Are you getting ready to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? When you arrive, you will find a thriving metropolis bursting with a wide variety of Ho Chi Minh City tourist attractions and you will find them all in our 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
We have travelled Vietnam extensively over the years, spending much of that time in Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding region. We show you the highlights and hidden gems of this vibrant city.
- Where is Ho Chi Minh City?
- What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 1 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 2 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 3 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh Day Trips
- The Mekong Delta
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Places to visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Ho Chi Minh City Hall – French Colonial Architecture
- Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar – Happy Hour
- Saigon Opera House – See the A O Show
- Café Apartments – Coffee Culture
- Bitexco Financial Tower – Saigon Skydeck Views
- Saigon River – Saigon Waterbus
- Vietnam War Museums
- The Independence Palace
- War Remnants Museum
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
- Roof Top Bars – Ho Chi Minh City
- Bui Vien Walking Street
- Saigon River Dinner Cruise
- Ho Chi Minh City Shopping
- Ben Thanh Market
- Vincom Center & Parkson Plaza
- Saigon Centre
- Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery
- Grand Hotel Saigon
- Pullman Saigon Centre
- Oscar Hotel Saigon
- Last Words on a 3-day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
Where is Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City stretches along the banks of the Saigon River in Southern Vietnam. The city is not only the most populated but also the business and technological centre of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City goes by a few names, it is often referred to as HCMC Vietnam or Saigon, the former name of Ho Chi Minh City. Although its name changed from Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, most locals still call the city Saigon today.
The city has had a turbulent history which includes French colonisation and the rigours of the Vietnam War (the American War). This history can be seen in the lavishly decorated French colonial architecture and futuristic mid-century buildings that house museums dedicated to telling the story of the Vietnam War.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Deciding what to do during a 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary will depend on your interests and your length of stay in the city.
We split our itinerary into two options, one with plenty of tours for those wanting to pack a lot in on a tight time frame. The other gives a fabulous range of itinerary ideas for those wanting to explore at a slower pace to discover the history, culture, nightlife, and culinary delights of this vibrant city and beyond.
We begin with our 3 Day Ho Chi Minh itinerary for those on a short visit to the city. This itinerary will have you visiting most of Saigon’s main attractions and experiencing a range of activities that will give insight into Ho Chi Minh City life.
Day 1 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1 of our 3 Day Ho Chi Minh itinerary takes us to the famous landmarks of the city. You can either choose a full day or half day tour. If you choose to take the half day morning tour of Ho Chi Minh City set aside time for an afternoon food tour.
Day 1 Morning
Begin the day by taking a half day U.S. Army Jeep tour or full day Ho Chi Minh City highlights tour of choice. These tours may take you to the famous Ho Chi Minh City landmarks of the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House, or Ben Thanh Market.
Day 1 Afternoon
If you plan to take the half day Ho Chi Minh City tour option, why not consider taking an afternoon street food tour. Vietnam is famous for its street food dishes and the best way to sample them is by taking a Ho Chi Minh City street food tour.
Day 1 Evening
Soak up the party atmosphere and the lively bar scene on Bui Vien Street.
Day 2 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
Escape the city and experience the culture and history of the mighty Mekong Delta on a Mekong Delta day tour.
Day 2 Evening
Find a rooftop bar and enjoy a cool beer and cocktail with views of Ho Chi Minh City or take a Saigon after Dark Nightlife tour.
Day 3 Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
Learn about the Vietnam War on a visit to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels on a Cu Chi Tunnels morning or afternoon tour.
Or
Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine by visiting a local wet market and taking a Vietnamese cooking class.
Day 3 Evening
Immerse yourself in the bright lights and changing landscapes of Ho Chi Minh City with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
Ho Chi Minh Day Trips
Two of the most popular tours from Ho Chi Minh City are the Mekong Delta Tours and Cu Chi Tunnel tours.
If you are having a short visit to Ho Chi Minh City, you may choose to combine a Mekong Delta and Ch Chi Tunnels tour to save time.
However, if you have time, we suggest taking the tours separately as there is so much to see on the Mekong Delta. Keep in mind that the drive down to the delta can take from 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours’ each way depending on which tour you choose.
The Mekong Delta
When choosing a Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City there are a lot of options on which areas to visit and what activities to see. We have taken the following tours and found that they both gave a good overview of the Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta Option 1
Take the 1 ½ hour drive and leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you make your way to the quiet countryside of My Tho. Admire the peaceful grounds and smiling face of the “Happy Buddha” at the Vinh Trang temple.
Take a motorboat along the river and down the inlets until you reach a local village where you can enjoy tropical fruit, see the bee hives, and be entertained by Southern Vietnamese folk singers.
After lunch head to Ben Tre Province where you can take a sampan ride through the canals and learn how to make coconut candy. The tour is a fantastic way to get a glimpse of life on the Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta Option 2
Get up early and take the 3 ½ hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City down to the city of Can Tho on the Mekong Delta.
Watch the sun rise as you make your way to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Watch locals buy fresh produce from the large riverboats that double as family homes and try a traditional Mekong Delta breakfast from the boat of a noodle soup seller.
Take a side trip down a peaceful canal and see the houses of the village from the water. Learn how to make noodles at a noodle factory and visit a tropical fruit garden.
Enjoy lunch and visit Binh Thuy Ancient House which was built in 1870 in the French architectural style with an interior filled with a treasure trove of Vietnamese and Asian artefacts.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels were built during the Vietnam War and are a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity and determination.
Take a luxury speedboat down the Saigon River and discover the vast tunnel networks that housed hospitals, living quarters, and worked as supply routes and communication centres for the Vietcong base of operations.
Places to visit Ho Chi Minh City
If you are wondering what to do in Saigon when exploring independently or just want to know more about what to do in Saigon city, the following Ho Chi Minh City tourist attractions will give an idea of what to expect on a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street
We start at Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Nguyen Hue) because it has many attractions within and around its boundaries. The street stretches 670 metres (2,198 feet) from Ho Chi Minh City Hall to the Saigon River.
Strolling along Nguyen Hue is like walking through time. Beginning with the French colonial era building of Ho Chi Minh City Hall and the Rex Hotel with its Vietnam War connections, we pass an assortment of architectural styles until the futuristic grandeur of the Bitexco Financial Tower looms large above us.
Of an evening Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular meeting place for family and friends. The street is often the venue for celebrations, concerts, and screenings of football games.
Along with restaurants and coffee shops, you will find some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognised attractions. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh District 1.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall – French Colonial Architecture
Ho Chi Minh City has a history of French colonisation, and this can be seen in many French Colonial buildings scattered throughout the city. One of the most impressive is Ho Chi Minh City Hall or People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City as it is also known.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall was built in the early 1900’s and stands at the entrance to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The French influence can clearly be seen in the scrollwork, classical columns, metal lacework and statues that embellish this beautiful old building.
The building is best viewed from within Nguyen Hue Walking Street in front of the statue of President Ho Chi Minh.
Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar – Happy Hour
The Rex Hotel Saigon sits across from Ho Chi Minh City Hall and is famous for its connections to the Vietnam War, when it housed the American Military Command.
During the war, the hotel was a hangout for journalists awaiting the latest Vietnam war briefings which they flippantly dubbed the “5 O’clock Follies”. As a result, the Rex Hotels Rooftop Bar became a popular watering hole for these war weary correspondents.
If you would like to relive these bygone days or are just looking for a rooftop bar with a view, head up to the Rooftop Garden Bar at the Rex Hotel. The bar is a fabulous place to enjoy Happy Hour with a cool beer or cocktail while overlooking views of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and the Saigon Opera House.
Saigon Opera House – See the A O Show
Saigon Opera House or the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City as it is also known is another example of French Colonial splendour.
The architecture of the opera house takes design elements from the Petit Palais and Opera Garnier in Paris and welcomed in a brand-new century when it was opened on the 1st of January 1900.
If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to see the A O Show at the Saigon Opera House. The A O Show is an extravaganza of dance, humour, and acrobatic wonder, with its heart steeped in Vietnamese culture.
The opera house is on your left as you walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street toward the Saigon River.
Café Apartments – Coffee Culture
Another example of time travel along Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the colourful façade of the 1960’s apartment building at 42 Nguyen Hue.
The building is known as the Café Apartments and hidden within this iconic Ho Chi Minh City landmark is an assortment of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. This is the perfect place to relax with your favourite caffeine fix and admire views overlooking Nguyen Hue.
To get into the Café Apartments take the entrance to the left of the Fahasa Bookstore and either take the lift or stairs up the nine floors of the building. Note that there is a small charge for the lift and taking the stairs offers a glimpse into 1960’s architecture and allows you to explore the shops concealed within each nook and cranny.
Bitexco Financial Tower – Saigon Skydeck Views
Standing tall against the Ho Chi Minh City sky is the gleaming glass column of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Once the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City, it now takes second place to Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam.
Ironically, the Saigon Sky Deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, is one of the best places to get views of Landmark 81. From Saigon Skydeck you can also see spectacular 360-degree views of the Saigon River and across the city.
The views from Saigon Skydeck are fabulous during the day but the best time to visit is at night when the city limits glitter and stretch out before you.
Saigon Skydeck is open from 9:30am to 9:30pm Monday to Sunday, with last entry being 45 minutes before closing time. The Skydeck gets busy at night, and it is advisable to prebook tickets in advance.
Click here for Saigon Skydeck tickets
Saigon River – Saigon Waterbus
Nguyen Hue Walking Street ends at the Saigon River. If you cross the busy road, you will find a riverside promenade which has views of the Saigon River. This is a lovely place to watch barges and boats make their way up and down the river.
There are a few ways to explore the river, one is to take an evening dinner cruise, or you can take the Saigon Waterbus and stop off at various locations along the river.
You can catch the Saigon Waterbus at Bach Dang Wharf which is on the waterfront between Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a revered military commander of the 13th century.
The waterbus takes you to many different neighbourhoods and to the impressive Landmark 81. Saigon Waterbus tickets are available at the Bach Dang station.
The hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City to the beachside city of Vung Tau also leaves from Bach Dang Wharf at the Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal.
Click here for Saigon River dinner cruises
Vietnam War Museums
Many years have passed since the Vietnam War. The dramatic scenes of the Fall of Saigon are etched in our memory and are a remembrance of Vietnam’s often turbulent past.
If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City and are interested in the Vietnam War there are two attractions that should be on the top of your list of places to visit, the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
Click here for War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace walking tour
The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is recognised as a National Cultural and Historical Relic to the Vietnamese people. The building became a symbol of victory and marked the end of the Vietnam War.
The Independence Palace was the residence of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu until the fall of Saigon on the 30th of April 1975, when tanks of the North Vietnamese Army stormed through the palace gates.
The large rooms and vast hallways are a fine example of 1960’s architecture and the flamboyant style of the 1970’s. The buildings are a time capsule left furnished in the décor of the day and feature basement bunker war rooms, grand reception rooms, cinema, and bedrooms.
When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace should be on everyone’s list of Ho Chi Minh places to visit.
Independence Palace is a short walk from the War Remnants Museum and open between 8am and 4pm.
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is packed with war memorabilia, military equipment and exhibits that tell the story of both the First Indochina War and Vietnam War from a Vietnamese point of view.
Outside you will find numerous tanks, fighter jets, helicopters, and military hardware. A visit to the museum will take you on a heart wrenching journey, an emotional tribute to those lives touched by these devastating conflicts.
The War Remnants Museum is a short walk from the Independence Palace and is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Click here for War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace walking tour
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
Although the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently being renovated, the statue of the Virgin Mary can still be admired when you visit the Central Post Office which is directly across the road.
The cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonialists with materials imported from France.
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office was built in the ornate French colonial style and is instantly recognised by its large exterior clock and long shuttered corridors.
Stepping inside you will find a cavernous interior with a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh and side panels featuring vintage maps of Vietnam.
While there, take time to browse through the large array of souvenirs that are on sale along the side corridors of the post office.
The Saigon Central Post Office is across the road from Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and a short walk to Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is a street dedicated to books. When you walk along this quiet leafy street you will find a variety of colourful bookstores catering to a broad range of subjects.
Although most of the books are in Vietnamese, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is the place to relax with a coffee and enjoy this peaceful haven from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Roof Top Bars – Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most popular Ho Chi Minh tourist attractions is to watch Saigon sunset views from a roof top bar. There are many such bars across Ho Chi Minh City, we give you a few of our favourites.
Just remember that these bars do get busy, especially at Happy Hour. We advise booking in advance especially if you are celebrating a special occasion.
Rooftop Garden Bar – The Rex Hotel
One of the most famous roof top bars in Ho Chi Minh City would have to be the Rooftop Garden Bar at the Rex Hotel. Renowned as a hangout for war correspondents during the Vietnam War, the Rooftop Garden Bar is the place to enjoy your very own “Five O’clock Follies”.
The bar has an old-world charm with breezy undercover and open terraces which feature views overlooking Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Saigon Opera House.
Mad Cow Wine & Grill & Rooftop Bar – Pullman Saigon Centre
The Rooftop Bar on the 31st floor of the 5-star Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel can be reached via the Mad Cow Wine & Grill which is one floor below.
The Rooftop Bar has a cosy atmosphere of colourful but muted light. A glass barrier shelters you from the wind but still allows you to see views of the Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81.
The Rooftop Bar is open from 6pm to 11pm daily with happy hour being from 6pm to 7pm.
Social Club Rooftop Bar – Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery
The Social Club Rooftop Bar is in the luxurious Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery.
The Social Club Rooftop Bar overlooks an infinity pool and has views of the Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81. There is a choice of comfy lounges, bar stools and tables to relax in and you can enjoy a variety of signature cocktails and bar bites.
The Social Club Rooftop Bar is open from 3pm until Midnight on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, the bar is open from 3pm to 1 am. Happy Hour is from 3pm to 7pm
Rooftop Grand Lounge – Grand Hotel Saigon
The Rooftop Grand Lounge can be found on the 20th floor of the Grand Hotel Saigon. The bar has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and is a wonderful place to unwind and admire the panoramic views of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline and Saigon River.
The Rooftop Grand Lounge has an extensive drinks menu and if you are feeling hungry the bar serves a range of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
The Rooftop Grand Lounge is open from 6am to 11pm
Bui Vien Walking Street
The colourful lights of Bui Vien Walking Street are waiting for anyone wanting to enjoy a party atmosphere. The street is filled with bars and restaurants and is a popular hangout for backpackers searching for excitement.
Of an evening the street gets loud as bars compete for airtime and it is a great place to enjoy a cool beer or cocktail while people watching.
Saigon River Dinner Cruise
Seeing Ho Chi Minh City from the Saigon River is a magical experience, the colourful lights of the city make way for river landscapes as you make your way along the river.
Here you can try a wide range of Vietnamese cuisine while being entertained by talented local artists. We can recommend a Saigon River cruise to anyone visiting the city, it is a truly memorable experience.
Click here for Saigon River dinner cruise tickets
Ho Chi Minh City Shopping
Shopaholics are in for a real treat when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout the city you will find a fabulous range of boutiques and specialty stores selling a wide variety of merchandise.
You will also find traditional markets and modern air-conditioned shopping malls that sell well known brands from across the world.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited tourist attractions but one that should not be missed. The market is a rabbit warren of stalls divided into clothing, shoes, souvenirs, coffee, and food to name a few.
Here you can buy the latest “designer brands,” genuine fakes that look real but sell for a fraction of the price. Make sure to perfect your bartering skills to get the best prices and enjoy the heady atmosphere of this colourful market.
The market is also a fabulous place to try the local street food. If you are looking for a real bargain, try visiting some of the shops in the streets outside the market, they are often cheaper than those inside.
Vincom Center & Parkson Plaza
Vincom Center & Parkson Plaza are across the road from each other and a short walk from Ho Chi Minh City Hall and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Here you can escape the heat of Saigon and enjoy browsing to your hearts content in air-conditioned comfort. You will find a good selection of well-known European and Asian brands and a wide selection of restaurants.
The Vincom Center is open from 9:30am to 10pm and Parkson Plaza is open from 10am to 10pm.
Saigon Centre
Saigon Centre is another large shopping mall which is a short walk from Ben Thanh Market and Bitexco Financial Tower.
Opening hours from Monday to Thursday are 9:30am to 9:30pm, Friday to Sunday from 9:30 to 10pm. Food and beverage outlets are open from 10am to 10pm
Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
When looking for the best place to stay, Ho Chi Minh City delivers with a wide range of accommodation styles. The city offers a fabulous selection of luxury of budget hotels, and we show you a few of our favourites here.
Each hotel is within easy reach of many of the must do Saigon attractions mentioned in our 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery
Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery would have to be one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel recreates the art deco elegance of 1930’s French Indochina with all the modern comforts of today.
There are a variety of rooms and suites some of which have Club Lounge access. Rooms and suite are beautifully furnished and feature comfortable bedding and stylish bathrooms with clawfoot baths just begging to be soaked in.
The hotel has several restaurants and bars, including the Social Club Restaurant and Social Club Rooftop Bar which has views overlooking Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81. Other hotel facilities include infinity pool, spa, and fitness centre.
The hotel is a short walk to Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.
Click here for Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery prices
Grand Hotel Saigon
The Grand Hotel Saigon is a 5-star hotel and Ho Chi Minh City landmark built in the 1930’s French colonial era.
In keeping with its history, the hotel offers a choice of room styles. You can either stay in the charm filled rooms of yesteryear in the ancient wing or in the modern elegance of the luxury wing. Other hotel facilities include a fitness centre, pool, and spa.
The hotel has a choice of onsite restaurants and bars including the Rooftop Grand Lounge which has fabulous views of the Saigon River and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Sky Lounge offers free executive access for complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail, for guests booking the Luxury Suite and Grand Executive Suite.
The Grand Hotel Saigon is steps from the Saigon River and all the attractions of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Click here for Grand Hotel Saigon prices
Pullman Saigon Centre
The Pullman Saigon Centre is a modern 5-star luxury hotel which is a short walk from the vibrant party scene of Bui Vien Walking Street and a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Markets.
There is a wide range of twin, double and king rooms and suites to choose from with some offering executive lounge access. Rooms and suites have a warm modern décor with comfortable bedding and bathrooms with rainwater shower and stone bath.
The hotel has onsite restaurants and bars including the Mad Cow Wine & Grill and the Rooftop Bar with views overlooking Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81. Other hotel facilities include a pool, spa, and fitness centre.
Click here for the Pullman Saigon Centre prices
Oscar Hotel Saigon
The Oscar Hotel Saigon is a budget hotel that is in one of the best locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Although the hotel is showing signs of age, it is clean and comfortable, with a variety of twin and double room configurations.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant with views of Nguyen Hue and the Saigon Opera House. The hotel serves a delicious buffet breakfast of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
Click here for Oscar Hotel Saigon prices
Last Words on a 3-day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
There you have it, now you know what to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you choose to take a tour or travel independently we have you covered with our 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
We hope this helps with your Vietnam travel plans and I am sure it will not be long before you will be enjoying the delights of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.
*If you would like to learn more about Vietnam travel, check out our Vietnam Trip Planner for in-depth information for preparing for a trip to Vietnam.
