What to Do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City? Unusual Experiences
Article from : 31 mars 2025 - Last update : 08 avril 2025
Want to experience Ho Chi Minh City beyond the usual tourist spots? From exploring the city on a vintage Vespa to discovering secret bars and even camping on rooftops, Saigon is full of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Check out our guide to the most unusual and unforgettable experiences in the city!
What to do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City? Unusual and Unique Experiences
Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon, is full of original activities to explore beyond the usual visits to museums or landmarks. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and experience something truly unique, here’s a selection of unusual things to do during your stay in this vibrant and surprising city.
Attend a Water Puppet Show
Originally from northern Vietnam, water puppet shows have become a captivating and traditional form of performing art. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can enjoy this cultural experience in a comfortable indoor theatre where a pool of water serves as the stage. Hidden behind a curtain, the puppeteers manipulate wooden figures that appear to dance across the surface, accompanied by live traditional music.
Where to see a show?
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
- Rong Vang Water Puppet Theater, same address, adjacent hall
Join a Craft or Traditional Workshop
Feeling creative? Several workshops give you the chance to explore Vietnamese craftsmanship by making your own unique piece.
Popular examples in Saigon include:
- Pottery workshops
- Hey Camel Ceramics Studio, 33/9 Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, District 2
- Gốm Studio, 165/72 Nguyen Van Thu, District 1
- Other workshops: lantern making, Vietnamese calligraphy, silk painting… Often hosted by creative cafés or cultural centers such as The Craft House or Work Room Four (check their latest schedule).
These experiences offer a hands-on way to immerse yourself in local culture, and you’ll leave with a handmade souvenir.
Take a Night Ride on a Vespa or Sidecar
To experience the city’s most dynamic and colorful side, hop on the back of a Vespa or sidecar for a guided night tour. These excursions take you through Saigon’s lively streets with stops at hidden bars, street food vendors, and live music venues.
Tour agencies offering this type of experience:
- Vespa Adventures – Culinary and cultural tours at night
- Saigon Sidecar Tour – Vintage sidecar rides with driver
- Back of the Bike Tours – Scooter tours with local guides
These small group tours include a helmet and are a fun, social way to see Saigon by night.
Try Stand-up Paddleboarding or Kayaking on the River
Paddling through a megacity? Yes, it’s possible in Saigon. Several clubs offer water sports on the Saigon River or in the quiet canals of Thanh Da, especially in Thao Dien (District 2) and Binh Thanh.
Sessions usually take place early in the morning or at sunset, offering a peaceful vibe and beautiful light.
Clubs and providers include:
- Saigon Paddle Station, 266/3 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2
- SUP Riders Saigon, by appointment near the Thanh Da canal
- Vietnam SUP Club, based in District 7, near Crescent Mall
A serene and surprising way to discover a different side of the city.
Visit a Night Flower Market
The Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10 is a lesser-known spot among tourists but a favorite among locals. Open 24/7, it becomes especially lively at night when trucks arrive with fresh flowers from the Mekong Delta.
Expect a sensory walk through floral scents, vibrant lights, and authentic local life. You’ll find hundreds of flower varieties: orchids, lotuses, peonies, imported roses, and more.
Address: 52 Ho Thi Ky, District 10
Tip: there’s also a small Cambodian market nearby with unique dishes and snacks to try.
A City Full of Surprises
Ho Chi Minh City has much more to offer than just its main attractions. Through creative workshops, traditional performances, original tours and nighttime markets, the city presents a wide range of one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you’re after culture, local immersion, or simply something different, these unusual activities let you discover another side of Saigon—closer to its energy and spirit.