Ho Chi Minh City-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Independence Palace (Reunification Palace). This historic landmark was the site of the official reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975.
    • Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    • Ticket price: 40,000 VND (~ $2 USD)
  • 10:30 AM: From there, take a short walk to the nearby War Remnants Museum. This museum showcases the impact of the Vietnam War on the country and its people.
    • Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3
    • Ticket price: 15,000 VND (~ $0.60 USD)

Lunch

  • 12:30 PM: Grab some lunch at Pho 2000, a popular spot for delicious Vietnamese noodle soup.
    • Address: 1-5, Nguyen Trai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    • Price range: 20,000 - 50,000 VND (~ $0.80 - $2 USD)

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture.
    • Address: 01 Ngo Duc Me Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    • Ticket price: Free (but donations are appreciated)
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the nearby Ben Thanh Market. This bustling marketplace offers a wide range of goods, from souvenirs to street food.
    • Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Dinner

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Anan, a modern Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
    • Address: 155/6A Lac Long Quan Street, Binh Thanh District
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Nightlife

  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a drink at The Alley, a trendy rooftop bar in the heart of the city.
    • Address: 27 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Suggestions:
    • The Myst Dong Khoi (5-star): A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
    • The Kim Hotel Saigon (3-star): A comfortable and affordable option with a convenient location.

Day 2: Explore the Waterways

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Take a cyclo ride through the narrow streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
    • Address: Starting point at Notre Dame Cathedral
    • Price range: 10,000 - 20,000 VND (~ $0.40 - $0.80 USD)
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Saigon River, where you can take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.
    • Address: Along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4

Lunch

  • 12:30 PM: Grab some lunch at Madam Nhu, a popular spot for delicious Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
    • Address: 26 Nguyen Thi Dieu Street, District 1
    • Price range: 20,000 - 50,000 VND (~ $0.80 - $2 USD)

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Take a dragon boat ride along the Saigon River. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
    • Address: Starting point at Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
    • Price range: 20,000 - 50,000 VND (~ $0.80 - $2 USD)

Dinner

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Roof, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
    • Address: 23 Nguyen Thuong Huyen Street, District 1
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Nightlife

  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a drink at The Ginza, a trendy bar with a focus on craft cocktails.
    • Address: 27 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Day 3: Explore the Outer Districts

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
    • Address: Suoi Tien Tourist Area, Cu Chi District
    • Ticket price: 90,000 VND (~ $4 USD)
  • 12:30 PM: Grab some lunch at The Cozy Garden Restaurant, a popular spot for delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Address: 2/6 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
    • Price range: 20,000 - 50,000 VND (~ $0.80 - $2 USD)

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Can Gio Island, a beautiful island with stunning beaches and mangrove forests.
    • Address: Can Gio District
    • Ticket price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND (~ $0.40 - $0.80 USD)

Dinner

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Petit Paris, a charming French restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
    • Address: 41 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, District 1
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Nightlife

  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a drink at The Library, a trendy bar with a focus on craft cocktails.
    • Address: 31 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
    • Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (~ $2 - $4 USD)

Things to Know

  • Transportation: Ho Chi Minh City has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and motorbike taxis. Taxis are also widely available.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites.

Tips

  • Bargain: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, be prepared to bargain for prices.
  • Haggle politely: Use a friendly tone and show appreciation for the vendor’s time.
  • Learn some Vietnamese: Show respect by learning basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).

Other Things of Interest

  • Shopping: Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of shopping options, from high-end malls to local markets.
  • Food tours: Consider taking a food tour to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
  • Street art: Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene, which can be found throughout the city.