Located in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, with more than 9 million residents. Up until 1975, the city was named Saigon. We spent 3 days in Ho Chi Minh city on our 2-week trip to Vietnam. This Ho Chi Minh itinerary offers the best things to do in the city for a first-time visit.
This financial capital of Vietnam is a large, busy, bustling metropolis, and not without its charms. Though I must admit, I preferred the northern and central cities in Vietnam more than Ho Chi Minh city. We skipped some of the museums that showcase the country’s dark wartime history, as we were traveling with a young kid. But for others, couples or families with older kids, these would be the main attraction on any Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
Ho Chi Minh city is known for its night life, street food, museums and classic colonial architecture built by former French rulers. The city pays tribute to erstwhile war with notable attractions like War Museum and Cu chi tunnels (located outside the city).
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Best Time To Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. The ideal months for visiting Ho Chi Minh City extend from December to April, constituting the dry season. This period is good to explore the city, in contrast to the monsoon season, spanning from May to November. During the monsoon period, it rains almost every afternoon but the rain does not last long and the sky becomes clear quickly.
The summer months in Ho Chi Minh City, which are from March to May, are characterized by increasing temperatures and humidity.
Getting in and around Ho Chi Minh City
You are likely to start or end your Vietnam trip at Ho Chi Minh city. We took a domestic flight from Da nang to reach Ho Chi Minh. And flew out of the Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport at the end of our Vietnam trip. The airport is located about 4 miles north of District 1, the main tourist area of Ho Chi Minh City. You can take a taxi from the airport, or just download Grab app to book online. Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam.
For tourists looking to visit famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, taxis (both cars and motorbikes) are a convenient and popular choice for transportation within the city. For the adventurous, there is the motorbike taxi option. You can rent a bike if you are confident of navigating it around the insane traffic of the city, or take a motorbike tour. Some tourists also like to opt for cyclos for short distances in the city.
Bus is the cheapest way of transport here, used more by backpackers. Plus for a different experience, there are water buses plying on Saigon River.
The Perfect Ho Chi Minh 3 day Itinerary
There are plenty of cultural attractions and fascinating museums to engage you for 2 or 3 days in Ho Chi Minh. Besides all the sightseeing, the city is great to indulge in Vietnamese cuisine and try out its nightlife. Plenty of coffee shops and cocktails bars too. The first day of the itinerary focuses on District 1 which lies at the center of Ho Chi Minh City, and where all the top attractions in the city are located.
Day 1 of Ho Chi Minh Itinerary is all about cultural immersion
Day 1 morning and afternoon: Vietnam war history
Your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh can start with its wartime history. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most famous landmarks in Vietnam. This fascinating museum traces the country’s tumultuous history through poignant exhibits, photographs and war-related artifacts. You will discover the moving story of the Vietnamese people’s struggle for independence.
The War Museum is very graphic at times and hard to look at, but important to understand what the Vietnamese went through. We skipped this museum because friends said it was not appropriate for our 5 year old. If you are travelling with young kids and don’t want to visit the War Remnants Museum, you can go to the Tao Dan Park, next to the Independence Palace. This beautiful city park has lots of flowers, sculptures, and even a Buddhist temple.
Next on the agenda for Day 1 of Ho Chi Minh itinerary is the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This was the home and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. It is open to visitors daily, from 8 AM until 330 PM.
This place has a glamorous design, hundreds of rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and a gorgeous exterior space. You can explore the presidential offices, meeting rooms and presidential apartments, all carefully preserved. The architecture, combining traditional Vietnamese design elements with a touch of modernism, is breathtaking.
For lunch, one option is to visit the Ben Nghe Street Food Market. This market has more than about 30 stalls specifically to cater to tourists, who want hygienic conditions to taste Vietnamese street food.
Day 1 evening : Explore the City Centre
Post lunch, we move to the city centre of Ho Chi Minh centre for a completely different experience. There are buildings and attractions here built by the erstwhile French rulers.
The most prominent amongst them is the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, this majestic church occupies the bustling Paris Commune Square in the downtown area. The interiors of this church are closed to the public currently. But it is amazing to sit at one of the coffee shops and see the traffic pass around this square at a dizzying speed.
Another notable attraction is the Saigon Central Post Office. It’s a working post office. And one popular thing to do here is send a postcard or letter back home! Inside you’ll find a bunch of postcards for sale.
Day 1 optional for night
You can also visit the Saigon Opera House. I think it’s not as grand as the Opera House built by the French in Hanoi. A unique way to end the first evening of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary is to go for a A O show at the Saigon Opera House. The show depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. The show is a unique mix of bamboo circus, acrobatic acts, dance, and theatrical visual art.
Alternatively, you can stroll along the Dong Khoi Street. This street is lined with elegant boutiques, chic cafes and renowned hotels, creating a cosmopolitan ambiance. The magnificent French colonial architecture, with its period facades, adds a touch of charm to the whole.
Take a day trip outside the city on Day 2 of Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
Day 2 morning and afternoon: Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a unique and insightful glimpse into Vietnamese history and the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong. The experience provides a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and its impact on the region. And you can visit this with young kids as well.
There is public transport to Cu Chi Tunnels. The trip from Ho Chi Minh takes about 2.5 hours one-way on two buses. But much easier to do this on a half-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels where transport is organised.
One interesting experience, if you are NOT claustrophobic, is to explore a part of the underground tunnels. Soldiers used these underground routes to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety. Apart from exploring the tunnels themselves, you can partake in shooting ranges where you can try your hand at firing historic weapons. And explore the forest.
Day 2 evening: Do a Food tour
After a day trip to Cu Chi tunnels, you want to keep the evening fun and light. A food tour fits in well. There are plenty of options to choose from –
You can also do some shopping at Ben Thanh market. This lively market is a veritable maze of stalls offering a multitude of products: clothing, textiles, souvenirs, jewellery, works of art, and much more. Bring your negotiating skills to the forefront and you will be able to buy items at discounted prices, up to -30% to -50% off the original price. You can also eat here, you will find a variety of local dishes, exotic snacks and fresh produce.
If you want something more relaxing, how about a Dinner cruise on the Saigon River to finish off the second evening of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary? Again plenty of options to sail down the tranquil waters of the Saigon River. If you have only 2 days in Ho Chi Minh, this is a delightful way to end your trip.
Day 3 of Ho Chi Minh Itinerary is about contrasting neighbourhoods
Day 3 morning and afternoon: Wandering around Ch Lon
Cho Lon, the Chinese district of Ho Chi Minh City, is considered the largest Chinatown in the world by area. This is the perfect place to discover the history, culture and flavours of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese community. Cholon used to be its own distinct city some 3 centuries ago before merging with Saigon to become the Ho Chi Minh City of today. The Hop-on-Hop-off bus covers the sights of both District 1 and Chinatown.
The district is dusty, crowded, and rundown, but also famous for the wealth of its culture, history and to-die-for cuisine. Binh Tay Market is the largest wholesale market here with 12 gates, and is also the main shopping center of the Chinese in Vietnam. Surrounding the market is a plethora of temples and pagodas. You can visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Quan Am Pagoda (one of the oldest pagodas built by the Chinese community) and the Cha Tam church on your visit. Do go to Phung Hung Market that serves a variety of chinese cuisines.
If going to Cho Lon doesn’t interest you, the alternative suggestion is to take a Vietnamese cooking class. Browse through options for this popular activity here:
Day 3 evening: A modern skyscraper and a fun evening
Bitexco Tower is a unique, modern skyscraper and is the second tallest building in the city. It is not only cool to look at from ground level, but has a spectacular overlook 49 floors up! The panorama offered from the observation deck here allows you to admire the architectural beauty of the city. You get to learn about the city’s landmarks through interactive screens and boards.
You have to close your Ho Chi Minh itinerary for 3 days with exploring the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This is the cultural hub of Ho Chi Minh city. Home to unique culinary delights, lively bars and exciting entertainment venues, it’s the perfect destination for nightlife lovers. If you are spending only 2 days in Ho Chi Minh city, make sure you do visit Nguyen Hue walking street on either of the evenings. This iconic pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with glittering skyscrapers, elegant boutiques and exquisite restaurants.
The street is perfect for nightlife enthusiasts, but it also offers something for everyone, from foodies and history buffs to shoppers and sightseers. One of the most remarkable sites to explore on Nguyen Hue Walking Street is Apartment 42. This unique space offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of an authentic Saigon apartment from the 1950s.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is considered the city’s center. So most tourists choose a hotel here, with the advantage of being a short distance from many of the city’s important landmarks. War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Dong Khoi street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street are all located in District 1.
We stayed with friends on our trip to Ho Chi Minh city in District 2. This area is now known as the city’s most international neighbourhood, owing to its popularity with young expats. We loved the chic cafes, art galleries and independent boutiques here and its laid back vibe. This meant taking a taxi to / from District 1 each day which was fine with us.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out these posts.
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You will find this Vietnam packing list quite handy for your trip.
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The historic towns of Hue and Hoi An make for fantastic day trips from Danang.
Finally, the famous landmarks of Vietnam.
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