Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), the energetic heart of southern Vietnam! A city brimming with culture, history, vibrant street life, and delicious cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a captivating blend of old and new. From ancient temples and French colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers and buzzing markets, this 3-day itinerary will guide you through the city's best sights and activities, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Day 1: Historical and Cultural ImmersionOn
Morning – Take a Walking Tour
Start your journey through Ho Chi Minh City with a morning stroll through Tao Dan Park. This lush, tranquil green space is a popular spot for locals to practice Tai Chi, enjoy a morning coffee, or simply relax among the towering trees and carefully manicured gardens. Take in the fresh morning air as you watch the city slowly come to life. You might even spot some beautiful Buddhist sculptures hidden in the corners of the park.
From there, make your way to the Reunification Palace (also known as Independence Palace), a site steeped in history and a must-visit landmark in the city. This iconic building was the home of the South Vietnamese president and is most famous for being the site where the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates. Today, you can explore the lavish halls, secret bunkers, and fascinating war-time artifacts that provide an insightful glimpse into Vietnam's tumultuous past.
Mid-Day – Ben Thanh Market
No visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without experiencing the bustling energy of Ben Thanh Market. A lively hub for shopping, food, and local culture, this sprawling marketplace offers everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to clothing, jewelry, and local delicacies. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some street food like the famous pho (noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), or banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich). This is also a great spot to practice your bargaining skills – the more you haggle, the better deals you’ll get!
Afternoon – War Remnants Museum
After lunch, dive deeper into Vietnam’s complex history with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. While the experience can be emotionally heavy, this museum provides a powerful and eye-opening look into the impact of the Vietnam War through the eyes of the Vietnamese people. The exhibits showcase photographs, military equipment, and personal stories of the war’s devastation. Outside, you’ll find a display of tanks, helicopters, and planes used during the conflict. Though the museum’s content is graphic, it offers invaluable historical context and a deeper understanding of the region's past.
Evening – Water Puppet Show and Dinner Cruise
Wrap up your first day with some traditional Vietnamese entertainment. Head to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre for a charming water puppet show. This unique art form, dating back over 1,000 years, uses puppets to tell Vietnamese folklore and rural life stories on a water stage. The show is accompanied by live traditional music, adding to the captivating atmosphere.
For dinner, treat yourself to a magical evening on a Saigon River dinner cruise. Glide along the river as you enjoy a meal with stunning views of the city’s skyline, illuminated by the twinkling lights of skyscrapers and bridges. The peaceful river breeze and the lively ambiance onboard make for a perfect end to your first day in Ho Chi Minh City.
Night – Time for a Night Cap
To finish off your night, head to one of the city’s iconic rooftop bars for a nightcap. Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving rooftop bar scene, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline. Popular spots like Rooftop Garden Bar at the Rex Hotel or the ultra-chic EON Heli Bar in the Bitexco Financial Tower offer a perfect blend of cocktails, music, and stunning nighttime scenery.
Day 2: Explore the City's Architectural Beauty
Morning – Jade Emperor Pagoda
Begin your second day with a spiritual visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the early 1900s, this Taoist pagoda is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the King of Heaven. Its interiors are rich with intricate wood carvings, detailed statues of deities, and thick clouds of incense. As you explore the temple’s courtyards and small rooms, you’ll feel transported to another era.
Tan Dinh Church and Market
Next, head to the stunning Tan Dinh Church, one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. This pink neo-Romanesque church is a must-see for its striking architecture, which stands out against the modern city backdrop. After visiting the church, take a short stroll to Tan Dinh Market, a lesser-known but equally vibrant marketplace. This is a great spot to pick up some fresh tropical fruits or enjoy a bowl of bun thit nuong (grilled pork vermicelli noodles) for a quick and tasty lunch.
Mid-Day – Lunch and a Local Park
Take a break for lunch at one of the city’s many local eateries. Try the popular Quan An Ngon, where you can sample a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes, all served in a beautiful courtyard setting. Afterward, relax and recharge in Le Van Tam Park, another serene green space in the middle of the bustling city.
Afternoon – Architectural Walking Tour
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh City's rich architectural heritage with a self-guided walking tour of its iconic French colonial landmarks. Start at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning red-brick cathedral built between 1877 and 1883 with materials imported from France. This landmark is a lasting symbol of French colonial rule and a peaceful retreat from the busy streets outside.
Across the street is the equally beautiful Saigon Central Post Office, designed by renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. Step inside to admire the grand vaulted ceilings, stunning mosaic floors, and detailed ironwork – it feels like stepping into a 19th-century European train station.
From here, continue to City Hall, another colonial masterpiece. Though it’s not open to the public, the exterior is breathtaking, especially when illuminated at night. End your tour with a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, and public art. The street comes alive at night, making it a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
Evening – Saigon Opera House
In the evening, make your way to the elegant Saigon Opera House, one of the city’s finest examples of French colonial architecture. If time permits, catch a show here – the A O Show is particularly popular, blending traditional Vietnamese music, contemporary dance, and circus-like acrobatics in a truly mesmerizing performance.
Night – Dinner and Drinks with a View
Cap off your second day with dinner at Chill Skybar or The Deck Saigon, where you can indulge in a delicious meal while enjoying sweeping views of the city’s glittering skyline. From here, you can relax with a cocktail and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere as night falls.
Day 3: Day Trips and Local Discoveries
Morning – Choose Your Own Adventure
On your final day, you have two excellent options for a morning excursion just outside the city:
- Cu Chi Tunnels: History enthusiasts will love exploring the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Here, you can learn about the guerilla tactics employed by the fighters, crawl through sections of the tunnel, and see fascinating wartime exhibits.
- Mekong Delta: For a more scenic adventure, take a day trip to the lush Mekong Delta. Cruise along the winding waterways, visit floating markets, explore rural villages, and learn how locals grow rice, fish, and produce traditional handicrafts. The delta’s peaceful countryside provides a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Afternoon – Explore Chinatown (Cholon)
After your morning adventure, return to the city to explore Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown district. This area is home to bustling markets, temples, and an energetic street life that feels like a city within a city. Visit the lively Binh Tay Market, where you can browse for everything from textiles to spices, and stop by Thien Hau Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea. The district offers an intriguing blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences.
Evening – Street Food Tour
For your last dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, embark on a guided street food tour to uncover the city’s best culinary secrets. A local guide will take you to hidden food stalls and family-run eateries where you can sample dishes like banh khot (mini savory pancakes), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), and the famous Vietnamese dessert che (sweet soup). It's the perfect way to end your trip with a taste of Ho Chi Minh City's thriving food scene.
Night – Bui Vien Street
Finally, round out your adventure by experiencing the nightlife of Bui Vien Street, the city’s iconic backpacker district. This street never sleeps, with its endless bars, restaurants, and clubs offering a lively, chaotic atmosphere where you can meet fellow travelers and locals alike. Grab a beer, enjoy some live music, or dance the night away – it's the perfect high-energy send-off for your trip.