Ho Chi Minh City 2 Day Itinerary

Title: 2-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Day 1: Discovering the Past and Present

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Pho 2000 (293 Pasteur St, Ben Thanh Ward): Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup).

  • War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan, District 3): Learn about the Vietnam War through exhibits that include photographs, vehicles, and bombs.

  • Reunification Palace (135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward): Witness the architecture of the former Presidential Palace and learn its significant history.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1): Try a famous banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) from this street food stall.

  • Ben Thanh Market (Le Loi St, Ben Thanh Ward): Shop for souvenirs, local goods, and enjoy street food in the market’s bustling atmosphere.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon & Central Post Office (Intersection of Le Loi Blvd and Nguyen Du St): Admire these beautiful French colonial structures.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant (21c Thu Khoa Huan, District 1): Indulge in modern Vietnamese cuisine with a twist in a romantic setting.

  • Bui Vien Street (Pham Ngu Lao Ward): Experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon at this famous backpacker district.

Day 2: Exploring Culture and Modern Life

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Cafe Zoom (38 Le Thanh Ton, District 1): Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee with a view of the city.

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 Mai Thi Luu, District 1): Visit this ornate Taoist temple to learn about Vietnam’s religious diversity.

  • Tour around District 5 (Chinatown) by Xe Om (motorized rickshaw): Experience the vibrant atmosphere and explore hidden gems in Chinatown.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at An Phu Restaurant (36 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3): Savor authentic Cantonese cuisine in a cozy setting.

  • Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1): Learn about Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Propaganda Cafe (25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3): Dine in a unique setting with political posters from the Vietnamese war era while enjoying delicious food.

  • Saigon River Cruise (Departure Points: Ton Duc Thang Street or Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street): End your day with a scenic river cruise, taking in the city’s stunning skyline and landmarks.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Many places also accept USD.
  • Electricity: The electrical voltage in Vietnam is 220V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and C.
  • Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Transportation: Taxis (Grab and GoViet) and Xe Om (motorized rickshaws) are convenient for getting around the city.
  • Tips: Bargain at markets, but prices in shops and restaurants are fixed. Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a pleasant travel experience.