Leisure activities in Ho Chi Minh City alone or with friends or family
Theres never a shortage of things to do within Ho Chi Minh City. Whether expats are planning on moving here solo, with a partner or their family, the buzzing city has plenty of happenings on a regular basis that caters to just about anyone.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City alone
Expats who are keen to enjoy some alone time will be surprised by the number of unique activities. Aside from dining alone or heading to the cinema, people can enjoy spending quality time at Aura & Co. in District 2, in which they detoxify their bodies from the inside out by sitting in an infrared sauna - perfect for getting rid of the smog's effect on their skin. Also, there are plenty of gyms and yoga studios in Ho Chi Minh City throughout its various districts for people to get their blood flowing.
For those seeking a bit of meditation, expats can test their limits in a sensory deprivation tank at Float - a truly unique experience!
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with friends
Just the same as back home, brunch and happy hours are just as popular in Saigon. Some popular brunch spots include L'Usine, Au Parc, The Vintage Emporium, Mekong Merchant and The Snap Cafe. The weekends are a perfect opportunity to partake in a craft workshop or laze by one of the city's public pools with a good book and company. Two of the more popular ones in town are Van Thanh Swimming Pool in the Binh Thanh District and Anna Sanctuary in District 7. The latter is a bit far from the city centre, but the seclusion and serenity are well worth the drive.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with a family
Despite many of the expats living in Ho Chi Minh City consisting of English teachers in their 20s and 30s, the city is surprisingly family-friendly. Families with younger ones in tow can spend an afternoon hopping around inside District 2's Jump Arena or at KizCiti Centre in District 4. Those wanting to bask in the sunshine with a bit of laughter can make the trek out to Dam Sen Water Park. Those who prefer to stay inside will love SnowTown, an indoor snow park perfect for those who are feeling homesick in the winter months. Expats based in District 7 or those who don't mind making the trek should definitely swing through the top floor of Crescent Mall, which has a colourful indoor play gym area - fun for all ages!
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with your partner
One of the benefits of being an expat in Ho Chi Minh City is the exposure to the variety of cuisines throughout the city. One unique date night idea is to book a table at Noir, a 'dining in the dark' experience. The employees at Noir are vision-impaired, which is even more of a reason to support the establishment. Another unique date night is to attend Chef's Table Saigon, a monthly pop-up culinary event with a rotating menu. It's an excellent opportunity for some one-on-one time while getting to catch up over a meal prepared by chefs from around the world.
