45 Things To See And Do In Ho Chi Minh Suitable For Muslim Travelers

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Ho Chi Minh City, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity, offers a delightful experience for Muslim travelers seeking immersion in a new culture. From exploring vibrant neighborhoods to savoring delectable halal cuisine in Ho Chi Minh, here's your ultimate guide to Muslim-friendly activities in this bustling city.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PLACES WHERE LOCALS HANG OUT IN HO CHI MINH CITY

1. Chinatown (District 5)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, where Chinese heritage intertwines seamlessly with Vietnamese culture. Explore Hao Sy Phuong street, filled with captivating stories of heritage and local life. Soak in the unique ambiance of this historic neighborhood.

2. Binh Tay Market (District 5)

Dive into the bustling energy of Binh Tay Market, nestled in Chinatown. Discover a treasure trove of local produce and goods at affordable prices. Navigate through the maze of stalls to find halal snacks and gifts, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this iconic market. (Click here to view map)

3. Tao Dan Bird Park (District 1)

Escape the hustle and bustle of District 1 by visiting Tao Dan Bird Park, a serene oasis where locals gather to unwind. Witness the morning rituals of bird owners and enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee. Engage in Tai Chi sessions or explore mini replicas of Vietnam's landmarks with your family.

4. Turtle Lake (District 3)

Experience the local vibe at Turtle Lake, a popular gathering spot for young people and couples. Join the crowd in casual conversations and people-watching sessions. Indulge in a variety of halal street food offerings while soaking in the relaxed ambiance of this urban oasis.

5. Saigon Flea Market (District 7)

Embark on a shopping adventure at the Saigon Flea Market, renowned for its unique finds and trendy offerings. Browse through stalls offering handmade fashion, accessories, and souvenirs. Engage with local artisans and fellow travelers as you explore this vibrant market. Visit Saigon Flea Market for opening hours and location

SHOP TILL YOU DROP IN HO CHI MINH CITY

6. Ben Thanh Market (District 1)

Delve into the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Discover a plethora of souvenirs, fashion items, and local produce. Check out some of the best Halal restaurants in Ho Chi Minh here, as you immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of this iconic market. Pro tip: The tailor shops in this area are very popular for tailoring banju kurung at a good price.

7. Saigon Square (District 1)

Explore the diverse offerings of Saigon Square, a bustling shopping complex adjacent to Ben Thanh Market. Discover a wide range of fashion and electronic products at discounted prices. Engage in the art of bargaining and uncover hidden gems while supporting local businesses. Pro tip: Clothes sold here are cheaper than in Ben Thanh market.

8. Nguyen Trai Street (District 3)

Embark on a fashion exploration along Nguyen Trai Street, known for its vibrant boutiques and neon-lit storefronts. Discover a mix of global brands and local fashion designers offering affordable clothing and accessories. Take a leisurely stroll to absorb the bustling atmosphere of this trendy shopping district.

9. An Dong Market (District 5)

Step into the bustling ambiance of An Dong Market, a historic destination offering a diverse array of goods. Explore the extensive selection of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Indulge in traditional desserts and refreshments while experiencing the vibrant culture of this iconic market. Pro tip: Most stalls in Ben Thanh market get their products wholesale from here.

10. Local Markets

Immerse yourself in the authentic shopping experience of Ho Chi Minh City by exploring local markets. Engage with vendors and locals while hunting for unique treasures and bargains. Experience the vibrant energy of these markets while gaining insights into the local way of life.

CHILL OUT AND RELAX IN THE BEST LOCAL CAFES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Disclaimer: Cafes in Ho Chi Minh city are not halal

11. Lao Hac Cafe

Within a hectic city, stands a rustic cafe with a strong 80s vibe. Lao Hac is located on Hoang Sa street, but despite being on one of the noisiest streets in Ho Chi Minh, this small coffeeshop exudes a feeling of tranquility and peacefulness at the first step in. From its surrounding wall décor, to old wooden furnishings, Lao Hac is designed in an old, Southern style concept. There is no air-conditioning here, but the place never seems too hot to sit down; to enjoy the ambience and enjoy a cup of great tasting coffee with friends.

Address: 299B Hoang Sa Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1

12. OKKIO Tu Do Cafe

Among the coffee shops on this list, this one has a more modern design. Located on Dong Khoi street, OKKIDO Tu Do cafe features the historic Opera House as its front view, making it an ideal photoshoot spot for locals and tourists alike. The shop offers air conditioning, wifi, contemporary music, as well as various table sizes for individuals and groups. Upon entering the coffee shop, visitors are drawn to the smell of coffee, which is centered around a brew bar. The OKKIO Tu Do Cafe is a great place to chit chat with a group or work on a deadline. 

Address: 151 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

13. Thai Yen Cafe

A brand that originated in Hanoi, Thai Yen cafe takes great pride in the taste of its coffee, and proud northern-style architecture. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh coffee which is available in different flavors, or for takeaway orders in unique packaging. With a key Northern style signature design, the newest outlet of Thai Yen café  is located in Tran Quy Khoach in Sai Gon District 1. Using primarily wood and gray colors, this coffee shop mirrors the vibe of a hangout in Hanoi's old quarter, while blending in with trees and natural light. 

14. Tokyo Moon Cafe Noir

As its name suggests, this small coffee shop is perfect for those interested in Japanese culture. Ideally located in Ho Chi Minh's own Japanese street, Thai Van Lung, the shop is designed with a simple, cozy color theme, and adorned with minimalist decorations like bonsais, Doraemon and manga figurines that bring back childhood memories. Chatting with the cafe's husband and wife team of coffee makers, who are both Japanese, is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture. This is definitely an interesting thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city for both locals and tourists alike.

Address: 8A/1C2 Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

15. The Vagabond Patisserie & Cafe

Ho Chi Minh's fancy French-style cafe serves not only tasty drinks, but delicious cakes as well. Coffee from Ethiopia and Uganda is available here along with seasonal nut milk and fruit teas. Located on Tran Cao Van street, this bakery and coffee shop has a ground floor with a view of the garden as well as two upper floors with lots of places to sit back and relax. It is filled with European collections, vintage cutlery, light gray furniture, and light yellow candles to provide customers with a more luxurious experience.

Address: 9 Tran Cao Van Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1

VISIT PLACES OF INTERESTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

16. Reunification Palace

Dive into Vietnam's history at Reunification Palace, a symbol of the country's resilience and unity. Explore the historic halls and chambers of this iconic landmark, offering insights into Vietnam's past and present.

17. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Experience spiritual tranquility at Jade Emperor Pagoda, a revered Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Marvel at its intricate architecture and serene ambiance while immersing yourself in Buddhist traditions.

18. Museum of Fine Arts

Embark on an artistic journey at the Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. Admire exquisite artworks and sculptures while gaining insights into the country's artistic legacy.

19. Ao Dai Museum

Immerse yourself in Vietnamese fashion and culture at the Ao Dai Museum, dedicated to the iconic national dress. Explore the history and evolution of the Ao Dai while admiring stunning exhibits and designs.

20. Water Puppet Theatre

Delight in the ancient art of water puppetry at the Water Puppet Theatre, a cultural gem in Ho Chi Minh City. Experience traditional performances depicting Vietnamese folklore and legends in a mesmerizing water setting.

Click here for more places of interest and top attractions in Ho Chi Minh city

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21. Cu Chi Tunnel

Cu Chi Tunnels is a complex network of tunnels that stretches over 200 km from Vietnam to the Cambodian border. You may choose to go on regular tours, or opt for the lesser known things to do near Cu Chi tunnels.

Top things to do: Watch a controversial film about the history and mysteries of the Cu Chi tunnels | Explore an intriguing underground network of tunnels used during the Vietnam war | Experience their living quarters, a military workshop, and health bunkers used during the war | Visit a rice paper workshop | Live firing range - AK47, M16, M60, M30

22. Mekong Delta (Cai Be)

Mekong Delta is a large region in South Vietnam, but most tours on offer only showcase the touristy side of it. We recommend visiting Cai Be, where you can visit the renown Cai Be floating market. There, you will be introduced to their simple yet colourful lifestyles, and maybe even grab a few good bargains. Next on the itinerary should be a trip through the local villages and to the local markets, either on foot or by bicycle. This is an opportunity to interact with the locals, play some local games, and to hear their rich stories about life by the riverside.

23. Can Gio Eco Reserve

Can Gio is an amazing wildlife sanctuary located about 40km from Ho Chi Minh, and is listed as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO . The reserve is characterized by a wetland biosystem dominated by mangrove with over 150 botanical species. In addition, Can Gio is also home to a diverse variety of wildlife including crocodiles and Dugongs. 

Top things to do: Visit Monkey Island – home to thousands of monkeys | Take a slow sampan ride through the lake | Visit the Vam Sat Mangrove Forest and bat lagoon where a colony of large flying fox bats sleep the day away | Experience crab fishing the traditional way | Soft trek into the heart of the forest to visit the bird sanctuary as well as Tang Bong Watch Tower to observe thousands of bird species | Get up close with wild crocodiles in a natural lake

24. Motorbike Or Vespa Tour

Riding on a motorbike is by far, the most efficient form of transportation, and heads the list of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city. It is without a doubt, also the best way to tour the city. There are many back of the bike tours on offer; feel the wind in your face while moving from point to point to savour the most delicious local street food. Alternatively, you could take photos of popular places of interest in Ho Chi Minh city, from the rear seat of a 2-wheeler. Either way, it's less time spent in traffic, and more time to see more.

25. Cooking Class

There are very few better ways to travel a country than through its local cuisines. That’s why many Muslim tourists have signed up for halal cooking lessons; not just to learn how to make local dishes, but also to understand the heritage, culture, and history behind the ingredients and cooking methods used. In order to provide a differentiated experience, some classes in Ho Chi Minh city introduced trendy concepts such as ‘farm to table’, ‘using organic ingredients’, or ‘using plant-based meats’, to students. With these innovations, food centred experiences are very popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh city.

TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM HO CHI MINH CITY

26. Vung Tau Seaside Resort

Spending a day in Vung Tau is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh for beach lovers. Getting there is fairly convenient by ferry. Otherwise, you may wish to travel by shuttle bus or private car as well. As expected, Vung Tau's 4 main beaches are the highlight for thousands of visitors each day. The other notable attractions include the famous 'tallest statue of Christ in Asia', Bhuddist temples, and a unique 'Whale worship' site. 

27. Giang Dien Waterfall

A haven for the locals, away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh city. Giang Dien waterfall is not exactly nature, but has been engineered in a way that allows visitors to still enjoy a myriad of activities amidst a natural landscape. The waterfall and its surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun where one can: cycle, swim under the waterfall, row boating, zorbing, or simply have a picnic with friends.

28. Mui Ne Beach Town

We recommend taking a 5hr overnight trip from Ho Chi Minh city, to the beach resort town of Mui Ne, which will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view just before breakfast. Mui Ne is well known for both its majestic red and white sand dunes, where you can spend the morning enjoying an exhilarating ride on a quad bike, or down the slopes on a sand sleigh. Visiting the Fairy Stream is another popular activity while in Mui Ne. And if time permits, do consider exploring the peaceful and quaint fishing village.

29. Tan Lap Floating Village

Tan Lap cajuput forest is located in the Tan Lap floating village tourist area, and perfect for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh city. It is a large primeval Melaleuca forest filled with all sorts of rich flora and fauna - such as turtles, snakes, storks and snakeheads. Visitors will need to take a short ferry ride into the forest, and cross a raised walkway through the soaring cajuput trees. They will also have access to a "Bird domestication area", to observe how birds are nurtured by Tan Lap floating village in their natural environment.

30. Buu Long Park

Buu Long park is located in Dong Nai province, only 30km from Ho Chi Minh. Being close to the city, a day trip to Buu Long park is highly recommended for anyone looking for unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh. The park boasts awesome surroundings, which features mountains, rivers, caves, and pagodas. Visitors can enjoy over 40 types of entertainment and attractions. This includes zones such as Long An mountain zone, the lake zone, prehistoric zone, pagoda zone, and its newest ecological space, Lan island. Picnic and camping facilities are also available.

ENJOY MUSLIM-FRIENDLY NIGHT SCENES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

31. Take a walk along Saigon river

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can spend some time enjoying a leisurely stroll along the river bank. Everyone needs a breather sometimes, plus you’ll get to see a more serene side of Ho Chi Minh. It’s the simple things in life that make us happy– enjoy the wind rushing through your hair or looking up to the night sky. Occasionally, you might even see a small group of university students gathering around and playing the guitar. If you don’t mind, you can join them for a live acoustic, one of the best ways to befriend the locals and to immerse yourself in the moment.

32. See the real Vietnam in 60 mins

Looking for an art performance in Ho Chi Minh which perfectly reveals the quintessence of Vietnam’s culture and beauty? You’re highly recommended to go to the “AO Show” - a breakthrough “Cirque de Soleil meets Vietnam” performance which takes place only several times per month in the historic Saigon Opera House. Prices start at 630,000vnd (30usd) onwards. Through a spectacle of lights, coupled with a fascinating set, the audience can’t help but be entranced by this magical acrobatic performance. And with a bit of imagination, they can also experience themselves walking on a small and breezy country road of southern Vietnam, being lost in an old town of Hanoi, or floating on a basket boat in a lotus swamp while suddenly hearing a piece of traditional chants.

33. Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Ho Chi Minh city, and is also the fourth tallest building in the country. As a commercial hub, it also houses many retail spaces, F&B outlets, and most prominent of all, the Saigon Skydeck. The Saigon Skydeck, which is located on the 49th floor, offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the beautiful city skyline. As night falls, the city lights up, making the overall experience even more stunning. Saigon skydeck is opened daily from 9.30am - 9.30pm.

34. Thu Thiem Bridge

Located across the beautiful Saigon River, this is an ideal place for young people to meet up for gatherings with friends, or for romantic dates. Many prefer to visit after sunset, when the fresh air is the most cool and relaxing. Budget conscious couples often choose this place for their dates, where they can take a leisurely walk on the bridge and enjoy a few snacks. Thu Thiem bridge has wide sidewalks on both sides, where you can comfortably sit and enjoy the cool breeze along the river. It’s definitely a great place to view the brilliant city at night from another angle.

35. Night markets

When coming to Asia, you should definitely not miss out on visiting one of the many night markets in each city. This is also true in Vietnam, as it is widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh. Unlike the more modern variations which can be found in Singapore, Seoul, and Bangkok, night markets in Ho Chi Minh are more traditional, which is a strong reflection of the city as a whole. Nevertheless, their unique charm and colour is sure to add to your travel experience. Here are some of the most popular night markets in Ho Chi Minh city • Ben Thanh night market • Hanh Thong Tay night market • Hoa Binh night market • Ky Hoa night market • Ho Thi Ky night market

SAVOUR THE BEST HALAL STREET FOOD IN HO CHI MINH CITY

36. Banh Xeo (pronounced as bun siao)

A big (and we mean big) savoury fried pancake made of flour, and stuffed with a generous serving of beansprouts, seafood or chicken. There is also a vegetarian version which doesn't really appeal to us though. Simple as it is, not every restaurant does it well. 

37. Goi Cuon (pronounced as goy coon)

The famous fresh Vietnamese springrolls with prawns, bean sprouts, vegetables, more vegetables, and even more vegetables wrapped in rice paper. Finally you dip that into a strong sauce and chilli, and you take a big bite of it. Most people love it. We hate it.

38. Pho (pronounced as fer)

Pho is the unofficial national dish of Vietnam - a bowl of rice vermicelli served in a thick hot broth with slices of either beef or chicken. But the only reason why it gets a mention in this article, is because the list recounts the most popular halal Vietnamese food, and it doesn't seem right to leave it out.

39. Com Tam (pronounced as kerm tum)

Broken rice was a popular staple of the poorer class Vietnamese farmers in the past. These days, the status of broken rice with grilled chicken has risen to a position almost equivalent to that of Vietnam’s other globally renowned foods.

40. Cha Gio (pronounced as cha yor)

We can't seem to find an authentic taste of this Vietnamese delicacy anywhere else in the world. The halal version of this fried spring roll is usually made with seafood, and served as an appetizer. You may also request for Cha Gio to be added to your noodle dishes (see Bun Cha below at #10).

FIND THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY FOR FREE

41. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street was the first ever walking street to be established in Ho Chi Minh city. This is a pedestrian-only walkway, where the public can take beautiful photos while enjoying the cool evening breeze. On most nights, they will be accompanied by talented street performers, making it one of the best things to do at night in Ho Chi Minh city. Visitors can also enjoy the wide selection of street food while they take a stroll, or hop into the unique café apartment, an old apartment building turned hipster haven.

42. 42 Nguyen Hue Cafe Apartment

Till this day, we marvel at the person, whose ingenuity and creativity has turned this old apartment block, into a complex which houses dozen of trendy boutiques, cool cafes, and even beauty salons. Though the novelty has started to wear off since its introduction a few years ago, there's no denying that exploring the cafe apartment is still an interesting thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Each evening, visitors will be awed by the myriad of lights which is a spectacle in itself. And from each balcony, is a gorgeous front seat view of Walking street and Saigon river.

43. Dong Khoi Street

Among hundreds of streets in this city, Dong Khoi is arguably one of the most significant - socially, culturally, and historically. For over 150 years, it has seen numerous monumental events, and was an architectural landmark during the period of the French colonization. Today, Dong Khoi is a cultural and commercial hub, an area represented by premium shops, high end restaurants, and luxury hotels. It is also conveniently located in front of the Opera House, which gives Visitors another reason to explore. Taking a stroll on Dong Khoi in the evening remains a must do in Ho Chi Minh.

44. Bach Dang Wharf

Bach Dang wharf is a popular gathering points for local and foreigners alike. It comprises a park, a water bus station connecting District 1 to Thu Duc district, as well as a riverside coffee shop, where you can enjoy music shows on weekends, all for free. It is great place to visit to enjoy Ho Chi Minh at its fullest, and is especially beautiful at night. And next to it is a 5-star yacht restaurant, whose shimmering bright lights add to the whole atmosphere. Visitors can relax and unwind here, or enjoy a conversation over coffee in the nearby park.

45. Landmark81 park

Located along the Saigon River, the area, designed and also known as Central Park, was built at a cost of over 500 billion VND. Yet, everyone is welcome to spend a day here, and enjoy its beautiful scenery, without having to pay a single cent. Spanning an area of 14 hectares, visitors can catch a glimpse of Vietnam’s highest building from here, the Landmark81. Apart from that, the scenery of the park is especially romantic and mesmerizing at night, therefore making our list of things to do at night in Ho Chi Minh city.

With the above recommendations, we hope that we have given you 45 more good reasons to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh city. 

You may wish to check out our other recommendations in Ho Chi Minh