Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.
Along with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City clocks in at Vietnam’s most visited city. Travelers arrive from near and far to experience this iconic destination, which swung to recognition after the infamous Vietnam War. But there’s so much more to Saigon (as it was previously known) than its wartime past, and it’s crazy to think how quickly the city — and country for that matter — has rebuilt and developed into the skyscraper metropolis it is today.
If you’re planning a Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary, I’ve put together a comprehensive (and jam-packed) guide to get you going. This includes iconic landmarks and attractions, incredible places to eat that range from markets to street food hotspots to fine dining spots (some even with a one Michelin star), rooftop pools, groovy bars, museums, and the list goes on. And, of course, things to do that dive into the war. There’s even a stint along the Mekong Delta.
I’d recommend landing in HCMC as early as possible. If you’re flying from another Vietnamese destination, try and book an early flight to make the most out of your Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary.
Domestic flights land here, too, if you’re arriving from another local city such as Danang or Hanoi.
By car
The Cambodian border is closest to Saigon if you’re heading over from here, 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.
Where is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Vietnam’s largest city is divided into 24 districts. Here are some tips when deciding where to stay.
District 1 is, without a doubt, the most popular district for travelers and tourists. Extremely convenient, and with loads of eateries, cafes, bars, and shops around, most of the things to do in HCMC are located here or close by.
District 2 is also popular, and a little more upmarket. Districts 3 and 4 feel more local, with plenty of cultural endeavors around these parts and great street food markets! Chinatown is in District 5, but borders onto District 6, and is also awesome to stay in!
Ultimate 3-day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary
Day 1: Temples, Binh Thanh, Food Tours, Rooftop Pools & River Cruises
Morning
Word of advice: you’re going to need a lot of fuel for this jam-packed first day in Saigon. Munch down on pancake English breakfast stacks and other interesting dishes, including pukka Vietnamese coffee, at The Running Bean. Another fab option is Hawaiian-inspiredOla Hale (but they only open from 10 am onwards), and this restaurant literally oversees the famed Pink Church. The interiors here are some of my favorite in Vietnam.
Speaking of, a little bit of temple and spiritual sightseeing is next up on the agenda of your Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary, including Tân Định Catholic Church, i.e., the Pink Church. If you guessed it, it garnered the nickname because it is actually pink! Other spiritual architectural beauties to admire include the 19th-centuryMariamman Hindu temple, the ConfucianJade Emperor Pagoda, and if you have time, the Cao Dai Temple (located in District 5).
(Source: Local Vietnam)(Source: Vietnam Discovery Travel)Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic pink church (Source: visithcmc)
A 25-minute car ride takes you to the up-and-comingBình Thạnh area, which has become increasingly popular! It doesn’t feel as commercialized as some parts of Saigon, and there are loads to do! Take your pick from activities like Thanh Da Island (a miniature Mekong Delta), trendyPham Viet Chanh neighborhood, Binh Quoi Village where you can walk among lily pad ponds, 460-meter-tall Landmark 81 (one of Saigon’s tallest buildings), Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal, and Vanh Thanh Swimming Pool.
(Source: landmark81skyview)
Midday
I consider myself a foodie through and through, and so in my humble opinion, a cooking classor a food tour are must-do activities on any Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary. Vietnam has become a culinary hotspot in the last decade! During a food tour, you’ll explore some of the best food markets, local eateries, and streets, where a world of food sampling awaits. Or, during a cooking class, learn how to master iconic dishes like nem (spring rolls), pho, and more.
If you’re not keen on this, then head to a street food market for lunch, like Binh Tay Market (in District 6) or the rest of Chinatown, or famed street food meccas such as District 4. Another option is to hit up a hyper-local restaurant/stall, such as Phở Ông Già Đầu Bạc (for pho), Nhu Lan, Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro, or Bep Vo Kitchen.
(Source: propaganda_bistro)(Source: bepvokitchen)Food will unquestionably be a highlight of your 3 day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary (Source: NHƯ LAN)
In need of a coffee? Here are some of my favorite cafes:
(Source: lavelasaigon)(Source: thebrixsaigon)What better way to end the day? (Source: socialclubsaigon)
Evening
The Sông Sài Gòn, better known as the Saigon River flows through the city, and some of HCMC’s most iconic landmarks can be spotted from this unique vantage point. Join an evening river cruise — which usually kicks off around 6 pm — and enjoy sightseeing along the water.
(Source: Saigon Princess)
Add one last bout of city touring to the list once you’re back on land: the 19th-centuryNotre Dame Cathedral of Saigon when it’s lit up at night by hundreds of sparkling LEDs. It’s a sight to behold!
If you opted out of the whole dinner cruise, here are your dinner plans sorted:
Day 2: Chu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta & Rooftop Bars
Thought Day 1 was busy? Today is a full-on day trip where you’re about to experience one of Vietnam’s most famous attributes!
Breakfast
With that said, you’re going to spend quite a bit of time on the road, so getting in a good brekkie is essential. If your accommodation doesn’t include breakfast, here are a few delicious options.
Focusing on sourdough, Tartine is a bakery-style vibe with a few locations in the city
For traditional flavors of the Mekong, head to Nam Mê
Wknd is one of the most well-known breakfast spots, especially for Western-style vibes
(Source: godmother)(Source: Ambrosia Café Bistro)Breakfast is always an important way to start your day (Source: luburestaurant)
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta
Next, it’s time for something super exciting! The most convenient way to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta on the same day is with a pre-organized tour. It’s a long day, but every bit worth it. You can, of course, check out either locales on your own, which is a little easier and more affordable if you only choose one of them to visit.
The famous Cu Chi Tunnels were 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; local buses run here.
(Source: visithcmc.vn)(Source: VinWonders)The Mekong Delta is a highlight for many visitors to Vietnam (Source: vietnam.travel)
Asia’s seventh-longest river feels like stepping back in time. The highlight for many is the boat rides along the Mekong Delta, through coconut groves and tropical trees. Pass by local villages on the riverbanks, and stop over at one or two, including for lunch. This is where my husband ate rat! No thanks. Some tours also have varying workshops, like learning how rice paper is made.
Arrive back in the late afternoon and get ready for dinner.
Evening
For your last evening of this Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary, treat yourselves to something special. These restaurants are all awarded/recognized by the official Michelin Guide!
Å by T.U.N.G is a Nordic culinary journey (headed up the same T.U.N.G as the one in Hanoi)
(Source: abytung)(Source: longtrieu restaurant)Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s dining capitals (Source: akunarestaurant)
End off the day with a little fun at one of the city’s bars, rooftops, or clubs. The Walker Whisky Boutique is an official Johnny Walker bar and cigar lounge; The Arth is also a cigar lounge and has live music and awesome cocktails. Mámi Cocktails always has a party going on; Stir has been listed as part of the world’s best bars since 2022; and Bardo Cocktails & Arts is another venue to come shake ya booty!
(Source: stir saigon)(Source: Mámi Cocktails – Kitchen & Bar)Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is rowdy (Source: thearth)
Day 3: Polaroids, Museum/ Creative Workshop & Shopping
Morning
After breakfast time (from one of the Day 2 restaurants you didn’t get to enjoy for brekkie hour), why not seal in a memory of your Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary forever with a cute Polaroid pic sesh at Instax Trà Sữa in District 1!
Then, if you don’t need to head off first thing in the morning, here are a few more things to do to kill a few hours before you depart Saigon.
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