Fun and Unique Activities in Saigon for the Culturally Curious

Saigon isn’t just about noodles and nightlife, though both are worth celebrating. For the culturally curious, the city is alive with hands-on experiences that let you dive deeper, try something new, and maybe even surprise yourself. From crafting silver jewellery to whizzing around an indoor race track, the best activities in Saigon go way beyond sightseeing.

This guide will take you through six fun and unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, where culture, creativity, and adrenaline collide.

1. Pottery Painting at Ceramic4You

If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves creativity with a side of coffee, Ceramic4You is definitely for you (see what I did there?). As Vietnam’s first premium DIY pottery painting café, this charming Thảo Điền spot is as photogenic as it is therapeutic.

Think cosy corners, light-filled interiors, and rows upon rows of mugs, vases, plates and pots just waiting for your personal touch. With over 90 bisque shapes and 30+ vibrant glazes, the only limit here is your imagination (and perhaps your caffeine intake).

It’s art, but approachable. Whether you’re a doodler, a serious painter, or simply looking for a stress-free escape, you’ll leave with a glazed and fired creation that’s entirely your own.

What’s more, with Saigon Scene premium membership, you get up to a 10% discount every time you visit!

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General Information:

• Address: 4 Le Van Mien, District 2, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0988 122 146
• Opening hours: Tue – Thur: 12–8 PM; Fri – Sun: 9 AM–9 PM; Closed on Mondays

2. Culinary Adventures on Two Wheels with Back of the Bike Tours

Forget sitting down at one restaurant. Why settle when you can hop on the back of a motorbike and eat your way across Saigon like a local?

Back of the Bike Tours have been running for over 12 years, taking food lovers into alleys and districts you’d never discover on your own. Expect sizzling street food, cold beers, market buzz, and the wind in your hair as you zip through the city with a friendly, English-speaking guide.

Choose between their Afternoon Street Food Tour (low stools, bustling markets, authentic eats) or the Night Food Tour (more comfort, diverse dishes, and a relaxed vibe). Either way, you’ll leave full, happy, and probably already planning your next ride.

Good news! You can enjoy 10% off every tour with a Saigon Scene membership! Download the app and get on touring and tasting!

Become a Member

General Information:

• Tours daily in District 1 & beyond
• Includes multiple food stops, drinks, and digital photos
• Address: 72 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0935 046 910

3. Learn the Secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine with Cooking Classes

Cooking is culture you can taste, and Saigon boasts some of the most engaging classes in Southeast Asia. Both Saigon Cooking Class and Hoa Túc Cooking Class offer immersive experiences where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients at a bustling local market before heading to the kitchen to whip up your own Vietnamese feast.

At Saigon Cooking Class, you’ll dive into three-course menus with guidance from professional chefs, while Hoa Túc blends tradition with a contemporary twist, rounding off with a seasonal dessert to sweeten the deal.

Perfect for foodies, couples, or families looking for a hands-on way to remember Saigon long after the trip is over.

General Information:

• Saigon Cooking Class: Market tours, hands-on workshops, and private sessions available
  • Address: 80/1 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Phone: 0985 056 734
  • Opening hours: Opens daily 8 AM–6 PM (closes on Mondays)
• Hoa Túc Cooking Class: Half-day gourmet trips & flexible class times
  • Address:
    • 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
    • 29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Phone: 028 3825 1676
  • Opening hours: Open daily 11AM – 10PM
• Both centrally located and English-friendly

4. Feel the Rush of Go Kart Racing at Infinity Racing

Need a break from pho and pagodas? Head to Infinity Racing in Thảo Điền’s Vincom Mega Mall for a burst of high-octane fun.

This indoor go-karting venue is family-friendly, fully air-conditioned (bliss in Saigon’s heat), and fitted with electric karts for a safe but seriously fun ride. Whether you’re racing friends, cheering on your kids, or sneaking in a few laps yourself, Infinity Racing is the kind of activity that keeps the adrenaline pumping long after you step off the track.

General Information:

• Indoor track with electric karts & safety gear included
• Address: 161 Vo Nguyen Giap, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Opens daily 10 AM–10 PM

5. Craft Your Own Silver Jewellery at Ddreamer Studio

Had the time of your life in Saigon? Forget the fridge magnets, the best souvenir is the one you make yourself. Before you wander into a gift shop, why not roll up your sleeves and craft a keepsake that’s as one-of-a-kind as your trip? And one which you can wear. 

At Ddreamer Jewelry Making Workshop, you’ll learn how to turn raw 925 silver into stunning rings, pendants, earrings, or bangles.

Workshops are beginner-friendly, so no need to worry if you’ve never touched a jeweller’s tool in your life. The friendly team will guide you through the process, but the finished piece? Entirely your handiwork.

It’s creative, personal, and something you’ll actually want to wear (or gift). A brilliant weekend activity for couples, friends, or solo adventurers.

General Information:

• Options: Make a ring, pendant, earrings, or couples workshops
• All tools, silver, and guidance included
• Address: 26/4 Street No. 3, Do Thanh Resident, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0919 916 465
• Opening hours: Opens daily 10 AM–8 PM

6. Try Your Hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting

Yes, you can try clay pigeon shooting in Saigon. In fact, Saigon Clay Shooting is the city’s first official club, operated under the Ho Chi Minh City Shooting Federation.

Here, you’ll experience the thrill of tracking flying clay targets and firing a professional shotgun in a safe, guided environment. It’s equal parts sport and spectacle, perfect if you’re looking for something unique.

With sessions tailored for individuals, families, and groups, it’s also a top pick for team building with a twist.

General Information:

• Requirements: 14+ years old, 150cm+ height
• Run by certified staff with all gear provided
• Address:
  • Shooting range address: Saigon Clay Shooting Range, Provincial Road 6, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Office address: No. 2 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0981 869 367
• Opening hours: Fri – Sun: 9 AM–4 PM; Mon – Thur: Closed

So, Which Activity in Saigon Will You Try First?

From painting pottery in a chic café to hurtling around a kart track, learning to cook local dishes, or even trying your hand at clay pigeon shooting, Saigon is a playground for the culturally curious. Each of these activities offers more than just fun; they’re windows into the creativity, energy, and diversity that define this city.

And with Saigon Scene premium membership, you can do it all for less. For just 59,000 VND/month, unlock 10% off over 90 restaurants, bars, and activities across the city.

So, grab your mates, your appetite for adventure, and maybe even a paintbrush or spatula — Saigon is waiting.