1. Top options for Ho Chi Minh City itinerary in 1 day
If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, you can still explore the city’s best highlights with a well-planned itinerary.
1.1. In the inner city
Within the city center, you will find plenty to explore within a short amount of time. District 1 is the heart of Saigon, where landmarks like the Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market offer a glimpse into the city’s history and energy.
In District 3, you can admire the striking pink Tan Dinh Church, enjoy the peaceful ambiance at Xa Loi Pagoda, and relax with local snacks by Turtle Lake in the evening.
The Chinese heritage in Chinatown (Districts 5, 6, 10, and parts of District 11) adds a unique flavor to your journey. Here, you should not miss out on Thien Hau Pagoda, Hao Si Phuong Alley, and Binh Tay Market.
Grand Park, located in Thu Duc City, is another must-add to your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. This complex features a garden-themed park, a tropical water park, and a variety of outdoor activities for all ages.
1.2. In the suburbs
For those seeking a change of pace outside Ho Chi Minh City, both Cu Chi and Can Gio are ideal day-trip destinations. In Cu Chi, you can walk through Cu Chi Tunnels and visit Ben Duoc Temple to learn about Vietnam’s history of resistance. Meanwhile, Can Gio offers a peaceful escape, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, explore Sac Forest War Base, and meet playful monkeys at Monkey Island.
>>> Check out: Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting? What to explore here?
2. Ideal itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City in 2 days
If you have 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you will have just enough time to explore the city’s top landmarks while enjoying its daily rhythm.
2.1. Day 1
On the first day of your Saigon city tour itinerary, you can begin at Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of District 1. This landmark was built in the late 19th century and features a beautiful blend of Roman and Gothic architecture.
Just across the street, you will find Saigon Central Post Office, a colonial-era building constructed between 1886 and 1891. This post office remains the largest in Vietnam and still retains its original design.
Your next stop is Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most sacred temples in Saigon. As the sun sets, your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary should lead you to Bui Vien Street, which comes to life with hundreds of bars, cafes, and food stalls.
2.2. Day 2
Some unmissable spots on the second day of your Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam itinerary include:
- War Remnants Museum: This museum houses more than 20,000 artifacts that reveal the devastating effects of war and honor the resilience of Vietnamese people.
- Independence Palace: This site is closely tied to major milestones in Vietnam’s modern history. Here, you can explore preserved halls, meeting rooms, and historical exhibits.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts: With more than 21,000 artworks made from bronze, ceramic, wood, and stone, this museum offers valuable insight into both traditional and contemporary Vietnamese creativity.
- Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: Open daily from 3 PM, this market is filled with colorful flowers and over 100 food stalls. You can enjoy a wide range of street foods in a lively local setting.
>>> Explore the map of Ho Chi Minh City for tourists!
3. Recommended Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary
With this Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary, you can savor a balance of culture, history, food, and local life.
3.1. Day 1
On the first day of your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, you can begin at Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Built in 1900, it is one of the city’s most beautiful colonial-era buildings. If you have time, consider watching a performance here.
Next, you can take a walk along Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. This street offers a quiet space to relax, browse books, or enjoy a cup of coffee in a literary atmosphere. From there, you can visit two of the city’s iconic spots: Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, both showcasing the elegance of French colonial design and standing as lasting symbols of the city's past.
3.2. Day 2
To start your second day, you can explore Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network once served as a strategic military base during wartime. Nearby, Ben Dinh War Tunnels offer preserved sections that reveal how people lived and fought underground.
After returning to the city, you can spend your afternoon at Ben Thanh Market. This market has been in operation since 1914 and remains one of Saigon’s busiest trading hubs. You will find everything here, from handicrafts and textiles to local dishes.
As night falls, you should take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Street, a wide pedestrian avenue in the heart of Saigon. This street is lined with cafes, shops, and entertainment venues, offering a friendly space to end your day.
3.3. Day 3
Your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary on the third day should include the following attractions:
- An Dong Market: This market is packed with fashion items, fabrics, snacks, and souvenirs. It offers tourists a great opportunity to see the rhythm of local life.
- Chinatown’s Food Street: This area is famous for its Chinese-Vietnamese street food. Here, you can savor noodle soups, steamed buns, and a wide selection of savory snacks.
- Thien Hau Pagoda: This is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the city. The scent of incense and the peaceful surroundings make it a memorable cultural stop.
- Bach Dang Wharf: This riverside promenade offers gentle breezes, peaceful views, and a perfect setting to relax before you say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City.
>>> Discover the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
4. Sample Saigon itinerary for 4 days 3 nights
This Ho Chi Minh City 4 days 3 nights itinerary covers many aspects of Saigon, from cultural attractions to nature escapes.
4.1. Day 1
You can begin your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary at Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest markets in the city. From there, walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of the city with its red brick facade and French-inspired architecture. Nearby, Saigon Central Post Office will impress you with its timeless design.
In the afternoon, you should visit Turtle Lake. With shaded pathways, a calm lake, and surrounding cafes, this space offers a peaceful break from the urban buzz.
4.2. Day 2
On your second day, you can head to Grand Park in Thu Duc City. This modern entertainment complex combines green spaces with family-friendly activities, making it a fun outing spot for all ages.
Then, make your way to Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. Inside, you will find shops, restaurants, a cinema, and even an ice-skating rink. From the Landmark 81 Skyview, you can enjoy sweeping views of Saigon’s skyline.
Before the day ends, don’t forget to take a stroll through Vinhomes Central Park, which surrounds Landmark 81. This 14-hectare urban area offers walking pathways, lakeside views, and colorful gardens, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
4.3. Day 3
Your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary on the third day should include Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve located about 40 kilometers outside of the city center. Known as the “green lung” of southern Vietnam, this mangrove forest is perfect for those who enjoy nature.
Back in the city, you can watch a performance at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater. This art form tells stories of Vietnamese life through colorful puppets dancing on water.
As evening arrives, you should head to Ho Thi Ky Food Street, a favorite among locals for its wide range of street food. Here, you will find a wide variety of dishes from different regions of Vietnam.
4.4. Day 4
The last day of your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary should include these attractions:
- Independence Palace: This landmark played a central role in Vietnam’s history and offers a fascinating look into the country’s political past.
- War Remnants Museum: This museum provides deep insight into Vietnam’s past and is often one of the most memorable stops for visitors.
- Saigon - Gia Dinh Special Forces Museum: This museum is housed in a former secret base once used by Saigon Special Forces. Inside, you will find hidden rooms, communication tools, and artifacts that reveal the bravery of the special forces.
- Bui Vien Street: You can enjoy one last round of street food, live music, and nightlife energy before concluding your time in Ho Chi Minh City.
>>> Check out Ho Chi Minh City travel tips before and during your trip!
A well-planned Ho Chi Minh City itinerary offers something for every tourist. Whether you are exploring the old streets of District 1, tasting the street food in Chinatown, or venturing out to Can Gio Mangrove Forest, each day in Saigon promises a new adventure. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience everything this city has to offer!
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