If you are planning a golf holiday in southern Vietnam, knowing the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City after a round can make your trip much more rewarding. Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is not simply a convenient base for golfers. It is a destination where championship golf, Vietnamese cuisine, colonial architecture, local markets and vibrant nightlife can easily be combined in one itinerary.
If you are planning to combine golf with sightseeing, local experiences and private day trips, Saigon tours can also be incorporated into your itinerary, allowing you to explore the city without having to manage every detail independently.
This guide explores the best places to visit and experiences to enjoy after golf, with practical suggestions for golfers who want to make the most of their time in Ho Chi Minh City.
Why Ho Chi Minh City Is Ideal for a Golf and Sightseeing Holiday
Many golf destinations are designed primarily around the courses themselves. Ho Chi Minh City is different.
The city gives golfers access to established courses while offering an extensive range of experiences beyond the clubhouse. Historic buildings, museums, markets, restaurants and entertainment venues are spread throughout the central districts, meaning a golf trip does not have to feel repetitive.
This is particularly useful for couples, families and mixed-interest groups. One traveler can spend the morning playing golf while another explores the city, before everyone meets for lunch or dinner.
The city's tropical climate also makes it possible to structure your days around the weather. Early morning is often an excellent time for golf, when temperatures are more comfortable. Afternoons can then be spent at indoor museums, cafés, spas, or relaxed sightseeing, while evenings are ideal for food tours, restaurants, and rooftop venues.
For international travelers, this combination creates a much more complete Vietnam experience than spending every day at a golf resort.
Top 10+ Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City For Golfers
1. Explore the War Remnants Museum
For visitors interested in Vietnamese history, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most significant places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
Located in District 3, the museum documents the Vietnam War and its consequences through photographs, military equipment, personal stories and historical exhibits.
It is not a light or purely recreational attraction, but it provides important context for understanding modern Vietnam. Many international visitors find that visiting the museum changes the way they view the country because it presents historical events through a distinctly Vietnamese perspective.
For golfers, the museum can be a particularly good afternoon activity after an early tee time. Unlike outdoor sightseeing, it is largely indoors, making it a practical option when the weather is hot or rainy.
Allowing around one to two hours is usually sufficient for a meaningful visit without making the experience feel rushed.
Afterwards, you can continue towards nearby cafés, restaurants or other attractions in District 3 and District 1.
2. Visit the Independence Palace
Another essential historical attraction is the Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace.
The building occupies a significant place in Vietnam's modern history and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in central Ho Chi Minh City.
The palace provides an opportunity to see preserved rooms, meeting spaces, command facilities and underground areas associated with the political history of the country.
Its architecture is also interesting in its own right. Rather than resembling a traditional European colonial building, the palace represents a different period of Vietnamese architectural and political history.
For golfers staying in central hotels, the Independence Palace is easy to combine with other attractions. It is particularly convenient as part of a walking or short-driving route through central Saigon.
A morning golf round followed by lunch and an afternoon visit to the palace can create a comfortable first day in the city without excessive travel.
3. Admire Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Area
The Central Post Office is one of the most recognizable examples of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City.
Designed during the colonial period, the building remains a functioning post office while also attracting visitors interested in architecture and history.
Its high ceilings, large interior space and distinctive European-inspired design make it particularly photogenic.
Immediately outside is the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, one of the city's best-known landmarks. However, visitors should check the current access and restoration status before planning an interior visit, as conservation work can affect public access.
The area around these landmarks is particularly easy to explore after golf because it sits in the heart of the city.
Instead of spending an entire afternoon traveling between distant attractions, golfers can combine the Central Post Office with the Independence Palace, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and nearby cafés.
This makes the area one of the most efficient sightseeing choices for travelers with limited time.
4. Walk Along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
If you want to experience the modern energy of Ho Chi Minh City, head to Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the evening.
The broad pedestrian boulevard stretches through the heart of District 1 and is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping areas and historic buildings.
During the evening, the atmosphere changes dramatically. Local residents, young people, families and visitors gather around the square, creating a lively but distinctly local urban scene.
For golfers, Nguyen Hue is ideal after an afternoon of rest.
Rather than planning another formal attraction after a long day on the course, you can simply walk through the area, stop for coffee, take photographs and continue towards dinner.
The boulevard also provides access to several other central attractions, making it easy to combine with the Saigon River, the Opera House and surrounding streets.
5. Discover Ben Thanh Market
No first visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without experiencing Ben Thanh Market.
Located in District 1, the market is one of the city's best-known landmarks and a popular place to experience local commerce, food and souvenirs.
Inside, visitors can find everything from Vietnamese coffee and dried foods to textiles, handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs.
The market is particularly interesting for travelers who want to experience the contrast between modern Ho Chi Minh City and traditional trading culture.
For golfers, it can also be an easy stop between activities. After an early round, you can visit the market before lunch or explore it in the late afternoon before heading to dinner.
Remember that prices may be negotiable in some sections, particularly for souvenirs and non-food items. A friendly and respectful approach is usually the best way to shop.
If you are not particularly interested in shopping, focus on the food and atmosphere rather than trying to see every stall.
6. Take a Vietnamese Food Tour After Golf
Food is arguably one of the best reasons to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City beyond the golf course.
The city is famous for its diverse food culture, ranging from traditional Vietnamese dishes to contemporary restaurants and international cuisine.
After a morning round, a food-focused afternoon or evening can be an excellent way to experience Saigon without requiring another physically demanding activity.
Classic dishes worth trying include pho, banh xeo, banh mi, bun thit nuong and com tam. Southern Vietnamese cuisine also has its own characteristics, often featuring fresh herbs, vegetables and a balance of sweet, salty and savory flavors.
For international golfers staying at four- or five-star hotels, the city also offers sophisticated Vietnamese restaurants where traditional flavors are presented in a more refined setting.
A private food tour can be particularly useful for first-time visitors because a local guide can explain unfamiliar ingredients, dining customs and regional differences.
After several hours on the golf course, this is one activity that can be both culturally interesting and genuinely enjoyable.
7. Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee in a Local Café
Coffee is deeply embedded in Vietnamese daily life, and experiencing Saigon's café culture is one of the easiest ways to slow down after golf.
Vietnam is one of the world's major coffee-producing countries, and Vietnamese coffee is often prepared with a strong, concentrated brew combined with condensed milk or served over ice.
The classic ca phe sua da is especially associated with southern Vietnam.
Beyond the drink itself, café culture offers a different perspective on the city. Rather than rushing between attractions, you can sit down, watch the streets and observe everyday life.
This is particularly valuable after a long round of golf.
Choose a café in District 1, District 3 or another central neighborhood and spend an hour simply relaxing. For golfers traveling during the hottest part of the day, it is also a practical way to escape the afternoon heat.
8. Experience the Saigon River at Sunset
After spending several hours surrounded by fairways and greenery, the Saigon River offers a completely different landscape.
The river runs through the city and provides opportunities to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City's skyline from the water.
A sunset cruise is one of the more relaxing experiences for golfers because it requires very little physical effort. You can sit back, enjoy a drink or meal and watch the city change as daylight fades.
Another option is simply to visit a riverside venue around Bach Dang Wharf and enjoy the atmosphere.
For travelers staying in luxury hotels, a river-view dinner can be an elegant way to finish a golf day.
The experience is especially attractive for couples who want to balance active mornings with slower evenings.
9. Enjoy a Rooftop Bar with a View of Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City's skyline is best appreciated from above.
The city has developed a strong rooftop dining and cocktail culture, with venues overlooking landmarks, busy streets and the Saigon River.
After a round of golf in Ho Chi Minh City, a rooftop bar provides the perfect opportunity to relax without planning another major sightseeing activity.
The best time to arrive is often shortly before sunset. This allows you to see the city in daylight, watch the sky change color and then experience the skyline after dark.
Dress codes vary between venues, but smart casual clothing is generally appropriate for upscale rooftop establishments.
For golfers accustomed to spending evenings at resort clubs, the atmosphere can be a refreshing change. Instead of a quiet hotel environment, you get a panoramic view of one of Southeast Asia's most energetic cities.
10. Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most atmospheric religious sites.
Built in the early twentieth century, the pagoda is known for its ornate statues, incense-filled interior and traditional architectural details.
Unlike the city's grand colonial landmarks, the Jade Emperor Pagoda provides a glimpse into another aspect of local life and spirituality.
It is relatively compact, which makes it suitable for travelers who do not want to spend several hours sightseeing after golf.
A visit can easily be combined with District 1 or District 3 attractions and followed by a café or lunch.
Visitors should dress respectfully and behave quietly inside the religious complex.
11. Discover Cholon and Binh Tay Market
For travelers with more time, Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's historic Chinatown area, offers a different perspective on the city.
Located primarily in District 5, Cholon has long been associated with the city's Chinese-Vietnamese community and commercial history.
Binh Tay Market is one of its most recognizable landmarks. Compared with the tourist-oriented atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, the area around Binh Tay provides a stronger sense of a traditional wholesale and neighborhood trading environment.
Nearby temples and pagodas add another layer to the experience.
Cholon is particularly suitable for repeat visitors who have already seen the major attractions in central District 1.
For golfers staying three or more nights, dedicating an afternoon to this area can make the itinerary feel more local and less predictable.
12. Take a Relaxing Spa Treatment
After 18 holes in a tropical climate, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing particularly ambitious.
Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of spas, from simple local establishments to luxury hotel wellness centers.
A massage or spa treatment can be a particularly sensible addition to a golf itinerary because it gives your body time to recover before another round.
For international travelers staying in upscale hotels, hotel spas can provide a familiar level of service and a convenient location.
Alternatively, independent spas can offer a more local experience.
When choosing a spa, prioritize reputable establishments with clear pricing and professional standards, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the city.
For golfers planning multiple rounds over several days, scheduling a massage after every second round can be a useful way to manage fatigue.
13. Explore Saigon's Luxury Dining Scene
Ho Chi Minh City has evolved into one of Southeast Asia's most interesting dining destinations.
International visitors can choose from traditional Vietnamese restaurants, modern Vietnamese cuisine, French-inspired dining, Japanese restaurants, Indian cuisine and a wide range of international options.
This diversity makes the city particularly suitable for luxury golf travelers.
Rather than returning to the same golf resort restaurant every evening, you can explore a different neighborhood and dining concept after each round.
For a special occasion, consider a restaurant with a tasting menu or sophisticated Vietnamese interpretation. For a more casual evening, explore local dishes in a neighborhood restaurant.
The key is to treat food as part of the travel experience rather than simply something to do after golf.
Vietnamese cuisine varies significantly between regions, so southern dishes can provide a useful contrast if you have already traveled through Hanoi or central Vietnam.
14. Visit the Saigon Opera House and Enjoy an Evening Performance
The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is another architectural highlight in central District 1.
The building reflects French colonial design and occupies a prominent position near Dong Khoi Street.
Depending on the schedule, visitors may be able to attend cultural performances, including contemporary Vietnamese shows that combine traditional elements with modern stage production.
For golfers, this can be an excellent evening activity because it requires relatively little physical effort.
You can spend the morning playing golf, return to your hotel for a shower and rest, enjoy an early dinner and then attend an evening performance.
It creates a polished and memorable end to a day in Saigon.
15. Take a Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
If your schedule allows a full non-golf day, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most historically significant excursions from Ho Chi Minh City.
The extensive underground tunnel network was used during the Vietnam War and provides insight into the strategies and daily realities of wartime life.
The experience is very different from visiting a city museum because visitors can see portions of the tunnel system and learn how people lived and operated underground.
For golfers, it is better to schedule the Cu Chi Tunnels on a day without golf rather than trying to combine both experiences.
The excursion involves travel outside the city, and allowing enough time makes the visit more comfortable.
A private guided trip can also be useful because the historical context is an important part of understanding what you are seeing.
16. Escape to the Mekong Delta
Another excellent addition to a golf-focused Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
The delta offers a completely different landscape from the city, with rivers, canals, orchards, small communities and agricultural areas.
A well-planned excursion can include a boat ride, local villages, tropical fruit gardens and regional food.
For international golfers, the Mekong Delta works particularly well as a rest day between rounds. Instead of another physically demanding activity, you can spend the day traveling by boat and exploring rural southern Vietnam.
This also gives the trip greater cultural depth.
A golf holiday that includes only golf courses can feel somewhat isolated from the destination. Adding the Mekong Delta allows travelers to understand the landscapes, communities and traditions surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Plan the Perfect Day After Golf in Ho Chi Minh City
The key to enjoying Ho Chi Minh City after golf is not trying to do everything.
A round of golf can take several hours, particularly when travel, warm weather and the pace of play are considered. Adding too many attractions afterwards can turn an enjoyable holiday into a tiring schedule.
A better approach is to group experiences geographically.
For example, after playing at Tan Son Nhat Golf Course, return to your hotel for a shower and lunch before exploring central District 1 in the afternoon.
You could visit the Independence Palace and Central Post Office, walk along Nguyen Hue Street, enjoy dinner and finish with a rooftop drink.
On another day, combine golf with a quieter experience such as a spa treatment, Vietnamese coffee and an evening river cruise.
For a non-golf day, dedicate the entire day to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta rather than trying to fit a round into the same schedule.
This approach gives you enough time to appreciate both the golf and the destination.
Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City by Time of Day
After Morning Golf
If you finish golf around midday, prioritize lunch, a café and indoor or shaded attractions.
The War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Central Post Office are convenient choices depending on your location.
You can then return to your hotel for a short rest before going out again in the evening.
After Afternoon Golf
If you play later in the day, skip the major sightseeing attractions and focus on dinner, a rooftop bar or a riverfront experience.
This is especially useful during hotter months when sightseeing immediately after golf can be uncomfortable.
After a Full-Day Golf Excursion
If you have spent the day at Long Thanh, Twin Doves or another course outside central Ho Chi Minh City, avoid planning an ambitious evening.
A quality dinner, spa treatment or rooftop drink is usually enough.
The following day can then be reserved for sightseeing.
How to Combine Golf in Ho Chi Minh City with a Luxury Travel Experience
Golfers staying at four- and five-star hotels can create a highly personalized itinerary by combining golf with private transportation, premium dining and curated cultural experiences.
Instead of treating each activity separately, consider the entire day as a sequence.
An early private transfer takes you to the golf course. After the round, you return to the city for lunch at a carefully selected Vietnamese restaurant. The afternoon can be dedicated to a museum or architectural tour before returning to the hotel for a spa treatment.
In the evening, finish with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the skyline.
The next day might reverse the pattern: a relaxed morning at the hotel, a private cultural tour during the day and an evening at a fine-dining restaurant.
This style of travel is particularly suitable for international golfers who value comfort, efficient transportation and authentic experiences without an overly rigid schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City for Golfers
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City after golf?
The best choices depend on your energy level. Popular options include visiting the War Remnants Museum or Independence Palace, exploring Ben Thanh Market, enjoying Vietnamese food, relaxing at a spa, watching the sunset by the Saigon River, and having a drink at a rooftop bar.
Is Ho Chi Minh City good for a golf holiday?
Yes. Golf in Ho Chi Minh City works particularly well for international travelers because several established courses are accessible from the city while a large selection of cultural, culinary and leisure activities are available nearby.
This allows golfers to combine rounds with sightseeing rather than spending their entire holiday inside a golf resort.
What should I do in Saigon after an 18-hole round?
Keep the evening relatively relaxed. A good restaurant, massage, rooftop bar or riverfront walk can be more enjoyable than another intensive sightseeing activity.
If you still have energy, Nguyen Hue Walking Street or Ben Thanh Market can provide an easy introduction to the city.
How many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City for golf and sightseeing?
Four to five days can provide a good balance for first-time visitors.
This allows time for two or three rounds of golf while leaving enough room for major attractions, food experiences and a day trip.
Longer stays are ideal if you want to include both the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Is golf in Ho Chi Minh City suitable for luxury travelers?
Absolutely. The city has a strong selection of upscale hotels, private transportation services, premium golf courses, spas, restaurants, and personalized sightseeing experiences.
This makes it possible to create a golf holiday with a high level of comfort without sacrificing cultural experiences.
If you are planning a premium Vietnam golf journey, consider staying several nights in Saigon rather than treating the city simply as a stop between golf resorts. With the right balance of tee times and local experiences, Ho Chi Minh City can become one of the most memorable parts of your Vietnam golf holiday.