Weekend Activities & Things to Do in HCMC for Students

Weekend activities in Ho Chi Minh City aren’t just about passing time—they’re opportunities to explore vibrant culture, recharge after classes, and meet new people. For international students, balancing study with fun, affordable, and student-friendly experiences is key to thriving in a new city.

Luckily, HCMC is packed with exciting weekend activities and must-visit places, from street food adventures and local markets to peaceful parks and cultural hotspots. These experiences not only help you relax but also deepen your connection with the city and other students while creating lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or popular attractions, there’s always something new to try.

Ready to turn your weekends into memorable adventures? Let’s explore the top things to do and discover where to go in Ho Chi Minh City as a student.

The Role of Weekend Activities in Student Life in HCMC

Living as a student in Ho Chi Minh City means navigating one of Asia’s most dynamic and colorful cities. While weekdays are filled with lectures, projects, and sometimes part-time jobs, weekends open the door to new experiences. Weekend activities in HCMC aren’t just about entertainment—they help international students enjoy student life more fully by:

• Exploring Vietnam’s culture, food, and local traditions in a fun, hands-on way.
• Finding affordable weekend plans that fit a student budget while still feeling rewarding.
• Meeting both local and international friends, expanding your community beyond campus.
• Discovering must-visit places and hidden gems that go beyond tourist hotspots, making HCMC feel like home.

With the right mix of weekend activities, students can balance study and leisure, creating a more meaningful, budget-friendly, and memorable stay in Vietnam.

Read more: International Student Life in HCMC: Culture, Safety & Daily Life

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City on Weekends

1. Explore Historical & Cultural Sites

Spending your weekend exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s historical and cultural landmarks is both inspiring and worth exploring. For students, these sites offer more than photo opportunities— they provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture. You can explore:

• War Remnants Museum – powerful exhibitions that tell Vietnam’s past.
• Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) – where modern history was shaped.
• Notre Dame Cathedral – iconic French colonial architecture.
• Central Post Office – a living landmark still buzzing with locals and travelers.

Visiting these cultural gems is one of the most rewarding weekend activities in HCMC: you’ll learn, reflect, and connect with the city in a meaningful way, all while keeping your budget intact.

2. Relax in Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Life in Ho Chi Minh City can sometimes feel overwhelming with its constant buzz of traffic and activity. For students, weekends are the perfect chance to slow down, and the city’s green spaces offer just that. Popular spots include:

• Tao Dan Park – a peaceful oasis right in downtown.
• Le Van Tam Park – a convenient green space for nearby residents.
• Suoi Tien Theme Park – a day-trip destination blending cultural displays and fun rides.

Whether you choose a quiet jog, a picnic with friends, or a bit of sightseeing, spending time outdoors is a refreshing and budget-friendly way to recharge.

3. Food Adventures for Students

No weekend in Ho Chi Minh City is complete without diving into its food scene. For students, it’s one of the most affordable and exciting ways to explore local life. Street food stalls and night markets buzz with energy, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals. Top places to experience are:

• Ben Thanh Market – shop for souvenirs while enjoying Vietnamese classics.
• Bui Vien Street – the nightlife hub where students from around the world gather.
• Nguyen Thuong Hien Street – famous for bánh tráng trộn and sweet soups.
• Ho Thi Ky Market (District 10) – a lively mix of flower stalls and wallet-friendly street food popular with students.

Beyond satisfying your taste buds, these food adventures give you a real sense of everyday living costs for international students in HCMC. And more than that, they offer a true taste of local life—so grab some friends, head out after class, and let the city’s food scene surprise you.

4. Must-Visit Places for Art & Creativity Lovers

For students who love art, creativity, or simply want to try something new, Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of inspiring options. These spots are not only affordable but also help you connect with local culture and like-minded friends:

• Factory Contemporary Arts Centre – a hub for modern Vietnamese art where exhibitions often feature young, emerging artists.
• Café hopping in Thao Dien or District 3 – themed cafés perfect for study sessions, casual meet-ups, or snapping Instagram-worthy photos.
• Local workshops – try pottery, painting, or even cooking classes; they’re fun, hands-on experiences that make weekends memorable.

Exploring these creative spaces is a refreshing break from routine and a chance to see another side of student life in HCMC.

5. Shopping and Weekend Markets

For many students, shopping isn’t just about buying things – it’s also a way to explore local culture, socialize, and unwind on weekends. From budget-friendly finds to modern malls, Ho Chi Minh City has something for every style and wallet:

• Saigon Square – a go-to spot for affordable clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, popular among both locals and students.
• Weekend flea markets – lively spaces where young people showcase handmade crafts, vintage items, and unique designs you won’t find in regular stores.
• Vincom, Emart, or Aeon Mall – modern shopping malls offering international brands, food courts, and the comfort of air-conditioning on hot days.

These places aren’t just about shopping—they’re also where many international students pick up bargaining skills, learn to budget smarter, and enjoy a taste of city life.

6. Weekend Nightlife for Students

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a vibrant hub of music, lights, and laughter. For students, nightlife doesn’t have to be expensive—there are plenty of fun and budget-friendly options to try:

• Acoustic cafés – intimate spots featuring live Vietnamese music, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.
• Student bars in District 1 and Bình Thạnh – casual places where you can meet fellow students, enjoy affordable drinks, and soak up the city’s youthful energy.
• Karaoke nights – a favorite group activity that’s both fun and budget-friendly, ideal for bonding with classmates or roommates.

Exploring the nightlife scene is not just about entertainment—it’s also a chance to experience local culture, make new friends, and build lasting memories in HCMC.

Weekend Trips Around Ho Chi Minh City

When you’ve had enough of the city buzz, weekend getaways are the perfect way to recharge and explore more of Vietnam. Just a short ride from HCMC, students can enjoy:

• Củ Chi Tunnels – a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s war history, offering guided tours through underground passages.
• Mekong Delta day trips – peaceful boat rides, floating markets, and lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers.
• Vũng Tàu beach – sandy shores and fresh seafood, only 2–3 hours away by bus or ferry.

These trips are affordable, easy to organize with friends, and give you a refreshing break from student life in the city.

Student Budget Tips for Weekend Activities

Worried about spending too much? The good news is that enjoying weekends in HCMC doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart choices, you can stretch your budget and still have fun:

• Show your student ID – many museums and attractions offer discounts for students.
• Join group trips – traveling with friends lowers transport and tour costs.
• Eat like a local – street food stalls are not only cheap but also authentic.
• Look for free events – universities and cultural centers often host concerts, film screenings, or festivals.

These small savings add up, leaving you more room to explore and enjoy your weekends without financial stress.

Read more: Money-Saving Tips for International Students Renting in HCMC

Best Districts for Students to Enjoy Weekend Activities

Choosing the right neighborhood in HCMC doesn’t just affect your housing—it also shapes how you spend your weekends. Here are some student-friendly districts worth considering:

• District 1 – the heart of nightlife, museums, and must-see attractions.
• Binh Thanh – affordable rent with vibrant street food and local markets.
• District 7 (Phu My Hung) – a modern area with green parks, cafés, and shopping.
• Thu Duc & Thao Dien (District 2) – home to international student communities, creative hubs, and riverside hangouts.

These districts strike the right balance between affordable student housing in HCMC and easy access to fun weekend activities.

Read more: Best Districts in HCMC for International Students

Final Thoughts: Make Your Weekends Count in HCMC

Weekend activities in Ho Chi Minh City aren’t just about fun—they’re essential to creating a balanced and memorable student life. From must-visit places like historical landmarks, night markets, and riverside cafés to budget-friendly options such as local food stalls or free cultural festivals, HCMC is full of experiences that fit a student’s wallet.

International students can unwind after a busy week, meet new friends, and immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture while staying on budget. Instead of spending the whole weekend in your apartment, take advantage of the city’s energy: join a workshop, explore a new neighborhood, or hop on a short trip nearby.

With so many options, every weekend is a chance to recharge, discover, and make Ho Chi Minh City feel like your second home. For a cozy student apartment that keeps you close to the action, JHouse is here to help.

JHouse Content Team

The in-depth content development team on housing services for foreigners & Vietnamese in Vietnam. The content is simple, easy to understand, and logically arranged to bring readers useful topics and information from real experiences.