Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City Between Dental Appointments

One of the best things about dental tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is that you are not stuck in a waiting room between appointments. HCMC is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant, fascinating, and delicious cities. Here is how to make the most of your free time.

District 1 — The Heart of the City

Most top dental clinics are in District 1, which is also the center of everything worth seeing. You can walk to most of these attractions from your clinic or hotel.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

This stunning French colonial church, built between 1863 and 1880 with materials imported from France, stands at the end of Dong Khoi Street. Even if you cannot enter during renovation periods, the exterior and surrounding square are worth visiting.

Central Post Office

Right next to the cathedral, this ornate building designed by Gustave Eiffel’s team is still a working post office. Send a postcard home from one of the world’s most beautiful postal buildings.

Reunification Palace

The former Presidential Palace is frozen in time from April 30, 1975, when a tank crashed through its gates to end the Vietnam War. The retro interiors, war room, and rooftop helicopter are fascinating.

War Remnants Museum

Powerful and moving, this museum documents the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and personal stories. Plan 2-3 hours. Not recommended immediately after dental surgery as it can be emotionally intense.

Ben Thanh Market

HCMC’s most famous market is a sensory overload of stalls selling everything from silk ao dai to dried fruits to lacquerware. Perfect for souvenir shopping. Bargain hard — start at 40% of the asking price.

Bui Vien Walking Street

The backpacker street comes alive at night with open-air bars, street food vendors, live music, and people-watching. Great for a casual evening when you are feeling up to it.

Day Trips from HCMC

Cu Chi Tunnels

A half-day trip (about 70km from the city center) to explore the incredible tunnel network used during the Vietnam War. Crawl through narrow passages, see booby trap displays, and learn about the ingenuity of the tunnel system. Tours cost $15-30 including transport.

Mekong Delta

A full-day tour takes you into the lush waterway landscape south of HCMC. Visit floating markets, cruise narrow canals, sample tropical fruits, and see coconut candy being made. Tours cost $20-40.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just 50km from HCMC. Take a speedboat through mangrove channels, visit a crocodile reserve, and enjoy fresh seafood. Quieter and more nature-focused than the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Food Experiences

HCMC’s food scene alone is worth the trip. See our detailed food guide for post-dental-friendly options, but here are the highlights:

• Street food tours: Guided tours through District 4 or District 1 alleys, sampling 8-10 dishes for $25-40
• Cooking classes: Learn to make pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo. Half-day classes cost $30-50
• Rooftop dining: Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel offers city views with cocktails
• Coffee culture: Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer. Try ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) at The Workshop or Cong Caphe

Relaxation and Wellness

Perfect for recovery days after dental procedures:

• Spa treatments: Full-body massages from $15-25 at quality spas. Vietnamese massage is a unique experience
• Hotel pools: Most mid-range and luxury hotels have pools — great for a recovery afternoon
• Saigon River cruise: Sunset dinner cruises on the Saigon River offer a relaxing evening. Prices from $30
• Yoga and meditation: Several studios in District 1 and 2 offer drop-in classes

Shopping

• Dong Khoi Street: HCMC’s main shopping boulevard with international brands and local boutiques
• Takashimaya Department Store: Air-conditioned comfort with premium brands
• Saigon Square: Two locations offering bargain fashion and accessories
• District 2 (Thao Dien): Independent boutiques, craft shops, and artisan coffee roasters

Nightlife

If you are feeling up to it after your dental work:

• Rooftop bars: Chill Skybar (26th floor), Air 360 Sky Lounge, Social Club at Hotel des Arts
• Craft beer: Heart of Darkness, Pasteur Street Brewing Company, BiaCraft
• Live music: Acoustic Bar, Saigon Outcast (District 2)
• Night markets: Ben Thanh Night Market surrounds the day market after 6pm

Getting Around Between Activities

HCMC is easy to navigate with Grab (Vietnam’s equivalent of Uber). Most rides within the central districts cost $2-5. For more details, see our getting around guide.

Activity Planning by Recovery Stage

Day of treatment: Take it easy

• Watch sunset from your hotel rooftop
• Order room service or soft food from a nearby restaurant
• Gentle walk around your block if comfortable

1-2 days after treatment: Light activities

• Museums and indoor attractions
• Spa and massage
• Shopping at air-conditioned malls
• Coffee shop hopping

3+ days after treatment: Full activities

• Day trips (Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta)
• Food tours
• Walking tours
• Nightlife

Plan Your HCMC Experience

SmileJet can help coordinate your dental appointments around your sightseeing plans. Get matched with a top HCMC clinic and start planning the trip of a lifetime.