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How to See the Best of Ho Chi Minh City in 24 Hours: A Local’s 1-Day Itinerary

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So, you’ve got just one day in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and want to make the most of it? Buckle up, my friend—because this itinerary is gonna pack in culture, history, food, markets, epic views, and all the good stuff this buzzing Vietnamese metropolis has to offer.

Welcome to a day in Saigon, turbo-charged by someone who knows the city like the back of their Grab app.

Let’s do this!

📌 Why You Can (and Should) Do HCMC in One Day

Sure, three days would be ideal (here’s a 3-day plan if you get lucky), but maybe you’re on a tight schedule between flights or cruising through cities. No worries—24 hours can still deliver a satisfying taste of Saigon’s charm.

You’ll see:

  • Key historical landmarks
  • Iconic French colonial architecture
  • Lush parks
  • Super Instagrammable streets
  • And yes—mouthwatering Vietnamese eats

You ready? Let’s go get lost—on purpose.

🗺️ Quick Recap: Your Ho Chi Minh City 1-Day Itinerary

Here’s what we’re tackling today:

  • 🔑 Start in District 1 or 3
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk when you can (it’s scenic!)
  • 📲 Use the Grab app when your feet say “enough!”
  • 📍 Must-sees:
    • Ben Thanh Market
    • Tao Dan Park
    • War Remnants Museum
    • Independence Palace
    • Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
    • Saigon Central Post Office
    • Book Street
    • Nguyen Hue Walking Street
    • Ho Chi Minh Statue & People’s Committee Building
    • Saigon Opera House
    • Bonus: Saigon Skydeck for a sunset view
    • Optional: Dinner cruise or street food tour

Wanna see it all on a map? Check it out here: HCMC Itinerary Map

🧳 Pro Tips Before You Dive In

  • Stay central: District 1 or District 3 is where it’s at.
  • Grab app is your best ride-hailing friend.
  • Most museums close by 5:30 PM—don’t save them for last.
  • Wear comfy shoes. This city was made for walking (and unexpected detours).
  • Hydrate! Saigon heat doesn’t play.

🌅 Morning: History, Coffee & a Dash of Chaos

☕️ Stop 1: Breakfast at Little HaNoi Egg Coffee

Start your adventure with a local twist—egg coffee! Yep, you heard right. It’s frothy, custardy, and somehow just… works.

Add a solid fuel-up like eggs benedict or a chicken pesto sandwich, and you’re ready to roll.

Explore locations here: Little HaNoi Egg Coffee Spots

🛍️ Stop 2: Ben Thanh Market

Dive headfirst into the energy of HCMC at this bustling market. It’s a whirlwind of smells, souvenirs, and deals (if you’re good at haggling).

⏰ Spend: ~30 minutes
💡 Tip: Don’t get stuck here too long—we’ve got a ton to see!

🌳 Stop 3: Tao Dan Park

Time to breathe. Wander the shaded paths in Tao Dan Park, a lovely green respite in a city that never stops honking. Great photo ops, calming vibes.

⏰ Walk-through time: 10-15 minutes

🪖 Stop 4: War Remnants Museum

Brace yourself—this museum is heavy but important. It deals with the sobering impact of the Vietnam War, with powerful exhibits and original U.S. military equipment on display.

⏰ Opens at 7:30 AM | Closes at 5:30 PM
🕰️ Spend at least 1 hour

🏰 Stop 5: Independence Palace

Just around the corner, this historic site is where time literally stood still in 1975 when Saigon fell. Roam the old war rooms, secret tunnels, and helicopter pad.

⏰ Opens at 8 AM | Last tickets sold at 3:30 PM
🕰️ Allow 1 hour to explore
🎫 Paid Entry

🍜 Lunch Break

Need a recharge?

Try:

Both are right outside the palace. You can thank me later.

📸 Afternoon Magic in the Heart of HCMC

⛪️ Stop 6: Notre Dame Cathedral + Book Street + Post Office

Just a few steps away:

  • 🧱 The cathedral is undergoing renovation, but still worth a look.
  • 📚 Book Street is peaceful & offers charming souvenir finds.
  • 📮 Saigon Central Post Office? GORGEOUS. And yes, you can still mail a postcard home.

⏰ Spend around 1 hour here
🎁 Come here for fair-priced souvenirs—no haggling!

🎭 Stop 7: Dong Khoi’s Icons

Stroll Dong Khoi Street and spot:

  • 🗿 Ho Chi Minh Statue
  • 🏛️ People’s Committee Building (not open to the public but stunning from outside)
  • 🎭 Saigon Opera House – another French colonial gem

This route may have you reaching for your camera every 5 seconds.

🚶‍♀️ Stop 8: Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Welcome to the Times Square of Saigon—minus the chaos (mostly).

  • Lined with cafes, shops & street performers
  • Don’t miss the quirky Cafe Apartments—multiple cafes stacked in an old building
  • Want river views? Safely cross to Bach Dang Wharf Park

🌇 Bonus Stop: Saigon Skydeck

Got time before dinner? Head up Bitexco Tower’s 49th floor for panoramic city views.

🎟️ Saigon Skydeck Info

Perfect for that magic hour shot.

🌃 Evening: Eat Like a Local or Cruise the River

🍴 Restaurant Option

Try:

🍲 Or Go on a Food Adventure!

Hand-picked food tours to spice up your night:

Just make sure you show up hungry.

🛏️ Where to Stay in HCMC for the Quick Visit

Stay close to the action—you’ll thank yourself when your calves are cramping at 9 PM.

🏙️ District 1

  • 📍 Best for: Foodies & first-timers
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk everywhere
  • 🏨 Recommended stays:
    • Calista Saigon Hotel (budget)
    • La Siesta Premium (luxury)
    • Huong Sen Hotel on Dong Khoi—a gem!

🌿 District 3

🚖 Final Thoughts Before You Go

Ho Chi Minh City might not be the slowest-paced place on earth, but that’s kind of the point. From the roar of motorbikes to the quiet inside an ancient post office, this city is a beautiful balance of then and now.

Don’t overthink it. Follow the route, soak in the vibe, and let Saigon surprise you.

Need help planning? Join the convo in this super chill HCMC Travel Planning Group and crowdsource your adventure.

See you out there in the scooters-and-street-food capital of Vietnam!

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✈️ Safe travels,
— Your new Saigon-savvy friend

Convinced you’ll need more than a day? Check out a full 3-day HCMC itinerary here.