Looking for a city that combines history, culture, and modern amenities?
Look no further than Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. Having visited Ho Chi Minh City three times, I can confidently say that it has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a coffee lover looking for the perfect cup of ca phe sua da, a foodie eager to sample delicious street food, or a shopaholic in search of bargains, Ho Chi Minh City will not disappoint.
Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis located in southern Vietnam.
The city is named after the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, who played a key role in Vietnam’s fight for independence. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and tourism.
From historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum to trendy cafes and shopping districts, there’s always something to see and do in this city.
And let’s not forget about the food! Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its mouth-watering street food, from banh mi sandwiches to pho noodle soup.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Ho Chi Minh City is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
In this article, we’re sharing a 3 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary to help you plan your trip!
Travel Tip! Always check when is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh so you can have the best experience!
Day 1
Morning
Start your day at the War Remnants Museum, one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh. It offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of the Vietnamese people.
After exploring the museum, you can head to the nearby Turtle Lake, around 650 meters from the museum, and take a leisurely stroll around the park.
- War Remnants Museum: open 7:30am-5:30pm daily; entrance fee: 300,000 VND
- Turtle Lake: entrance fee: free
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at one of the city’s many street food stalls or cafes near Turtle Lake.
Afternoon
Visit the Saigon Central Post Office (650m from Turtle Lake), a stunning colonial-era building that’s still in use today. You can also visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, located just across the street from the post office.
After touring these places, head over to the Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace (400m from the post office), which was the home of South Vietnam’s president during the war and the site of the end of the war in 1975.
If you’re interested in seeing a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, head to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, which is also located near the palace.
- Saigon Central Post Office: open 7:00am-7:00pm; entrance fee: free
- Reunification Palace: 8:00am – 3:30pm daily; entrance fee: 40,000 VND
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre: open 5pm-6:30pm (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday); general entrance fee: 250,000 VND (50-min show)
You can also buy souvenir cards from the vendors inside and outside the establishment.
Evening
Take a stroll around Ben Thanh Night Market (500m from Reunification Palace), where you can sample local food and buy souvenirs.
This bustling market is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 2
Morning
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. It would take you around 1.5 hours to explore.
Located about 40 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into the guerrilla warfare tactics used during the war.
There are different ways to explore Cu Chi Tunnels, including taking a guided tour by boat or exploring on your own. If you prefer to go solo, you can get to Cu Chi Tunnels by bus, motorbike, or car, and purchase a ticket at the entrance.
Once you have your admission ticket, the tunnels provide free guides to assist visitors in their exploration.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour through Klook or inquire with your hotel’s reception to arrange transportation and tickets for the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: open 7:00am – 5:00pm
Lunch: Try some of the city’s famous banh mi sandwiches, which are a delicious combination of baguette, meat, vegetables, and sauces. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, located near the Saigon River, is a popular spot for this Vietnamese staple.
Afternoon
Visit the Saigon Opera House, a stunning French colonial-era building that hosts a variety of cultural performances. You can also check out the nearby Bitexco Financial Tower, a modern skyscraper with a rooftop observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Saigon Opera House: open 8:00am – 10:00pm
- Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck: open 9:30am – 9:30pm daily; entrance fee: around 240,000 VND
Evening
Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Saigon River, where you can take in the city’s skyline at night. Many companies offer river cruises with live music, traditional Vietnamese food, and a chance to see the city from a different perspective.
After the cruise, you can head to the nearby Nguyen An Ninh Night Market, a pedestrian-only street that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
Day 3
Take a full day trip to the Mekong Delta, which is a lush and fertile region known for its fruit orchards and floating markets. You can book a tour through a local travel agency or through your hotel.
A typical Mekong Delta tour includes a boat trip along the river, a visit to a fruit orchard, a stop at a local village to learn about traditional crafts, and a chance to see the bustling floating markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
While in the Mekong Delta, you may also want to visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with a mix of Asian and European architectural styles.
Another option is to visit the Can Tho City Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Mekong Delta region through exhibits and artifacts.
After your day trip to the Mekong Delta, you can return to Ho Chi Minh City and unwind with a relaxing foot massage at one of the city’s many spas.
Some popular spa options include Temple Leaf Spa, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage, and Happy Foot, which offers reflexology treatments.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and bustling destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just good food and shopping, there’s plenty to see and do in this dynamic city.
From exploring the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace to taking a cruise along the Saigon River or visiting the Mekong Delta, there’s never a dull moment in Ho Chi Minh City.
