For couples · Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam
Romantic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Saigon is romantic after dark: rooftop cocktails over the lit skyline, a show at the colonial Opera House, dinner on a river boat and late-night walks along Nguyễn Huệ. Couples tend to stay in District 1 (Đồng Khởi).
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 5
- Couple-friendly sights
- 2
- Area for couples
- District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
- Best months
- March
Romantic ideas
1.Rooftop bar at sunset
Watch the skyline light up from one of District 1's hotel or tower rooftop bars.
2.AO Show at the Opera House
See the bamboo acrobatics show in the 1900 Municipal Theatre, then walk down Đồng Khởi.
3.Saigon River dinner cruise
Dinner boats sail from the District 1 riverfront past Thủ Thiêm and the illuminated towers.
4.Café apartments on Nguyễn Huệ
Climb the old apartment block at number 42 for coffee on a balcony above the walking street.
5.Riverside dinner in Thảo Điền
Book a table at one of the restaurants along the river in Thảo Điền for a quieter evening.
Sights couples love
Architecture · District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
Saigon Opera House
Seeing a performance is the only way inside; check the programme and book a day or two ahead.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours for a show
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- After dark
- Couples
- Rainy day
Experience · District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
Saigon River by waterbus
Ride in the late afternoon for the skyline at golden hour; check current departure times at the pier.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours return
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Where couples should stay
$$$ · Best for first-timers, luxury, shopping and families
District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
The streets between Đồng Khởi, Nguyễn Huệ and Lê Lợi form the historic core, with the Opera House, City Hall, the Central Post Office and the cathedral within a few blocks. Most upscale hotels, malls such as Vincom Center and Saigon Centre, and rooftop bars are here, along with Metro Line 1's central stations.
- Good
- Walking distance to the main sights; Wide choice of hotels with pools; Metro and ride-hailing everywhere
- Watch out
- Expensive by Vietnamese standards; Heavy traffic; Phone snatching is most reported here
- Nearby
- Saigon Opera House, Nguyễn Huệ walking street, Central Post Office, Bến Thành Market
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Broken rice, Hủ tiếu Nam Vang and Bánh xèo. Ask for 'chay' to find vegetarian dishes; many Buddhist vegetarian restaurants serve meat-free versions of local favourites.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ho Chi Minh City romantic?
Saigon is romantic after dark: rooftop cocktails over the lit skyline, a show at the colonial Opera House, dinner on a river boat and late-night walks along Nguyễn Huệ.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Rooftop bar at sunset: Watch the skyline light up from one of District 1's hotel or tower rooftop bars.
+Where should couples stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 (Đồng Khởi): Colonial landmarks, international hotels, malls and rooftop bars by the river.