Ho Chi Minh City 4 Day Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Central Saigon

  • Morning: Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward). Then, visit the Ben Thanh Market to experience local goods and food.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Reunification Palace (135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia) and the War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan) for a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history. Lunch at Pho 2000 (2nd floor, 70 Le Thanh Ton Street).

  • Evening: Explore District 1 and its vibrant nightlife. Visit the Bui Vien Walking Street for drinks and food. Overnight stay at Hotel Continental Saigon or Park Hyatt Saigon.

Day 2: Discover District 4 & Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel. Take a taxi to District 4 and visit the Thien Hau Temple (710, Nguyen Trai) and try local seafood at Quan An Ngon (160 Cao Thang).

  • Afternoon: Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels (Phú Hới Commune, Củ Chi District) for a half-day tour. This network of tunnels is an incredible part of Vietnam’s history.

  • Evening: Return to Saigon and enjoy dinner at An Nam Gourmet Restaurant (191 Pasteur Street).

Day 3: Visit the Mekong Delta & Cao Dai Temple

  • Morning: Take a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta. Explore its floating markets, villages, and learn about the local way of life. Lunch will be provided during the tour.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Cao Dai Holy See Temple (0115 Hoa Phat, Tay Ninh Province) on your way back to Saigon. This unique religious site is a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

  • Evening: Dine at The Chon Moi (6 Nguyen Van Giai Phong), known for its creative Vietnamese dishes.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion & Farewell

  • Morning: Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 Mai Than Dong, District 1) and learn about Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Secret Garden (2 Luong Nueng Street).

  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs in Ben Thanh Market or nearby boutiques. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the General Post Office for their unique architectural charm.

  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Gusto Restaurant (4th floor, 28 Tran Phu Street), offering stunning views of the city. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Things to Know:

  1. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops, but cash is king for street vendors and small stores.
  2. Traffic in Saigon can be chaotic, so always cross roads cautiously and consider using Grab (similar to Uber) or taxis for transportation.
  3. Be respectful when visiting temples and religious sites; dress modestly and remove shoes where necessary.
  4. The city is hot and humid year-round, so pack light clothing and bring a good sunscreen.
  5. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but it’s always helpful to have a few Vietnamese phrases at hand.