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How Many Days In Ho Chi Minh City?

Planning A Perfect Itinerary For Your Trip In Sai Gon

How Many Days In Ho Chi Minh City? Being renowned as the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city offers diverse activities for tourists. Beside all the modern skyscrapers, the city also preserves many historical landmarks for visitors such as War Remnant Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and so on. In addition, Ho Chi Minh city is center of economic in South Vietnam, many young people choose to live at this vibrant city for better career opportunities. Moreover, there is a large expat community in Ho Chi Minh city which have created a diverse culture in South region. Therefore, the city is like a melting pot of Vietnam.

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With rich history and authentic culture, many people often ask a question “ how many days in Ho Chi Minh city do you really need for a vacation? “. In this article, we will share the insights of duration and travel tips when you enter to our largest city of Vietnam. Together, let’s explore the liveliest city of our S-shaped country.

 1. How many days you need to explore Ho Chi Minh city?

Each vacation has its own duration based on your holiday schedule. We believe you will find exciting activities at Ho Chi Minh city to experience the culture, history and custom.

For first time travelers whom enter to Vietnam, you are being asked “how many days you need to spend in each city”. Well! The answer is depending on tourists’ activities in each city that provide for visitors. In Ho Chi Minh city, most of tourist attractions are located in the center, you can easy to transfer around to explore this vibrant city.

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If you only have 1 day, you can explore all the historical sites and do shopping which are located in the city. If your duration is more than 2 days, our recommendations are discovering the urban districts of Ho Chi Minh city besides city center landmarks.

To sum up, tourists often spend 2 – 3 days in Ho Chi Minh city to experience most of tourist activities in center and urban areas. With a modern infrastructure in transportations, you can be easily to transfer at any destinations in South Vietnam.

 2. The best tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh city

There are many tourist attractions which are located in inside and outside of Ho Chi Minh city. Depending on your vacation duration, you can select suitable places for your discovery. In this article, we are recommending top tourists that should be on your bucket list.

 2.1. Ben Thanh market

If you are a shopping lover and wanna experience the culture authentically, Ben Thanh market is a top attraction to your discovery. The market sell diverse products such as clothes, hand-made crafts, jewelry, fruits, vegetables, silks, local cuisines, ..etc…Our strongly recommendation is trying the regional cuisines at the market, it will be definitely a memorable experience. Ben Thanh market is not only being famous as a shopping center but also rich history. Since 1914, the market has served many locals and tourists. Going through many renovation periods, the market still maintains the French architectures. The opening time daily is from 6:00am to 7:00pm. In addition, each stall has their own working hours so you might check time carefully when you enter the market. After 7:00pm, in outside of the market will become vibrant night merchandise for tourists and locals. Ben Thanh market is one of a symbol of Ho Chi Minh city which you feel interesting to soak to learn the history and culture.

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2.2. Independence Palace

Independence Palace is a must-visit place for history lovers. Being located in the district 1, it is easy for tourists to find this attraction on digital map or paper map. A journey soaking to the history of South region is fascinating. Especially, Independence Palace was serving as a resident place and office for the South president Nguyen Van Thieu. It was designated as a historical monument for having witnessed significant changes in the history and keeping the essence of Eastern culture.

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Independence Palace represents for victory, peace and territorial integrity in Vietnam. The building consists many rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and an enormous exterior space. This is a perfect place for visitors to explore Southern history and enjoy fresh cool air. This remarkable attraction is unmissable to discover in Ho Chi Minh city.

2.3. War Remnant Museum

Museum exhibitions are popular in Ho Chi Minh city, our top recommended place is exploring the War Remnant Museum. This place is being renowned as a fascinating museum in Vietnam with tough historical events especially the wars. The museum firstly opened to the public in 1975 and it is a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam war. Graphic photographs and American military equipment are on display. Museum has outdoor exhibitions and a main 3-storey exhibition building with a total floor area of 4,522 square meters. The museum currently holds 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films. Due to the convenient in term of location, tourists can talk a walk to this attraction in district 1. Memorable experiences will be created by visiting this attraction.

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2.4. Cu Chi Tunnels

Another war relic which you should not miss out is Cu Chi Tunnels. It is situated in an urban district which is 70 kilometers away from the city center. You can take a public bus or private car service to visit this attraction. The majority of visitors spend haft day to soak to historical knowledge of the interesting tunnels. There are many sightseeing places at this attraction such as war troops, documentary museums, tunnels, military kitchens, and so on. Especially, you will have an opportunity to shoot real AK guns and experience Vietnamese soldier meals. With the length over 120 km of the tunnels, you will be impressed how hard works Vietnamese people did in the past to build an amazing war accommodation for locals during the horrific battles. Crawling around the tunnels will be a different experience for you to know how our locals lived in the past. A half day conquer Cu Chi Tunnel will be a new adventure for your discovery in Ho Chi Minh city.

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2.5. Pink Church – Tan Dinh church

A trip to Ho Chi Minh city will not be interesting if you miss visiting a religious temple. Pink Church is considered a top place to visit in Ho Chi Minh city. An eye-catching attraction has become viral on social networks because of the attractive designs. This is also a hot spot for tourists to check-in and learn about religion in South region. The church was built during the French colonial period in the 1870s and completed on December 16^th 1876, when Vietnam was a part of French Indochina. Basically, the architectures are focusing on neo- Romanesque but it also has neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance elements. We believe a trip to discover Catholic history and customs are worth it.

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2.6. French Post Office

An iconic place of Ho Chi Minh city as French Post Office should be on your bucket list of discovery. Being located in the district 1, you can easily to find this attraction. During the colonization under French government, the building was in construction in late 19^th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. The periods to build this attraction are between 1886 and 1891.  Beside learning about the history and architectures of this attraction, you will also have a chance to get all the souvenirs such as paintings and variety of beautiful artefacts. Usually, you can spend 30 minutes to explore French Post Office. It is also a time to visit other nearby tourist spots such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace.

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2.7. Notre Dame Cathedral

Being one of an iconic attraction in Ho Chi Minh city, Notre Dame Cathedral stands out as a unique place to visit in Ho Chi Minh city. Established by French colonists who initially named it the Church of Saigon, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. Especially, the church is honored to be as one of the 19 world majestic cathedrals, the only representative from Southeast Asia. Ever year, this place flock many tourists whom seek ancient grandeur, holiness, and enchanting photography spots. The location of Notre Dame Cathedral is easy to find as it situated in the city center of district 1. The opening hour of the church is from 8:30am to 11:00am and 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Especially, if you tend to join the mass, you can come at 5:30am or 5:30pm in weekly days. The mass also conducts in English on Sunday at 9:30am. Do not forget to note in your travel bucket list about Notre Dame Cathedral attraction.

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2.8. Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Locating in Can Gio district which is an outskirt area in Ho Chi Minh city, Can Gio Mangrove Forest is renowned with diverse of faunas and floras especially mangrove trees. Locals often call this place as a Monkey island. With an area of 80,000 hectares, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve includes mangrove forest, wetland area, monkey island and beach. Can Gio Island is the home of more than 2000 monkeys, which makes this reserve one of the largest monkey islands in Vietnam. A getaway trip to avoid the bustling of Ho Chi Minh city is worth it. Over an hour to discover many places at Can Gio will not make you feel disappointed.

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2.9. Financial Bitexco Tower

Financial Bitexco Tower is a famous skyscraper attraction in Ho Chi Minh city. The tower consists 68 floors, each floor serves different business purposes. It is well-known as the 4^th highest building in Vietnam nowadays. The design of financial Bitexco tower is inspired by the image of a lotus bud reaching up to the sky, representing the nation’s aspiration to rise, representing a dynamic Vietnam. Coming to the tower, you can do shopping, enjoy the cocktail at the bar, enjoy the cinema, watching the view of Ho Chi Minh city from skydeck, taste a cup of coffee, and so on. Especially, the recommended activity is observatory on the 49^th floor to see panoramic view of the whole city.

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 2.10. Bui Vien Walking Street

The most vibrant place in Ho Chi Minh city is Bui Vien Street. With various of bars, clubs, restaurants, spa services,…etc..; tourists can feel the lively atmosphere whenever you enter to this street. Musical shows are performed and local cuisines are being sell. Nightlife activities at this attraction have attracted a large number of international and domestic tourists. After a long day sightseeing in the city, you can come to Bui Vien street to enjoy a drink and chat with friends. Many people said Ho Chi Minh city is never sleep because of the nightlife. Locals and tourists even can hang out until the early morning. Being the meeting point of several cultures, Bui Vien Street draws both residents and visitors from abroad.

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2.11. Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is a must-visit attraction in Ho Chi Minh city, you will take a full day to discover this place. The distance from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta is about 200 kilometers, which may take you one to three hours to get there. The travel time from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta depends on what means of transportation you choose. The tranquil boat trip to visit all the villages is exciting and memorable. In addition, joining outdoor services, participate farming activities, taste regional fruits or visiting floating markets are highly recommended experiences. Mekong Delta promises bringing a pleasant travel to your discovery in Southern Vietnam.

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3. Travel itineraries in Ho Chi Minh city

Depending on the duration which you will spend in Ho Chi Minh city, the following information are our recommendations in term of itinerary. You can select a suitable program for your discovery.

 3.1. How to spend 1 day in Ho Chi Minh city?

If you only have one day to stay in Ho Chi Minh city, we advise you visit the must-see attractions. It will take a full-day to visit all the places we will mention below:

• Morning: Our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer for sightseeing. The attractions which we will visit in the morning are War Remnant Museum and China Town. We believe a trip soaking to the history of Vietnam’s wars will be fascinating. Future more, we will have a chance to learn how China influenced our S-shaped country in the past. Lunch with local cuisines will be covered around noon.
• Afternoon: There are 3 attractions for afternoon sightseeing. They are Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and French Post Office. We will take around 3 – 4 hours to learn historical facts and cultural features of these places. Later, the tour ends and we say goodbye to you.

 3.2. How to spend 2 days in Ho Chi Minh city?

With 2 days duration in Ho Chi Minh city, below is our recommendation for the best itinerary.

Day 1:

• Morning: We will visit all historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city such as War Remnant Museum, Independent Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral. It will be an interesting time to learn historical features of Sai Gon through these attractions.
• Afternoon: We move on to Saigon’s Chinatown (Cho Lon market) in District 5, a place of important historical and cultural value with origins dating back to 1778. It is not only possessing ancient architecture and vibrant street corners, the market is also home to many delicious, diverse and abundant dishes.

Day 2:

• Morning: A historical relic which is Cu Chi Tunnels is an attraction for your exploration. This place preserves fascinating battle stories of Vietnamese people. Coming to this place, you will have an opportunity to crawl under the tunnels which has length over 220km. Cu Chi Tunnels has drawn attention to worldwide travelers.
• Afternoon: We continue to visit tranquil Mekong delta. A trip to discover all local villages and participate many outdoor activities. A boat trip through all creeks of village creates memorable moments for tourists. Coming here, you also will have a chance to visit floating market and try regional fruits. In addition, you also will join a cooking lesson at Tan Phong island. Finally, the tour ends and we will drop you back at the hotel.

 3.3. How to spend 3 days in Ho Chi Minh city?

 You will have more time to discover unique attractions if your duration to stay in Ho Chi Minh city up to 3 days. The following itinerary is our recommendation so kindly take note:

• Day 1: Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Nguyen Hue Street, and Bui Vien Walking Street are some of the places you should see when you first arrive in the central districts.
• Day 2: In the morning, visiting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden or coming to the countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In the afternoon, you can go to Cu Chi Tunnels or get started on a trip to Thanh An Island in Can Gio. You can join Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour From Ho Chi Minh – Deluxe Group Tour to know more about Vietnam’s history.
•  Day 3: Discovering Mekong Delta Day Trip From Ho Chi Minh is an enchanting journey that takes you into the vibrant river region in Vietnam. This region is well known for its beautiful natural landscape, tropical orchard gardens, lush wet rice fields, sensuous channels, and generous locals.

4. When is the best time visit Ho Chi Minh city?

Dry season is considered as the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh city. Usually, it lasts from December to April. The weather is usually more comfortable during this time of year, with lower humidity and less precipitation. Many outdoor activities for tourists to explore this vibrant city without the weather barriers. In addition, some holidays and festivals can be taken during this period such as Lunar New Year, Christmas, Reunification Day, etc… If your travel schedule is matched with dry season, we believe you will have unforgettable experiences.

5. How to travel to Ho Chi Minh city?

Being as the largest and the most modern city in Vietnam, there are some ways to travel to Ho Chi Minh city. The following information are our transfer advices for your vacation.

• Travel by plane: Ho Chi Minh city has an international airport which is named as Tan Son Nhat. It serves hundred of domestic and international flights daily. If you tend to travel in a fastest way, plane is our top recommendation. It might be pricy compare with other transportations but it is worth it.
• Travel by train: A reliable transportation to visit Ho Chi Minh city is by train. Vietnam railway operate train route from North to South of the country. You can easily to book via online or come to the train station for purchase the ticket.
• Travel by bus: Bus is considered as the cheapest option for travelers. Many bus companies operate transfer daily to Ho Chi Minh city. Depending on the distance or location, you can choose the sleeping bus or bus seats.

6. Local dishes should try in Ho Chi Minh city

Diverse cuisines are being served in Ho Chi Minh city, you can have multiple choices for your favorite dining. You can taste good foods from street vendors to luxurious restaurants based on your travel budgets. As a melting port city in Vietnam, locals have brought their culinary culture to this city. In this article, we recommend you the best cuisines must-try below:

• Broken rice (Cơm Tấm): It is a signature dish of Ho Chi Minh City. This classic Vietnamese dish consists of broken rice, grilled pork, fried eggs, pickled veggies, and a tangy fish sauce.

• Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò): It is made with thin rice noodles, beef, herbs, and a variety of spices. Its broth is usually made with beef stock and fish sauce, giving it an umami flavor and aroma typical of Vietnamese cuisine. The texture of the noodles varies depending on how they are cooked; some may be soft while others may be more al dente.

• Saigon sandwich (Bánh Mì): Banh mi is a famous street food in Ho Chi Minh City that is loved by both locals and tourists alike due to its unique blend of flavors. This iconic sandwich consists of a crispy French baguette filled with various meats, vegetables, and sauces.

• Pho Sai Gon: This Vietnamese noodle soup is a delicate balance of flavors that has been perfected over centuries. It consists of a flavorful broth made with beef or chicken, thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and toppings such as bean sprouts, basil leaves, cilantro, lime, and chili pepper.

• Clear Rice Noodle Soup (Hủ Tiếu): This comforting noodle soup dish is very popular in Ho Chi Minh City’s street markets. The sellers often offer a variety of toppings, such as fresh herbs and chopped spring onions, to customers who want to customize their hu tieu to their own taste. This dish also makes a great warm meal during the cooler months of the year.

• Fresh Spring Roll (Gỏi cuốn) : This traditional treat is made of soft rice paper filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and vegetables. The combination of all these ingredients creates an explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth, making it one of the most memorable dishes you will try during your trip.

• Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup (Bún riêu cua): This savory noodle soup dish is made of crab paste and pork stock, topped with thin rice noodles and ingredients like tomatoes, tofu, and herbs. The result is an incredibly flavorful and comforting soup that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

• Grilled pork and rice vermicelli (Bún thịt nướng): Grilled pork and rice vermicelli (bun thit nuong) is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. The pork is marinated in a savory mixture of garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and other spices before being grilled to perfection.

 7. Conclusion

In the article, we have mentioned many things for you to conquer our largest city of Vietnam. Base on your travel duration, you can choose suitable activities. Two days should be more than adequate for you to not only swing by but also admire the destinations in Ho Chi Minh city. However, it is a different story if you have your eyes on destinations in suburban districts of Ho Chi Minh City. In this case, three or four days will give you enough room to comfortably travel between the attractions. Explore Travel company hopes this blog is a reference which can help you be well-prepared for upcoming holiday. Do not hesitate to contact us for designing a perfect itinerary in Southern Vietnam.