Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers

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Ho Chi Minh City as it’s officially called is an electric mix of neon, traffic, street food, history, and many smiling faces. There are plenty of things to do with teenagers in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Whether it be Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City we loved our time in this city (I will refer to it as both Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City in this article)

You will notice that many of the locals still refer to it as Saigon. You see the Ho Chi Minh City name was forced on them when North Vietnam won the war and as we learned there is still some division over this in the older generation.

Table Of Contents
  1. Know before you go! Our top Ho Chi Minh travel tips.
  2. Here are all the very best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with teens
  3. Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids
  4. Places to eat in Saigon
  5. Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City
  6. Travel accessories for teenagers
  7. Frequently asked questions about Ho Chi Minh City
  8. Family accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers

Know before you go! Our top Ho Chi Minh travel tips.

There are so many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers and tweens that you will find it an excellent city to return to for more amazing family holidays in Asia.

busy traffic in Ho Chi Minh City

A mix of amazing culture, epic fun, and relaxation are sure to make Ho Chi Minh City a family favourite for holidays in Vietnam with family.

Here are our top vacation tips and tricks to get you started for the epic trip to Saigon. Just a little about where to stay, how to get to Ho Chi Minh City, and how to get around Ho Chi Minh City with children in tow.

Our useful tips for travelling in Vietnam will make sure your family vacation to Vietnam is hassle-free.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City with kids. You find a range of best family hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, apartments, and hostels.

You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Hotels.com to find the best family hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel: This modern hotel offers family rooms and is centrally located in District 1. It features a rooftop pool and is close to many city attractions.
  • Continental Hotel Saigon. located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 with Family rooms are available, and you’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions
  • InterContinental Saigon: For a more luxurious stay, this hotel offers family suites and is in a prime location, with fantastic city views and access to key attractions.
  • Citadines Regency Saigon: Ideal for families, this serviced apartment-style hotel has spacious rooms with kitchenettes and is conveniently located in District 3.
  • Asian Ruby Park View Hotel: This mid-range option offers family-friendly accommodations, is centrally situated, and provides easy access to the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
  • Sunland Hotel: Located in the heart of District 1, Sunland Hotel offers family rooms and a budget-friendly option for families exploring the city.

Ho Chi Minh City apartment for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when you travel with teenagers, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your Ho Chi Minh City vacation with teens.

There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options as well. Search apartments in Ho Chi Minh City today.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

  • The Tân Sơn Nhất Airport is located in the city of Ho Chi Minh. It is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Many International carriers and budget airlines like Vietjet, AirAsia, and Jetstar service this airport. Book your flights with kiwi.com
    • You can book an airport transfer to the city hotels from the airport.
      • If your flights have a long stopover, or you just want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with a Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass
a Vietjet plane on the tarmac at HCMC airport
A Vietjet plane at HCMC Airport
  • Vietnam has an extensive train network that runs along the coast of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and on into China. Taking an overnight train in Vietnam is a popular way to travel to Ho Chi Minh City from the North. You can book your trains with 12go Asia.
  • There is an extensive network of air-conditioned buses that service major and regional towns in Vietnam. The most popular international route is on the Trans-Asian Highway from Phnom Penh in Cambodia. You can search for buses with Bookaway
  • You can hire a car at any International Airport in Vietnam. I would not recommend driving in Vietnam unless you have prior experience in Asian cities. You can book your hire car today

How to get around Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers

We recommend using the GRAB (the Asian Uber). Download the app before you arrive in Vietnam so you are lightly familiar with it. This is the easiest and fastest way to get around on our family vacation to Saigon.

Under no circumstance use a taxi unless it is a life and death matter as you will get ripped off. Alternatively, you can use the Hop-on, hop-off bus to see the sights in Saigon.

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The Dry Season (December to April) has an average temperature range of 25-34°C (77-93°F).

The Hot Season (May to June) find temps between 28-36°C (82-97°F)It gets hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing and hats are recommended. Don’t forget sunscreen and bottled water.

During the Rainy Season (July to November) there is often heavy rain so pack an umbrella, a raincoat, and waterproof shoes. Average temperature range 25-32°C (77-89°F)

With a temperature average of 26-34°C the Transitional Seasons (May, November) see occasional rain and cooler weather. Bring lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes for walking.

Ho Chi Minh City for international visitors

International travel to HCMC requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance for sure in Vietnam. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Vietnam is Dong If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate.

These are just some of the things you need to think about,

  • For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters, and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Vietnam? The country of Vietnam may require you to have a visa or an ETA ( Electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Vietnamese Dong for your visit and save on transaction fees
  • Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet, or computer.

Where can I go in Ho Chi Minh City if my teenager is ill?

If your teenager is ill we can tell you from experience as our teen daughter was sick, you should head to Colombia Asia International Clinic in District 1. At this family medical practice in Ho Chi Minh City you can see a doctor for treatment.

Our teenage daughter at the Columbia Asia medical clinic in Ho Chi Minh City receiving treatmentt
Our daughter at the Columbia Asia Clinic

Parents can seek prompt and professional care for their children in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents. Whether it’s a minor ailment or a health concern, the clinic’s experienced staff can provide medical assistance.

Additionally, families can opt for health check-ups and preventative care, ensuring everyone remains in good health during their vacation.

Here are all the very best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with teens

So now that you have all the essential vacation tips and tricks on your trip to Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers, here are all the best things to do with teens in Ho Chi Minh!

Ho Chi Minh City attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the Ben Thanh Market. Here, we recommend all the best things to do with teenagers in Ho Chi Minh City.

Food tour on a motorbike in Vietnam with teenagers

Ho Chi Minh City is all about motorbikes, over 9 million of them zipping and zooming around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. 

We went on a food tour with AN Tours Saigon. To say our teenagers in Ho Chi Minh City were excited about this was an understatement. 

The food and guides were terrific. We had one bike and a guide for each of us. Both girls had been desperate to get on a motorbike for the entire trip, but neither of us had the confidence to drive.

This motorbike tour was the perfect way to see Saigon with kids and navigate the traffic with a local at the wheel. The girls were so confident and safe by the end that they rode without holding on. This is our top adventure thing to do with teenagers in Ho Chi Minh City.

Activities in Ho Chi Minh City – War Remnants Museum 

It’s essential to learn about the history of a place when visiting with children. Activities in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam are rich in the recent history of war and sorrow. The War Remnants Museum inflicts the horror of the Vietnam War on you like blunt-force trauma.

Images and words portray all the horrors of war in sometimes very graphic images (This may be more suitable for older teens. It just depends on where your teen is in emotional maturity)

Teenagers at the War Remnants museum. This is a brilliant world schooling opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers
Our teenager in Ho Chi Minh City learning the history of the war

Our travelling teens have been to a few dark tourist places before and had a good idea of what the museum was already about.

We spend a lot of time preparing the girls and discussing what they may see before we go to any place like this. We also pick a place they can sit if they decide it is too much to see.

a teenager exploring the impactful exhibits of the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Outside, you will find displays of tanks, aircraft, guns, and even a mock P.O.W prison.  Even though it has a touch of propaganda, it’s a must-visit to learn about the history of Vietnam.

*We found that the museum’s second level was slightly more intense than the ground level. At this level, a group wanted to practice English with the girls, so they preferred to do that.

Family travel tips: 9 dark tourism destinations to visit with teenagers

Ho Chi Minh with children – Cu Chi tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are located outside of Saigon. You need to travel around 60 kilometres or 2 hours to reach them.

The site is a mix of real and reconstructed underground tunnels and huts. The Cu Chi people fought for the North Vietnamese Army against the USA during the war.

Vietnam war area
The shrub around the Cu Chi Tunnels

There is an area where you can go in a real tunnel to see if you fit and a section reconstructed to fit Westerners. Displays of booby traps, weapon-making, and food preparation areas are there for you to see and to learn how life was lived in the tunnels.

The film presentation that lasted 30 minutes was very educational for our teenagers visiting the Ho Chi Minh City area. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is a must when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday? Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens



Dam Sen Water Park – Best family outings in Ho Chi Minh City

Dam Sen Water Park is a popular destination in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for families with children. The park features a variety of water rides and attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and more.

water park in Ho Chi Minh City
Having fun in Saigon Waterpark and fun family activities in Ho Chi Minh City

One of the most popular attractions at Dam Sen Water Park is the “kamikaze slide,” which sends riders plummeting down a steep drop at high speeds. The park also has a large water playground children’s area with smaller slides and pools, making it a great place for families with kids of all ages.

In addition to the water attractions, Dam Sen Water Park also offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as locker and changing room facilities. If you’re visiting during the hot weather, the water park can be a great way to cool off and have fun with your teenage children.

Just keep in mind that as with any water park, it’s essential to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Overall, Dam Sen Water Park is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun day in Ho Chi Minh City.

Go Ice skating in Saigon

Vincom Ice Rink is an indoor ice skating rink located in a shopping mall that offers various skating sessions throughout the day, rents out well-maintained skates, follows strict safety protocols, plays music during sessions, and can be crowded with a mix of locals and tourists.

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum, often called the Gia Long Palace, is housed in a beautiful French colonial-era building.

a display at the The Ho Chi Minh City Museum focusing on the history of the city
Ho Chi Minh City’s history at the City Museum

It’s one of the only places to learn about the city’s history, culture, and development. Families visiting the museum can explore various exhibitions, including artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive displays narrating the story of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

The museum provides valuable insights into the city’s transformation, from its early days to its modern identity.

Jump Arena

At Jump Arena, your teenagers can burn off some energy and enjoy some fun times, Jump Arena has a large trampoline park where you can jump, flip, and bounce on the trampolines. You can play dodgeball with other visitors in a dedicated area.

Jump into soft foam cubes in the foam pit and try wall climbing in a designated area. There is a ninja course where you can test your agility and strength by navigating through various obstacles. Jump Arena offers virtual reality games and experiences for an additional fee.

Ride the hop-on, hop-off bus

A new player on the tourist scene in Ho Chi Minh City for kids is the Hop on hop off bus. These tours are a mainstay of many cities worldwide, and they are a brilliant way to see a city. We spent two days on the 8-stop city route. 

The weather can be hot and humid in Ho Chi Minh City, and our teenager is not overly keen on the heat.

Hop on hop off bus in Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Ho Chi Minh City with the convenience of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour with teenager

This made the bus tour an excellent activity for a teenager in Ho Chi Minh City. You can take in all the attractions of Saigon in air-conditioned comfort. Some stops included the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral,  Bexito Tower, Bahn Tahn Market, and the Saigon Riverfront.

We know because we go! How do we keep our teens social when we travel? Our post on how we keep our teenagers social on holiday can help your teens get the most out of a family holiday

Stand-up paddle boarding

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water on your holiday, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing. SUP is a relatively new sport and is highly popular with teens.

a teenager sitting on a paddle board in Ho Chi Minh City
Teenagers enjoying the view of Ho Chi Minh City while paddleboarding along the tranquil waters

It involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water, best of all It is suitable for all ages and abilities.

It’s also a great way to explore Ho Chi Minh City on family holidays to Vietnam and see things from a different perspective. Book your time on the water today

Ben Thanh Market

This is a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City if you want to shop seriously. The Ben Thanh Market in the city centre is one of the oldest surviving structures in Saigon, and it is a shopper’s dream. The traditional Vietnamese crafts like chopsticks, lanterns, rice bowls and paintings are all there for you to buy.

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market

Bartering is an Olympic sport inside the market, where you can also find cold drinks, food, spices, and, honestly, just about anything else you can imagine.

If bartering is not your thing, on the outer corridors, there are fixed-price shops. I found these were mostly around what I had bartered down the shops on the inside too, but it was still one of the most fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

Take a night dinner & entertainment cruise.

Many cruises depart on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City every night. A night cruise with a buffet dinner and entertainment is a great way to spend a family evening. You will have a great choice of both Asian and Western dishes to try.

You will get entertainment, such as magicians and singers, to keep you enthralled. Strolling on the boat’s deck to watch the Ho Chi Minh City skyline light up is a real treat.

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Skydeck 

There are numerous things to do in Saigon, from exploring historical landmarks to sampling delicious street food.

The tallest buiding in Ho Chi Minh City
The viewing platform is one of the many exciting activities in Saigon.

The Bitexco Tower Skydeck is located on the highest building in Ho Chi Minh City. The Skydeck offers all-encompassing 360-degree views of the city.

An elevator will take you to the 49th floor of the skyscraper. At the base of the tower is a shopping centre featuring many Western brands for visitors

Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park

 Your family can easily spend the day exploring famous landmarks and taking in Saigon sightseeing. Why not try a theme park in Saigon? Suoi Tien amusement park honours the ancient Vietnamese people’s belief in Suoi Tien, the god of water.

The park has various attractions, including water slides, a swimming pool, ponds, a dragon’s pagoda, an animal zoo and gardens, and heaps of Buddha.

The Theme Park has chosen the Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix as its Mascots, much like Disney used Mickey and Mini.

The Ngoc Nu water park section has the first artificial beach in Vietnam, while you will also find typical theme park rides like roller coasters and bumper cars.

A boat ride on a crocodile-infested lake is one of the many highlights you will find here.

Water Puppet Show

The water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City can be a fun experience for teenagers. Water puppetry is a traditional art form in Vietnam that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Traditional water puppetry performance in Ho Chi Minh City
Teenagers will love the enchanting art of water puppetry in Ho Chi Minh City!

The performances typically feature puppets made of wood and other materials controlled by puppeteers behind a screen while the tools appear to be floating on water.

The shows often incorporate music, storytelling, and special effects, making them visually stunning and engaging. Even if teenagers may not be familiar with the traditional Vietnamese stories often depicted in the performances, the colourful and dynamic nature of the water puppetry is sure to capture their attention and leave a lasting impression. Grab your tickets today.

See more of Vietnam: See Halong Bay on a luxury cruise.

Ho Chi Minh City TikTok inspiration

If you need some inspiration, look no further than TikTok. This app is full of creative content and talented people from Vail. From fashion to beauty to DIY, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Here are just a few of our favourite Vail TikTok accounts to help inspire you and plan for your vacation

The most Instagrammable places in Ho Chi Minh City

The best family vacations for teens always incorporate something they love. Social media is important to travel teens, and Instagram is one of the most popular photo apps for teens on holiday.

classic European architecture in Ho Chi Minh City
Skyscrapers standing tall amidst the historic charm of Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC has many unique spots to light up the lens, including the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Chinatown, Independence Palace, and numerous bell towers. Wandering a city for the best Instagram pictures is a great way to see amazing places in Ho Chi Minh City.

Street Art in Saigon

Street art is found worldwide, but it is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges.

street in Ho Chi Minh City
Stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant streets adorned with captivating street art

Street art provides a unique aesthetic for these places, with topics including current events, pop culture, portraits, and more. Street art is trendy and one of the best free things to see. It attracts tourists and teenagers alike.

Street Art is mainly found around District 1 and the Ben Thanh market.

Axe Throwing for Young Adults

Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. HCMC is home to Big Daddy’s Axe Throwing.

Axe Throwing in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers
Axe-throwing zone for teenagers to enjoy

No experience is required, as the staff at Big Daddy’s will run you through the safety percussion before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.

If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in Saigon, then axe throwing could be it.

Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Ho Chi Minh City on your family vacation. For more information, click through to Big Daddy’s

Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City

Look for CGV Cinemas when in Ho Chi Minh City. Movies are popular with teenagers in Ho Chi Minh City. They are the largest chain in Vietnam. You will find movies in both local and English language versions.

CGV features Imax and 4d while having different comfort levels, such as L’amour, Premium, Gold Class, Stadium, Art House, and Sweet Box for couples.

You will find CGV Cinemas in Ho Chi Minh at

Address:
• Floor 5th, Crescent Mall, Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3812 3000
• Liberty Central Citypoint Hotel, District 1, 59 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3822 3111
• 126, Tan Da, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3812 3000
• Floor 3rd, Pandora City, 1, Truong Chinh, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3812 3000
• Level 3, Aeon Mall, 30, Bao Tan Thang, Celadon City, Son Ly, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3812 3000
• Floor 5th, Parkson Paragon, 3, Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08 3812 3000

10-pin bowling in Ho Chi Minh City

Ten pin bowling is an excellent game for the whole family. Ramp up the family competition on wet or hot days in Saigon. You will find several first-class bowling alleys in Ho Chi Minh City. Like Western lanes, most places have arcade games and food available.

10 pin bowling
Young Woman Selecting Bowling Ball

Addresses:

Dream Games 30 Bờ Bao Tân Thắng, Sơn Ký, Tân Phú, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Diamond Bowling Plaza 34 Le Duan, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City

We recommend Amazon.com for all your needs when traveling with teenagers!

Escape Rooms in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City offers many activities for tourists and locals alike. For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.

An escape room, also known as an “escape game”, is a physical adventure game in which players solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives.

Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff, it is one of the top things to do in Saigon with teenagers.

The Escape Hunt Experience – 2nd Floor, Number 60-62 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 0084, Vietnam +84 8 6290 8698

Lost Ho Chi Minh City – 1058 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Tân Phong,
Quận 7, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam+84 28 3771 0333

Epic family holiday destinations: 8 countries for the best family vacations in Asia

Bike riding in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location in town or the surrounding areas.

You will find bike tours are the best way to go if you want an up-close and personal city experience. You will have a guide to point out all the essential attractions or a map to follow.

The bike tours will take you on a Ho Chi Minh City family vacation 2 wheeled adventure. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore independently.

Book your Saigon bike tour today!

Going to the gym in Ho Chi Minh City

Fitness is essential to a lot of teenagers these days. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Lift weights, use the treadmill, cardio, and do muscle workouts. Just because one is travelling does not mean one needs to stop working out.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can go to several Gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. You can find a list of Saigon Gyms that offer day and weekly passes here

See more of Asia: All the best things to do in Bangkok with teens

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh

The markets of HCMC are a great place to go for a bargain with the added fun of bargaining for good prices. The busiest markets in Ho Chi Minh City are Ben Thanh Market, Cho Ben Thanh Market, and Pham Ngu Lao Street Market.

Department Store in Ho Chi Minh City
The Diamond is one of the classy upmarket department stores in Ho Chi Minh City.

Department stores in this city have undergone dramatic changes since they were introduced in the late 1800s with the opening of Lac Hong Department Store, one of the world’s first department stores.

Nowadays, department stores offer a wide range of products, from clothes and home furniture to beauty products. For example, Parkson Department Store has more than 11 floors and more than 400 retail outlets covering an area of over 50 thousand square feet.

The Diamond department store is an elegant affair with four floors of luxury brands ranging from Guess, Converse, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Asus, Phillips, and more in the Dong Khoi area. All these brands command their little area over the four floors.

Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids

Ho Chi Minh City offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free Saigon activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in Ho Chi Minh City are as follows.

  • Saigon-Notre Dame Basilica
  • Ho Chi Minh City botanical gardens

Need some expert advice? Our guide to travel essentials for teens will make your family vacation a breeze

Places to eat in Saigon

Saigon is a foodie paradise with a variety of street food and restaurants to choose from. You can get all different types of foods from pork to duck, from rice to noodles. There are also many food courts where you can find many dishes in one place.

Bahn Mi vietmanese roll
Ho Chi Minh City kids love Banh Mi

If you want to try some good Vietnamese food, I recommend checking out:

  • Pho Ga: A traditional chicken noodle soup dish that is delicious and very healthy for you!
  • Bun Cha Hanoi: Considered the national dish of Vietnam, it’s a type of barbecued pork served with rice vermicelli and meatballs
  • Banh Xeo: A crispy pancake with pork and shrimp inside that is typically eaten for breakfast

A food staple of the Vietnamese is the Banh Mi. A simple crispy French bread roll light-filled with meats of your choice and salad. A Banh Mi goes for around $2-4 Australian, and they are delicious.

Even the fussiest of kids in Ho Chi Minh will love these. Bahn Mi meats include roast pork, chicken, cold cuts, and a meat pate spread on it. It is usually accompanied by cucumber, carrot, and lemongrass.

The best way to decide is to eat where the locals eat, look for a busy restaurant or street stall selling food, and just line up, you will not be disappointed with the food in HCMC.

Street food to try

Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

a menu board of a Bahn Mi shop in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic Bánh Mì

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in Saigon often has its origins in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Vietnam in the past.

Some of the most popular street foods include Grilled pork and spring rolls on rice vermicelli (Bún thịt nướng), Bo Kho (Bread with stew beef ), and of course Bahn-Mi

Get off the tourist track: Discover all the very best things to do in Luang Prabang with teenagers

Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has some great places close by that are well worth a day trip.

Half-Day Afternoon Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Spend half a day on this historical tour of the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Learn from your expert guide about the role these underground channels played for the Viet Cong in the American War in Vietnam. A visit will showcase daily life that took place far below the surface. You will have a chance to wander the tunnels with your local guide.

Ditch fishing in the Mekong Delta

There is no way better to experience life in the Mekong Delta than to do activities the locals do. Teenagers will dress up in local village clothes and try their luck fishing by hand in the local channels.

Read more: 33 thrilling things to do in Singapore with teenagers

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

Frequently asked questions about Ho Chi Minh City

There are so many frequently asked questions about taking a family vacation in Ho Chi Minh City, especially from families travelling with teenagers. Below, we try to answer some of the most asked questions about travel in Saigon

What is the legal drinking age in Vietnam?

You must be 18 to buy and consume alcohol in Vietnam

How do I call the police in HCMC?

Dial Police: 113. Fire: 114. Ambulance – First Aid: 115

What type of Power Plug do I need in HCMC?

For Vietnam there are three associated plug types, types A, C, and F. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, plug type C is the plug with two round pins and plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Buy a C-type adaptor today for your Saigon with teens holiday.

Can I drink tap water in Ho Chi Minh City?

The tap water you get in the City of Ho Chi Minh City is not safe for consumption. We suggest you buy a drink bottle with a water filter on it for travelling with family. You can buy your water bottle here before you leave

Do I need to tip in Saigon?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated.

Do people speak English in Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnam ranks 7th in Asian countries for English proficiency. In major cities, you will have no problems on your family holidays to Ho Chi Minh City.

Family accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices for your family accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices for your family vacation in Ho Chi Minh City, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you, to find your perfect stay.

Booking.com

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance, and more? Are you just not sure what companies you can trust to book your travel online? We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long-term travel around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel inspires you to take family holidays to Ho Chi Minh City with teenagers. There are so many things to do in the capital of South Vietnam with young adults that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in the city. 

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations, working out a budget, what bags and suitcases to take, travel essentials and more can be so time-consuming. Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best travel tips is essential. 

Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens.

For more unique ideas on where to holiday in Vietnam once you get there, click through to our Vietnam Destination Page for more brilliant inspiration.


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traditional hanbok in Seoul

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