What to See

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the liveliest cities in Vietnam, brimming with numerous captivating attractions that you should experience at least once.

War Remnants Museum

  • Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Road, Vo Thi Sau, District 3

  • Open hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

  • Ticket price: $1.62/adult

War Remnants Museum in saigon

War Remnants Museum is a place that tells the story of the war in Vietnam

If you want to learn more about the wars in Vietnam, this is the ideal place. The museum showcases numerous photographs and artifacts depicting the consequences of the war in Vietnam. The first floor features a 1:1 scale model of a prison cell, while the upper floors exhibit various themes such as war crimes and the aftermath of Agent Orange.

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon

  • Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris Road, Ben Nghe, District 1

  • Open hours: 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM

  • Entrance fee: Free

This is an iconic architectural landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral was constructed in 1877 by French architect J. Bourad to serve the French population at that time. 

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon

An outstanding architectural structure of Saigon

The building showcases a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with an alluring pastel pink color. Situated in the city center, it is a must-visit destination for tourists. 

Independence Palace 

  • Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Road, Ben Thanh, District 1

  • Open hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

  • Ticket price: $1.62/adult, $0.41/child

Independence Palace in saigon

Independence Palace - How many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

Independence Palace is the most significant historical site in the entire city. It marks the milestone of Vietnam's reunification between the northern and southern regions. The palace was originally constructed during the French colonial era to serve as the working place of the former government.

Landmark 81

  • Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu Road, Binh Thanh District

  • Open hours: 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM

  • SkyView Ticket at Landmark 81: $32.83/adult, $16.42/child

This is considered a modern iconic structure symbolizing the development of Ho Chi Minh City. The building boasts 81 floors, reaching a height of 461 meters, making it the tallest building in Southeast Asia. As a result, you can see it from anywhere in the city. 

Landmark 81 in saigon

Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Southeast Asia

Landmark 81 features a central shopping area, a cinema, upscale restaurants, and an entertainment zone. When you visit, you can go up to the 79th floor to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Ben Thanh Market

  • Address: Le Loi Road, Ben Thanh, District 1

  • Open hours: 6 AM - 10 PM

  • Entrance fee: Free

Ben Thanh Market in saigon

Ben Thanh Market - How many days in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ben Thanh Market is a historic marketplace that has witnessed the ups and downs of the city. It is an ideal destination for indulging in a plethora of Saigon's culinary delights and purchasing souvenirs for your family and friends. If you visit Saigon without stepping foot into Ben Thanh Market, it's as if you haven't truly experienced the essence of the city.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

  • Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Road, Ben Nghe, District 1

  • Open hours: 7 AM - 6:30 PM 

  • Entrance fee: $2.43/adult, $1.62/child

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

The flamingos at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden was established in 1869 and is known as the 8th oldest zoo in the world. It is a remarkable conservation area, housing over 120 animal species and more than 250 plant species. In addition to admiring the diverse flora and fauna, you can also engage in various recreational activities with your family and friends at the zoo.

Bui Vien Walking Street 

  • Address: Bui Vien Street, District 1

  • Open hours: 7 AM - 2 PM (weekends)

  • Entrance fee: Free

Bui Vien Walking Street

The most lively spot at night in Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Western Street, is a bustling entertainment area that attracts many European and American tourists. It is filled with numerous lively outdoor restaurants, bars, and street performances that come alive as the night falls. If you have no plans for the evening in Saigon, you should visit this area and enjoy a cold beer.

Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Address: Phu Hiep, Phu My Hung, Cu Chi District

  • Open hours: 7 AM - 5 PM

  • Entrance fee: $2.84/person (foreign visitors)

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a historical site and one of the most fascinating attractions in Saigon. It served as a hiding place for soldiers during the war and was entirely built underground. 

Cu Chi Tunnels

Tourists are thrilled to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

You will have the opportunity to experience exploring the underground maze like a real Viet Cong soldier. Additionally, you can also receive guidance on shooting real ammunition at this location.

How Many Days Are Enough To Spend Here?

The duration of your visit to Ho Chi Minh City depends on your budget, preferences, and needs. Whether you want to explore the city in 1, 2 days, or 1 week, you can still have a great experience with a well-planned itinerary. Below are our suggestions. 

Explore The City In A Day

Ho Chi Minh City 1-Day Itinerary

Morning: Explore the city's history

  • Enjoy sidewalk coffee while admiring Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon.

  • Visit Independence Palace.

  • Stop by the War Remnants Museum.

  • Have lunch.

Afternoon: Entertainment

  • Visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

  • Admire the sunset at SkyView Landmark 81.

  • Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Evening: Nighttime cityscape

  • Have dinner.

  • Option 1: Take a cruise on the Saigon River.

  • Option 2: Take a City Bus tour around Saigon.

  • End the journey.

3 Days Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City 3D2N Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the city's history

  • Admire Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon.

  • Visit Saigon Central Post Office.

  • Explore the War Remnants Museum.

  • Watch A O Show at Saigon Opera House.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Explore the underground world

  • Learn about the historical exhibits.

  • Experience shooting firearms.

  • Have fun at Bui Vien Walking Street.

Day 3: Landmark 81 - Ben Thanh Market

  • Visit Landmark 81.

  • Shop at Ben Thanh Market.

  • End the journey.

1-Week Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City 1-Week Itinerary

HO CHI MINH CITY - PHAN THIET - MEKONG DELTA - CU CHI

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

  • Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

  • Visit Independence Palace.

  • Visit Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon.

  • Visit Saigon Central Post Office.

  • Explore the War Remnants Museum.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet

  • Take a bus to Phan Thiet.

  • Stop for photos at Ong Dia Rock and Ham Tien Coconut Grove.

  • Depart for Hon Rom.

  • Enjoy beach activities and savor seafood.

  • Visit Pink Stream in Mui Ne

Day 3: Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City

  • Explore the city freely in the morning.

  • Go shopping at Phan Thiet Market.

  • Visit the Ta Cu Mountain tourist area.

  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho

  • Take a bus to the My Tho tourist boat station.

  • Visit Con Lan.

  • Take a boat tour to explore the fruit orchards and enjoy tropical fruits.

  • Arrive in Ben Tre to visit a coconut candy workshop.

  • Listen to Southern folk songs.

  • Return to the My Tho boat station.

  • Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda.

  • Take a bus to Can Tho.

 

 

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

Day 5: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Chau Doc

  • Take a boat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market.

  • Visit a banh trang and hu tieu noodle-making facility.

  • Depart for Con Son.

  • Making cakes, popping rice, and watching the snakehead fish dance performance.

  • Take a bus to Chau Doc.

Day 6: Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit Cham Village in Chau Doc.

  • Admire the natural beauty of Tra Su Forest.

  • Explore Hang Pagoda.

  • Shop at Chau Doc Market.

  • Take a bus to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Visit the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels.

  • Discover the underground world and experience shooting.

  • Return to the city center.

  • Shop at Ben Thanh Market.

  • End the journey.

 

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about travel guide in Vietnam!

You already have an answer to the question of how many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. This beautiful city always has many attractive things waiting for you to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Contact New Asia Tours now to get the best itinerary advice.