Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

9 places in Ho Chi Minh City with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Nguyen Hue Flower Street
Beautiful assortment of flowers during Tet (Lunar New Year) along the popular boulevard in District 1.
Free
See
Quan Am Pagoda
The oldest pagoda in town, dedicated to the Buddhist Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (known as Quan Am in Vietnamese), home of a lot of incense and a cheerful puppy. It was built by Hokkien immigrants in the traditional Hokkien architectural style.
Closed · opens 8 amFree
See
Southern Women’s Museum
Often overlooked by tourists, this museum celebrates the women’s role in the society, economy, and revolutionary history of the southern part of the country. It offers informative exhibits that include photographs, historical documents, and artifacts such as statues, combat equipment used by women, paintings and dioramas, tools used in the traditional production of textiles, and ao dai worn by famous women. As of a February 2018, the second floor had an exhibit on the history of the ao dai and another on textile production, the third floor detailed women’s revolutionary contributions, and the fourth floor was under renovation.
Daily 07:30-11:30 and 13:30-17:00 dailyfree admission
See
The Geological Museum of Vietnam
A rare gem and a must see for geology & natural history enthusiasts. This 3-story building houses a collection of earthly artifacts (and even some non-earthly ones), including a few rare examples. Sadly in a state of neglect with poor lighting and little to no interpretive text. You can read more about it here.
Mon-Fri 08-16:30 (closed during lunch 11:30-13:00)free
See
Thien Hau Pagoda
Dedicated to Lady Thien Hau, the Chinese sea goddess (known as Mazu in Chinese), who left two giant turtles to keep an eye on things in her absence. A festival is held in her honour on the 23rd day of the March lunar month. Don't miss the gorgeous sculptures in the walls of the courtyard outside the temple. It was built by Cantonese immigrants in the traditional Cantonese architectural style.
Free
SeeMuseum
Ton Duc Thang Museum
A museum detailing the life and achievements of politician Ton Duc Thang, known for his role as president. The first floor has a special exhibit (as of February 2018 about his time on the infamous prison island of Con Dao) and the second floor has a biographical display featuring artifacts, dioramas, and photographs telling the story of his life; there is also a painting gallery.
Daily 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:30 dailyfree admission
SeeHistoric site
Notre Dame Cathedral
Nhà thờ Đức Bà or Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame
A French-built Catholic cathedral in the city center.
It is closed for renovations as of Feb 2020Free · Heritage listed
SeeMuseum
Secret Weapon Bunker Museum - Tet Offensive
Free entry
SeeMuseum
Southern Vietnam Women Museum
Closed · opens 7:30 amFree entry