Ho Chi Minh City-3-day-itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Culture

Morning

  • Start the day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum (Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM) to understand the history of Vietnam War.
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Reunification Palace (Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM), a historic landmark that played a significant role in the fall of Saigon.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Central Post Office, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture.
  • Explore the bustling streets of District 1 and grab lunch at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, a popular street food stall serving delicious Vietnamese sandwiches.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully restored French colonial villa.
  • Take a stroll along the Nguyen Hue Street and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Nikko Saigon: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of District 1, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Vietnam House Homestay: A budget-friendly homestay with cozy rooms and a friendly host family.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowded streets and aggressive motorbike traffic.
  • Try to avoid visiting popular attractions during peak hours (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) to avoid the crowds.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the delicious street food available throughout the city!

Day 2: Local Life and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Binh Tay Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. (Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
  • Take a short taxi ride to the Giác Lâm Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with stunning architecture.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Chinatown area, also known as District 5, and try some of the delicious street food available.
  • Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, which showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. (Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Pho 2000, a popular restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese noodle soup.
  • Take a taxi to the Rooftop Bar at the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel for stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 3: Day Trip and Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War. (Tour duration: approximately 5 hours)
  • Learn about the history of the tunnels and even crawl through some of them.

Afternoon

  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to clothing. (Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Refinery, a trendy restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • Take a taxi back to your hotel and pack up for departure.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: A convenient way to get around the city, with fares starting from VND 10,000 (approximately USD 0.50).
  • Motorbike: A popular mode of transportation in Vietnam, but be careful when navigating the busy streets.
  • Walking: A great way to explore the city’s neighborhoods and markets.

Things to Know:

  • Vietnamese currency is the Dong (VND), with an exchange rate of approximately VND 23,000 USD 1.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Don’t drink tap water and avoid eating raw or undercooked food.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Saigon River: Take a scenic boat tour along the river to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Skydeck: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cooking class.