3 Day Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City

Before Arriving in Vietnam:

  • Get your eSIM so that you’ll get 5G data as soon as you land
  • Download must have Apps for Vietnam
  • Consider Booking at one of my favorite hotels
  • Book any excursions/day trips/food tours

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and check-in at your hotel. Start your day by visiting the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War from a different perspective.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Reunification Palace to see the historic site where the Vietnam War ended. After that, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, which are located nearby.
    • Pro tip: the Saigon Central Post Office is still functioning so you can buy a postcard and write a message to a family member, friend, or even yourself!
  • Evening: Walk around the Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy some street food or a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. Be sure to check out the Cafe Apartments (42 Nguyễn Huệ Street), take the elevator up and enjoy the view while sipping a refreshing beverage.
  • Dinner Suggestions:

Day 2: City Tour

  • Morning: Explore Ben Thanh Market in morning before it gets too crowded. You can eat breakfast at one of the stalls and buy souvenirs from the local vendors.
    • There are some nice cafes around the Ben Thanh Market where you can try Vietnamese Coffee.
  • Afternoon: Check out the Ho Chi Minh City Museum to learn about the city’s history. The architecture of the museum is also worth admiring, with its ornate façade and grand interiors. Afterwards, visit the Bitexco Financial Tower and enjoy the stunning views of Ho Chi Minh City from the observation deck.
  • Evening:
    • After dinner, consider checking out the night life.
      • Bui Vien St – located in the backpacker district is a street with lots of bars, and food vendors. I recommend coming here at night, especially on a weekend, when its more fun.
      • Cocktail/rooftop bars – There are lots of cool cocktail bars throughout the city. Some may have live music performances at night.
      • Live Music bars – If you like live music, there are many cocktail bars that have live music every night.

Day 3: Food Exploration and Departure

  • Morning: Head to District 3 and explore the local food scene. Try some of the city’s famous dishes, such as banh mi, pho, and bun bo Hue.
  • Afternoon: Spend your last day in Ho Chi Minh City shopping at some of the city’s best markets, such as the Ben Thanh Market or the Saigon Square Shopping Mall.
  • Evening: Depart Ho Chi Minh City from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

This 3-day itinerary will give you a taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. You’ll have the chance to explore the city’s top attractions, learn about the Vietnam War, and indulge in delicious local food.