Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Saigon, settle in, and take a gentle introductory walk through its historic heart, ending with a classic dinner.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Take a Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi or a Grab car to your hotel in District 1. Settle in, freshen up, and get your bearings.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (taxi)
Use the official taxi queues or the Grab app for a fair price.
Lunch
Pho Hoa Pasteur
Vietnamese (Pho)
Budget
Afternoon
Leisurely Dong Khoi Street Walk
Take a relaxed stroll down Dong Khoi Street, the historic 'Rue Catinat'. Admire the colonial-era architecture like the
Opera House and the Central Post Office. Pop into the elegant Café Apartments building.
2 hours
$0 (walking)
Evening
Dinner at a Classic Garden Restaurant
Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting at Quan Ut Ut or the Secret Garden restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (around Pham Ngu Lao/Bui Vien or Dong Khoi) (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Central location for first-time visitors, easy access to major sights, food, and transport.
Buy a local SIM card with data at the airport; it's cheap and essential for navigation and ride-hailing.
Day 1 Budget: $65
Morning
A powerful and sobering museum detailing the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. Allocate time to process the exhibits, which include photography and military equipment.
2-3 hours
$2.50
No need to book ahead. Go early to avoid crowds.
Lunch
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
Vietnamese (Banh Mi)
Budget
Afternoon
Tour the iconic
Reunification Palace, frozen in time since 1975. Then, walk to the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (currently under renovation) and the historic Central Post Office.
3 hours
$4 (Palace entry)
Guided tours at the Palace are available for a small extra fee.
Evening
Dinner and Street Coffee
Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon, then try traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) at a sidewalk cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Remain central for continued exploration of the city's core.
The
War Remnants Museum can be emotionally intense. Consider visiting the nearby 'Book Street' (Duong Sach) afterwards for a calming change of pace.
Day 2 Budget: $55
Explore the active energy of Binh Tay Market in Saigon's Chinatown, then discover ornate temples and unique local dishes.
Morning
Binh Tay Market
Spend time in the wholesale heart of Cholon (Chinatown). This large market is less touristy than Ben Thanh, filled with textiles, spices, dried goods, and lively local commerce.
2 hours
$0 (window shopping)
Take a Grab bike or car from District 1 (15-20 mins).
Lunch
Hu Tieu Nam Vang (at a stall near the market)
Chinese-Vietnamese (Noodle Soup)
Budget
Afternoon
Thien Hau Temple & Quan Am Pagoda
Visit the impressive Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, with its incredible ceramic dioramas. Then, explore the peaceful and intricately decorated Quan Am Pagoda nearby.
2 hours
$0 (donations welcome)
Dress modestly when visiting temples.
Evening
Cholon Night Eats
Return to District 1 for dinner at a famous spot like Com Tam Ba Ghien (broken rice) or explore the District 4 seafood street (Vinh Khanh).
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Returning to the central hub provides more dining and evening options.
For a unique treat, try 'hu tieu' (a clear broth noodle soup) or 'banh bao' (steamed buns) from a Cholon street vendor—they are specialties of the area.
Day 3 Budget: $50
Appreciate Vietnam's art history, marvel at unique architecture, and cap the day with panoramic city views.
Morning
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Housed in a beautiful French-Chinese villa, this museum showcases Vietnamese art from ancient Cham pieces to modern and contemporary works. Don't miss the upper floors.
2 hours
$2
Check opening hours as they can vary.
Lunch
Bun Thit Nuong Nguyen Trung Truc
Vietnamese (Grilled Pork Noodles)
Budget
Afternoon
Tan Dinh Church & Pink Cafe
Visit the impressive pink Tan Dinh Church, a French Gothic masterpiece. Afterwards, relax at a nearby cafe like The Cafe Apartments or a overlooked spot like 'Partea' for tea.
2 hours
$5-10 (cafe)
Best photo light in the afternoon.
Evening
Rooftop Sunset Drinks & Dinner
Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar like Chill Skybar or Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar. For dinner, try Pizza 4P's (Japanese-Italian fusion) or Cuc Gach Quan (Vietnamese homestyle).
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Staying central is ideal for accessing the city's best rooftops and restaurants.
Many rooftops have a dress code (no shorts/sandals) and a cover charge that includes a drink. Check before you go.
Day 4 Budget: $70
A full-day trip to the incredible underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a pivotal site from the Vietnam War.
Morning
Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels
Join a half-day guided tour (morning departure) or hire a private car. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Tours typically include a documentary and guide.
1.5-2 hours (travel)
$10-15 (group tour) or $40-50 (private car)
Book a small group tour through a reputable operator like The Sinh Tourist or Vietnam Adventure Tours.
Lunch
Lunch provided on tour or at a local spot near Cu Chi
Vietnamese
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
Crawl through a section of the vast 250km tunnel network, see hidden bunkers, booby traps, and learn about the ingenious life of Viet Cong soldiers. Option to fire historic weapons (extra cost).
3-4 hours
$7 (entry fee, often included in tour)
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
Evening
Low-Key Dinner Back in the City
Return to the city. Have a casual dinner at a nearby 'com tam' (broken rice) or 'bun thit nuong' (grilled pork noodle) spot.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Returning to your base after a long day of travel and exploration.
Choose the Ben Dinh site for a more tourist-oriented (and slightly easier) experience, or Ben Duoc for a more authentic and less crowded visit.
Day 5 Budget: $60
Experience the lush 'rice bowl' of Vietnam on a classic Mekong Delta day trip, cruising canals and visiting local workshops.
Morning
Travel to My Tho
Join a full-day Mekong Delta tour, departing early from HCMC (around 7:30-8:00 AM). The drive to My Tho takes about 1.5-2 hours.
2 hours (travel)
$25-35 (group tour)
Book a tour that includes a small boat ride into the canals, not just the big tourist boats.
Lunch
Lunch included on tour (typically at a local garden restaurant)
Vietnamese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Boat Rides & Island Hopping
Take a boat on the Mekong River, visit islands like Unicorn Island, enjoy tropical fruit, listen to traditional music, take a small rowboat through narrow palm-shaded canals, and visit a coconut candy workshop.
4-5 hours
Included in tour
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
Evening
Return & Riverside Dinner
Return to HCMC by evening. Have dinner at a restaurant along the Saigon River, such as The Deck or a more local spot in District 2 (Thao Dien).
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Convenient for tour pick-up/drop-off and evening plans.
For a more authentic and less crowded experience, consider booking a private 2-day/1-night tour to the deeper delta (Can Tho) later in your trip.
Day 6 Budget: $75
Explore the transformed 'old gangster' district and discover a hidden artistic alleyway community.
Morning
Discover District 4
Once notorious, District 4 is now a fascinating maze of narrow alleys and super-local life. Take a guided walking tour or explore cautiously on your own to see daily riverfront life.
2-3 hours
$0 (self-guided) or $25 (guided tour)
For a deeper understanding, book a tour with Saigon Hotpot or a local guide.
Lunch
Seafood on Vinh Khanh Street
Vietnamese Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Binh Thanh's Hidden Alley (Hem 51)
Visit the unique 'Tranquil Books & Coffee' in Hem 51, a narrow alley transformed by artists and students into a colorful, creative community space with murals and cafes.
1-2 hours
$5-10 (coffee/books)
Be respectful as this is a residential alley. Keep noise down.
Evening
Craft Beer & Live Music
Sample Vietnam's craft beer scene at East West Brewing Co. or Pasteur Street Brewing Company. Later, catch live music at Acoustic Bar or Yoko Cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Central location for easy access to different districts.
In District 4, look for 'banh khot' (mini savory coconut pancakes) – a famous local dish sold at street stalls.
Day 7 Budget: $60
A slower day dedicated to experiencing Saigon's well-known and diverse coffee culture at iconic cafes.
Morning
Ca Phe Bet + Banh Mi
Start like a local with 'ca phe bet' (street-side coffee on tiny plastic stools). Pair it with a warm banh mi from a nearby stall. Try the area around Nguyen Van Chiem street.
1.5 hours
$3-4
Lunch
Bun Bo Hue (Hue-style Beef Noodle Soup)
Vietnamese (Central)
Budget
Afternoon
Signature Cafes Tour
Hop between iconic Saigon cafes. Try egg coffee at Cafe Giang, coconut coffee at Cong Caphe, and explore the multi-level labyrinth of The Workshop for specialty brews.
3 hours
$10-15
Cafe Apartments on Nguyen Hue is a great spot to find multiple cafes in one building.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant like Hum Vegetarian or Pizza 4P's. Then, join the locals for an evening stroll down the colorful, pedestrian-only Nguyen Hue Boulevard.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Perfect location for cafe-hopping and the evening walking street.
For a distinctive coffee, seek out 'ca phe muoi' (salt coffee) or 'ca phe bac xiu' (condensed milk coffee with less coffee).
Day 8 Budget: $55
Go market-hopping from touristy to local, then start an in-depth street food tasting tour.
Morning
Visit the iconic
Ben Thanh Market. See the hectic interior but focus on the perimeter food stalls for breakfast. Then, walk to the less-touristy Tan Dinh Market for fabrics and local groceries.
2.5 hours
$5-10 (snacks/souvenirs)
Bargain politely at Ben Thanh. Start at 50% of the asking price.
Lunch
Street Food Snacking at the Markets
Vietnamese (Various)
Budget
Afternoon
Free Time or Museum
Relax at your hotel or visit a museum like the Ho Chi Minh City Museum to learn about the city's development.
2 hours
$1-2 (museum)
Evening
Street Food Tour by Motorbike/Scooter
Book a guided street food tour by motorbike (like with XO Tours or Saigon Street Eats). This is the best way to safely sample a huge variety of dishes in different neighborhoods.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Most food tours start and end in District 1.
On a street food tour, don't fill up on the first few stops! Pace yourself to try a little bit of everything.
Day 9 Budget: $80 (including tour)
Explore the expat-friendly, leafy enclave of Thao Dien, known for its brunch cafes, boutiques, and relaxed vibe.
Morning
Brunch in Thao Dien
Take a Grab bike to Thao Dien (District 2). Enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the many chic cafes like The Vintage Emporium, L'Usine, or The Cafe Shop.
2 hours
$10-15
Weekends are busy; weekdays are more relaxed.
Lunch
Brunch is lunch
International/Fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Boutique Shopping & Saigon Outcasts
Browse the independent boutiques and concept stores along Thao Dien's main streets. Visit Saigon Outcasts, a community space with street art, a skate bowl, and a bar.
2-3 hours
$0-20 (shopping)
Evening
Dinner by the River
Stay in Thao Dien for dinner at a riverside restaurant like The Deck or Shri. Alternatively, head back to District 1 for nightlife.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Thao Dien is a great day trip, but District 1 offers more evening variety.
Rent a bicycle from a cafe in Thao Dien to explore the quieter, greener streets along the river at your own pace.
Day 10 Budget: $70
Visit a unique historical museum, enjoy traditional water puppetry, and end with a sophisticated rooftop experience.
Morning
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO)
A fascinating private museum displaying over 3,000 items related to traditional Vietnamese medicine, housed in a beautiful wooden building. Includes a short documentary.
1.5 hours
$3
Located in District 10, a short Grab ride from District 1.
Lunch
Bun Cha (
Hanoi-style Grilled Pork)
Vietnamese (Northern)
Budget
Afternoon
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
Watch a unique Vietnamese art form where puppets perform on a water stage, accompanied by live traditional music. A colorful and cultural experience.
1 hour (show)
$8-10
Book tickets a day in advance, for evening shows.
Evening
Upscale Rooftop Dinner
Splurge on dinner with a view at a high-end rooftop like Social Club Saigon (Hoxton Hotel) or OMG Bar for cocktails and snacks.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Proximity to the theatre and rooftop bars.
The FITO Museum gift shop sells high-quality traditional herbs and remedies—a great place for unique souvenirs.
Day 11 Budget: $85
Return to Chinatown to explore its spiritual heart and discover traditional craft workshops.
Morning
Jade Emperor Pagoda & Cha Tam Church
Visit the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phuoc Hai Temple), one of the city's most important Taoist temples, filled with smoke and intricate carvings. Then see the peaceful, pastel-colored Cha Tam Church.
2 hours
$0 (donations welcome)
Go to the pagoda early to avoid crowds and experience the incense-filled ambiance.
Lunch
Dim Sum in Cholon
Chinese (Cantonese)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Lantern Street & Incense Making
Wander down Lantern Street (Luong Nhu Hoc) in District 5. Visit a traditional incense-making workshop in District 6 to see how the fragrant sticks are crafted by hand.
2-3 hours
$5-10 (incense/lanterns)
For the incense workshop, it's best to go with a local guide or tour like 'Cho Lon Adventure'.
Evening
Farewell Banquet
Enjoy a special final dinner at a well-known restaurant like Anan Saigon (creative Vietnamese) or Hoa Tuc (fine dining in a former opium refinery).
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Return to your comfortable base for your final nights.
On Lantern Street, you can buy beautiful handmade silk lanterns. They pack flat for easy travel.
Day 12 Budget: $75
A flexible day to revisit favorite spots, shop for souvenirs, or explore areas you missed.
Morning
Optional: Morning Market or Spa
Revisit a favorite market for last-minute souvenirs, or indulge in a traditional Vietnamese massage and spa treatment to relax.
2-3 hours
$10-30 (spa)
Book spa treatments in advance at reputable places like Temple Leaf Spa or Miu Miu Spa.
Lunch
Revisit a favorite food spot
Your choice
Varies
Afternoon
Shopping & Last Looks
Pick up final gifts at
Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Centre, or local boutiques. Take a last walk through your favorite neighborhood or along the river.
Flexible
$0-50 (shopping)
Evening
Final Night Street Food Crawl
Go on a self-guided street food crawl to re-eat your favorite dishes. Try the stalls on Suong Nguyet Anh Street or around Ban Co Market.
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1 (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Convenience for last-day activities and packing.
Use this day to try any dish you missed, like 'bot chien' (fried rice cakes), 'banh xeo' (sizzling pancake), or 'oc' (snails).
Day 13 Budget: $60
Enjoy a final Saigon breakfast, do some last-minute shopping, and depart for the airport.
Morning
Last Breakfast & Souvenir Shopping
Have one last bowl of pho or banh mi. Pick up any final souvenirs, like coffee or local snacks, from a supermarket like Annam Gourmet or L'Place.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Ensure you have Vietnamese Dong for airport taxi or snacks.
Lunch
Quick lunch near hotel or at the airport
Vietnamese or International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
Check out of your hotel. Take a pre-booked taxi, Grab car, or hotel transfer to the airport. Allow plenty of time for traffic and check-in.
1-2 hours (including travel)
$10-15 (taxi)
Leave for the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight due to potential traffic.
Evening
Departure
Check in, clear security, and perhaps enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee at the airport before your flight.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Buy dried tropical fruit (mango, jackfruit) or local snacks like beef jerky ('kho bo') at the airport duty-free for easy, packable gifts.
Day 14 Budget: $40