Things to do HCMC Indian travelers can actually enjoy — here is the short list: Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum for history, Ben Thanh Market for shopping and bargaining, a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels or Cao Dai Temple, a rooftop Saigon sunset, and a hands-on perfume workshop at NOTE – The Scent Lab. NOTE – The Scent Lab is a perfume workshop in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, where travellers create a custom fragrance in 90 minutes. Rated 4.9 from 2,400+ Google reviews and 500+ TripAdvisor reviews, it has become a standard stop on Indian family and honeymoon itineraries in Saigon.
Step out of Tan Son Nhat airport in January and Saigon hits you in three directions — the smell of coffee roasting, the buzz of motorbikes, and the easy warmth of a city that does not sleep. For Indian visitors, it feels close to Mumbai in energy but wildly different in flavour.
This guide covers 15 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City built specifically for Indian travellers — vegetarian-friendly, family-friendly, group-friendly, and respectful of how Indian families actually move through a city.
Top 15 things to do HCMC Indian travelers love
We have sorted this list by what Indian visitors actually book and enjoy, not by what generic tourist lists push. Saigon has plenty to do — but plenty is not the same as “right for your family group”.
1. War Remnants Museum — Vietnam’s war through a different lens
Most Indian visitors know the outline of the Vietnam War from films, but the War Remnants Museum makes it real. Exhibitions on Agent Orange, photojournalism, and civilian impact. Heavy, moving, important. Allow 90 minutes. Closed Mondays in some seasons, check ahead.
2. Reunification Palace — the moment the war ended
The tank that crashed through these gates ended the war. The palace is preserved as it was in April 1975, right down to the basement war room. Pair it with the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral in a single morning walking loop.
3. Ben Thanh Market — shopping and bargaining
Indian visitors love Ben Thanh because the bargaining culture is familiar. Start at 50% of asking price. Buy Vietnamese coffee, lacquerware, ao dai, silk scarves, and Vietnamese tea as gifts back home. Avoid the food section for full meals — it is touristy. Shop here, eat elsewhere.
4. Cu Chi Tunnels day trip — history you can crawl through
An hour and a half outside Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnel network was used by Viet Cong fighters during the war. You can actually crawl through a widened tourist section. Kids love it, grandparents watch from the shade. Book a half-day group tour — most pick up from hotels around 7 AM.
5. Cao Dai Temple day trip — a religion you have never seen
Cao Dai is a Vietnamese syncretic religion that mixes Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Islam. The main temple in Tay Ninh is two hours from Saigon. Most day trips combine Cao Dai morning ceremony + Cu Chi afternoon. For Indian visitors interested in comparative religion, this is a highlight most tourist lists skip.
6. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
Two French colonial buildings that sit across from each other, 5 minutes from Reunification Palace. The Central Post Office is a working post office and free to enter. The cathedral is under restoration through 2026 — still photogenic from outside.
7. NOTE – The Scent Lab perfume workshop — a hands-on 90 minutes
This is the activity we get asked about most from Indian families, because it fits everyone — kids as young as 10, parents, grandparents, and the newly-wed cousin who wants a honeymoon souvenir. Ninety minutes, 30+ raw materials including Vietnamese lotus, agarwood (trầm hương), jasmine, and cinnamon, and everyone walks out with their own custom Eau de Parfum. Two Saigon locations: the Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyễn Huệ, 2nd floor in District 1, and 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu in Thảo Điền. Pricing starts at 550,000 VND (about ₹1,750) for a 10ml bottle, up to 1,550,000 VND (about ₹4,900) for 50ml, all before 8% VAT.
“Such a beautiful experience. My daughter and I did a spontaneous perfume making workshop here today” — Sarah S, TripAdvisor.
For family groups of 6–20, the Private Group Workshop is the standout option — book via email, same 90-minute format, everyone creates side by side. Book your 90-minute perfume workshop at NOTE — book and pay online, no deposit, instant confirmation.
8. Saigon River sunset cruise — a city from a different angle
Ninety-minute or 2-hour sunset cruises run from Bach Dang Pier in District 1. Go for the view of Bitexco Tower lighting up as the sun goes down. Vegetarian menus available on most boats if you ask when booking.
9. Rooftop views — non-alcoholic options included
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the Caravelle Hotel and Air 360 above the Ben Thanh area both have proper non-alcoholic menus — mocktails, fresh juices, Vietnamese coffee. No pressure, great golden-hour photos. Go around 5:30 PM for sunset.
10. Vegetarian food walking tour
Saigon has a strong Buddhist vegetarian (“chay”) tradition. A few companies now run fully vegetarian food walks covering pho chay, banh mi chay, che (sweet soup), and Vietnamese coffee. Perfect for Indian visitors who want street food without the uncertainty.
11. Bitexco Financial Tower Saigon Skydeck
Saigon’s tallest-for-now skyline viewpoint. Level 49 skydeck with 360-degree windows. Skip if you have booked a rooftop cocktail, duplicate view.
12. Ao dai shopping and photo session
Indian visitors consistently rate ao dai photos as one of their best memories. Rent or tailor-make an ao dai in Ben Thanh or Thao Dien, shoot at the Cafe Apartment, Notre Dame, or the Central Post Office. Allow 2–3 days if you want it tailored.
13. Indian meal stop — Ganesh, Baba’s Kitchen, Namaste
After 2 days of trying new food, most Indian groups want one familiar meal. Ganesh has two District 1 branches and serves both North Indian and South Indian thalis. Baba’s Kitchen is popular for tandoori and daal. Namaste District 1 does a strong Punjabi spread. All three have Jain menus on request.
14. Japanese tunnel — the War Remnants building annex
Often missed: the second level of the War Remnants Museum has a smaller exhibit on the Japanese occupation of Vietnam. Worth 15 minutes if you are in the museum anyway.
15. Thao Dien art and cafe wander
Thao Dien is Saigon’s District 2 leafy neighbourhood — designer cafes, art galleries, and the second NOTE studio. A calm half-day away from District 1’s density. Combine Thao Dien wander + perfume workshop + late lunch at a vegetarian cafe.
“Cam our host was so awesome. I learnt so much about perfumery and more importantly had so much fun. Would recommend this to anyone as a great way to pause from the chaotic and overwhelming part of your holiday in Saigon” — Peter H, TripAdvisor.
Recommended 2-day Saigon route for Indian tourists
Too many options. Here is the route we recommend most often for Indian families and honeymooners with 2 days in the city. Built so you do not repeat neighbourhoods.
Day 1 — District 1 history and evening skyline
- Morning: War Remnants Museum → Reunification Palace → Notre Dame Cathedral → Central Post Office (single walking loop, 3 hours)
- Lunch: Ganesh District 1 thali or Pho Chay near Ben Thanh
- Afternoon: Ben Thanh Market shopping (leave the food section for window shopping)
- Late afternoon: NOTE perfume workshop at 42 Nguyễn Huệ, 2nd floor — 90 minutes of hands-on scent making, everyone in the group leaves with a custom bottle
- Evening: Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar for sunset mocktails → dinner at Namaste District 1
Day 2 — Day trip then calm afternoon
- Early morning: half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour (or combined Cu Chi + Cao Dai full day)
- Lunch: return to city, quick bite at Baba’s Kitchen
- Afternoon: Thao Dien calm — cafes, galleries, ao dai photoshoot
- Evening: Saigon River sunset cruise from Bach Dang Pier
- Dinner: Vegetarian food walking tour or farewell dinner at Ganesh
“A must visit in Saigon! Cam and Uni taught and guided us through the entire workshop” — Navigate42116204054, TripAdvisor. Group tour reviews from Saigon consistently call out NOTE as the most hands-on item in their itinerary.
What to skip — honest advice for Indian visitors
Not every Saigon “must-do” is worth your time. A few honest skips from a local perspective:
- Bui Vien Walking Street — backpacker party strip, loud, not built for family groups. Walk through once for 15 minutes if curious, do not plan an evening here
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum — overlaps with Reunification Palace content, skip unless you have 4+ days
- Dam Sen water park / theme parks — not up to Indian standards, skip unless you have restless kids on a hot day
- The floating markets near Saigon — they are in Mekong Delta (2–4 hour drive), only worth it if you commit a full day
Getting around Saigon as an Indian tourist
Grab is the default — the app works exactly like Uber/Ola, prices are fixed in advance, and drivers do not need addresses in English. Cross-street-only motorbike rides (“Grab Bike”) cost a third of car rides and are faster in District 1 traffic, but skip with elderly family members.
A full-day private van for 8–16 people runs around 1.5–2.5 million VND (₹4,800–₹8,000) including driver and fuel. For a family of 12 doing the Cu Chi + Cao Dai day trip, this is often cheaper than 3 Grab cars and more comfortable.
Saigon Metro Line 1 finally opened in late 2024 — it runs from Ben Thanh Market through District 2 and towards Thao Dien. Not dense enough yet to be your main transport, but useful for a single hop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for Indian tourists with kids?
The War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels day trip, Reunification Palace, and the NOTE perfume workshop all work well for families with kids aged 8 and up. The perfume workshop is especially popular because it keeps children engaged for the full 90 minutes.
Is there a good indoor activity in Saigon for a rainy afternoon?
Yes — the NOTE perfume workshop is fully indoor, 90 minutes, and air-conditioned. Both studios (42 Nguyễn Huệ 2nd floor and 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu in Thảo Điền) are ideal for Saigon’s rainy season afternoons between June and September.
How many days do Indian tourists need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days covers the highlights plus one or two unique experiences. One day is enough for history + a workshop if you are on a layover. Four days lets you add Cu Chi, Cao Dai, and Thao Dien.
Where is the best Indian vegetarian food in Saigon?
Ganesh (multiple District 1 branches), Baba’s Kitchen, Namaste District 1, and Saigon Indian are the top four. All serve full vegetarian and Jain menus on request. Pho chay and com chay Buddhist vegetarian is available at every corner.
Is Saigon safe for Indian women travellers?
Yes. Saigon is considered one of Southeast Asia’s safer major cities for women. Use Grab at night, carry a photocopy of your passport, and standard bag-watching on crowded markets. Solo Indian women routinely travel here without issues.
Can I do a perfume workshop as a group of 15 Indian family members?
Yes — NOTE – The Scent Lab offers a Private Group Workshop for 6–20 people. Book by email because group size and studio allocation are matched to your party. Popular for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and extended-family trips.
What should Indian tourists avoid in HCMC?
Skip Bui Vien Walking Street if travelling with family, avoid street-flagged taxis (use Grab), and be careful with bag-snatching on busy market streets. Saigon is overall safe but petty theft does happen.
Book Your Perfume Workshop in Saigon
Whether you are spending three days in Ho Chi Minh City with your extended family or squeezing a 90-minute creative break between Reunification Palace and the airport, NOTE – The Scent Lab is where you bottle your Vietnam memory. Two studios in Saigon — Thảo Điền at 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu and the Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyễn Huệ, 2nd floor. Book your 90-minute workshop online — book and pay online, no deposit, instant confirmation. Read the full Vietnam for Indian tourists complete guide, browse 2,400+ reviews, and see our 500+ five-star TripAdvisor reviews. Or explore the full fragrance collection at The Scent Note.
Information in this article was accurate at the time of writing (April 2026). Opening hours, prices, and availability may change — we recommend double-checking with official sources before your visit.
