsula just ~ 2 hours ferry from HCMC. The coastal city is famous for beaches, giant Jese Christ, an eco-friendly May Ho Park, and cheap accommodation with a rooftop swimming pool and panoramic views.
I stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights during my last visit to HCMC and recommend you do so for a short escape.
By Sea Is Better Than By Land
Going to Vung Tau from HCMC by ferry is a lot cheaper than Grab. Not only it saves time, it is even more comfortable. In that, I recommend you to book via travel agency like Trip.com, GetYourGuide, Klook and 12GO
8. Go Beyond Vietnamese Food
Unlike the food in other cities like Hanoi and Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City has a lot of great cuisines on top of local food. For example, with the historical backdrop of Japanese residents locally, the city offers high-quality Japanese food at very affordable prices. The best place to taste Japanese food is in the Saigon Japan Town.
With the recent rise of Korean culture and the increase in Korean tourists, I found a bunch of great Korean restaurants during my last visit. For example, you can have high quality Korean BBQ buffet at ~ 200k VND in most of the Vincom Center. Other than that, if you head to An Phu metro station in District 2, you will find a cozy Korean food court there.
Other than Japanese and Korean food, don’t forget that similar to every major city in Vietnam. HCMC has a lot of great French Fine Dine restaurant at good price due to its colonial history. I highly recommend Cocotte restaurant near the Ben Thanh market which offers the best onion soup and crème brulee.
Also, during a second visit or long stay, I recommend you give a try to the local Vietnamese buffet Cuu Van Long at Saigon Financial Tower.
9. Relax In Local Café
So unlike our first visit, we shall have more chill time in the second visit. So let’s spend a couple of hours on the local cafés. For that the local brand – Katinat, is the trending local chain café frequented by most of the young locals. Other than that, Gong Café , is another local brand famous for their green rice mixed ice-drinks.
If you are looking for premium option, then Trung Nguyen Legend Café would be another great choice. Its good to have a Vietnamese coffee with a cake at the corner of the street. Otherwise some local cafes such as café Paris near the Saigon Zoo is another great popular choices amongst the locals.
Compared to Hanoi train street, HCMC has a lot more cozy cafes.
10. Souvenir At Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart is the mega mall in Saigon. This modern shopping center stocks Vietnamese treasures like local coffee, dried fruits, and handicrafts. It’s affordable, convenient, and air-conditioned—a welcome relief after Saigon’s heat. The price there is transparent and a lot cheaper than touristy places like Ben Thanh Market. I love going there for souvenir shopping a each of my visit. Whether you’re grabbing gifts or keepsakes, Lotte Mart simplifies your shopping with variety and quality under one roof.
HCMC Is Worth Second Visit
Saigon never runs out of surprises, and these things to do in Saigon for a second visit ensure your return is as exciting as your first. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, day trips to culinary explorations, this city offers endless ways to connect with its past and present. Every time I visit HCMC again, I will find more hidden gems and surprises.
The only drawback I can think of is the trouble for applying Vietnam visa every time of my visit.
Also, on your way back to your home Country, a soft reminder to arrive at the airport super early if you are taking a budget airline like Vietjet, or else you may have a painful experience like I did last time.
