Ho Chi Minh City
A city of ten million motorbikes, the world\'s best street food, and a history that demands to be understood.
1 day in Ho Chi Minh City
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Ho Chi Minh City in a single action-packed day.
Saigon Highlights in 24 Hours
War Remnants Museum & District 1
Start at the War Remnants Museum (₫40,000) — one of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia, documenting the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Allow 2 hours — the Agent Orange exhibition is deeply moving. Then walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (exterior only, under renovation) and the Central Post Office — a stunning French colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel with intricate tile floors.
Bến Thành Market & Coffee Culture
Walk to Bến Thành Market — Saigon's iconic covered market. The food stalls inside sell excellent phở (₫50,000), bánh mì (₫25,000), and fresh spring rolls (₫30,000). Haggle hard for souvenirs — start at 40% of the asking price. Then experience Vietnam's famous coffee culture at a ca phe trung (egg coffee) shop — The Workshop on Lê Lợi Street serves excellent Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê sữa đá) in a beautiful industrial space.
Bùi Viện Walking Street & Phở
Head to Bùi Viện Walking Street — Saigon's backpacker strip in District 1. Plastic chairs spill onto the road, cold Bia Saigon costs ₫15,000 (60 cents), and the energy is infectious. Street food vendors sell bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper, ₫20,000) and grilled skewers. For proper dinner, walk to Phở Hòa Pasteur on Pasteur Street — widely considered the best phở in the city (₫85,000).
3 days in Ho Chi Minh City
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
History, Heritage & Street Food
War Remnants Museum & Colonial District
Start at the War Remnants Museum (₫40,000) — one of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia. Allow 2 hours minimum. Then walk through Saigon's French colonial district — Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (exterior, under renovation), the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Reunification Palace (₫65,000) where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975.
Bến Thành Market & Coffee
Walk to Bến Thành Market — Saigon's iconic covered market since 1912. The food stalls sell excellent phở (₫50,000) and bánh mì (₫25,000). Haggle for souvenirs at 40% of the asking price. Then discover Saigon's specialty coffee scene — The Workshop on Lê Lợi has industrial-chic vibes and excellent cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee, ₫55,000). Or try ca phe trung (egg coffee) at a traditional shop.
Bùi Viện & Saigon Nightlife
Head to Bùi Viện Walking Street — Saigon's backpacker district. Bia Saigon: ₫15,000 (60 cents). Bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper): ₫20,000. The street closes to traffic at 7pm and the party begins. For dinner, Phở Hòa Pasteur on Pasteur Street serves the city's best phở (₫85,000). For rooftop drinks, Saigon Saigon Bar atop the Caravelle Hotel has colonial glamour and river views.
Cu Chi Tunnels & Local Life
Cu Chi Tunnels
Book a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels (₫250,000–500,000 including transport). The tunnel network used by Viet Cong guerrillas stretches 250km — you can crawl through widened sections (claustrophobic but unforgettable). The guide explanations of booby traps, underground hospitals, and kitchen ventilation systems are fascinating. Choose the Ben Dinh site for a less commercialized experience.
District 4 & Local Food Tour
Return to Saigon and cross the bridge to District 4 — a gritty, local neighbourhood that tourists rarely visit. The alleyway food stalls here serve the city's best cơm tấm (broken rice with pork, ₫40,000), bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes, ₫35,000), and bún thịt nướng (vermicelli with grilled pork, ₫45,000). The narrow lanes buzzing with scooters are Saigon at its most authentic.
Rooftop Bars & District 2
For a change from Bùi Viện, cross to District 2 (Thảo Điền) — Saigon's expat hub with excellent restaurants and bars. The Deck on Nguyễn U Di has riverside dining. Biacraft Artisan Ales serves Vietnamese craft beers (₫80,000 per pint). For rooftop drama, Chill Skybar on the 26th floor of AB Tower has 360-degree city views and cocktails from ₫200,000.
Markets, Temples & Cholon
Cholon (Chinatown) & Bình Tây Market
Grab to Cholon — Saigon's sprawling Chinatown in District 5. Bình Tây Market is the wholesale hub — a beautiful art-deco building packed with traders selling dried goods, herbs, and fabrics. Visit Thiên Hậu Temple — a stunning Cantonese temple from 1760 with elaborate ceramic roof figurines and giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The surrounding streets are pure sensory overload.
Jade Emperor Pagoda & District 3
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda in District 3 (free) — considered the finest Chinese temple in the city with carved wooden doors, ceramic figurines, and an incense-filled atmosphere. Then explore District 3's cafe scene — The Snap Cafe in a converted apartment building and Cong Caphe (communist-themed cafe, ₫45,000 for coconut coffee) are local favourites. The neighbourhood has excellent bánh mì stalls.
Farewell Bánh Mì & Night Market
For the definitive Saigon bánh mì, queue at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa on Lê Thị Riêng Street, District 1 — the legendary overstuffed baguette with pâté, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables (₫55,000). The queue is always long but moves fast. Then explore the Bến Thành Night Market that sets up around the main market after 6pm — cheaper clothes, souvenirs, and more street food for your final evening.
7 days in Ho Chi Minh City
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
History, Heritage & Street Food
War Remnants Museum & Colonial District
Start at the War Remnants Museum (₫40,000) — allow 2 hours for one of Asia's most powerful museums. Walk through the French colonial district — Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior), the Central Post Office by Gustave Eiffel, and the Reunification Palace (₫65,000) where the Vietnam War effectively ended when a tank crashed through the gates in April 1975.
Bến Thành Market & Coffee Culture
Walk to Bến Thành Market — the city's iconic market since 1912. Phở inside: ₫50,000. Bánh mì: ₫25,000. Haggle for souvenirs at 40% of asking. Then experience Saigon's coffee culture at The Workshop on Lê Lợi — cà phê sữa đá (₫55,000) in an industrial-chic loft. Vietnamese coffee dripped through a phin filter over condensed milk is a ritual, not just a drink.
Bùi Viện Walking Street
Head to Bùi Viện — Saigon's backpacker strip. Bia Saigon: ₫15,000. Street food vendors sell grilled skewers and bánh tráng trộn. For proper dinner, Phở Hòa Pasteur serves the city's best phở (₫85,000). For atmosphere, the rooftop bars along Bùi Viện have cheap drinks and city views. Saigon is a city that runs on caffeine by day and cheap beer by night.
Cu Chi Tunnels & District 4
Cu Chi Tunnels
Half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels (₫250,000–500,000 with transport). The 250km tunnel network is extraordinary — crawl through widened sections, see booby trap demonstrations, and learn about underground hospitals and kitchens. The Ben Dinh site is less commercialized. The experience is claustrophobic, fascinating, and deeply humbling.
District 4 Food Adventure
Cross to District 4 — a gritty local neighbourhood tourists rarely visit. Alleyway stalls serve the best cơm tấm (broken rice, ₫40,000), bánh xèo (crispy pancakes, ₫35,000), and bún thịt nướng (vermicelli with pork, ₫45,000). The narrow lanes buzzing with scooters are Saigon at its most authentic. This district is the antidote to the tourist bubble of District 1.
Saigon River & Rooftop Drinks
Head to District 2 (Thảo Điền) — Saigon's expat neighbourhood. The Deck has riverside dining. Biacraft serves Vietnamese craft beer (₫80,000/pint). For the best views, Chill Skybar on the 26th floor of AB Tower has panoramic city views and cocktails from ₫200,000. Or keep it local at a bia hơi stall by the river watching the city light up.
Cholon & Chinese Heritage
Cholon & Bình Tây Market
Grab to Cholon (District 5) — Saigon's sprawling Chinatown. Bình Tây Market is the wholesale hub in a beautiful art-deco building. Thiên Hậu Temple (1760) has elaborate ceramic roof figurines and giant incense coils. The surrounding streets sell traditional Chinese medicine, dried goods, and the largest selection of fabric in the city.
Jade Emperor Pagoda & District 3 Cafes
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda (free) — the finest Chinese temple in the city with carved doors, ceramic figurines, and heavy incense. Then explore District 3 — The Snap Cafe in a converted apartment and Cong Caphe (communist-themed, coconut coffee ₫45,000) are local favourites. District 3 is where young Saigonese hang out — creative, affordable, and very local.
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa & Night Market
Queue at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa on Lê Thị Riêng Street — the legendary overstuffed baguette (₫55,000) with pâté, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables. The queue is always long but moves fast. Explore the Bến Thành Night Market after 6pm for cheaper clothes and street food. End at a rooftop bar overlooking the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian boulevard — Saigon's Times Square equivalent.
Mekong Delta Day Trip
Mekong Delta — Cái Bè or Cần Thơ
Book a Mekong Delta day trip (₫500,000–800,000 with transport, lunch, and boat). The Mekong River splits into a labyrinth of tributaries, canals, and islands south of Saigon. Cruise through floating markets where vendors sell fruit, vegetables, and phở from boats. The Cái Bè floating market is closest (2 hours from Saigon). Cần Thơ's Cái Rang floating market is larger but requires an overnight.
River Life & Island Visits
The tour typically visits a coconut candy workshop on a river island, a honey farm with bee tastings, and a local home where you eat tropical fruit and listen to traditional đàn tranh (zither) music. Kayak or row through narrow palm-lined canals — the scenery is lush and peaceful. Lunch is usually elephant ear fish (cá tai tượng) wrapped in rice paper with herbs — a Mekong specialty.
Return & Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard
Return to Saigon by late afternoon. Walk the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian boulevard — Saigon's main promenade with the Ho Chi Minh statue, fountains, and locals rollerblading and skateboarding. The apartment building at 42 Nguyễn Huệ has been converted into a vertical warren of cafes, each floor with different themes and views. Dinner at a local cơm tấm stall in the surrounding streets.
Art, Architecture & Saigon Style
Saigon Fine Arts Museum & Book Street
Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum (₫30,000) — a gorgeous French colonial building with yellow facades housing Vietnamese art from lacquerware to contemporary installations. Then walk to Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street — a pedestrianized lane of bookshops, cafes, and flower stalls. The nearby Saigon Opera House (Nhà Hát Thành Phố) is a beautiful Flamboyant-style building from 1897.
FITO Museum & Traditional Medicine
Grab to the FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (₫120,000) in District 10 — a beautifully curated museum in a traditional wooden building covering 3,000 years of Vietnamese herbal medicine. The collection includes ancient texts, tools, and a recreated traditional pharmacy. Then head to the Tân Định Church — a stunning pink church in District 3 that has become one of Saigon's most photographed buildings.
Thảo Điền Dining
Cross to District 2's Thảo Điền for Saigon's best dining scene. Anan Saigon (from ₫150,000) serves modern Vietnamese cuisine from a chef who trained at Eleven Madison Park. For something casual, The Blanket serves Vietnamese tapas in a garden setting. End at Heart of Darkness craft brewery (₫80,000/pint) or BiaCraft — both are favorites of Saigon's international community.
Scooter Day & Local Markets
Scooter Tour Through Saigon
Book a morning scooter tour with a local guide (₫400,000–700,000 for 4 hours, guide drives) — the best way to experience Saigon's controlled chaos from the back of a motorbike. Tours weave through District 4 alleys, Cholon backstreets, and hidden local markets that no walking tour reaches. The guides share real stories about Saigon life. XO Tours and Saigon on Bikes are reputable operators.
Hồ Thị Kỷ Flower Market & Street Food
Grab to Hồ Thị Kỷ flower market in District 10 — a fragrant alley of flower stalls that also hides an incredible Cambodian food market. Khmer-style num banh chok (noodle soup) and bò lá lốt (grilled beef in betel leaves) for under ₫40,000. Then walk through the surrounding residential lanes for quintessential Saigon — laundry strung between buildings, motorbikes parked on narrow stairs, and food stalls everywhere.
Bitexco Tower & Farewell Drinks
Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower — Saigon's most iconic skyscraper shaped like a lotus bud. The Saigon Skydeck (₫200,000) on the 49th floor has panoramic views, or spend the same amount on a cocktail at EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor with the same view plus a drink. Then walk to Bùi Viện for one last cheap Bia Saigon on the street — Saigon's farewell tradition.
Shopping & Farewell
Last Coffee & District 1 Walk
Start with a final Vietnamese coffee at a local phin coffee shop — sit on the tiny plastic stools and watch Saigon wake up around you. Walk through the District 1 backstreets for one last dose of the motorbike chaos, the food smells, and the energy. Visit the Saigon Central Mosque on Đông Du Street — a beautiful minimalist mosque that is a reminder of the city's diversity.
Last Shopping & Souvenirs
Bến Thành Market for last-minute souvenirs — lacquerware, silk, Vietnamese coffee beans, and áo dài (traditional dress). Saigon Square on Lê Lợi has cheaper clothes and bags. For premium Vietnamese coffee beans, visit Là Việt Coffee in District 3 — a specialty roaster selling single-origin beans (₫200,000–400,000 per bag) that make the perfect lightweight gift.
Farewell Phở & Departure
For a final meal, return to Phở Hòa Pasteur or try Phở Lệ on Võ Văn Tần — another legendary bowl. The ritual of adding herbs, bean sprouts, chili, and hoisin to your steaming bowl is the most Saigon moment there is. One last walk along the river as the city lights reflect on the Saigon River. Grab to Tân Sơn Nhất Airport (₫120,000–200,000, 30–45 minutes from District 1).
Budget tips
Street food heaven
Phở: ₫40,000–60,000. Bánh mì: ₫20,000–30,000. Cơm tấm: ₫35,000–50,000. Bún bò Huế: ₫40,000. Three full meals cost ₫100,000–150,000 ($4–6 USD). Vietnam has the cheapest food in Southeast Asia.
Bia hơi is ₫5,000
Fresh draft beer at sidewalk stalls costs ₫5,000–10,000 ($0.20–0.40) — the cheapest beer in the world. Bia Saigon at backpacker bars: ₫15,000. Craft beer: ₫80,000. The price range is enormous.
Grab everything
Grab is essential — motorbike rides (GrabBike): ₫15,000–40,000. Car rides: ₫50,000–120,000 across the city. Cheaper and safer than motorbike taxis. Also use for food delivery (GrabFood).
Book e-visa early
Vietnam e-visa costs $25 online and takes 3 business days. Apply at least a week before travel. The visa-on-arrival process at the airport is slower and more expensive ($50+ with invitation letter).
Haggle at markets
Bến Thành Market vendors start at 3–4x the fair price. Offer 30–40% and negotiate from there. Walk away if they will not budge — they will often call you back. For fixed-price shopping, go to Saigon Square or Takashimaya.
Free activities
Walking the streets is free and endlessly entertaining. Nguyễn Huệ boulevard, all temples and pagodas, the 42 Nguyễn Huệ apartment cafes, and watching the sunset from the Thủ Thiêm bridge are all completely free.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in VND (₫). Saigon is astonishingly cheap — you can live extremely well on very little.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury towers | ₫150,000–350,000 | ₫600,000–1,500,000 | ₫3,000,000+ |
| Food Street food → restaurants → fine dining | ₫100,000–200,000 | ₫300,000–600,000 | ₫1,200,000+ |
| Transport GrabBike → GrabCar → private driver | ₫40,000–80,000 | ₫100,000–250,000 | ₫500,000+ |
| Activities Museums & temples → Cu Chi & scooter tours → Mekong & premium | ₫40,000–200,000 | ₫300,000–700,000 | ₫1,500,000+ |
| Drinks Bia hơi & street coffee → craft beer → rooftop cocktails | ₫20,000–50,000 | ₫100,000–250,000 | ₫500,000+ |
| Daily Total $14–35 → $55–130 → $264+ | ₫350,000–880,000 | ₫1,400,000–3,300,000 | ₫6,700,000+ |
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- E-visa: $25 online, 90 days single entry, 3 business days processing. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Some nationalities (UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea) get 45 days visa-free — check your eligibility
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep a printed copy of your e-visa — immigration officers sometimes ask for it
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water ₫5,000 everywhere, or bring a SteriPen
- Motorbike snatch theft is the main safety concern — hold phones with two hands, wear bags cross-body on the building side of the pavement
- Pharmacies sell most medications OTC at very cheap prices. FV Hospital and Vinmec handle emergencies with English-speaking staff
Getting Around
- Grab is essential — GrabBike (₫15,000–40,000) and GrabCar (₫50,000–120,000) cover the city. Cheaper and safer than street taxis
- Metro Line 1 (Bến Thành–Suối Tiên) is now operational — the first metro in Vietnam. Useful for reaching District 2 and beyond
- Walking is viable in District 1 but crossing the road is an art — walk slowly and steadily, the motorbikes flow around you. Do not stop or run.
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone from ₫100,000 for 30 days with 5–10GB data — excellent coverage
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Speeds are generally good — Vietnam has surprisingly fast internet
- Grab, Google Maps, and Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline) are the three essential apps
Money
- Vietnamese Dong comes in large denominations — ₫500,000 is the largest note (~$20). Count zeros carefully to avoid overpaying
- ATMs: Vietcombank and BIDV have lowest fees. Maximum withdrawal usually ₫3,000,000–5,000,000. Bring backup cards
- Cash is preferred almost everywhere. Cards accepted at malls, upscale restaurants, and hotels only. Always carry small notes for street food
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. A light rain jacket for sudden downpours (wet season: May–Nov). Vietnam is casual — no dress code needed except temples
- Cross-body bag worn on your building side (not street side) to prevent motorbike snatch theft. Leave valuables at the hotel
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a compact umbrella for the afternoon rain showers
Cultural tips
Vietnam is warm, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating — but it has a complex history and cultural norms that reward respectful engagement.
Crossing the Road
The golden rule: walk slowly, steadily, and predictably. Do not stop, do not run, do not make sudden moves. The motorbikes will flow around you like water around a rock. Trust the system — millions of people cross safely every day.
Food Etiquette
Vietnamese eat with chopsticks and a spoon. Slurping noodles is acceptable. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice (resembles funeral incense). When adding condiments to phở, taste first — each bowl is carefully seasoned by the cook.
Tipping & Haggling
Tipping is not traditional but appreciated — ₫20,000–50,000 at restaurants, ₫50,000–100,000 for tour guides. Haggling is expected at markets, not at restaurants or shops with marked prices.
War Sensitivity
The Vietnam War (called the American War locally) is a sensitive topic. Visit museums with respect. Do not make light of the history. Vietnamese people are overwhelmingly friendly to Americans and all nationalities — the country has moved forward.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, especially elderly Vietnamese and monks. Military installations, government buildings, and airports should not be photographed. Street photography is generally fine and welcomed.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes when entering homes, some shops, and all temples and pagodas. Follow the lead of locals — if shoes are lined up outside, take yours off. It is a sign of respect that is deeply appreciated.
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