Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest metropolis—a fast-moving mosaic where colonial boulevards meet neon alleys and century-old pagodas. French-era landmarks like the Central Post Office and Opera House line up with modern towers, while a river breeze softens the tropical heat.

Fun fact: locals estimate several million motorbikes crisscross the city daily, creating the legendary “Saigon flow.” Beneath the bustle, you’ll find a food culture that swings from humble street stalls to Michelin-star creativity—an irresistible playground for curious palates.

Expect steamy weather year-round (showers are common May–Nov), ATMs on every block, and friendly vendors. Use Grab for safe, cashless rides; dress modestly for temples; and cross streets steadily, letting the scooters flow around you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon’s heart beats in District 1, where you’ll stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street, peek into the Cafe Apartments (a retro tower filled with indie cafes), and pop into the Book Street beside Notre-Dame Cathedral (often under renovation). Nearby, the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace ground the city’s history in vivid detail.

Save time for Chinatown (Cholon) in District 5—incense-swirled Thien Hau Temple and the labyrinthine Binh Tay Market—and for a sundowner atop a rooftop bar overlooking a sea of lights. Coffee culture thrives here too; espresso, phin, coconut coffee—name your style.

Getting there

• Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: Hanoi 2h10 (~$40–120), Singapore 2h (~$80–200), Bangkok 1h45 (~$70–180).
• Vietnam Railways connects the country from north to south. For planning and fares, see Trip.com Trains. Sample times: Nha Trang to Saigon 7–8 hours (~$15–35); Da Nang 17–20 hours (~$25–60).
• Airport to District 1: 25–45 minutes by Grab/taxi depending on traffic (roughly 150,000–250,000 VND).

Where to stay

• The Reverie Saigon (D1): Palatial design, sweeping river/city views, standout pool and service—best for a splurge.
• Silverland Yen Hotel (D1): Boutique calm with a rooftop onsen-style pool and afternoon tea—great value near sights.
• Sherwood Residence (D3 edge of D1): Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and a big pool—ideal for families.
• Hotel Nikko Saigon (D1/D10 border): Contemporary comfort, notably generous breakfast, and a shuttle to central sights.
• The Common Room Project (D5): Friendly design-led hostel with a social vibe.
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com (Ho Chi Minh City) or apartments on VRBO (Ho Chi Minh City).

Day 1: First Taste of Saigon — Boulevards, Book Street, and Night Bites by Motorbike

Afternoon (arrival): Check in and shake off the flight with a specialty brew at Shin Coffee (Ly Tu Trong) or Saigon Coffee Roastery. Stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street to the Saigon Opera House, then pop into the Central Post Office’s vaulted hall; admire Notre-Dame Cathedral’s facade (often under restoration) and the adjacent Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.

Evening: Jump straight into Saigon flavor with a guided food safari—zipping pillion through local neighborhoods and markets.

Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour By Motorbike or Walking takes you to vendor-favorite stalls for dishes like banh xeo (crispy turmeric crepes), banh khot (mini coconut rice pancakes), and grilled scallops with scallion oil—plus local drinks.

Prefer a sit-down dinner? Try Hoa Tuc (creative Vietnamese in a restored opium refinery), Cuc Gach Quan (home-style Northern dishes; book ahead), or Co Ba Vung Tau (famous for banh khot). For a nightcap with a view, Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar pairs live music with skyline vistas; Chill Skybar adds a clubby vibe and dress code.

Where to eat today

• Breakfast/coffee (if early arrival): L’Usine (all-day brunch, eggs benedict, pastries), Shin Coffee (Vietnamese beans roasted on-site).
• Lunch (light): Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (loaded, iconic banh mi—expect a queue), Pho Hoa Pasteur (classic southern pho since the 1960s).
• Dinner: Food tour above or Hoa Tuc / Cuc Gach Quan / Co Ba Vung Tau.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta — History Underground, Life on the Water

Set out on a comprehensive day trip that marries war history with river life. Hotel pickup is typically around 7:30–8:00 a.m.; you’ll reach Cu Chi in about 1.5 hours, then continue to the Mekong (Ben Tre/Tien Giang) for boats, canals, and a countryside lunch. Expect to be back in the city around early evening.

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine offers small-group comfort, air-conditioned transfers, and a well-paced route through the tunnels, village workshops, and quiet palm-lined creeks.

Alternative options if you’d like a shorter day: Cu Chi Tunnels Luxury Tour - Morning or Afternoon keeps it half-day; or reach Cu Chi faster on the VIP Speed Boat experience along the Saigon River.

Back in town (dinner & drinks): Treat yourself to Anan Saigon (modern Vietnamese tasting menu; book ahead) or Quan An Ngon (a curated lineup of regional street classics in a leafy courtyard). For riverside ambiance, The Deck Saigon in Thao Dien is perfect for sunset cocktails; beer lovers can sample flights at Pasteur Street Brewing Co. near Ben Thanh.

Day 3: City Highlights by Jeep, Museums, and Last-Minute Markets

Morning: Fuel up with a bowl at Pho Le (rich southern broth; District 5) or a croissant and coconut coffee at L’Usine. Then hop into a vintage open-top for a breezy ride through Saigon’s icons—ideal if you want to cover maximum ground before your afternoon departure.

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep typically includes photo stops at the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, the pink Tan Dinh Church or Jade Emperor Pagoda, Thich Quang Duc Monument, and a Chinatown pass-through—plus your guide’s lived-in stories.

Afternoon (pre-departure): If time allows, spend an hour inside the War Remnants Museum for sobering context, or detour to Ben Thanh Market for coffee beans, lacquerware, and dried fruit. Grab a final espresso at Cong Caphe (coconut coffee) or Shin, then head to the airport—allow 60–90 minutes for the ride and check-in buffer.

Where to eat today

• Breakfast/coffee: Pho Le (District 5), L’Usine Dong Khoi, or Bosgaurus (specialty roaster).
• Lunch (quick): Quan An Ngon (multiple regional dishes under one roof), The Lunch Lady (rotating noodle soups; go early), or Banh Xeo 46A (share a giant crispy crepe).

Insider tips

• Best times for walking: early morning and after 4 p.m. Midday is ideal for museums, cafes, and long lunches.
• Dress light, carry water, and pack a small umbrella. Many restaurants are delightfully air-conditioned—build in cool-down breaks.
• For rides, Grab is efficient and fairly priced. Always confirm license plates before hopping in.

Departure planning

• Check onward flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Domestic flights to Hanoi/Da Nang are frequent; if you’re continuing overland, plan routes with Trip.com Trains.

In three days you’ll have traced Saigon’s story from colonial salons and wartime tunnels to steamy markets and glittering rooftops—plus tasted your way through the city’s legendary street food. Keep this guide handy for your next visit: the energy here is addictive, and there’s always another bowl, bar, and backstreet to discover.