Ho Chi Minh City on a Budget: Best Free Things to Do

Ho Chi Minh City, another name for Saigon, is renowned for being the “city that never sleeps” due to its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Many people believe that in order to experience the city to the fullest, a substantial expenditure is necessary. But there are many free ways to discover and take advantage of what Ho Chi Minh City has to offer for visitors. 

Let’s discover best free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with the help of Lua Viet Tours!

Vibrant atmosphere is waiting for you to explore best free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Image Source: Internet)

Witness Local Life at Parks with Free Things to Do

For many Vietnamese, morning exercise in the park is an important routine. It’s a nice way to start the day by getting up early and doing exercise in the fresh air. Don’t be worried, locals are always welcoming and frequently eager to help or invite you to participate with them.

Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest and most beloved green spaces, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. 

• Address: 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Thanh, District 1
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Morning activities at Tao Dan Park (Image Source: Internet)

You can freely ask to join locals for taichi, aerobics, and yoga sessions. The park is always full of community energy in the early morning. Moreover, you can contemplate Tao Dan Park’s cultural attractions, including the small replica of Nha Trang’s Cham Tower and Hung King Temple within the park. 

Le Van Tam Park

Originally a cemetery during the French colonial era, the site was later converted into a public park, named after Le Van Tam, a Vietnamese revolutionary hero. Today, Le Van Tam Park stands as a symbol of modern urban life and community spirit in the heart of Saigon. At the park, you can freely enjoy morning activities with locals like yoga, taichi, and aerobics.

• Address: Vo Thi Sau Street, Da Kao, District 1

• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Morning exercise at Le Van Tam Park

>>> Engage in Local’s activities at Le Van Tam Park: MOTORBIKE TOUR – EARLY MORNING CULTURAL SAIGON

In addition, if you are a bibliophile, the Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival at Le Van Tam Park is a great choice! The festival, held biennially at Le Van Tam Park, attracts a mix of local and international publishers and features a vast collection of books, including rare and discounted editions.

Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival at Le Van Tam Park (Image Source: Internet)

Take Photos at Historic Landmarks

Many historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City charge entrance fees for tourists for visiting or taking photos. If you are exploring free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Lua Viet Tours is here to show you some historic landmarks that provide free admission. Please bear in mind that if you’re traveling by motorcycle, there may be minor parking fees at these destinations!

Notre-Dame Cathedral

For both domestic and foreign tourists, Notre Dame Cathedral is among the greatest locations for photography. However, the restoration of the cathedral began in 2017 and is expected to be accomplished within the following ten years. On special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s still a perfect spot to shoot pictures.

• Address: No. 1, Cong xa Paris St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Best time to take photos: Early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) for soft lighting; or late afternoon for a warm glow on the red bricks of the cathedral.

Notre Dame Cathedral, ideal place for young people to take photos (Image Source: Internet)

Saigon Central Post Office

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Saigon Central Post Office combines French colonial architecture with Gothic and Renaissance elements. The symmetry of the building makes for stunning wide-angle shots. Especially, visitors love taking photos at this Saigon’s iconic site. 

• Address: No. 2, Cong xa Paris St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Best time to take photos: Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) for clear, even lighting and minimal foot traffic.

Saigon Central Post Office (Image Source: Internet)

Bach Dang Wharf

Bach Dang Wharf is a picturesque riverside destination in Ho Chi Minh City that offers unique opportunities for photography and engaging experiences for visitors. Since the wharf provides sweeping views of the Saigon River, it offers a perfect backdrop for photos of boats, cityscapes, and reflections on the water. The vibrant energy of the Saigon River combined with the calm of the setting creates a visually dynamic scene.

• Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Best time to take photos: Late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) for stunning views of the sunset over the Saigon River, or early evening when city lights reflect beautifully on the water.

Instagrammable spots at Bach Dang Wharf (Image Source: Internet)

Visit Pagodas and Temples in Saigon

Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple

Located next to Nhieu Loc Canal, the architecture of Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple is inspired by Temple of Literature, Hanoi. The temple stands out for its complex construction, which includes tiled roofs and distinctive red pillars. This is also a spot where locals and international tourists may pray for luck and peace.

• Address: 870 Truong Sa, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple (Image Source: Internet)

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Hai Pagoda) is one of the most visited destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda is a familiar religious place for domestic and foreign tourists because of its reputation for fertilization and for good chances in love.

In 2016, Jade Emperor Pagoda had the honor of getting a visit from the President of the USA, Barack Obama. For Vietnam, welcoming a sitting U.S. President to one of its sacred sites was a moment of great pride and a unique opportunity to showcase its traditions and history to the world.

• Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

U.S President Barack Obama visited the pagoda in 2016 (Image Source: Internet)

Thien Hau Pagoda

As one of the oldest temples in the city, Thien Hau Pagogda is deeply tied to the heritage of the Chinese Vietnamese community. Visitors can learn about the blending of Vietnamese and Chinese traditions through its religious practices and artistic elements.

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Thien Hau Pagoda (Image Source: Internet)

Participate in Local Events and Festivals

Ho Chi Minh City is alive with vibrant events and festivals throughout the year. These celebrations showcase the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam and offer affordable or free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that both locals and tourists can enjoy.

Lunar New Year

Time: Typically late January to mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of free and festive activities that capture the spirit of Lunar New Year. Start by watching dazzling fireworks displays at popular locations like Nguyen Hue Walking Street or Tao Dan Park. Then, immerse yourself in traditional culture by witnessing lion dances performed at local markets and public spaces, a spectacle that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Finally, take a leisurely stroll through Nguyen Hue Flower Street.

Top free things during lunar new year (Image Source: Internet)

Mid-Autumn Festival

Time: Mid-September to early October, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, District 5’s Chinatown becomes a magical destination, illuminated by vibrant and intricately designed lantern displays. At night, the lanterns glow vividly, creating a picturesque setting ideal for photos and storytelling. This lively atmosphere offers a memorable glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most cherished traditions.

Take picture with colorful lanterns at Saigon’s Chinatown (Image Source: Internet)

Vietnam National Day Celebrations

Time: September 2nd each year.

Don’t hesitate to engage in the bustling atmosphere during this special day of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City! Major landmarks like the Reunification Palace and Nguyen Hue Street are adorned with national flags and lights. Or you can celebrate the day with locals by witnessing parades and flag-raising ceremonies in central locations.

Fireworks displays in popular areas such as Landmark 81 or Bach Dang Wharf (Image Source: Internet)

Here are some recommendations from Lua Viet Tours’ perspective about the best free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. We hope these suggestions are valuable in planning your upcoming trip to Vietnam, whether you’re drawn to historic landmarks, green parks, or bustling markets. 

Should you have any questions or need further assistance in tailoring your travel experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lua Viet Tours!