Ultimate Ho Chi Minh City 3 Day Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit during your Vietnam travels. It’s one of the busiest cities in Vietnam. There’s so much to do and see, and I’ve narrowed it down for you in this Ho Chi Minh City 3 day itinerary. Read on to learn where to find Saigon’s best bahn mi, secret cafes, and fun activities and viewpoints!

Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue doing what I love ♡. Thank you! Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.

In this Article show

How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City

To get to Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You can also take the bus or train from cities across Vietnam. Upon arrival, taxis services like Grab can easily take you to your hotel in the city center, as it’s just a few kilometers away.

Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

$$$ Luxury: La Siesta Premium Saigon Central | Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection
$$ Mid-range: LUMIÈRE Riverside
$ Budget: Homestay TITO

Ho Chi Minh City 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1 Itinerary

Morning: Cafe Apartments, Saigon Post Office, the Book Street, and Notr-Dame Cathedral

Spend the morning getting your coffee fix at the Cafe Apartments. It’s a huge complex of coffee shops which used to be old apartments. You do have to pay a minimal charge to use the elevator or you can take the stairs.

Send a postcard from the famous Saigon Post Office. The interiors are really beautiful too. Just note, it will take a couple of months for the recipient to receive. Mine took maybe 4 months!

Right around the corner from the Post Office, you’ll find the book street – a cute street full of bookshops.

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning French-colonial church in the heart of the city. Its towering spires and red brick facade are perfect for photos, and the peaceful square outside offers a nice break from the bustling streets.

Afternoon: Lunch at Bánh Mì Huynh Ho & visit to the War Remnants Museum

Enjoy lunch at Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, it’s where you can get one of the best bahn mi sandwiches in Vietnam. This local specialty is basically a baguette stuffed with pate or meat and veggies. Alternatively, you can just grab something quick at the Ben Nghe Street Food Market.

Head to the War Remnants Museum (book tickets ahead) for a deep dive into Vietnam’s war history. The museum showcases many exhibits, including photos, war relics, and old military vehicles outside. A heavy but important stop to understand the country’s past.

Evening: Sunset at Bitexco Financial Tower, walking food tour

Watch the sunset at Bitexco Financial Tower. This tower was completly built in 2010. It’s Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest skyscraper and you’ll find wonderful panoramic views of the city here. For dinner, you can take a walking food tour and try lots of amazing Vietnamese dishes.

Day 2 Itinerary

Morning: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Starting at 8 am, you can take a half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven for about an hour and a half from the city.

These unique tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War, and today, you can even hide inside the small tunnels yourself!

Afternoon: Tan Dinh Church, Ben Thanh Market or Tan Binh Market

Shop at the markets: You can find so many cool and affordable things at the Vietnamese markets. Ben Thanh is a bit touristy and pricey. So if you prefer a more local experience you can always head to other markets like Tan Binh Market.

Next, you can visit the pink church, Tan Dinh Church. This was the highlight for me as the church was so cute. I love the color and to me, it was super magical. You can enjoy views of the church across the street at either Cong Caphe or Ola Hale restaurant & bar.

Evening: Dinner Cruise or Ola Hale restaurant & bar

Have dinner on a Cruise on the Saigon River. You’ll be able to have a delicious meal while admiring the city lights and riverside views. Alternatively, you can have dinner with a view of the pink church at Ola Hale restaurant & bar.

Book a dinner cruise

Day 3 Itinerary

Morning: Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace

Jade Emperor Pagoda can be visited on the morning of day 3 of your Saigon itinerary. It’s definitely worth a visit to this stunning temple and it’s not too far from central Saigon.

Shortly after, you can head to the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace).

Spend your afternoon exploring the streets of Pham Ngu Lao Street and Bui Vien Street. Both are popular and full of lively cafes, street art, and local shops.

Afternoon: Lunch at a flower shop

Visit the prettiest cafe and flower shop for lunch. It’s called Padma de Fleur, and you’ll be served the most gorgeous drink ever. There are some nice options for a light lunch, too. This cafe is relatively hidden!

If you want to discover more hidden gems in Saigon, I’d recommend doing this private tour, which takes you off the beaten track.

Evening: Street food, Beer Street, and Night Markets

Head to Turtle Lake in the evening to enjoy street food and soak in the local nightlife atmosphere. After you can do some souvenir shopping at the night markets (choose from many like Ben Thanh Night Market, Ho Thi Ky Night Flower Market, or Minh Phung Night Market) or head to the famous beer street!

Alternative Day 3 Itinerary

Take a day trip to Mekong River Delta to go to the famous floating market! You can read my full guide on visiting the Can Tho Market. I’d recommend taking a guided tour like this one to get the full experience!

book this tour

Hopefully, you enjoyed this Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. Don’t forget to check out all my other Vietnam guides!