Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is a blend of vibrant nightlife, history, modern culture, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re someone who loves exploring beyond the typical tourist spots, this city has so much more to offer.
From art galleries and unique museums to cozy coffee spots and cultural experiences, there’s always something exciting around every corner. In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for cultural spots and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City that will leave you in awe. Ready to explore the heart and soul of this dynamic city?
Salon Saigon
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| Type | Art & Culture |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Salon Saigon is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary Vietnamese art. The gallery features diverse collections that highlight the beauty and culture of Vietnam, with a focus on its rich history and symbolism.
The quiet, reflective atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for art lovers to immerse themselves in the local art scene. Spend a couple of hours here to truly appreciate the works and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese heritage.
Noirfoto
Address: 131 D. Văn An, Quận 2, Thành phố, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
| Type | Photography & Art |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Noirfoto offers an exciting glimpse into the world of black-and-white photography, with exhibitions and workshops that explore this timeless art form. The space itself feels intimate and artistic, with a calming vibe perfect for creatives.
Whether you’re exploring the gallery or participating in a photo tour around the city, it’s an engaging way to learn more about the art of photography. A couple of hours is enough to enjoy the experience, but it’s easy to lose track of time here.
Artinus 3D Art Gallery
Address: PMVV+6XQ, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
| Type | Interactive Art & Fun |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Artinus 3D Art Gallery is an absolute blast, especially if you’re looking for a fun and interactive experience. This place is full of optical illusions, 3D art pieces, and interactive exhibits that will have you posing for photos at every turn.
It’s great for families, groups, or anyone who loves getting creative with their photos. You’ll have a lot of fun here, and about an hour to an hour and a half should be perfect to explore all the cool displays.
Saigon Opera House
Address: 07 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam
| Type | Cultural & Performance |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Saigon Opera House is not only a beautiful piece of architecture but also a cultural treasure. Whether you’re attending a ballet, a play, or a traditional Vietnamese performance, the experience is unforgettable.
The interior is absolutely stunning, and the acoustics are spot-on. Plan to spend a few hours here—most performances last around two hours, so it’s best to arrive early to soak in the grandeur of the building before the show begins.
Southern Women’s Museum
Address: 202 Võ Thị Sáu, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
| Type | Historical & Cultural |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Southern Women’s Museum is a tribute to the role of women in shaping Vietnamese society. The museum offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and contributions of Southern Vietnamese women, showcasing everything from traditional clothing to tools used by women in agriculture.
It’s a peaceful and educational place, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the strength and resilience of Vietnamese women throughout history. You can explore here for about an hour to two.
Vin Gallery
Address: 35/8 Nguyễn Văn Đậu, Street, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
| Type | Contemporary Art |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Vin Gallery is a cool space showcasing contemporary art from Vietnam and Southeast Asia. With a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works, this gallery provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolving art scene of the region.
Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, you’ll enjoy walking through the exhibitions. It’s a calm place to spend some time absorbing art, and around an hour to an hour and a half is enough to appreciate the works on display.
Ao Dai Museum
Address: phường Long Phước, Quan 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| Type | Cultural & Fashion |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
The Ao Dai Museum is an iconic cultural experience in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum celebrates the history and beauty of the Ao Dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress worn by women for centuries.
The exhibits walk you through the evolution of this garment, showing how it has changed over time. It’s a serene spot surrounded by nature, and you can easily spend around an hour or more exploring the stories and craftsmanship behind the Ao Dai.
Meow Pottery Workshop
Address: 19 Đ. Lê Văn Sỹ, Phường 13, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
| Type | Hands-on Art & Craft |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
If you’re feeling creative, the Meow Pottery Workshop is an awesome place to try your hand at pottery-making. The workshop guides you through the entire process, from molding clay to firing your masterpiece.
It’s a relaxing, outdoor fun activity that lets you tap into your artistic side while learning a traditional craft. Spending about two to three hours here allows you to create something beautiful while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the space. Plus, you get to take your pottery home as a souvenir!
Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street
Address: Đ. Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
| Type | Shopping & Culture |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street is a lovely escape for bookworms and anyone seeking a peaceful corner in the bustling city. With rows of bookstores offering both Vietnamese and international titles, it’s the perfect place to pick up a good read.
There are also little cafes along the street where you can relax and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee. It’s a quaint and cozy experience that you can enjoy for an hour or so while exploring the local literary scene.
FITO Museum
Address: 41 Hoàng Dư Khương, Phường 12, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
| Type | History & Traditional Medicine |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
The FITO Museum is a fascinating stop if you’re interested in traditional Vietnamese medicine. The museum showcases thousands of ancient medical tools, herbs, and writings that were used in healing practices for centuries.
The place is both informative and educational, offering insights into the health and wellness practices that shaped Vietnamese culture. You can easily spend an hour to an hour and a half here, gaining a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s medicinal history and traditions.
Chua Van Phat – Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Address: 66/14 Nghĩa Thục, Phường 5, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
| Type | Spiritual & Cultural |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
If you’re looking for a peaceful and spiritual experience, Chua Van Phat is a hidden gem. This Buddhist temple is adorned with thousands of Buddha statues, and it’s a tranquil space where you can reflect and meditate.
The temple’s serene environment is perfect for those seeking a moment of quiet amidst the hustle of the city. You can spend an hour or two wandering around the grounds, absorbing the calm energy, and learning about Buddhist culture.
Craig Thomas Gallery
Address: 27i Đ. Trần Nhật Duật, Street, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
| Type | Contemporary Art |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
For contemporary art lovers, Craig Thomas Gallery is a must-visit. Located in the heart of District 1, this gallery showcases cutting-edge works by both emerging and established artists from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
It’s a small but impactful space where you can experience art in a fresh and innovative way. A quick hour is all you need to enjoy the exhibitions and discover new talent, so it’s perfect for a short yet enriching cultural experience.
Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space
Address: Upstairs, 220 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
| Type | Coffee Culture |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space is a unique place to dive into the world of Vietnamese coffee. Unlike typical cafes, it focuses on teaching you the origins, flavors, and brewing techniques of Vietnamese coffee, making it an educational experience as well as a tasty one.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just love a good cup of joe, you’ll appreciate this deep dive into Vietnam’s coffee culture. You’ll want to spend around an hour here enjoying the brew and learning a thing or two about coffee.
Antique Shopping & Tea
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| Type | Antique Shopping & Tea |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
If you enjoy antique shopping and a spot of tea, Villa Royale Antiques and Tea Room is the place for you. This charming shop offers a beautiful collection of vintage European and Asian antiques, and its tea room is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
You can explore the antiques, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, and soak up the historical atmosphere. Spending an hour or more here is a great way to relax and indulge in a quiet moment while appreciating the unique artifacts.
Saigon Kitsch
Address: 43 Đ. Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
| Type | Shopping & Souvenirs |
| Time to Spend | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Saigon Kitsch is the ultimate place to shop for quirky and unique souvenirs. This hidden gem offers high-quality, locally made items that mix traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with modern design.
Whether you’re looking for textiles, home decor, or accessories, you’ll find something special here. It’s a fun place to explore and pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. You don’t need much time—30 minutes to an hour is enough to browse and make your selections.