Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Bustling Districts

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon) and freshen up.
    • Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Phở 2000 in District 1.
    • Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam’s modern history.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to Ben Thanh Market for shopping, food, and local culture.
    • Explore District 5 (Cholon), Saigon’s Chinatown, where you can find beautiful temples like the Quán Ám Phật Đàlìc Temple.
    • Have dinner at Propaganda Café for a unique ambiance and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Evening:

    • Relax at Bui Vien Street, District 1, known for its vibrant nightlife.
    • End your day with a rooftop drink at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar or Chill Skybar.

Day 2: Historical Sites and Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Morning:

    • Visit the iconic Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
    • Explore the Independence Palace, symbolizing the end and beginning of two eras in Vietnamese history.
    • Have lunch at An Ngon 504, offering a variety of traditional dishes.

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels (either by organized tour or self-organized using Grab, a popular ride-hailing service in Vietnam). Spend around 3-4 hours here exploring the underground network built during the Vietnam War.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Saigon and have dinner at The Hidden Bar & Kitchen in District 1, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisines.
    • Spend your evening wandering around District 1’s bustling streets or relax at a local coffee shop like Cafe Apartment.

Day 3: Modern Saigon and Departure

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautiful Taoist temple in District 1.
    • Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the city from its Skydeck (admission fee applies).
    • Have lunch at Mrs. Hòa’s Kitchen before checking out from your hotel.

  • Afternoon:

    • Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to visit Tan Dinh Church, a colorful French-style church in District 3.
    • Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure. Don’t forget to try some last-minute street food before leaving!

Things to know:

  • Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Credit/Debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and stores, but it’s good to have cash on hand for smaller shops and street food stalls.
  • Traffic in Saigon can be chaotic, so consider using a motorbike taxi (Grab or GoViet) for shorter trips instead of walking.
  • English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but it’s always helpful to have some Vietnamese phrases at hand.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and pagodas.