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Ho Chi Minh City, also called Saigon, is a lively place with both old and new charm. Couples can enjoy many special moments here. You can take a quiet boat ride on the river, walk through colourful markets, or visit beautiful temples. There are also small cafés and rooftop restaurants with lovely views. Whether you like history, shopping, or a peaceful time together, there are many best romantic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. This city has many wonderful places to explore. You can see busy streets, pretty parks, museums, temples, and markets to enjoy.
Top 14 Romantic Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City
Here are the best 14 romantic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for a fun-loving visit for couples.
1. Saigon River Dinner Cruise
Photo: Ashim D’Silva / Unsplash
One of the best romantic things to do in the city is to go on a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. As the city lights shine on the water, you and your partner can enjoy tasty Vietnamese food while listening to traditional music. The boat moves gently, and the view of the city’s skyline makes the evening special. This cruise is a great way to have a romantic meal and see the city from the river, making it almost unmissable from any Ho Chi Minh City travel guide. It is a lovely experience for couples looking for a unique way to enjoy the city.
Must-Have Experience: Savoring a traditional Vietnamese meal while cruising past iconic landmarks illuminated at night
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Suggested Read: Beaches In Ho Chi Minh City
2. Stroll Through The Saigon Zoo And Botanical Gardens
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens was built in 1865 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It covers 20 hectares and has many plants and animals. This zoo is a peaceful place away from the busy city. You can walk with your partner, see different animals, and enjoy the green gardens. It is not just about animals but also about protecting nature in the city.
Must-Have Experience: Exploring the orchid garden and witnessing the vibrant blooms together
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
3. Visit The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Of Saigon
Photo: son do / Wikimedia Commons
The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City and is an important part of the city’s history. It was built between 1863 and 1880 during the French colonial period. The church is famous for its beautiful design, tall towers, and colourful glass windows. It is a quiet place where couples can sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The cathedral is also a great place to take photos and admire old architecture.
Must-Have Experience: Attending a Sunday Mass to experience the cathedral’s spiritual ambience
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Suggested Read: Notre Dame Cathedral Of Saigon
4. Explore The Ben Thanh Market
Photo: Riza / Wikimedia Commons
Ben Thanh Market is full of colourful stalls selling many things like clothes, souvenirs, and tasty street food. Couples can walk around together, try local snacks, and buy small gifts. The market is a fun place to see how local people shop and do business. It is also a great way to enjoy the city’s lively culture. Bargaining with shopkeepers can be exciting and make the visit even more enjoyable. It is a perfect spot for couples who want to explore places for shopping in Ho Chi Minh.
Must-Have Experience: Tasting local street food delicacies like bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancake) together
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
5. Wander Through The Đầm Sen Park
Photo: Trantuonglam / Wikimedia Commons
Đầm Sen Park is a big park with beautiful nature and fun activities. It has large lakes, pretty gardens, and exciting rides. Couples can enjoy a quiet boat ride on the water, walk through the butterfly garden, or just sit and relax in the green spaces. The park is a nice place to take a break from the busy city. It is perfect for couples who want both peace and a little adventure, making it one of the best place to visit in Ho Chi Minh.
Must-Have Experience: Enjoying a pedal boat ride on the lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Ho Chi Minh City For The Best Escapes
6. Enjoy A Coffee Date At A Rooftop Café
Photo: Jonathan J. Castellon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A rooftop cafe has a lovely view of the city, making it a great place for couples. You can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while feeling the cool breeze and looking at the busy streets below. Many cafés have soft lights, live music, and comfortable seats, creating a warm and special atmosphere. You can try traditional egg coffee or a refreshing coconut coffee. A rooftop café is a perfect spot for a quiet and romantic evening with your partner.
Must-Have Experience: Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee while enjoying the skyline views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
7. Discover The Hidden Charm Of The Jade Emperor Pagoda
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a peaceful temple was built in 1909 and is an important place for Taoist worship. It has beautiful wood carvings, large statues, and a calm atmosphere with the smell of incense. Couples can walk around, enjoy the artwork, and make a wish together. The temple is a great place to escape the busy city and spend a quiet moment with a loved one. It is a special place to feel peace and see the beauty of old traditions.
Must-Have Experience: Lighting incense sticks and making a wish for love and happiness
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Vietnam
8. Take A Romantic Walk At Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Photo: Timback / Wikimedia Commons
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a fun and romantic place in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a big road where only people can walk, with old beautiful buildings, modern cafés, and bright lights at night. You can see street performers, listen to music, and enjoy the lively feel of the city. The fountains look amazing when they light up. Couples can take a slow walk, watch shows, or just enjoy the moment together.
Must-Have Experience: Watching the fountain light show together in the evening
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
9. Experience The Magic Of Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Photo: Bitexco / Wikimedia Commons
For a beautiful view of Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck. This tall building is 262 meters high and gives a full view of the city. The best time to go is at sunset when the sky turns golden, making it a perfect place for a romantic moment. There is also a sky bar where you can enjoy a drink and see the city lights.
Must-Have Experience: Watching the sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Ho Chi Minh At Night
10. Escape To The Tranquil Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Photo: Phương Huy / Wikimedia Commons
For couples who love nature, the Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a great place to visit. It is about 50 km from the city and is a UNESCO-protected area. The forest has many animals like monkeys and crocodiles. You can take a boat ride through the trees and visit the Vam Sat Ecological Park. There are also rare birds to see. The calm and green surroundings make it a perfect spot for couples.
Must-Have Experience: Taking a boat ride through the quiet and beautiful mangroves
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day or full-day trip
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
11. Watch The Sunset From Landmark 81
Photo: Gurval Le Bouter / Wikimedia Commons
Perched on the 75th storey of Vietnam’s tallest building, Landmark 81 offers an unforgettable sunset view. Arrive about an hour before sunset to claim a spot on the open-air terrace of the Saigon Skyview deck. As the sun dips behind the mass of red-tiled roofs and the Saigon River shimmers gold, the city lights begin to sparkle. Pack a light jacket for the cooling breeze and a camera to capture the sweeping panorama of District 1 and distant hills. Watching hand in hand as the sky turns rose and violet makes for a truly romantic Ho Chi Minh moment.
Must-Have Experience: Enjoy panoramic views, sip cocktails at the rooftop bar, and take romantic photos
Location: Bình Thạnh District
Suggested Read: Saigon Nightlife
12. City Scooter Ride
Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons
Set off on a scooter ride together and feel the city buzz as you whizz past colonial façades and hidden alleys. You can rent matching Vespas or book a guided tour with Scooter Saigon Tour, which offers amazing back-street experiences, delicious local snacks and knowledgeable guides who will steer you to spots off the beaten track. Glide through the French Quarter at dusk, pause for strong ca phe sua da beneath twinkling lanterns and share romantic moments beside Notre-Dame Cathedral. With the wind in your hair and the city lights unfolding before you, a scoter ride is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh.
Must-Have Experience: Weave through colonial streets, stop for street food, and experience the city’s nightlife
Location: District 1
13. Take A Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class
Photo: Isabell Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Enjoy a culinary adventure with a traditional Vietnamese cooking class near Ben Thanh Market. You’ll begin by wandering the colourful stalls, selecting fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and fragrant spices. Back in the cosy kitchen, a friendly local chef will guide you through making iconic dishes such as spring rolls, pho and banh xeo. As you chop, stir and roll side by side, laughter and conversation flow naturally. Finally, sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created together, perhaps accompanied by a crisp glass of local rice wine. This shared, hands-on experience is a truly romantic way to savour Vietnam’s rich flavours.
Must-Have Experience: Cook iconic dishes like pho or spring rolls, and dine on your creations
Location: Bến Thành Market, District 1
Suggested Read: Food In Vietnam
14. Picnic By Turtle Lake
Photo: P4ntt / Wikimedia Commons
Turtle Lake, officially International Square but affectionately called Con Rua Lake by locals, sits at the junction of Pham Ngoc Thach, Vo Van Tan and Tran Cao Van streets. Here, couples can lay a blanket on the grassy banks around the octagonal pond ringed by cool greenery. By late afternoon the area fills with street food stalls serving banh mi, grilled rice paper and fried fish balls. Pick your favourite treats and sip local sugarcane juice as you watch the gentle fountain and the chatter of passersby. As evening lights reflect on the water, this simple picnic feels perfectly romantic.
Must-Have Experience: Relax by the fountain, savour local snacks from nearby stalls, and feed the fish together
Location: District 3
Ho Chi Minh City is a lively place with history, culture, and modern beauty. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner cruise, a peaceful walk in gardens, or an exciting nature trip. These romantic experiences are among the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and will create wonderful memories. Plan a trip with TripXL for the best moments in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cover Photo: Tron Le / Unsplash
