Ho Chi Minh City—still lovingly called Saigon by locals—is Vietnam’s electric southern metropolis. French-era boulevards, buzzing markets, and a skyline of glass make a striking backdrop for some of Asia’s best street food and nightlife. The city was renamed in 1976 after reunification, yet its layered history is everywhere, from the Saigon Central Post Office to the Independence Palace.

Expect constant motion: the hum of motorbikes, the perfume of herbs and charcoal grills, and a nightlife that runs late. The food scene ranges from time-honored pho houses and bánh xèo griddles to craft cocktails and a serious wine culture. December–March brings drier weather; summer is lush and steamy with afternoon showers.

Practical notes: the currency is VND; Grab is the easiest way to get around; cross streets slowly and steadily; dress modestly for temples. Notre-Dame Cathedral is under restoration (viewable from outside). For your mid-range budget, District 1 places you steps from shopping, cafes, and neon—perfect for party and shopping goals.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon excels at variety: heritage landmarks by day, rooftop bars by night, and markets in between. Top sights include Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Central Post Office, the Opera House, and the Independence (Reunification) Palace. For views, ascend the Bitexco Saigon Skydeck before sunset, then drift to a rooftop for a nightcap.

• Must-eats: bánh mì at Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, sizzling bánh xèo at Bánh Xèo 46A, pho at Pho Hoa Pasteur, caramelized clay-pot fish, and coconut coffee at Cong Caphe.
• Where to shop: Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and snacks; Saigon Square for fashion bargains; Saigon Centre/Takashimaya and Vincom Center for air-conditioned brand therapy; Dong Khoi and Le Loi for boutiques; Tan Dinh Market for fabrics (and a photo with the “Pink Church”).
• Nightlife & wine: Social Club Rooftop Bar, Glow Skybar, Lush nightclub, Bam Bam, Rabbit Hole and Layla for cocktails; Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar (at The Reverie Saigon) and The Warehouse for tastings.
• Spas: Temple Leaf Spa & Sauna and Miu Miu Spa are reliable, affordable, and open late.

Stay here (mid-range focus, plus options):

• Search apartments and homes on VRBO Ho Chi Minh City or hotels on Hotels.com Ho Chi Minh City.
• Silverland Yen Hotel (District 1, spa + afternoon tea; great value): Check availability
• Sherwood Residence (spacious serviced apartments, prime for families or groups): Check availability
• Hotel Nikko Saigon (modern, calm, superb breakfast): Check availability
• The Reverie Saigon (iconic splurge, home to Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar): Check availability
• The Common Room Project (stylish social hostel): See beds

Getting in: Fly into Tan Son Nhat (SGN). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Regional hops from Bangkok/Singapore often run ~$70–$180 round-trip; long-haul from North America/Europe commonly $700–$1,200+ depending on season.

Within Vietnam: If you’re arriving by rail, the Reunification Express to Saigon takes ~32–35 hours from Hanoi; check times and fares on Trip.com Trains. For domestic flights (Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc), see Trip.com Flights.

Day 1: Arrival, Nguyen Hue Walk, Shopping, and a Motorbike Street Food Night

Morning: Fly in—aim to arrive early afternoon. If you’re in before noon, grab a slow breakfast near your hotel: The Workshop Coffee (lofty roastery with pour-overs) or Shin Coffee (Vietnamese robusta and arabica flights) to reset your body clock.

Afternoon: Check in, drop bags, and stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Pop into the 42 Nguyen Hue “Cafe Apartment” for people-watching, then duck over to the Central Post Office to admire its 19th-century ironwork and maps, and view Notre-Dame Basilica’s façade (under restoration, but still photogenic). For a late lunch, try Pho Hoa Pasteur (classic southern-style pho) or Quan An Ngon 138 (one-stop shop for regional dishes in a courtyard).

Evening: Kick off with a guided food-and-sights ride that weaves into real neighborhoods—perfect for party energy and authentic eats.

Featured experience: Ho Chi Minh Street Food & Sightseeing By Motorbike (Safe & Fun) — 4 hours of 7–12 dishes and Saigon beer at hard-to-find local spots. Great for first-timers and food lovers. Book on Viator

Post-tour, ride the elevator to Social Club Rooftop Bar (skyline views, classy poolside edge) or Glow Skybar (open-air, DJ-forward) for a cocktail. If you want to keep the party going, Lush nightclub pulls a lively, youthful crowd, while Bam Bam mixes tropical décor with hip-hop and house.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta Adventure (Full Day)

Trade the city for history and river life on a small-group day trip that delivers two essential southern Vietnam experiences in one go. Expect an early pick-up, comfortable transport, and a local guide who makes the past vivid.

Featured experience: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour – Max 12. Explore the underground wartime network at Cu Chi, then cruise the Mekong’s canals by boat, visit cottage industries, and sample tropical fruit. Ideal for efficient travelers. Book on Viator

Dinner back in town: Bánh Xèo 46A (crispy turmeric crêpes you wrap with herbs and dip), Secret Garden Rooftop (homey southern flavors under lanterns), or Pizza 4P’s for a break in cuisine with house-made cheeses. For a low-key nightcap, try Layla Eatery & Bar or Rabbit Hole for classics deftly made. If your legs need relief, slide into Miu Miu Spa or Temple Leaf Spa for a late-evening foot massage.

Day 3: Design, Markets, Wine, and a Spa Send-Off

Morning: Start with bánh mì at Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa (generous fillings, lively line) or a sit-down breakfast at L’Usine (all-day brunch, concept store shopping built-in). Head to the Independence (Reunification) Palace for 1970s time-capsule rooms and war history. Walk to the Saigon Central Post Office to mail a postcard, then taxi to Tan Dinh Church—the Instagram-famous “Pink Church”—and browse Tan Dinh Market for fabrics and notions.

Afternoon (pre-departure): Make a last shopping push at Ben Thanh Market (coffee, cashews, lacquerware—haggle politely) and Saigon Square (air-conditioned fashion bargains). If you’re a wine lover, swing by Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar at Times Square for a focused tasting flight, or browse The Warehouse for bottles to take home. Quick lunch nearby: cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork) at a local canteen, or pho round two if you can’t resist.

Evening: Airport departure day. If your flight is later and you want one more taste tour, this award-winning food walk is short, hyper-local, and easy to slot in before you go.

Featured experience (timing permitting): Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City — compact, expert-led, and beloved by food-obsessed travelers. Book on Viator

Cap the trip with a 60–90 minute spa session (Temple Leaf or Miu Miu) to soothe your feet, then Grab to the airport. Domestic flights advise arriving 1.5–2 hours early; international 2.5–3 hours.

Eating & Drinking Shortlist (save for maps)

• Coffee & breakfast: The Workshop Coffee; Shin Coffee; L’Usine; Cong Caphe (coconut coffee).
• Lunch heroes: Pho Hoa Pasteur; Bánh Xèo 46A; cơm tấm at a neighborhood canteen; Secret Garden for southern staples.
• Dinner & drinks: Social Club Rooftop; Glow Skybar; Layla; Rabbit Hole; Lush; Bam Bam. Wine: Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar; The Warehouse.
• Shopping: Ben Thanh Market; Saigon Square; Saigon Centre/Takashimaya; Vincom Center; Dong Khoi boutiques; Tan Dinh Market.
• Spas: Temple Leaf Spa & Sauna; Miu Miu Spa.

Budget Tips for a “50/100” Spend

• Use Grab for rides (often $2–$7 across District 1/3); walk Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, and the Opera House area to save time and cash.
• Alternate splurge dinners with market eats; street food plates are often $1–$3, while sit-down mains run $6–$15.
• Choose a mid-range hotel with breakfast included (Silverland Yen, Sherwood Residence) and enjoy an affordable massage instead of an extra pricey cocktail round.

Optional shore excursion note: Arriving by cruise? Consider a private highlight run tailored to time in port: Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port.

Airport transfers: Metered taxis and Grab from District 1 to SGN are typically 30–45 minutes outside rush hour. Build in extra time in the late afternoon and early evening.

Where to book everything in one place: Flights and trains: Trip.com Flights, Trip.com Trains, or Kiwi.com. Stays: VRBO and Hotels.com.

Summary: In three days you’ll taste Saigon at full speed—motorbike bites, a deep dive at Cu Chi, lazy Mekong canals, and skyline cocktails. With time carved out for markets, spas, and wine, the city’s creative buzz and party spirit shine. You’ll leave with a full camera roll and an even fuller list of reasons to come back.