After a tiring week of work and study, the question "Where should we go this weekend?" is on the minds of many families, couples, and groups of young friends in Ho Chi Minh City. Choosing the right destination can help you recharge, connect with loved ones, and make lasting memories. Explore the following list of 16 popular weekend destinations in Ho Chi Minh City to plan your next outing.
AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon has long been a favorite weekend entertainment destination for residents of Ho Chi Minh City and nearby areas. With its expansive space and modern, clean, airy design, the mall caters to visitors of all ages looking to shop, dine, and have fun.
You can catch a blockbuster at CGV Cinema, or relax at popular coffee and tea brands such as Highlands Coffee, Starbucks, Phúc Long, Gong Cha or cool off with ice cream from IGELATO. You can also shop for essentials at the AEON supermarket or browse books at FAHASA for a convenient family outing.
Before you go, check the AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon store directory, floor map, and event schedule on the official website to plan your visit smoothly.
A modern space bringing together shopping, dining, and a variety of entertainment at AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon.
Crescent Mall is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to combine shopping, dining, and entertainment on the weekend. Located in the Phú Mỹ Hưng urban area, the spacious, modern mall offers fashion, cosmetics, and homeware stores alongside diverse dining options for families and groups of friends.
At Crescent Mall, you can watch new releases at the fifth-floor CGV cinema, play games at Timezone, or take young children to tiNiWorld. After shopping, dine at restaurants such as Haidilao, Dookki, and Genki Sushi, or relax at a café. The nearby Crescent Lake area is also a lovely spot for a walk, sightseeing, and photos in the late afternoon or evening.
Crescent Mall combines modern shopping with activities, dining, and entertainment for the whole family. (Source: Internet)
SC VivoCity is another weekend destination to consider in southern Saigon, especially for families with young children. The five-story mall has fashion stores, a supermarket, restaurants, and entertainment areas. Its convenient layout makes it easy to enjoy several activities in one visit.
A highlight of SC VivoCity is its CGV cinema with IMAX and 4DX formats for movie lovers. Families with young children can explore the indoor play area or visit the rooftop Sky Park for outdoor activities. You can also shop at the Co.opXtra supermarket, browse clothing stores, or enjoy a meal in the restaurant area.
SC VivoCity is an ideal place for families to shop, watch a movie, and have fun with young children on the weekend. (Source: Internet)
Bến Bạch Đằng Park is one of the best-known outdoor spots in central Ho Chi Minh City. Its prime location along the Saigon River brings a pleasant breeze and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. At sunset and after dark, the park takes on a sparkling appearance, with views of brightly lit high-rise buildings.
You can easily pair a walk here with the lively atmosphere of Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street or a visit to the nearby Bạch Đằng Wharf.
Bến Bạch Đằng Park sparkles at night and offers a scenic riverside viewpoint.
As one of the world’s oldest zoological and botanical parks, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of city residents. Thousands of mature trees provide cool shade, making this enormous green space feel far removed from the bustle of the streets.
Families and children can observe hundreds of rare animal species, join animal-feeding activities, or play in the outdoor activity area. For a fuller experience, allow about half a day and check the schedules for shows or feeding sessions before visiting.
Lush greenery and diverse plant and animal life at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Tao Đàn Park is known as the “green heart” of Ho Chi Minh City thanks to its spacious grounds and hundreds of shady old trees. Its fresh, peaceful setting and level walking paths are well suited to exercise and leisurely strolls.
Families with young children often choose Tao Đàn for a weekend stop so the kids can run around in the playground. Its central location makes it a convenient place to unwind and restore balance after a busy working week.
A peaceful, tree-shaded setting at Tao Đàn Park.
Đầm Sen Cultural Park has long been associated with the childhood memories of many generations of Ho Chi Minh City residents. This large entertainment complex offers a wide range of attractions, from gentle activities for children to challenging thrill rides for young adults.
The aquarium, zoo, and picturesque landscaped areas also make for an enjoyable visit. Check the all-inclusive and individual ticket options in advance to choose what works best for your family.
A wide variety of rides and recreational scenery at Đầm Sen Cultural Park.
Suối Tiên Cultural Theme Park uniquely combines a modern amusement park with elements of traditional Vietnamese culture and history. Visitors will be impressed by large-scale structures inspired by well-known folk legends such as Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, and Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ.
Besides seeing these artistic structures, you can enjoy the Tiên Đồng – Ngọc Nữ artificial beach and hundreds of other attractions. It is an ideal place for families to spend a full day having fun while helping children discover Vietnamese culture.
Architecture inspired by folk legends at Suối Tiên.
Peacefully situated beside the Saigon Central Post Office, Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street is a familiar cultural destination for book lovers seeking a relaxing space. This short pedestrian street brings together dozens of stalls from reputable publishers, offering a wide range of Vietnamese and international books.
Visitors can browse for a good book, enjoy a strong coffee beneath leafy trees, or attend an interesting author event. The knowledgeable and peaceful atmosphere makes for a meaningful weekend outing.
A peaceful place to read in the heart of the city at Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street.
Independence Palace is both a special national historic site and a distinctive example of 1960s architecture. The building stands on spacious grounds filled with mature trees, creating an airy setting in the heart of District 1.
Visitors to Independence Palace can see its offices, grand meeting rooms, and sturdy wartime command bunker. It is a valuable place for visitors from Vietnam and abroad to learn about important moments in the country’s history.
The grand architecture and green grounds of the special national historic site, Independence Palace.
The War Remnants Museum is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited museums, especially among international travelers. It preserves and displays thousands of documents, artifacts, and photographs showing the devastating consequences of war. Themed exhibits such as “War Crimes” and “Photo Memories” leave a strong impression and encourage reflection on the value of peace. Because some documentary images are graphic, parents should consider this carefully before visiting with young children.
Valuable historical artifacts and documents on display at the War Remnants Museum.
The Củ Chi Tunnels are a remarkable military structure that bears witness to the resilience and ingenuity of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians during the resistance period. About 70 km from the city center, the site contains an intricate underground tunnel network, living areas, Hoàng Cầm kitchens, and reconstructed defensive pits.
Visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels and try cassava with sesame salt, a food associated with wartime life. This trip usually takes a full day, so wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and consider your physical condition before entering the tunnels.
Explore the distinctive underground tunnel network at the Củ Chi Tunnels.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a worthwhile destination for art lovers and photography enthusiasts. The building was once an old mansion, combining French architectural style with elegant East Asian details. Its stained-glass windows and striking spiral staircase stand out.
Inside, the museum houses numerous valuable paintings, sculptures, and works of ancient, early modern, and modern art by renowned artists. Its quiet, nostalgic setting offers beautiful photo spots and a chance to appreciate art at a slower pace.
Classic French architecture and romantic East Asian details at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.
Located near the riverside in the former Thủ Đức City area, the Áo Dài Museum is a distinctive cultural space designed in the nostalgic style of a Southern Vietnamese garden house. It preserves and displays hundreds of Vietnamese áo dài designs from different historical periods, from early styles to garments associated with historical figures and famous artists.
Visitors can learn about the history of Vietnam’s traditional dress while enjoying a leafy setting with a lotus pond and rustic wooden bridges. It is especially suitable for anyone who wants to wear an áo dài and take memorable photos.
A nostalgic setting honoring the traditional áo dài at the Áo Dài Museum.
The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and a must-see for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. Its broad vaulted ceiling, gracefully arched windows, and striking yellow facade evoke classic Western architecture.
Inside the main hall, you can admire two carefully hand-drawn historic maps and rows of timeworn wooden service counters. Its location makes it easy to combine a visit with nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral and Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street.
Saigon Central Post Office – an iconic building shaped by history.
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street has long been a familiar outdoor gathering place for young people and families in Ho Chi Minh City. The broad, paved pedestrian square has trees, fountains, and a modern lighting system.
On weekend evenings, the area becomes especially lively with a variety of street performances. Visitors can stroll, admire the illuminated cityscape, and stop by the building at 42 Nguyễn Huệ, a “paradise” of distinctive cafés and fashion shops.
The lively, modern atmosphere of Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street on the weekend.
Bến Thành Market is both a bustling marketplace and a longstanding cultural and commercial symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. Hundreds of stalls sell clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and dried specialties from across Vietnam.
Its food area draws many visitors with a wide range of Southern Vietnamese dishes, including bún mắm, hủ tiếu, and Saigon sweet soups. At Bến Thành Market, you can soak up the lively trading atmosphere and experience a distinctive part of everyday city culture.
Bến Thành Market – one of Saigon’s best-known and busiest places for shopping and food.
We hope these 16 suggestions have helped you answer the question where to go this weekend and find a way to relax with your loved ones. If you are looking for a cool, convenient “all-in-one” destination with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon and check the latest store directory and event schedule to get ready for your weekend outing!