3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: The Ultimate 72 Hour Saigon Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City, still lovingly called Saigon by locals and visitors alike, is Vietnam’s vibrant economic heart where French colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers, and street food vendors operate alongside upscale restaurants. This comprehensive Ho Chi Minh City itinerary covers the best things to do in 3 days, from must-visit attractions in District 1 to unforgettable food tours and day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. If you’re planning a weekend in Saigon or have 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City to explore, this travel guide will help you experience the city’s rich history, incredible cuisine, and bustling energy.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights and Food Discovery

Morning: Smooth Arrival and Coffee Culture

Your Ho Chi Minh City adventure begins the moment you land at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Skip the potentially lengthy immigration queues by purchasing a fast pass, which can save you 1-2 hours of waiting time – trust me, those extra hours are better spent exploring Saigon’s attractions. On one of our visits, we waiting 1 hour in the immigration queue without the fast pas (and this was in slow season).

You can also easily pick up a Vietnamese SIM card here. There are numerous vendors just opposite the immigration desks before you go through immigration. If you need a SIM card, this is a great place to get one and get it working straight after you land in Vietnam.

Head straight to the iconic Cafe Apartments in District 1 for your first taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s unique coffee culture. This fascinating building houses dozens of small cafes, each with its own character and specialty.

Navigate to Po Cafe for what might be the most Instagram-worthy coffee experience of your trip: their famous crème brûlée egg coffee. The rich, creamy texture combined with the caramelized sugar top creates a dessert-coffee hybrid that perfectly introduces you to Vietnam’s innovative coffee scene.

Afternoon: Top Ho Chi Minh City Attractions

After your caffeine fix, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s colonial heart. Start at the Central Post Office, an architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes – the same Eiffel from Paris!), where you can send a postcard home – a charming tradition that connects you to the building’s original purpose.

Wander down Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, a pedestrian paradise lined with bookstores, cafes, and literary-themed installations. Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, the atmosphere is captivating, and you’ll find plenty of English books and beautiful Vietnamese art books.

Continue your architectural tour with visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (currently under renovation but still impressive from the outside), the elegant Opera House, and the Ho Chi Minh Statue in the city center. Don’t miss the Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church) a little further away, whose cotton-candy exterior makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Night: Culinary Deep Dive

End your first day with an authentic food adventure on the XO Foodie Tour (5:30-10:00 PM). As the original motorbike food tour in the city, XO takes you beyond typical tourist restaurants to family-run establishments and hidden gems where locals actually eat. You’ll sample local delicacies to exotic fruits and Vietnamese barbecue, all while learning about the cultural significance of each dish.

Check out the XO Foodie Tour website and book here.

Day 2: Beyond the City Limits

Morning: Coffee and River Life

Start your second day with a traditional Vietnamese salted coffee – the salt enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and creates a unique flavor profile that’s become synonymous with Vietnamese coffee culture. Tonkin Specialty Coffee is a great choice to get this local coffee twist and worth going out of your way for.

Today’s adventure takes you beyond Ho Chi Minh City’s urban boundaries to the Mekong Delta. Join a tour to experience the famous floating markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to hot meals directly from their boats. The organized chaos and vibrant colors create an unforgettable sensory experience.

While it can be touristy, some organized tours such as this one offer less-touristy experiences a bit more off the beaten track for a more authentic feel.

Afternoon: War History Underground

Combine your Mekong Delta tour with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. This fascinating and sobering experience offers insight into the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong guerrilla fighters. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl through sections of the tunnels and learn about the various traps and survival techniques used during the conflict.

Night: Elevated Views and Street Food

Return to the city for dinner at Bep Me In, famous for their Michelin Guide recommended Banh Xeo – crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with beef or shrimp and pork, and bean sprouts. The interactive nature of eating banh xeo, where you wrap pieces in lettuce and herbs, makes it a fun and delicious experience.

Alternatively head over to Ben Nghe Street Food for dinner. They cater to many tastes and have a variety of different food vendors and cuisines – Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, plus Greek, Indian, Mexican and others. You’ll find something for everyone at this street food stall type market.

As the sun sets, head to either the Saigon Skydeck for panoramic city views or one of the many rooftop bars scattered throughout District 1. Later, explore Bui Vien Walking Street for a taste of Saigon’s nightlife, or if you prefer something more sophisticated, enjoy craft cocktails at Stir, one of the city’s premier cocktail bars.

Tourists will often visit the Bui Vien Walking Street, but locals mostly head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars to enjoy sunset or an elevated drink overlooking the city.

Day 3: History, Shopping, and Farewell

Morning: Confronting the Past

Dedicate your final morning to understanding Vietnam’s complex history. Start at Independence Palace (also known as Reunification Palace), the former residence of South Vietnam’s president. The building remains exactly as it was when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates in 1975, ending the Vietnam War.

Follow this with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides a comprehensive and sometimes difficult look at the war from the Vietnamese perspective. While emotionally challenging, it’s essential for understanding modern Vietnam and the resilience of its people.

Afternoon: Shopping and Street Food

Spend your afternoon at Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous market, where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and bags. The vendors are skilled negotiators, so brush up on your bargaining skills. For a less intense shopping experience, visit Saigon Square Market, which offers similar goods with less aggressive sales tactics.

Around 4 PM, when Banh Mi 37 opens, grab what many consider the best banh mi in the city. The perfect crusty bread filled with pate, cold cuts, and fresh vegetables makes for an ideal afternoon snack.

Night: River Views and Michelin Stars

End your 72-hour adventure with a sunset cruise on the Saigon River. Watching the city lights reflect on the water while enjoying the cooler evening air provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on your whirlwind tour.

For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to Pho Vietnam, another Michelin-recommended restaurant that serves some of the finest pho in the city. Their attention to detail in both broth preparation and ingredient quality represents Vietnamese cuisine at its finest. We highly recommend the Special Pho (pictured below) where you add everything to the hot pot yourself. It’s the perfect farewell to this captivating city, rich with history and culture.

Optional Ho Chi Minh Experiences (If Time Permits)

If you find yourself with extra time or want to customize your itinerary, consider these additional experiences:

• Cooking Class: Learn to make Vietnamese classics like pho, spring rolls, and banh mi
• Coffee Making Class: Dive deeper into Vietnam’s coffee culture and learn traditional brewing methods
• Landmark 81: Visit Vietnam’s tallest building for stunning city views
• A O Show at the Opera House: Experience Vietnam’s answer to Cirque du Soleil, combining traditional culture with modern artistry

Is 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Enough?

Three days in Ho Chi Minh City provides an excellent introduction to Vietnam’s most dynamic city, allowing you to experience its essential highlights without feeling rushed. This timeframe is perfect for first-time visitors who want to sample the best of Saigon’s culture, history, and cuisine while still having time for day trips to iconic destinations like Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

What You Can Accomplish in 72 Hours:

• Explore all major Ho Chi Minh City attractions in District 1
• Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine through street food and fine dining
• Take meaningful day trips to historical and cultural sites
• Understand Vietnam’s complex history through museums and landmarks
• Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and cafe culture

Consider Staying Longer If:

• You want to explore beyond the tourist areas and discover local neighborhoods
• You’re interested in multiple cooking or cultural classes
• You’d like to take your time photographing and truly absorbing each experience
• You want to add day trips to places like Vung Tau beach or Can Tho
• You prefer a more relaxed pace without early morning starts

Perfect for 3 Days If:

• This is part of a longer Vietnam itinerary
• You enjoy a well-structured, activity-packed schedule
• You want to hit the main highlights efficiently
• You’re comfortable with a faster-paced travel style

Most travelers find that 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City strikes the perfect balance between comprehensive exploration and efficient use of time, especially when combined with visits to other Vietnamese destinations like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ha Long Bay. The city’s compact District 1 layout and excellent tour infrastructure make it ideal for a concentrated visit that still feels fulfilling rather than superficial.

More Tips for Your Saigon Adventure

Transportation: Use Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) for convenient and safe transportation around the city. Motorbike taxis are faster but require more courage.

Money: Carry cash in Vietnamese dong for street food and small vendors, but major establishments accept credit cards.

Weather: Ho Chi Minh City is tropical year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and always carry an umbrella.

Safety: Like any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and tourist areas. The city is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but always keep your wits about you.

Language: Download a translation app (Google Translate) or carry a phrasebook. Many younger Vietnamese speak English, but learning basic phrases like “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) goes a long way.