Vietnam

25 free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
By James Pham, Lonely Planet Writer

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top value-for-money destinations where you can scarf down a street-side bowl of pho for just over a dollar or have it prepared with Wagyu beef and truffle paste for a cool hundred. But if you’re traveling on a budget, we’ve gathered some of our favorite free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

This pedestrian-only street gets busy on weekend evenings with street performers and families out for a walk. Don’t miss exploring the apartment building at #42, chock full of hipster boutiques and trendy cafes.

Tao Dan Park

Known as the Jardin de la Ville when it was founded in 1868, the 10-hectare Tao Dan Park right in the middle of the city is home to a temple, flower garden and sculpture exhibition. Song-bird lovers also congregate in the early mornings where their feathered friends can learn new songs from each other.

Shuttlecock at September 23 Park

Join one of the many groups kicking around a shuttlecock at this park just along the main backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao. This popular Vietnamese pastime is like badminton for the feet, but just keeping the mass of plastic discs and feathers in the air is deceptively hard.

Cao Dai Temple

Adherents of Caodaism, a religion founded in Vietnam incorporating elements from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity, come to worship at the colourful three-storey Cao Dai Temple. Head up the stairs (to the right for men, the left for women) to view the main hall.

Inside the Main Hall of the Chantaransey Pagoda © James Pham / Lonely Planet

Chantarangsay Pagoda

Serving Saigon’s Khmer community, most of whom hail from the Mekong Delta, the Chantarangsay Pagoda has spectacularly colourful murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life. Read More…

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