Your ultimate Ho Chi Minh itinerary
The other day, while driving home, something hit me. I’m unsure if you’ve ever felt this intense desire, need, and longing—not for a person but for a distant, tropical place. I had a flashback of our exploits during our Ho Chi Minh Itinerary.
I don’t know what triggered this and made me think of Vietnam.
Initially, I was reluctant to visit this Southeast Asian country. But my doubts melted away when we exited the taxi in downtown Ho Chi Minh. It was something entirely different from everything I had experienced up to that point, and I had my heart and soul open to take it all in.
If you plan a trip to Ho Chi Minh, let me help you with a 3-day itinerary.
This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- Your 3-day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
- Your perfect Ho Chi Minh itinerary – 3 days in Saigon
- What is the best time to visit?
- Other City Break Options
Your 3-day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
The thing that struck me the most was the traffic. Even though we were sitting in the back seat of a taxi, once we got to the first crossroad, we felt like all the scooters in the world were coming toward us with the speed of light.
In the days to come, we had to relearn some basic lessons: how to cross the street, how to speak/understand Vietnamese English, how to bargain for Buddha statues in the central market (Ben Thanh), and, most importantly, how to savor the incredible Vietnamese cuisine and coffee.
We stayed in the so-called backpacker’s area, a downtown neighborhood teeming with 24-hour bars, karaoke places, and street food.
However, during our Ho Chi Minh itinerary, we also had to sample some luxury. So, we spent some afternoons at the swimming pool of the 5-star Rex Hotel in the French district.
There, I had the best mango smoothie in the world and the best Vietnamese massage and scrub ever!
Things to know before visiting Ho Chi Minh
Vietnam Visa
The most important thing when visiting a new country is knowing about its visa requirements.
In fact, the first thing you should do is check Vietnam’s visa policy.
If you’re coming from the US and some EU countries, you’ll be eligible for an E-visa, which can be obtained online. We used this site to obtain our visa when we visited last time, and it was a smooth process.
Here is another option I’ve seen recommended while researching the visa requirements and online visa process.
However, if you want to be certain and have the physical visa stamped in your passport, you can apply for it at the Vietnamese Embassy in your country of residence. That’s what we did the first time we visited Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc Island. Check here the list of diplomatic missions.
Airport transfer and getting around town
Take the bus. The yellow bus will take you to Ben Thanh Market.
Take a taxi: plenty will be available at the airport, and the prices are affordable by Western standards.
Use Grab. It is an Uber-like app. You should install it on your phone before departing.
Book a shuttle bus: Book a private transfer online ahead of time and forget about worrying about getting to the hotel. Book your transfer for Ho Chi Minh here!
Getting around town:
During your stay in the city, you can choose to walk, take public transport (yep, as expected, cheap), or take a taxi 🙂
Oh, and let’s not forget about the most common manner of transportation in Vietnam: the moped. But I guess you can rent one and venture into the hectic crowd only if you are really confident in your driving skills.
If not and still want the adrenaline rush, some Vietnamese guy will always take you from one place to another for a few VDNs (local currency).
Get a local SIM card
I always suggest buying a local SIM card because having an internet connection will be handy. Also, who knows when you will need to make a local call?!
Order your SIM card online and pick it up from the airport; that’s the easiest and most convenient way.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh
If you’re traveling to Ho Chi Minh for the first time, like us, you’ll want to choose a place that offers fast and easy access to most of the tourist attractions.
As I’ve said, we chose to stay in District 1 (Downtown) in the cheapest area possible: the backpacker’s area. If you are looking into this area, you must know you’ll find a busy nightlife scene here. Thus, it is always crowded and hectic. On the other hand, you’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from at every step of the way.
However, there are plenty of other options, and I would recommend booking a hotel in this area because you will be within walking distance from most of the important attractions of Ho Chi Minh.
For some help, here are a few options you might want to look into:
Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon – a French colonial-style hotel in the city’s heart, offering 5* services. With a 20m pool and a luxury spa, you won’t want to leave this place! Check availability and prices!
Mid-Range: Alagon Plus Hotel & Spa boasts an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar. This hotel offers the right price and quality combination. Guests appreciated the delicious breakfast and friendly and helpful staff. Check availability and prices!
Budget: Saigon Bed Station is close to the central market and offers great conditions at a very affordable price. Check availability and prices!
Other useful information
- People are friendly and hospitable. Public security is high.
- Prices are relatively low, and a meal can cost you around 5-10 EUR (depending on your appetite)
- Gecko lizards are everywhere. Accept them as your friends against insects.
- There is air conditioning everywhere, from every taxi to supermarkets and hotels. And they like it cold! So, if you are sensitive, it might be good to have a jacket just in case.
Your perfect Ho Chi Minh itinerary – 3 days in Saigon
Day 1 of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary
Start your day with a pho
Go to one of the best pho places in town or taste one of the many delicious and fresh dishes the local Vietnamese cuisine offers.
There are all sorts of soups, from thick to very light and spicy, spring rolls, hot pot dishes—you name it! And you will love it!
Also, because it is rice-based, it is really light, and you can eat all you want without gaining weight (at least, this is what I tell myself:))
If you want to learn more about the local cuisine and delight your taste buds with many dishes, don’t miss out on a Steet Food tour. Book it online and get the best price while planning your three days in Ho Chi Minh to the minute!
Visit the historic sights
Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum (focusing on the Vietnam War), Ho Chi Minh City Museum (focusing on the struggles for independence, developments in the city, and revolutionary movement), Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (well, the name says it all; don’t miss it if you are into that or at least curious), and Reunification Palace should all be crossed off the list.
Another option if you want to step outside of Saigon is the Cu Chi tunnels, which are well worth a visit. They were used in several campaigns during the Vietnam War and will take you back in time.
Spend the afternoon by the pool
If you follow my advice, your hotel will have a swimming pool waiting for you. If not, most hotels offer access for a small fee.
And what else would be better than spending a few hours on a rooftop with a cocktail in hand, by a pool?
Do a bar crawl
If that is what you’re into, you don’t necessarily need to drink your way to the city, but it can be a fun way to meet many people worldwide.
So, spend your first night in town with a pub crawl, or you can also choose a craft beer tour with food pairing on a vintage Vespa. No matter your choice, one thing is true: you won’t get bored!
Day 2 – explore the Mekong Delta
Our experience in the Mekong Delta was definitely unique, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
From listening to the traditional local songs sung by girls in their beautiful dresses to rowing our way through the narrow delta and eating at a crocodile farm, these are things you cannot find anywhere.
In these remote villages, you’ll see how people live, taste some tropical fruit, and take a picture with a huge anaconda wrapped around your neck.
Trust me, you will want to add this day trip to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
Book your tour online to avoid wandering around looking for the best price! If you want to skip the third day in the city, go for the two-day unique Mekong Delta & Cai Rang floating market tour.
Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh
Get seduced by one of the many Pagodas and temples
Emperor Jade Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Ba Thien Hau Temple, Mariamman Hindu Temple, and so on, the list could go on forever; the only thing you need is time and patience to stir out the city.
Come prepared to go shopping
Wake up early and head to the Ben Thanh market, ready to practice your bargaining skills.
Just remember that if you are the first customer of the day, you won’t be able to leave empty-handed, as this is considered to bring bad luck to the shop.
Vietnamese Spas and massage
It is impossible to miss out on all the spas and the incredible massages they offer.
As mentioned earlier, I tried the 5-star spa at Rex Hotel and a foot massage in one of the salons in the backpackers’ district. You will need this after a long day exploring Ho Chi Minh.
Have a drink at one of the sky bars
Be it the exclusivist and very expensive sky bar in the tallest building of Saigon, Bitexo Financial Tower, or any other cool and lively sky restaurant and bar, this is a must-do in Saigon.
Pick your preferred one from the list below:
Chill Sky Bar
Address: AB Tower, Tầng 26, 76 Lê Lai, Bến Thành, District 1. Go for a fancy dinner or a night out above the city on the 27th floor of the AB Tower in District 1. The Chill bar looks amazing and offers great modern cuisine.
Breeze Sky Bar
Address: 1 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, is located in the Majestic Hotel. Although it is not that high in the clouds (it is located only on the 5th floor), it still offers a unique view over the river at any time of the day or night since it is open 24/7.
Air 360 Sky Lounge
Address: 136-138, Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1. The pictures say mostly everything about this place.
EON 51 Heli Bar in the Bitexo Financial Tower
Address: Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hải Triều. Located on the 51st floor, this bar is the highest in the city, offering a breathtaking view over the entire city.
Please note that it is rather exclusive and frequented by business people from the city’s financial area. Thus, a more fancy dress code might be required.
Tip: If you want to admire the view above Saigon from the 49th floor of the skyscraper, you can only take the “tour” to the Saigon Sky Deck. I suggest you book a skip-the-line ticket online ahead of time.
Other things you could do in town
Have a day of fun at the Aquapark
For me, only getting to the Dam Sen Water Park has been an experience in itself.
Getting the bus from the end of the line in the city’s center and crossing the whole city to get to the park is quite unique. It offers an insight into the life of the locals and the chance to see the less touristic places of Saigon.
We were not very lucky (or inspired to check online before going) and went to the park on a day when it was closed. To avoid that, remember that the park is closed every Tuesday.
Taste and learn all about the incredible tropical fruit Vietnam has on display
Don’t miss out on anything from ripe, juicy mangoes to pink dragon fruit and intense passion fruit.
Jackfruit, durian (the smelly fruit), avocados, and pineapples are only a few others you should try during your stay here.
Unfortunately, I found the Happy Juice Bars, with a display of tens of juices and smoothies prepared on the spot, only on the last day, incredibly tasty and refreshing.
Go on a water puppet show and a dinner cruise
A 4-hour tour with a traditional water puppet show and a scenic dinner on Saigon River from where you will admire the town lit up.
Book your tour online and save!
Explore the hidden gems on an Instagram Tour
Take the town by storm and create lots of content for your Instagram account. You’ll see some of the most popular attractions and hidden gems.
What is the best time to visit?
Vietnam is a really big country with huge differences between the North and South regions. Ho Chi Minh, located in the South, has a rather tropical climate, which makes some periods of the year really rainy and humid while still incredibly hot.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which lasts from December until April.
But that does not mean you cannot take a leap of faith and try visiting from May to November.
While the weather during these months can get really hot, rain does not typically fall for long hours, and a big plus is the prices, which will, of course, be lower than in the dry season.
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- The Ultimate 4 days in London
- 2 days in Vienna
- 3 days in Budapest
- Enjoy the best 2 days in Munich
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
- 3 days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary
- 2 days in Lisbon
- Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
- Love at first sight: 3 days in Stockholm
- Things to do in Barcelona
- One Day in Bologna
- 3 days in Thessaloniki
- Your perfect 2 days in Rome
- 2 days in Athens
