11 Awesome Non-Touristy Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
In this city of almost 10 million, you have plenty of ways to spend your time and money. There are so many amazing excursions, tours and places vying for your dollars, so it can be difficult to stray off the tourist-beaten path, but it is worthwhile. Here are 11 things to do if you want to break away from the herds of other foreigners.
Dine at a restaurant on the Saigon Canal
Not too long ago, the canal — Kênh Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè — was not a place you wanted to be. It was essentially a waterway full of sewage. Nowadays, however, the area is a picturesque reprieve from the cement landscape all around. Many restaurants line both Truong Sa and Hoang Sa, and at night the whole length of the canal comes to life. You’ll be glad you made the trip, but keep an eye out for speeding motorbikes.
Kent, 648a Truong Sa, Phu Nhuan District +84 92 676 55 67
Quan Ut Ut, 60 Truong Sa, Binh Thanh +84 838400420
Meet the cat/dog of your dreams at a Pet Cafe
There are plenty of animals around the city, but you’re going to want to avoid getting too close to most of them. Rabies is a real problem in Vietnam. To get your dog/cat/bird fix without heading to the zoo, try one of the city’s several pet cafes.
Make a splash at Dam Sen Water Park
The sweltering heat of Ho Chi Minh City can easily be overwhelming, especially in April and May. There are options for pools, but for a truly unique experience, you should head to the water park. Bobbing along the Lazy River on an inner-tube is the perfect way to escape the madness of this bustling city. The park can be busy at times, but you definitely won’t see many foreigners.
Dine in the dark
Have you ever had a meal in complete darkness? With your sight removed, your other senses compensate, and the staff at Noir are all visually impaired, so they’re the perfect guides for this wonderful experience.
Noir, Lane 178 – 180D Hai Ba Trung, District 1 +84 28 6263 2525
Try some locally-sourced craft beer
In recent years, the craft beer scene in Ho Chi Minh City has gone from non-existent to award-winning, and there are new brewers and bars coming onto the scene almost every month. Mass-produced beer does the job most nights, but wouldn’t an IPA or a chocolate stout be a nice break?
Malt Saigon, 46 Mạc Thị Bưởi, District 1 +84 91 848 47 63
View the skyline from across the river
For the best views of Saigon’s skyline, take a taxi across the river into District 2. You should also bring a bag of your favorite refreshments to enjoy. To avoid being stranded, you can negotiate a price with your driver for them to stick around and wait. They’re usually more than happy to make some money while napping.
Flex your muscles and go rock climbing
If heights don’t scare you, and you’re looking for some exercise, then give rock climbing a try. There are lines for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Cheer on performers at Saigon Dubstep Dance Battle
The Saigon Dubstep Dance Battle is a weekly competition between some of the wildest and most talented dancers in the city. The competitors put on energetic performances, and applause decides who wins, so there’s a lot of energy in the crowd. After the champion is crowned, a DJ takes over to keep the fun going.
Soak up the sun at Van Thanh Pool
This swimming pool is a hidden oasis down a nondescript lane off of one of the busiest streets in the city. Once you find the park, you’ll feel like you’ve gone through a portal — except for the high-rises poking over the trees. The pool is big, and there are plenty of lounge chairs around, . On your way, you’ll get to see a part of the city not commonly visited by tourists.
Ice skating in the tropical heat
On the top floor of the Vincom Mega Mall in District 2 — a short drive out of the downtown — you can strap on a pair of rented skates and glide around on one of the only ice rinks in Vietnam. There’s even a McDonald’s ice cream counter if the rink isn’t cold enough for you. You’ll probably have to avoid some new skaters, but it’ll just add to the surreal feeling of ice skating in South-East Asia.
Vincom Thảo Điền, 159 Xa lộ Hà Nội, District 2 +84 28 6285 2299
Go wild in the city’s beer clubs
They’re loud, gaudy and filled with drunks who can’t handle their liquor, but they’re also hilarious, with throngs of young Vietnamese drinking until dawn. You’ll make quick friends with the boisterous groups here and have a night you’ll never forget — or one you’ll never remember.
Fox Beer Club, 21 Hàm Nghi, District 1 +84 28 6687 8383
Kingdom Beer Club, 3 Tôn Đức Thắng, District 1 +84 90 466 45 67
About the author
Canadian writer in Saigon. Three years ago I quit my job and moved to Vietnam because I knew there was more to life than sitting in a cubicle and waiting for a pension. Since then I've had more wild adventures and met more amazing people than I ever thought possible. Check out Matthew-Pike.com to see more of my rambling, or follow my weak social media game at: www.facebook.com/MatthewPikeWriter/
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