Ultimate 3-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your journey at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. This striking red-brick neo-Romanesque cathedral, built by the French in the 1880s, is an iconic symbol of the city and a great place to soak in the colonial history.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Walk across the street to Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel. Admire the grand vaulted hall and send a postcard from this living piece of history.

Saigon Central Post Office

Visit War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's turbulent modern history. The exhibits are powerful and moving, with photographs and artifacts from the Vietnam War era.

War Remnants Museum

Enjoy a local lunch at Quan An Ngon, a beloved restaurant serving a huge variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming villa setting.

Quan An Ngon

Stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively pedestrian boulevard in the heart of downtown, perfect for people-watching, street performances, and admiring the sparkling City Hall by night.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

For a uniquely local evening treat, stop at Saigon Ơ Cao Lầu to sample the famous Hoi An-style noodles and a range of delicious Vietnamese comfort food in a cozy setting.

Saigon Ơ Cao Lầu

Begin your day at Ben Thanh Market, the bustling heart of Saigon commerce. Explore stalls overflowing with fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food—don’t miss a steaming bowl of phở for breakfast.

Ben Thanh Market

After the market, treat yourself to a classic Vietnamese coffee at The Workshop. This modern café in a colonial building offers expertly brewed coffee and a relaxed atmosphere with city views.

The Workshop

Venture to Cholon (Chinatown), the vibrant Chinese district. Wander through its maze of markets and visit traditional herbal medicine shops for a glimpse of local trading life.

Cholon (Chinatown)

Step inside Thien Hau Temple, a beautifully preserved Chinese temple dedicated to the sea goddess, with intricate porcelain dioramas and a peaceful ambiance amidst the urban buzz.

Thien Hau Temple

As the sun sets, head to Saigon Skydeck atop Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the glittering city skyline—best experienced at dusk.

Saigon Skydeck

For dinner, enjoy creative Vietnamese cuisine and cocktails with skyline views at EON51 Fine Dining, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant on the 51st floor of Bitexco Tower.

EON51 Fine Dining

Kick off the day at Jade Emperor Pagoda, a mystical Taoist pagoda built in 1909 with elaborate statuary, smoky incense, and a tranquil pond filled with turtles.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Continue to The Café Apartment, a quirky, retrofitted apartment building on Nguyen Hue Street filled with indie coffee shops, boutiques, and creative spaces—perfect for a mid-morning break and people-watching.

The Café Apartment

Discover Vietnamese art at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautiful colonial-era mansion and featuring contemporary and traditional works from across Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

For lunch, sample authentic southern Vietnamese street food at Banh Xeo 167, famous for its crispy savory pancakes and fresh herbs in a no-fuss local setting.

Banh Xeo 167

Experience a mesmerizing performance at the Saigon Opera House, a magnificent French colonial-era venue. Check the schedule for AO Show or other cultural performances highlighting Vietnamese heritage.

Saigon Opera House

Finish with late-night street food at Ben Nghe Street Food Market, a vibrant open-air food court featuring dozens of local vendors and live music to end your trip with a feast.

Ben Nghe Street Food Market