Bitexco Financial Tower, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower

experience Bitexco Financial Tower, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic hub, is a vibrant metropolis where French colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers like the iconic experience Bitexco Financial Tower. The city pulses with energy as motorbikes weave through streets lined with street food vendors, historic landmarks, and contemporary shopping centers. This dynamic urban landscape offers visitors a fascinating blend of Vietnam's complex history and its rapidly modernizing present. The experience Bitexco Financial Tower stands as the city's most recognizable landmark, its distinctive lotus-inspired design dominating the skyline at 262 meters tall. Beyond this architectural marvel, Ho Chi Minh City captivates with its rich cultural tapestry, from the remnants of its wartime past to its thriving culinary scene and bustling markets that showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of its 9 million residents.

Top Bitexco Financial Tower

SkyBar at Bitexco Financial Tower

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City from the 50th floor observation deck of this iconic skyscraper. The tower's unique lotus-inspired architecture and helipad design make it one of travel to Southeast Asia's most distinctive buildings. Time your visit for sunset to watch the city transform from day to night with millions of lights illuminating the urban sprawl below.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around $8-12 USD and can be purchased on-site or online. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds, and arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best lighting. The observation deck is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

War Remnants Museum and Historical Sites

Explore Vietnam's complex history through powerful exhibits documenting the Vietnam War and French colonial period. The museum presents a sobering but essential perspective on the conflict's impact on Vietnamese civilians and soldiers. Combine this with visits to the the city and Notre-Dame Cathedral for a comprehensive historical overview.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $1.50 USD, and guided tours cost $15-25 USD. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for guides with historical expertise and positive reviews focusing on balanced, educational commentary.

Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip

Venture underground into the extensive tunnel network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. This half-day excursion takes you 70km northwest of the city to crawl through narrow passages, see booby traps, and learn about the ingenious survival tactics employed during wartime. The experience includes demonstrations of tunnel construction and wartime cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from $25-45 USD including transportation and lunch. Book with reputable operators offering small group sizes (under 15 people) and English-speaking guides. Morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon heat in the tunnels.

Street Food and Market Tours

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's incredible culinary culture through guided food walks in things to do in District 1 and local markets. Sample iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee while learning about ingredients and cooking techniques. These tours often include visits to this destination and hidden local eateries frequented by residents.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $30-60 USD per person for 3-4 hours including tastings. Choose tours with maximum 8-12 participants for personalized attention. Look for operators emphasizing hygiene standards and offering vegetarian alternatives if needed.

Mekong Delta River Cruise

Escape the city for a day exploring the lush waterways of the the city, known as Vietnam's rice bowl. Navigate narrow canals by traditional sampan boats, visit floating markets, fruit orchards, and local villages to witness rural Vietnamese life. Many tours include hands-on experiences like coconut candy making and traditional music performances.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $35-70 USD including boat rides, lunch, and transfers. Book tours departing early (7-8 AM) for cooler weather and better market activity. Choose operators with positive environmental practices and authentic village interactions rather than tourist-focused stops.

Getting There

Tan Son Nhat International Airport serves as the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, located just 7km from the city center with frequent international and domestic flights. From the airport, official taxis cost $6-8 USD to things to do in District 1, while ride-hailing apps like Grab offer reliable and affordable transportation. The city is also accessible by bus from other Vietnamese cities, with modern sleeper buses connecting to the country (40+ hours), Da Nang (24 hours), and regional destinations. For overland travelers, the city serves as a major hub with connections to the country via Moc Bai border crossing.

Getting Around

Ho Chi Minh City's transportation revolves around motorbikes, taxis, and ride-hailing services, as the the city is still under development. Grab (travel to Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent) offers both car and motorbike options and is the safest choice for tourists, with transparent pricing and GPS tracking. Traditional taxis are widely available but ensure the meter is running or negotiate fares beforehand. For the adventurous, renting a motorbike costs $5-10 USD daily, though traffic can be overwhelming for inexperienced riders. Walking is feasible in things to do in District 1's core areas, but crossing streets requires patience and confidence as traffic rarely stops completely.

Where to Stay

District 3 (Local Neighborhoods)
District 7 (Modern Expat Area)
District 2 (Thao Dien - Upscale)
District 10 (Budget-Friendly)
Binh Thanh District (Emerging Area)

Food & Dining

Ho Chi Minh City's food scene ranges from world-class street food to upscale international cuisine, with some of the best meals found at plastic stools on sidewalks. things to do in District 1 offers the highest concentration of tourist-friendly restaurants, while Districts 3 and 10 provide more authentic local experiences at lower prices. Must-try dishes include pho (best enjoyed at breakfast), banh mi from street vendors, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee served with condensed milk. For fine dining, the city boasts several Michelin-recommended restaurants and rooftop bars offering fusion cuisine with skyline views. Night markets and food courts in shopping centers provide safe, air-conditioned alternatives for cautious eaters.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Hcmc

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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De Tham Restaurant - Vietnamese cuisine & vegetarian Food

4.9 /5
(8938 reviews)

Nhà Hàng Lúa Đại Việt

4.8 /5
(5698 reviews)

Home Saigon Restaurant

4.8 /5
(4448 reviews) 2

Pandan Leaf Saigon Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

4.9 /5
(3464 reviews)

Hai’s Restaurant

4.9 /5
(2855 reviews)

A Taste Of Saigon - Kitchen

4.9 /5
(2595 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April, when temperatures are more manageable (75-85°F) and rainfall is minimal. The wet season (May-November) brings heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity, though mornings are often clear and temperatures can be more comfortable. Avoid the peak heat of March-April if possible, when temperatures soar above 95°F. The city experiences relatively stable weather year-round due to its proximity to the equator, so any time can work for visitors prepared for tropical conditions and occasional rain showers.

Insider Tips

Cross busy streets by walking slowly and predictably - motorbikes will flow around you, but sudden movements cause confusion
Carry small denominations of Vietnamese dong as many vendors cannot break large bills, and always count your change carefully
Book restaurants and bars in advance during weekend evenings, especially rooftop venues, as Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife scene that fills up quickly

Activities in Bitexco Financial Tower