Ho Chi Minh City-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring District 1

Morning (8am-12pm)

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Pho Co (Address: 10 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1). Try their signature coffee with condensed milk.
  • War Remnants Museum (7.30am-5pm): Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the history of Vietnam’s wars and their impact on the country.
  • Reunification Palace (7.30am-5pm): Walk to the nearby Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace. Explore the palace and its gardens.

Lunchtime (12pm-2pm)

  • Lunch: Head to Banh Mi 37 (Address: 37 Mac Thi Buoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1) for a delicious Vietnamese sandwich.
  • Cyclo Tour (optional): Take a cyclo tour around the city to see the sights and sounds of District 1.

Afternoon (2pm-6pm)

  • Giac Lam Pagoda (8am-5pm): Visit the historic Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Ben Thanh Market (7am-6pm): Explore Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local goods.

Evening (6pm-10pm)

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Artisan Restaurant (Address: 85A Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1), which serves modern Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Nightlife: End your day with a stroll along the streets of District 1 and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Day 2: Exploring the Waterfront

Morning (8am-12pm)

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at The Waterfront Restaurant (Address: 14D Le Thai To St, Binh Thanh Dist), which serves international cuisine.
  • Museum of Vietnamese History (7.30am-5pm): Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History to learn about the country’s history and culture.

Lunchtime (12pm-2pm)

  • Lunch: Head to The Kitchen Market (Address: 15 Nguyen Trai St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1) for a variety of international cuisine.
  • Cruise on the Saigon River (optional): Take a cruise on the Saigon River to see the city’s waterfront.

Afternoon (2pm-6pm)

  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Visit the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and its surrounding streets.
  • Shopping at Vincom Center: Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs or trying out local goods at Vincom Center.

Evening (6pm-10pm)

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Villa Restaurant (Address: 14 Le Thai To St, Binh Thanh Dist), which serves French cuisine.
  • Nightlife: End your day with a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation

Consider staying in District 1 or nearby Ben Nghe Ward for easy access to most attractions. Some recommended hotels include:

  • Hotel Continental
  • La Maison Central

Getting Around

Ho Chi Minh City has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab.

Tips and Essentials

  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “hello” (xin chào), “thank you” (cảm ơn), and “excuse me” (xem tôi).
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
  • Try local street food and drinks, but be sure to choose reputable vendors.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Additional Tips

  • Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, so pack accordingly.
  • Be prepared for traffic congestion during rush hour.
  • Consider purchasing an international data plan for easy access to maps and information.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City!