If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant chaos that is Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), fasten your seatbelt—or helmet—because this 3-day guide is packed with all the must-see sights, eats, and experiences that’ll give you an unforgettable taste of Vietnam’s largest and most exhilarating city.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, shopper, or someone who just loves getting lost in a city’s rhythm, this itinerary has you covered. And if you’ve only got one day? No worries—I’ve got a one-day version for you too.
Let’s plan your best three days in Ho Chi Minh City—like a local would.
📍 The Lay of the Land: Interactive Itinerary Map
Before we jump into the day-by-day breakdown, check out this handy Google Map I put together. It’s your visual guide to the spots we’re about to explore—color-coded by day, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions all in one place.
Tip: Click the arrow icon in the map’s top left corner to see all the layers!
🗓️ Day 1: Dive Into Vietnam’s Past & Taste its Present
Start your first day with a punch of history, architecture, and flavor.
☕ Coffee & Breakfast at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee
Don’t let the name fool you—this place is the real MVP when it comes to Vietnamese fusion breakfast and, of course, egg coffee. They’ve got multiple locations, and the cozy vibes make it a perfect way to ease into your trip.
🏛️ Morning: Independence Palace & War Remnants Museum
These two iconic landmarks are musts if you want to grasp the depth of Vietnam’s turbulent (and complex) modern history.
📌 Independence Palace
You’re not just walking through a building—you’re stepping into the heartbeat of 1975 Saigon. This was the site of the Fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War.
🕑 Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
🎫 Tickets: 40,000 VND
📍 Map It
📌 War Remnants Museum
Raw and emotional, this museum doesn’t sugarcoat the war’s impact. It’s respectful, educational, and a necessary stop to understand what shaped today’s Vietnam.
🕑 Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
🎫 Tickets: 40,000 VND
📍 Map It
Heads-up: Some exhibits are graphic—maybe skip certain sections if you’re with kids or sensitive to disturbing imagery.
🏛️ Extra Credit: Saigon Central Post Office & Notre-Dame Cathedral
Both gorgeous examples of French colonial architecture and right next to each other—so you won’t need a motorbike to explore these gems.
✅ Free to enter
📍 Map It
📚 Bonus Stop: HCMC Book Street
A tree-lined street filled with small bookstores, cafes, and street art—this is where bookworms and Instagrammers unite.
📍 View on map
🌮 Evening: Food Tour Time!
End the day by literally eating your way around Saigon. Choose a format:
🚶 Walking Tour → Leisurely & immersive
🏍️ Scooter Tour → Thrilling & local-approved
👣 Private Tour → Perfect for couples or intimate groups
Tip: I HIGHLY recommend the scooter tour if you’re feeling adventurous. Book one here.
🗓️ Day 2: Go Beyond the City
On day two, let’s break out of the city center and explore further afield. Just trust me—it’s so worth it.
🚇 Option A: Cu Chi Tunnels
These tunnels are a haunting yet fascinating maze of underground warfare. Crawl through actual tunnels (if you dare), see booby traps, and get a deeper grasp of wartime Vietnam.
⏱️ About 2 hours from the city
📍 Cu Chi Ben Duoc (more authentic)
📍 Ben Dinh (more visitor-focused)
🌾 Option B: Mekong Delta Cruise
Want something more scenic and chill? This lush river delta is dotted with floating markets, lush rice paddies, and boat rides into a different pace of life. Super photogenic and peaceful.
You can even combo this with the Cu Chi Tunnels for a full-day adventure!
🌆 Evening: Explore Bui Vien Walking Street
This is Saigon’s “pub street,” neon-lit and chaotic in the best and worst ways. Worth a visit if you’ve never been—but keep your wits (and your wallet) about you.
Not your vibe? No worries. Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, or the Thao Dien neighborhood offer quieter, more sophisticated nightlife for savvy travelers.
🗓️ Day 3: Culture, Views & Ramen Nirvana
Your final day is all about soaking up the unique urban texture of Ho Chi Minh City.
🛍️ Morning: Ben Thanh Market (But Take It with a Grain of Salt)
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a bit overpriced. But it’s an iconic market and worth a quick walk-through—if nothing else, for the people-watching.
Pro tip: Skip buying souvenirs here. The prices are better at the Saigon Central Post Office and there’s no haggling required. #Win
🎨 Museum of Fine Arts
Right nearby and absolutely worth a stop, this relaxed museum showcases Vietnamese art across three buildings with tranquil courtyards.
🎫 Tickets: 30,000 VND
📍 Plan your visit
🌆 Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower
If you’re up for a treat, take in the panoramic views from the 49th floor. It’s one of the priciest attractions in town—but hey, you’re on vacation!
🎫 Tickets: 240,000 VND
📍 View location
Tip: Consider going at sunset for some dreamy golden-hour city views.
🥡 Lunch in Japan Town
Hidden in District 1 is this cozy, lantern-lined area packed with incredible ramen stops. My top pick? Daiichi Ramen.
📍 Walk from Bitexco here
🍜 Order the tonkotsu and thank me later.
🏛️ History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
This criminally underrated museum has killer architecture and a peaceful vibe. Great for brushing up on Saigon’s pre-colonial and colonial past.
🎫 Tickets: 30,000 VND
Open until 5 PM
📍 View on map
🚗 Bonus Idea: Rent a Scooter – Like a Real Local
If you’re comfy on two wheels, this is hands-down the best way to experience HCMC like a local.
- Daily rentals: ~125,000–350,000 VND
- Fully automatic scooters recommended
- Reputable rental: DC Motorbikes
Helmets on, engine start—freedom awaits.
🛏️ Where to Stay (District 1 vs. District 3)
🏙️ District 1: Pulsing with energy and walkable to 90% of this itinerary.
Recommended:
- Luxury: Caravelle Saigon
- Mid-range: Silverland Jolie
- Budget: Calista Saigon
🌳 District 3: More local, quieter streets, and still central enough.
Recommended:
- Luxury: Mai House Saigon
- Mid-range: Au Lac Legend
- Budget: Hoang Lan Hotel
Need help deciding? Here’s my full Ho Chi Minh City neighborhood guide.
🧳 Final Tips for Your Trip
- 🚕 Download the Grab app for rides, food delivery & cashless travel.
- 📶 Get a local SIM card—Here’s how.
- 📅 Best time to visit? Read this.
- 👀 Want answers? Join our HCMC travel planning group.
🎉 That’s a Wrap!
Three days, dozens of attractions, countless bites, and a whole lot of beautiful, buzzing energy. Whether you stuck to the plan or wandered off the trail, Ho Chi Minh City has a way of leaving a mark on those who walk its streets.
If you’ve followed this guide and loved it (or even hated part of it), shoot your feedback my way. Safe travels and see you on a Saigon scooter somewhere soon. ✌️
🏨 Planning next? Check out:
📍 Best Hotels in District 1
🎒 Budget Hotels with Style
🧠 Vietnam Travel FAQs