From secret coffee bunkers to rooftop bars overlooking a glittering skyline, Ho Chi Minh City is full of surprises at every corner. Saigon, as locals still call it, balances old-world charm with a youthful, restless buzz that keeps visitors hooked. If you're ready to look beyond the usual war museums and bustling markets, the city rewards you with quirky cafes, hidden antique streets, scooter food tours, and stunning theatre nights. These five unique experiences promise a fresh taste of this dynamic southern hub — and might just make you fall for Vietnam's biggest, boldest city all over again.
Also Read: 6 Unique Ways To Experience Hanoi Like A Local
Here Are 5 Offbeat Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City:
1. Sip Coffee In A Secret Bunker Cafe
Photo: Courtesy of Cafe Do Phu
It's no secret Vietnam runs on coffee, but in Saigon, even your morning brew can come with a side of history. Tucked down an unassuming alley in District 3, Cafe Do Phu (aka Cafe Bunker) looks like any other local haunt — until you realise it hides a secret wartime bunker. During the 1960s, this place was a safe house for Viet Cong agents. Today, it's a charming cafe and mini-museum. Order a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and poke around the old war relics and tunnels out the back. It's living history — with a caffeine kick.
2. Hunt For Vintage Treasures On La Cong Kieu Street
Shopping malls are fine, but nothing beats the thrill of rummaging through a jumble of antiques under the Saigon sun. La Cong Kieu Street, just behind the Fine Arts Museum, is an Aladdin's cave for collectors. You'll find everything from colonial-era clocks and dusty rotary phones to old propaganda posters and coins from Indochina days. Haggling is part of the fun, so bring your best bargaining smile. Even if you don't buy a thing, it's a peek into a bygone Saigon — and a great spot for people-watching.
3. Join A Nighttime Food Crawl On Scooters
Photo: Pexels
Ho Chi Minh City really comes alive after dark — and so does its street food scene. One of the most local ways to eat your way around is perched on the back of a scooter, zipping from one roadside stall to another. Several local companies run guided food tours on motorbikes, pairing you with local riders who know the tastiest hidden spots. Expect to try smoky banh xeo (crispy pancakes), tangy green mango salad, and maybe even a frog leg or two if you're feeling brave. It's a thrill for your tastebuds — and a crash course in Saigon's non-stop traffic.
Also Read: 6 Things You Shouldn't Miss While Visiting Vietnam
4. Catch A Show At The Saigon Opera House
It's hard to miss the grand colonial facade of the Saigon Opera House on Dong Khoi Street — but don't just snap a photo and walk on. Book a ticket for an evening show instead. The 'A O Show' is a standout — a contemporary circus-meets-theatre performance using bamboo props and traditional Vietnamese music. No dialogue, so you don't need to know Vietnamese to follow the playful storytelling. The building itself is an attraction too, a stunning French-era beauty dating back to 1898. Dress up a bit, grab a pre-show drink at a nearby rooftop bar, and make a night of it.
5. Toast The Skyline At A Secret Rooftop Bar
Photo: Unsplash
Saigon's rooftop bar scene is legendary, but some gems hide in plain sight. Forget the big hotel bars for a night and slip into The View Rooftop Bar on Bui Vien Street — it's laid-back, affordable, and has fairy lights strung up above plastic chairs that feel more street than swanky. Or track down Social Club Rooftop at Hotel des Arts Saigon for classy cocktails and a poolside view of the glittering skyline. The city hums below you while you sip a passionfruit mojito — not a bad way to end a day of urban adventures.
