Ho Chi Minh City is the beating heart of Vietnam; it’s energetic and full of life, on top of being the economic hub of the country. There’s never a dull moment in this city, especially if you’re visiting for the very first time. There's something special at every corner, whether it be a historical site or a street food vendor. This itinerary is bursting with ideas on where to go and what to do in Ho Chi Minh, so read on for inspiration for your upcoming trip!
Day 1: History and Culture
1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels began as an underground shelter and discreet passageway during the Indochina War. It was a clever way to escape the French and keep people safe and sound. When American soldiers started to invade, the tunnels expanded rapidly despite the fact that they had to do everything by hand. If you’re interested in learning more about Vietnam’s history while exploring this real-life labyrinth, this Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour is for you.
The tunnels protected the Vietnamese troops from aerial bombings, so much so that many people spent their lives there; this caused the tunnels to further develop into villages. The Cu Chi Tunnels is a true demonstration of the full scale of human capabilities in times of violence and desperation.
Operating hours: 7AM - 5PM
2. Admire French colonial architecture
Image source: Canva
Driving around Ho Chi Minh, you might notice that the city is filled with French style buildings. That’s because Vietnam was once under France’s rule, up till the First Indochina War. Some of the popular French colonial buildings you should look out for are:
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Ho Chi Minh City Hall
- Saigon Opera House
If beautiful architecture and rich history are your thing, consider checking out the Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus. This way, you’ll get to explore the city at your own pace and choose which sites you want to visit for an affordable price!
3. Find peace at Buu Long Pagoda
Image source: Thanh Soledas
Image source: mariam_cheg
Buu Long Pagoda stands out from the other temples in Vietnam; its design and architecture follows the style of the temples in Thailand, with a golden dome that twinkles in the sun and dragon motifs that line the entryway. If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity without having to leave Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to this Buddhist temple would be perfect as it’s about 20 km away from the city centre. Buu Long Pagoda is decorated with water features that add to its calm atmosphere. Do remember to dress appropriately as this temple still operates as a place of worship.
Day 2: Explore the City
1. Smell the beans at The World Coffee Museum
One of the first things you think about when someone mentions Vietnam is Vietnamese coffee. So naturally, a visit to The World Coffee Museum is a no-brainer. This museum has everything you need to know about coffee— it’s filled with antiques that tell the rich history of the beverage. You’ll also find coffee-making equipment of the past and present on display, making it a worthwhile visit for all coffee enthusiasts.
This museum doubles as an Instagram photo spot on top of being an information hub as both the exterior and interior adopt a minimalist and mindful design approach. Each ticket also includes a free cup of coffee, so be sure to claim it before you leave!
Operating hours: 7AM - 5:45PM
2. Take a break at The Cafe Apartments
You’ve probably seen pictures of The Cafe Apartments online before. The apartment in itself has turned into somewhat of a spectacle. You can see the cafes and shops that occupy the old building from the outside, with fairy lights and colourful signs acting as the background of many Instagram pictures.
We suggest checking out as many cafes as you can before settling for your favourite. The list is long, comprising tea houses, independent cafes, franchises, and fashion boutiques. You can choose to climb the stairs for free or pay to use the elevator.
Address: The Cafe Apartment, 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
3. Walk down Pham Ngu Lao Street
If you want to experience the true hustle and bustle of Vietnam, we suggest a trip to Pham Ngu Lao street. A stroll down the street will reveal all of Ho Chi Minh’s charms. The street is energetic, with coffee shops and hostels nestled in every corner, as well as small shops and stalls selling delicious street food. Now’s also the perfect time to get your daily fix of strong Vietnamese coffee! It’s best to explore this area on foot, so do plan ahead and take the weather into account.
4. Try Vietnamese cuisine with the Street Food on Scooter Tour
It may be impossible to try every single local dish when you’re on holiday. With the dizzying number of options available in Ho Chi Minh alone, it can get pretty overwhelming, but this street food tour will make your trip a whole lot easier. This 4 hour tour will bring you around the city on a scooter, so you can experience two things at once: the city’s heavenly food and infamous traffic.
The tour guide will explain the history behind different places in Vietnam as you sample local-approved delicacies like banh mi, steamed clams, and Vietnamese pizza. A bottle of Saigon beer on a local restaurant’s terrace will be the 11th and final stop on this tour.
Day 3: Blast from the Past
1. Browse books at Ho Chi Minh Book Street
Whether you’re a bookworm on the hunt for a new read, or someone looking for an aesthetically pleasing photo spot, Ho Chi Minh Book Street is a destination you don’t want to miss.
At this book street, you can find books of all genres and topics, and this includes novels published by major Vietnamese publishing houses. If you’re looking for a special souvenir, a book written by a local author would be a great idea! Even if you can’t read the language, it’ll surely be a memorable gift to yourself that serves as a reminder of the good times you had in Vietnam. After you’ve purchased a new book, sit back and enjoy the atmosphere at any of the cafes that line the street.
2. Buy antiques at Collectors Market
Located at Cao Minh Cafe (also known as Antique Market Cafe on Google), this Collectors Market is a paradise for lovers of antique trinkets and the stories behind them. Locals and tourists from around the world gather here every weekend to sell and browse through old but valuable items. From vintage watches and lighters, to coins and jewellery, anyone with an interest in shopping secondhand will find this market to be one of the best in the city. There’s even an area upstairs where you can relax, sip some coffee, and people-watch from above.
Operating hours: 6AM - 2PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Address: 311/27 Nơ Trang Long, Phường 13, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
3. Watch a traditional water puppet show at Golden Water Puppet
End your day with the traditional Golden Water Puppet show, where puppetry and storytelling intertwine. Vietnamese water puppets originated in the rice fields of the country’s Red River Delta region as a means of entertainment at village festivals. Some time after, the puppets reached the royalty, cementing itself as a high status art form. Nowadays, the puppets are used to depict life in Vietnam, and are accompanied by traditional operatic music.
Day 4: Last Chance to Take it All in
1. See the whole city from above at Landmark 81
The final day of a jam-packed holiday is always bittersweet; you dread coming back to reality, but you also miss the warmth of your bed at home. A visit to Landmark 81 is probably the best time to soak in your final moments in Ho Chi Minh City. The observation deck grants you a panoramic view of the whole city, including a bird’s-eye view of the Saigon River.
Image source: CreateTravel.tv
Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam and the second tallest in Southeast Asia. Its name derives from the number of floors the building has— 81. Other than the observation deck, Landmark 81 also houses a mall, hotel, and luxury apartments.
Operating hours: 8:30AM - 11PM (Daily)
2. Shop for local goods at Ben Thanh Market
Now’s your chance to buy souvenirs to commemorate your trip! Ben Thanh is Ho Chi Minh’s central market, and its inception dates back all the way to 1912. Its current form was built in 1985, and ever since then, Ben Thanh Market has become a one stop centre for locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find different varieties of local fruits and vegetables, as well as traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and fabrics.
Some stalls close well before the official closing time, but don’t worry if you can’t make it in time. After 6PM, neighbouring streets will be lined with food and clothing stalls. This night market is usually up and running until midnight.
Operating hours: 6AM - 6PM (Daily)
3. Cook up a storm at Hoa Tuc Cooking Class
To understand a culture is to understand its food, and what better way to immerse yourself in the country’s culture than to learn how its cuisine is made. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a budding cook, the Hoa Tuc Cooking Class will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Vietnamese flavours. The menu changes everyday, from dishes like fresh spring rolls on Mondays, to green papaya salad on Sundays.
You’ll be guided through the process of preparing 3 dishes and 1 dessert. Before you start cooking, participants get to buy their own ingredients from Tan Dinh Market, making this culinary class a full-blown experience.
Operating hours: 9AM (Morning class) & 4:30PM (Afternoon class)
4. Dine during sunset with Saigon Princess Dining Cruise
After all that walking and exploring, we suggest winding down with the Saigon Princess Dining Cruise. This relaxing cruise will bring you across the Saigon River at sunset, so you can dine on delicious food while admiring the scenic view. You can choose between a 3, 4, or 5-course dinner, including options for children and vegetarians.
The ride is 2 hours long, so diners have ample time to savour their food before making their way to the upper deck to soak in the city’s skyline for one final hoorah.
Operating hours: 7:15PM - 9:30PM
Where to Stay
One of the best parts about going on holiday is the satisfying feeling of coming back to a comfy hotel room after a tiring day of exploring. For ultimate relaxation, we commend these hotels:
Vietnam Essentials
If you plan on doing some walking around Ho Chi Minh (which you most certainly will), it’s best to always be connected to the internet for when you need to refer to a map. The easiest way to do so is by getting a 4G SIM card for Vietnam that you can pick up from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
In addition to that, instead of having to look for a taxi everywhere you go, we highly recommend booking a private car charter, especially if you’re travelling in a group!
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