Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by almost everyone who lives there, is the kind of city that runs on energy. The motorbike traffic, the street food smoke, the rooftop bars, the war history, the French colonial architecture slowly being overtaken by glass towers — it all moves at a pace that makes Hanoi feel meditative by comparison. Three days is enough to feel the rhythm and hit the highlights, but not so long that the heat and noise wear you down.
Day 1: History and the City Center
Start at the War Remnants Museum in the morning, when the building is cooler and the crowds are thinner. It is a confronting, essential experience that every visitor should see. Allow two to three hours. From there, walk south through the tree-lined streets past Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both landmarks of French colonial Saigon. Lunch should be a plate of com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) from one of the small shops along the side streets — see our street food guide for tips on finding the best stalls.
In the afternoon, explore Ben Thanh Market for the atmosphere rather than the shopping. The prices inside are inflated for tourists, but the surrounding street food stalls are excellent, especially the banh mi vendors along the market’s outer walls. End the day with sunset drinks at one of Saigon’s rooftop bars, where the view across the city’s growing skyline is genuinely spectacular.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Chinatown
The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 60 kilometers northwest of the city center and take a full morning to visit properly. The underground network used by Vietnamese fighters during the war is a claustrophobic, fascinating glimpse into the conflict’s reality. Book through a reputable operator or VietnamVisaHelp.com for guided tours that include hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide who adds genuine historical context.
Return to the city for a late lunch and spend the afternoon wandering through Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown. The Binh Tay Market is the real commercial heart of the area, less touristy than Ben Thanh and far more interesting. Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the sea goddess, is one of the most beautiful temples in southern Vietnam and sits just a few blocks from the market. For getting around between these neighborhoods efficiently, ride-hailing apps work perfectly — our transport guide covers the details.
Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip
A day trip to the Mekong Delta is the perfect counterpoint to Saigon’s intensity. The closest floating markets are about two hours south of the city, and a full-day tour typically includes a boat ride through narrow canals, visits to fruit orchards and coconut candy workshops, and lunch at a riverside restaurant. The delta is flat, green, and peaceful in a way that makes the morning’s motorbike traffic feel like a distant memory.
Return to Saigon in the late afternoon and spend your final evening on Bui Vien Street, the backpacker strip, or at a quieter neighborhood restaurant for a farewell bowl of pho. For handling the finances of a Saigon trip, including what things cost and where to find fair ATM rates, our Vietnam money guide has practical advice. And before you leave home, make sure your e-visa is ready — you can check your visa status on the official portal. For help with visa applications, booking tours, or building a longer Vietnam itinerary that extends beyond Saigon, VietnamVisaHelp.com provides complete travel planning services.