Are you on a strict budget or are you just looking for things to do without having to pay a fee? If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of free things you can do to keep yourself occupied. Not only is this Vietnam’s biggest city, it is also home to a lot of beautiful sights – and many of them free to visit! Here are 6 free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Notre Dame Basilica

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Perhaps the most famous building in Ho Chi Minh City, the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica was built by French colonists and was constructed by using materials from France, which was shipped to Vietnam. Walk in the heart of District 1 and you will see this mesmerising building standing tall.

2. Saigon Opera House

Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre) in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Tired of walking? Go to the stunning opera house and enjoy a free concert. Yepp, free! The opera itself is a sight to see and is a fantastic example of the old French colonial architecture in town. But try to be here during Sunday mornings, when you can be able listen to some classical music, marching bands or more traditional Vietnamese sounds.

3. Backpacker’s District

Bui Vien Street-in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Cities are best experienced while walking and this district is something that should be explored while in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking for a vibrant place where lots of things are going on, you will enjoy this. Walk around in the small alleyways which are usually packed with restaurants, food stalls and bars. You will most definitely see a few backpackers sitting here, but also locals. If you do not want to spend any money, there is no need to. It is a fascinating place to just walk around in.

4. Free Walking Tour

The tricky thing with these Free Walking Tours is that they are not really free – if you find the tour good then you should give them a little tip. But usually the guides are very good at what they are doing and no one will force you to give them any money. But remember that the tip is usually their salary, so giving a little is usually very appreciated. The guides have a broad knowledge of the city and if you feel like you are being overwhelmed by Ho Chi Minh City, going on a free walking tour is a great thing to do. This way you will also get to know other travelers from all over the world.

5. Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh city

When the city gets a bit too stressful for you and you need to slow down the pace, go to Tao Dan Park. Walk around here amongst thousands of trees, colorful flowers and the sound of birds. You will soon forget you are in the midst of a big city. If you happen to be there during Tet, which is the Vietnamese New Year, go visit Tao Dan Park for an incredible floral show which takes place in this park.

6. Central Post Office

Central Post Office – Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, Vietnam

Last but not least, visit the post office. You might feel like you have stepped back in time due to its old maps of telegraphic routes of South Vietnam and phone booths. You will easily notice it from the outside with its bright yellow exterior framed with white trim. Walk inside and admire the stunning spacious interior, patterned tile floor and domed ceilings with metal arches. Whether you are looking to post a mail or you simply just want to see it, the central post office is a place you must visit before you leave Ho Chi Minh City.

While all of these sites are free, one thing you do have to think of is to apply for a Vietnam visa before you enter the country. Although it is not free, it is very affordable and the process is quick, easy and you will have your visa in no time. The most popular alternative is to apply for a Visa on Arrival, which can be done from everywhere. Depending on which country you are from, you can also get an E-visa, which will give you a single-entry for 30 days. The third option is to go to a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate and apply for a visa through them.