Night Time Activities in Ho Chi Minh

Depending on the type of traveler that you are, there are so many things that you can enjoy in Ho Chi Minh when the sun goes down. Here are some suggestions:



1. Watch a Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry has been an important part in the culture of Vietnam so if you want to learn more about the culture of the country, watching a water puppet show should be first on your list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night. The show usually depicts life in the countryside as well as some Vietnamese folklore stories. You’ll find puppet shows all over the city at night but the most popular is the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater located in District 1. Some of the best hotels in the city will also offer puppet shows with dinner for their hotel guests, so you better check that out.

2. Shop at Night Markets

Some of the markets of Ho Chi Minh come alive when nighttime comes. Here, locals sell everything from local foods, drinks, to clothing and souvenir items. If you don’t intend to buy, wandering around these busy night markets is a great experience in itself. There are lots of night markets all over the city but the most popular is the one in Ben Thanh Market and the one Ky Hoa Street. If you are good at haggling, you can purchase some items for almost half of its original price! Take note, however, that these night markets tend to get very crowded especially during the weekends so you better watch out for your belongings when exploring the area.

3. Watch Live Concerts

If you’re into music, then you definitely should check out some of the live concerts that are happening all over Ho Chi Minh at night. Some of these concerts are even free to watch and those that are not free cost less than $5 only! These concerts are held in different venues all over the city, including some of the best nightclubs and bars. Others would feature local artists and there are also a few International artists that play International music.

4. Drink Local Beer

Vietnam is famous for its cheap and delicious beer. At night, you’ll find numerous locals gathered at a street corner in Ho Chi Minh drinking beer while sitting on small chairs. You can join in the fun and perhaps enjoy a good conversation with some locals or simply observe how the locals go about their life while enjoying a bottle or two of the Saigon beer! The best place to enjoy a refreshing beer is at the Pham Ngu Lao area. Here, you will find several street vendors selling beer along with numerous Vietnamese delicacies that are a perfect accompaniment to your ice-cold beer.

5. Hang out at Coffee Shops

Ho Chi Minh is famous for its delicious coffee and hanging out at some of the best coffee shops in the city is a popular activity at night. There are so many coffee shops all over Ho Chi Minh that cater to different kinds of travelers. For instance, Highland Coffee serves both local and Western-style coffees. If you want to get a taste of the most delicious Vietnamese coffee, then head to the various local coffee shops in the District 1 area. These coffee shops have a cozy ambiance and are often less crowded at night, which makes it a great place to relax after a whole day of exploring the city.

6. Check out the Clubs and Bars

One of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night is to party at the best bars and clubs in the city. If this is the kind of nighttime activity that you’re craving for, then you will definitely not be disappointed because the city is home to some of the best clubs and bars. Depending on your preferences, there are cozy rooftop bars where you can have a good drink while soaking up the fantastic views of the city. If you prefer to party and socialize, check out the nightclubs and bars at the District 3 area.

With these many things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night, you now have no reason to sleep early on your trip to this Vietnamese city.

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