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This is the Right Way to Spend One Day in Ho Chi Minh City

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2 months ago

With the ocean nearby, the Mekong Delta not far away, skyscrapers taking over the horizon, incredible eateries and bars, and some of the country’s most important cultural endeavors, Ho Chi Minh City is a feast for every sense. One day in Ho Chi Minh City is simply not enough, but let this guide whet your appetite.

Previously named Saigon (which it’s still frequently referred to as), this is the country’s largest city. Think of it like what Bangkok is to Thailand. The metropolis playground is divided into 24 districts, and areas are widespread. If you’ve got one day in Ho Chi Minh City to explore the ins and outs, I’ve compiled an epic travel itinerary to save you time — and loaded with cool activities beyond the typical “touristy things to do.”

From coffee workshops to Little Japan to famous museums you simply cannot miss, have a gander and book your flights, like yesterday! 

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

By air 

Fly into HCMC via Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. Airlines like Emirates land directly here, and it’s an even bigger international airport than Hanoi. Domestic flights land here, too, if you’re arriving from another local city such as Hanoi, Danang or Nha Trang.

By car 

The Cambodian border is closest to Saigon if you’re heading over from here for one day in Ho Chi Minh City, and arriving by car transport (or bus) is very popular. You can also get here via the same transport methods from any other Vietnamese city or town. You can, of course, hire a car in Ho Chi Minh City.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City 

In comparison to other Vietnamese cities, like Hanoi and Danang, Ho Chi Minh City is much bigger. It’s divided into 24 districts (19 of which are in the city, and five rural districts just beyond). There are four main districts for tourists and travelers

District 1: Your main tourist area 

Home to endless restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and many of the city’s popular attractions, District 1 is where most travelers spend the night.  

Districts 2 and 7: Westerner’s haven 

Home to hundreds of expats (who mainly go to Vietnam to pursue careers in teaching), both District 2 and District 7 are where the “westerners” call home, and the areas cater to their demographic. 

District 5: Chinatown 

The city’s Chinese community lives in District 5, and the surrounding area is set up like your typical Chinatowns. There are some lovely hotels in District 5.

One day in Ho Chi Minh City

9 am: Brekkie time

If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, or you’ve just touched down in HCMC, you’re in excellent hands when it comes to this city’s breakfast scene.

Stop over at a street-side vendor (literally on all and every street), or pop into one of Saigon’s trendy cafes — there are dozens and dozens to pick from. It’s pretty difficult to pick the best, so here are some of the top breakfast cafes in Ho Chi Minh City as curated by locals and foreigners.     

  • For brunch and breakfast classics with a (southern) French twist: Café Marcel
  • For the most stunning (and scrumptious) eggs royale done on a potato rosti: wknd
  • For Pinterest-perfect interiors and a chic menu of both Western and Vietnamese options (including chicken and waffles): Godmother

10 am: Join a coffee workshop 

After brekkie, kick start your one day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary with one of the most famous counterparts of Vietnamese culture: coffee! 

Before you go thinking this is a coffee stop (we’ll get to that later), let’s set things straight. Though this does involve coffee, this is a coffee workshop, where you’ll learn the art of coffee! 96B Cafe & Roastery offers workshops like Sensory Training, All About Coffee (history, varieties, etc), Green Coffee, Modern Espresso, and more.   

If you’re not keen on a coffee-centric workshop, join another hands-on option, like a scented candle-concocting workshop with Carpe Diem

If you’re not the biggest fan of the whole workshop vibes, we’ve got your back! Go temple-hopping instead. Not-to-miss temples in HCMC include:

11 am: Photo time 

With its combination of Vietnamese culture, French influences, and now modern skyscrapers, the architecture of Saigon is a wonderful amalgamation. If you’re anything like me, snapping pics of buildings is somewhat of a beloved pastime. 

Some of the most striking sites around Ho Chi Minh City include: 

12 pm: Explore Little Japan OR Book Street 

Almost like a Japanese rendition of your typical “Chinatown,” I’m a huge fan of Little Japan in HCMC. If you’ve yet to explore the land of ramen in person, get your fix of Japanese culture right here in District 1. 

Roadsides are lined with traditional restaurants (ramen, noodles, sushi, dessert), lanterns swing from walls, and building facades are covered in rich dark woods, or splashed in street art

Another incredible area of Saigon is Ho Chi Minh City Book Street — yes, it’s an entire road dedicated to books and is as cute as ever. While most books are Vietnamese, some stalls and stores stock English versions.

Even if you can’t read the local language, if you’re a bibliophile like me, the mere sight and smell of hundreds of books in a row is enough to send you over the edge — in the best way.  

1 pm: Street food lunch in District 4 

You can munch down on street food pretty much anywhere in the city. However, for the best street food offerings (and plenty of seafood) during your one day in Ho Chi Minh City, District 4 is where it’s at. 

It’s a renowned street food mecca! You gotta do lunch the local way, and there are more than enough streetside restaurants to take your pick. The two most popular streets in District 4 for street food are Vinh Khanh Street and Ton Dan Street. Half the fun is ambling between all the buzz and scoping out where to eat. 

Must-try street food include:

  • Ốc (snails) are a delicacy of District 4 where they’re extremely popular
  • Bánh tằm bì is traditional to the south and udon-type noodles are used 
  • Mì Vịt Tiềm is a delish duck noodle soup 
  • Bún mắm is a southern fermented seafood noodle soup

District 4 is the smallest district of them all, and many food tours take place here.  

2:30 pm: War Remnants Museum OR HCMC History Museum

Get your cultural and historical fix down at the museums during your one day in Ho Chi Minh City adventure. Two of the country’s most famous museums are on your doorstep in HCMC. 

With real-life artillery on display, the War Remnants Museum is a must. Chronicling the notorious Vietnam War between Vietnam and the United States, there are over 20,000 artifacts to uncover. I’m talking actual documents, antiquities, posters, film, and recreated scenes. I promise you, even if you’re not a war-head, this insightful stop is amazing. 

War heroes not your thing? Hop over to the HCMC History Museum instead. Scope out 12 national treasures dating centuries ago (as far back as the 2nd century AD), including statues of Buddha and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

Displayed are more ancient artifacts from Asian countries, as well as relics relating to Vietnamese culture, history, and traditions.  

4.30 pm: Coffee refuel at a specialty house

Coffee culture is on another level in Vietnam. If you have been to Hanoi and thought the cafe scene in Hanoi was insane, wait until you dive into Saigon’s options. There are so many photogenic spaces, it’s quite frankly, ridiculous. 

From cold brews to nitro press to beans from around the world, these specialty coffee shops sure know a thing or two about artisanal coffee. And there are plenty creative takes on Vietnam’s classic cà phê sữa đá. But no need to fret: I had a lot more than just one day in HCMC so I’ve tested virtually all of them. These are the top coffee shops in District 1:

Local tip: Coffee in Saigon is served using fresh milk, unlike Hanoi where it is served with condensed milk.

Already buzzing enough? Take a whizz up the 262-meter-tall Bitexco Financial Tower to the Saigon SkyDeck on the 49th floor for the best skyscraper-sweeping views over HCMC

6 pm: Catch a live show

As evening draws near, wind down your one day in Ho Chi Minh City with a mesmerizing local show. You have two fantastic options. Both shows kick off at 6 pm. 

Traveling as a family troupe? Kids particularly love the water puppet shows at the Golden Water Puppet Theatre. The 45-minute show uses traditional wooden figurines and live music, and the storyline is set up in water. It’s an original Vietnamese performance art genre. 

The one-hour AO Show celebrates Vietnamese showmanship and talent like never before. Acrobats fly through the air, a storyline unravels and the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus takes center stage. I used to work in a Vietnamese school and these kids start training from as young as five years old. You’re in for a performance of note. 

7:30 pm: Bui Vien Walking Street

What’s Bangkok without its Khaosan road (albeit it is a tourist trap)? Think of Bui Vien Walking Street as the Vietnamese equivalent. Located in District 1, this is where the heave of the action goes down.

Neon-lit buildings, swarms of people, endless shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightlife options. Join the heave for dinner hour or a cold bia (always served with ice in Vietnam). It’s an ideal spot to mingle with like-minded travelers

Not keen on such an overwhelming crowd? Still busy, but not crazily so, hit up the night markets instead and grab your chow here. Ben Nghe Street Food Market has plenty of goods for foodies, and Hanh Thong Tay Market boasts food and fashion.  

Prefer a sit-down dinner meal during your one day in Ho Chi Minh City? You can’t beat AKUNA, Esta Saigon, Lüne, and Nén Light.

10 pm: Drinks at a rooftop bar

If there’s one Vietnamese city to enjoy rooftop bars, it’s got to be Saigon. End off your fabulous one day in Ho Chi Minh City at a rooftop bar overlooking the city below you. 

You could be somewhere in Miami at Banana Mama. They have fabulous cocktails (including an Aperol slush) and serve up light bites. Find them on the 10th floor of the WMC Tower. 

Lighting up the top of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, the Social Club is classy with multiple seating areas, live music, AND a rooftop pool! They often throw funky parties. 

Speaking of parties, come disco disco at Le Café des Stagiaires. Overlooking the river, local and international DJs take over the decks after 11 pm, and they even have extra special (*said in RuPaul’s voice) drag nights, hunayyyy

Have an extra day in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you’re not just sticking around for one day in Ho Chi Minh City and have another one to spare, I would highly – HIGHLY x 1,000 – recommend taking a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels utilized by the Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. 

You can even scurry down some of the teeny tiny tunnels (more like holes) built by the Viet Cong soldiers! It’s an experience of a lifetime. 

It takes just over 1.5 hours to get there by car, and local buses will get you there as well. Or you can join one of the many Cu Chi Tunnel tours from HCMC where transport and logistics are all taken care of for you.  


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