A Captivating Ho Chi Minh City 3 Day Itinerary
Will Vietnam be your next adventure? This Ho Chi Minh City 3 day itinerary is a great place to start and takes you to the best sights in Vietnam’s largest city with comfort and culture in mind.
Ho Chi Minh City is huge, busy and sprawling metropolis and a centre for trade, finance and culture in South Vietnam. Tall skyscrapers and charming French colonial buildings sit side by side. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating, energetic, and welcoming destination with crazy traffic, bustling markets, nightlife, and fresh, local food.
Named after Vietnam’s former communist leader, Ho Chi Minh City offers history and culture with museums, temples and galleries that should not be missed.
I’ve travelled throughout Vietnam and enjoyed exploring Ho Chi Minh City as a solo traveller. I’ve compiled this guide from personal experience and included the best sights and activities for an authentic and enriching experience.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or venturing out alone for the first time, here’s my 3 day itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Ho Chi Minh City 3 Day Itinerary – Soak in Saigon’s Chaotic Energy
Like Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is a safe and budget-friendly destination, but the streets are chaotic, and the city has more motorbikes than I have ever seen in one place.
I spent the first of my 3 days in Ho Chi Minh adjusting to the hectic pace and the crazy traffic, and it’s fair to say that I experienced some culture shock.
Crossing the road was challenging but I soon got my travel legs. Copying the locals, I walked slowly across the road and didn’t stop and found that the motorbikes rode around me.
TIP: To reduce the stress of your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, I suggest booking a transfer from the airport to your hotel. Your driver will be waiting and you can avoid the hassle of finding a taxi at the airport.
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
On this Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, it’s easy to get around the city centre on foot. I enjoyed walking, but for longer distances, I used the Grab App to call a car or motorbike taxi (Xe-Om).
I also teamed up with the bell boy at my hotel, who showed me around on the back of his scooter. To travel outside the city, I joined small group tours to see the impressive Cao Dai Temple, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
TIP: I booked local Flights, buses, trains and ferries in advance with 12Go Asia and recommend this service for booking travel throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
When to Go
The best time to for a Ho Chi Minh City 3 day itinerary is from December to March, when the weather is cool and dry. December is the coolest month of the year, but temperatures are warm, ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F). I was in Vietnam in January, and found Ho Chi Minh City very hot and humid.
May to October are the summer months and temperatures soar with average daily temperatures between 27°C (81°F) and 35°C (95°F). April is the hottest month of the year and best avoided in Saigon.
TIP: The weather in Vietnam is very different in the north and south of the country. Learn more about the best and the worst times to visit Vietnam and the best time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam on the same trip.
Day 1: History, Culture & Rooftop Views
I spent most of the day exploring on foot, but I suggest taking a Grab taxi to visit the Jade Emperor Temple to enjoy a moment of calm in the chaos of the city.
- I started the first day of my Ho Chi Minh itinerary in the city centre, exploring the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office. The French colonial buildings add charm and elegance to the city centre.
- For brunch, I ate like a local and had Banh Mi (a fresh Vietnamese baguette with spicy pork and pate filling) and sat outside in the square near the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office with my local guide. Vietnamese people love to relax here with Banh Mi and a coffee.
- The War Remnants Museum is not far away. It’s not an easy place to visit. I found some exhibits distressing, but visiting the museum is essential for learning about Vietnam’s history and the events that shaped the country. I left feeling sombre but much better informed about the American War.
- Just a short walk away, the Independence Palace offers more insight into Vietnam’s recent past. The former residence of Vietnam’s communist leader has a stark exterior and 1960s décor.
- Enjoy the lush greenery of Tao Dan Park nearby.
- Then head to the peaceful Jade Emperor Pagoda, a quiet Taoist retreat from the city bustle. To get there, take a Grab car or motorbike.
TIP: A Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour is the perfect way to spend the evening discovering the local food and making new friends. I highly recommend this experience on the first night of a 3 day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. It’s a great introduction to Vietnam. I took 2 street food tours in Vietnam and loved them both!
Day 2: Markets, Art & Culture
- Start the second day of your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City with a stroll through Ben Thanh Market and get there early before it gets busy. I enjoyed the colourful atmosphere and shopping for street food and souvenirs.
- Nearby, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum has lovely French-colonial architecture and lesser-known local art. There’s a mix of propaganda posters, folk art, and modern pieces, and it’s a good introduction to Vietnamese art.
- Stop for a light lunch at L’Usine Café for contemporary Vietnamese food.
- Then head to the Museum of Vietnamese History for some more history and culture. It’s one of the biggest museums in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Stroll along Dong Khoi Street for art, boutiques, and culture
- And enjoy a Vietnamese massage to refresh yourself after a busy day sightseeing and shopping.
Evening
- I enjoyed dinner on the rooftop of the Duc Vuong Hotel, and had an early night in preparation for the next day.
- Alternatively head out to a live music venue on Bui Vien Street and have a night out on the town.
TIP: Adventurous travellers will enjoy a Saigon Street food Tasting and sightseeing tour by motorbike. I loved getting around on the back of a scooter in Ho Chi Minh City and thoroughly enjoyed the 2 street food tours I took in Vietnam. You won’t regret booking this fun experience!
Day 3: Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels OR the Mekong Delta
On day three of your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary you can choose your adventure :
Option 1: Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels
I loved visiting the Cao Dai Great Temple, Black Mountain and Cu Chi Tunnels, and this tour is a fantastic addition Ho Chi Minh 3 day itinerary. The visit to the Cao Dai Temple is timed to see a mass in progress, and it’s fascinating to watch the worshippers dressed in white chanting and kneeling in prayer.
** To get there, you’ll be travelling a long distance outside Ho Chi Minh City so It’s best to book a tour.
Option 2: Mekong Delta
Another great option for day 3 is visiting the colourful Mekong Delta on a guided day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. Immerse yourself in the local culture, experience sampan riding along scenic waterways, tour a coconut farm, and visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. It’s a wonderful addition to a 3 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary and a great way to explore further in South Vietnam.
TIP: If you have 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City, consider booking a 2 day Mekong Delta tour. It includes an early morning visit to the colourful Cai Rang Floating market, the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. You’ll also visit a rice noodle factory and make traditional Vietnamese pancakes.
Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
- Grab a bite to eat at the Ben Nghe Street Food market. I enjoyed sampling the local food here.
- Head to the rooftop of the Duc Vuong Hotel and enjoy a meal surrounded by colourful lanterns and city views.
- Pho Hoa Pasteur offers classic Vietnamese pho (noodle soup) in a friendly setting
- Enjoy a famous Hanoi Egg Coffee or a mocktail at The Workshop Cafe along with strong WiFi and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Eat Dinner on the rooftop of the Secret Garden and soak in the ambience with lantern-lit tables and delicious clay pot rice dishes.
- Enjoy a rooftop sundowner at The Rex Hotel for a sunset view with old-world charm and glamour.
- Head to Propaganda Bistro for dinner to enjoy modern Vietnamese flavours
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Mid-Range: I stayed at the Duc Vuong Saigon Hotel on Bui Vien Street. The location is very central in District 1, and it’s a popular nightlife area with a good selection of restaurants and bars. I loved the fabulous service at this hotel and the colourful Vietnamese lanterns decorating the rooftop bar. I would stay here again, but choose your room carefully as some rooms are internal and have no windows.
Budget:The Like Hostel & Café offers comfortable private rooms with a social vibe.
Luxury: For a luxury stay, try the Hotel Majestic Saigon. It has a prime location near the river and gets exceptional reviews for its excellent service and restaurant.
Tips for 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City
- Download the Grab App. It’s safer than local taxis and very affordable
- Buy a local SIM card: I picked one up at the airport (Viettel or Mobifone are reliable)
- Keep your hotel address saved offline
- Stick to District 1 for your accommodation, it’s central, walkable and well-lit at night.
Is Ho Chi Minh City Good for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is good for solo female travellers, and I enjoyed exploring the city alone. It’s a city of contrasts, and a fascinating introduction to Vietnamese culture and history. I felt safe, even when I was out alone at night but do take care of your own safety and stay in well lit areas.
Final Thoughts: 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City
With my 3 day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary you’ll see the best sights and get a taste for Vietnamese history and culture, visit colourful markets and try some delicious local food.
The city takes a bit of getting used to but the chaos is part of the charm, and with a little planning, visiting Saigon is a rewarding experience for a solo traveller in Vietnam.
So if you’re hesitating, just book your ticket. Visiting Ho Chi Minh City might be one of the most enriching, surprising, and confidence-boosting trips you take, and it’s a great start to discovering beautiful Vietnam.
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