We were there a few months ago, stayed in District 1 close to the Ben Thanh market. There is so much to do, and it does depend on your tastes so everyone's recommendations will vary. Check out episodes of Anthony Bourdain and Phil Rosenthal to get some ideas of culinary adventures. Take a "free" walking tour as soon as you get there for some orientation as well as ideas from the tour guide and others in the group. Walk as much as you can and do not be afraid to cross the streets! The War Remnants museum was cool, tells a bit about the American War in Vietnam. The AO show was cool, book tickets for that. There are some stellar bars to go to, when you find one ask the bartenders for recommendations of other bars. Try Banh Mi on the streets. In general we found street food was not what we thought it might be, Vietnamese cuisine where we live is more like high end restaurant food in Saigon. Oh, many folks there still call it Saigon. Lots of shopping if you like knock-offs but the prices for the real thing we found to be not much different than what we can get in North America. If you are a big and tall guy like me be prepared for a few smiles when you seat yourself in some of the tiny stools!
