Bowling: while bowling may not be one of the first activities on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary, those with time on their hands may well be surprised at the fun that can be had at Saigon Superbowl. Popular with visitors and locals alike, the 32-lane bowling hall is especially suited for families, while there are also smaller bowling venues scattered around the city.

Chinatown: Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown has a character all of its own, with charming and mysterious lanes filled with street traders selling everything from herbal medicines to dried fruits.

City Hall: another impressive colonial building, and upon first viewing the City Hall appears to be something straight out of a French provincial town. Built in 1901, its ornate facade is all that visitors are allowed to enjoy, with access strictly limited to the civil servants who work here.

The statue of ‘Uncle Ho’, directly in front of City Hall, is one of the city’s popular photo spots. Don’t forget to pass by a second time at night, when the building is illuminated.

Alternatively, head for Cholon Market, in Chinatown, for a different selection of Chinese-influenced foods and products.

Park: the city has a number of parks that are ideal places for relaxation, away from the noise din of the city’s markets and street vendors. Among the most popular parks in the city is Dam Sen Park, featuring a floating restaurant, a reproduction of Giac Vien Pagoda, a lake where you can fish, a bird garden, a water park, a sports centre and the Nam Tu Royal Garden.

Walking Tour: taking an independent walking tour of the city is one of the best ways to get your bearings and a feel for the Asian hub. Many of the city’s most prominent historic and cultural sites can be covered on foot, while there are a number of places suitable for just relaxing or people-watching.

Start your tour at Ho Chi Minh riverfront and make you way along the quaysides before heading into the city along Ham Nghi towards Ben Thanh Market, where you can stop for some shopping. Nearby is Tao Dan Park, providing a quiet area for rollerblading and picnicking, while if you follow Dai Lo Le Duan you will reach Notre Dame Cathedral.