Heading to Vietnam? This 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary covers the top sights, best street food, where to stay, how to get around, and plenty of tips to make the most of your trip!
In 2023 we spent 6 weeks exploring Vietnam, and our first stop was Ho Chi Minh City. Over 4.5 days, we explored iconic landmarks, ate endless street food from tiny plastic chairs, wandered the bustling streets, and learned about the city’s rich history. We weren’t sure what to expect at first, but we ended up loving every second!
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite stops, food finds, and tours to help you plan the perfect 1 day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. There’s a lot to fit into just 24 hours, but we’ve narrowed down our favorite sights and eats to help you squeeze the best of the city into just one day. Trust us, Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant, delicious, and absolutely worth a spot on your Vietnam adventure, even if you don’t have much time!
- 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Map
- 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
- Have More Time in Ho Chi Minh City?
- When to visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
- How to get around Ho Chi Minh City
- Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Final tips for visiting Ho Chi Minh City
- Looking for more things to do in Vietnam?
- Ready to explore Ho Chi Minh City?
- About the Author
1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Map
1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
Our 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is perfect for those with just a short amount of time in the city, but still want to experience the absolute best of what the city has to offer.
It’s a super fast paced itinerary, but will give you a great taste of the culture and will leave you wanting more. But, we tried not to overload the itinerary too much. After all, one of our top travel tips for Vietnam is to not cram in a ton into each day. Part of the beauty is just wandering around and seeing what you find!
And speaking of wandering around, you’ll be doing a lot of walking in this itinerary. So be sure to wear comfortable shoes! We have a full list of things to pack for a trip to Vietnam to read before you go.
Want to have these recommendations handy on the go? We created a custom Google Map above, which you can save to your own Google Maps to help plan your trip to Vietnam.
Enjoy coffee at Cheo Leo Cafe
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 1850s, and today the country is the world’s second-largest producer, right behind Brazil. That makes it only fitting to kick off your time in Ho Chi Minh City with a glass of Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Sweet, rich, and seriously strong, with only 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City, this coffee will give you the energy to be on the go all day long!
One of the best spots to try it is the legendary Cheo Leo Cafe, the city’s oldest coffee shop, dating back to the 1930s. Hidden down a little alley, it has a rustic, nostalgic feel and still uses a rare, old-school brewing method with a clay pot and cloth strainer. Watching the process feels like stepping back in time!
Fun fact: Vietnam mainly grows Robusta beans, which pack nearly twice the caffeine of the Arabica beans you’re probably used to. The condensed milk balances the bitterness, but don’t be fooled, this coffee is no joke!
Try a classic Vietnamese breakfast
After getting caffeinated, you’ll also need to fuel up on food before continuing on this 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary. There’s two great options for an authentic and delicious Vietnamese breakfast: bánh mì and pho.
Bánh Mì
Our first choice for breakfast is at Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa where you’ll try one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes: the bánh mì. While the word bánh mì literally means “bread” in Vietnamese, it refers to a sandwich that’s now an absolute icon of Vietnamese cuisine. It first became popular in Ho Chi Minh City in the late 1950s and has since spread worldwide.
The French colonization of Vietnam (along with Laos, Cambodia, and part of China) from the mid-1800s to the 1950s left a big culinary influence, most notably, the baguette. That crisp, airy bread became the foundation for the beloved bánh mì.
A classic bánh mì usually includes pork, pate, cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, and a touch of mayonnaise, all tucked into a crunchy baguette. Our first authentic bánh mì was from Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa, and trust us, it’s a must-try Vietnamese dish!
Pho
Another great option for breakfast is Phở Ông Cát Gia Truyền, which serves up arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish, pho. Its origins trace back to northern Vietnam during the French colonial era. After 1954, when French rule ended, many Northerners migrated south, bringing pho with them. Over time, the dish evolved, taking on new flavors and ingredients that reflected the tastes and produce of each region.
In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find pho served Southern style. This version features thinner noodles, a rich and slightly sweeter beef-based broth, and comes with a platter of fresh herbs and toppings like cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, lime, and slices of jalapeño. It’s flavorful, comforting, and yes, a common breakfast food here!
Walk through Tao Dan Park
After fueling up with something delicious, take a stroll through Tao Dan Park, which conveniently leads right to the back entrance of the Reunification Palace, your next stop! This peaceful city park is filled with colorful flowers, unique sculptures, and even a small Buddhist temple. If you’re lucky, you might catch locals playing đá cầu (foot badminton), Vietnam’s national sport, which is super fun to watch!
Visit the Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace, also called Independence Palace, was first built in 1871 but was rebuilt into its current form in 1962. Once the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government, it became world-famous in 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates, marking the fall of Saigon.
Today, visitors can explore the palace, wandering through its many levels and rooms for a small entrance fee (65,000 VND, or about $2.75 when we visited). Inside, you’ll find ornately decorated meeting halls, a slightly eerie basement filled with old technology, and interiors that feel frozen in the 1970s. Don’t miss heading up to the rooftop for a great view of the city!
Enjoy Vietnamese food for lunch
We think it’s important to try some of the best and most authentic Vietnamese food during your 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary, so be sure to try one of our recommendations for lunch!
One of our absolute favorite dishes in Vietnam was bún thịt nướng. This flavorful bowl combines grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, noodles, fresh herbs, veggies, peanuts, and a splash of fish sauce. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
We first tried it at a tiny street food spot, Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò – Nguyễn Trung Trực, and loved it so much that we went back several times! It felt like the most authentic street food experience, and every bite was incredible.
A+K tip: Order a lemon tea on the side, it pairs perfectly!
If you didn’t try pho earlier, another great option for lunch is Phở Hòa Pasteur. You can find pho all over the city, but this spot is so good!
Explore District 1
Spend most of your afternoon exploring more of District 1! We’ve listed five must-see buildings below, and while it may sound like a lot, they’re all within easy walking distance. For most of them, you’ll either admire the exterior or just pop in for a quick look.
Want a more guided experience? Consider joining this motorbike tour, it covers all the spots below (and then some!) with the added fun of zipping around the city like a local.
Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Another lasting French influence in Vietnam is its architecture, especially in District 1, where many buildings carry a distinctly European style. One of the most striking examples is the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880 using materials shipped directly from France.
When we visited, the exterior was under renovation, so we couldn’t fully admire it, but even so, it’s absolutely worth a quick stop to appreciate this historic landmark!
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
Right beside the Notre Dame Cathedral you’ll find Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, a charming spot dedicated to fostering a love of reading. An entire street devoted to books isn’t something you see every day, so as book lovers, we knew we had to check it out!
We had so much fun browsing the shops and spotting familiar titles translated into Vietnamese. There are also cozy cafés along the street, perfect for grabbing a drink and settling in with a good read.
Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Its French-inspired architecture makes it feel a bit like a grand European train station from the outside!
Inside, it’s still a functioning post office, which might not sound exciting, but sending a postcard or letter from here is a popular activity. You’ll find plenty of postcards for sale and tables to sit and write your notes.
Mailing is straightforward, and the staff are happy to help with postage. Our postcards took about a month to reach the U.S., but they did arrive in the end!
People’s Committee Building
The People’s Committee Building, constructed in the early 1900s, now serves as the city hall. We only admired it from the outside, but its architecture might have been our favorite. The ornate yellow and white facade paired with red rooftops is absolutely stunning.
You’ll find it at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which is calm during the day but comes alive at night. It’s fun to see the building in both settings and notice how the vibe of the street changes!
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
The Opera House is another stunning example of French-inspired architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s home to the city’s orchestra and ballet, and you can even catch a performance of a Vietnamese bamboo circus here!
Visit the Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is the city’s most famous and oldest surviving market, with roots going back to the early 17th century!
It’s a lively spot full of vendors selling everything from coffee, nuts, and trinkets to souvenirs, household items, meat, and fish. Inside, you’ll also find plenty of food stalls offering snacks and drinks.
Even if you’re not shopping, wandering through the market is a fun experience. The vendors aren’t overly pushy, though they’ll try to charm you by calling you “friend” to stop by their stalls.
Since it’s mainly a tourist market, prices are a bit higher and haggling is expected. We found it a little awkward at first, but here are some tips we picked up:
- Start by offering about 50% of the asking price; vendors usually meet you somewhere in the middle.
- Don’t carry all your cash in one place, it gives you the flexibility to play the “this is all I have” card or walk away if needed.
- Shop around for the item you want at different stalls to get a better sense of a fair price before committing.
See the city from the Saigon Skydeck
For sunset, make your way up to the Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower. This striking, modern skyscraper is the second tallest building in the city, and it’s just as impressive from the ground as it is from 49 floors up!
The view from above really shows just how sprawling and bustling Ho Chi Minh City is. After a full day of sightseeing, it was fun to spot all the places we’d visited from high above.
Tickets cost around 240,000 VND per person—steeper than most attractions in Vietnam, but absolutely worth it in our opinion! You can buy tickets in advance (use code APLUSK10 for 10% off) or grab them at the door.
Go on an evening street food tour
Spend the rest of the day on a private street food walking tour. Seriously, it’s one of the BEST ways to experience Vietnam!
A street food tour gets you to local spots you might not find on your own (all vetted by a local), lets you explore more of the city, and teaches you tons about Vietnamese cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City, and the culture.
While we didn’t do an official tour in Ho Chi Minh City, we did one in Hanoi, and it was a highlight of the trip!
A+K tip: don’t eat much beforehand, you’ll want plenty of room!
Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Wrap up your day with a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, right in the heart of the city. During the day, it’s calm and relaxed, but come nightfall, especially on weekends, it bursts with energy and excitement!
The street is filled with both locals and tourists enjoying the atmosphere. We happened to visit during the Ao Dai Festival, which celebrates Vietnam’s traditional dress, and it was such a fun and memorable experience!
Have More Time in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you happen to have more than one day in Ho Chi Minh City, before heading to other great cities in Vietnam, you’re in luck, there’s plenty more to explore! While our 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary hits the city’s highlights, we also have a full 3-day itinerary that dives deeper into the sights, food, and culture.
With extra time, you can visit more neighborhoods, try additional street food dishes, explore museums, or even take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Our 3-day itinerary lays out all of our favorite stops, hidden gems, and food spots so you can experience the city at a slower, more immersive pace. Whether you want to wander markets, stroll historic streets, or sip coffee in cozy cafés, the extended itinerary will help you make the most of your stay in Ho Chi Minh City!
When to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City can be visited year round, but each season brings different weather, which can impact your trip. Here’s a rundown of the three main seasons in Ho Chi Minh City and what to expect!
Dry Season (December to April)
Many consider this the best time to visit Vietnam because of the mostly pleasant weather. It’s the perfect weather for exploring the city and any other outdoor activities!
We visited Ho Chi Minh City in March and experienced some pretty warm (90ºF), but dry weather.
Tet Holiday
Keep in mind the Tet Holiday when visiting this time of year. Tet marks the first day of the Lunar New Year and is a huge week-long celebration across the country. While visiting during Tet can provide a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture, it can also be more challenging.
Many Vietnamese return to their hometowns during this time. Transportation and lodging tend to be in high demand, so you would need to plan further in advance. Also, many businesses shut down for days to celebrate, so you may struggle to find dining options and activities open.
For 2026, Tet will begin on February 17, 2026.
Hot Season (April to June)
It will likely be very hot during these months with temperatures often over 100º and very humid. Being outside will not be a very pleasant experience and you’ll want to have plenty of indoor spots to escape to.
Rainy Season (July to November)
As the name implies, you will likely experience lots of heavy rain during this season. Temperatures are still very hot and it will be humid and the rain can lead to flooding both in and outside the city.
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
Flying to Ho Chi Minh City
Flying to Ho Chi Minh City is very easy, as the city is home to the largest airport in the country, the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). It is located about 4 miles north of District 1, the main tourist area of Ho Chi Minh City.
Many major airlines fly to Ho Chi Minh City, both internationally and domestically. If arriving from outside of Vietnam, be warned that the immigration lines get VERY long here. And they move very slowly.
To leave the airport, we recommend taking a Grab, which is the main ride share service in Vietnam.
Train to Ho Chi Minh City
Another popular way to travel to and around Vietnam is by train. You can take a train to Ho Chi Minh City from many other destinations in Vietnam, such as Da Nang (18 hours), Hue (21+ hours), and Hanoi (34+ hours).
This is the longer way to travel, but we really enjoyed getting to see the scenery from the train. We took one overnight sleeper train and multiple shorter trains throughout our time in Vietnam.
Read all about taking an overnight train in Vietnam, including the cabin types, how to book, and our experience!
How to get around Ho Chi Minh City
Walk
We loved walking around Ho Chi Minh City! The districts are all super walkable. So if the weather is nice and the distance isn’t too long, we highly recommend walking! Not only will it give you some exercise, but it will enable you to see things you may have missed otherwise.
Grab
Grab is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the Southeast Asia version of Uber or Lyft. We took Grab cars and Grab bikes just about anytime we needed to go somewhere that was too far to walk.
Rent a motorbike
One of the best ways to experience Vietnam is on a motorbike! You can either motorbike around the different cities on a GrabBike, rent a bike to explore the country, or hire a driver (called an Easy Rider).
If choosing to drive your own motorbike, make sure to check motorbike laws for your country’s driver’s license. You will very likely need an IDP, which is an International Driver’s Permit.
However, not all country’s IDPs are valid in Vietnam. Only IDPs from countries under the 1968 Vienna Convention are legal. And unfortunately for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, your drivers licenses do not apply. The only way for these travelers to legally drive a motorbike without a license is to drive one 50ccs or less.
Also, whether you drive or are a passenger, helmets are required by law in Vietnam for anyone on a motorbike. So make sure to wear one!
Water taxi
One fun way that we got around Ho Chi Minh City was on a water bus! Since we were staying with our friends in District 2, we got on the water bus here and then got off here. It was a neat way to see the city!
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is made up of 24 districts, but the most common for visitors to stay in are Districts 1, 2, and 3. Here is a rundown of each district and some lodging suggestions!
Note: While Vietnam is overall more affordable to visit, we did find the lodging prices in Ho Chi Minh City to be higher than other destinations in the country. If you really want to save money during your visit, the cheapest option would be to stay in a hostel!
District 1
This would be our top pick of places to stay while in Ho Chi Minh City due to its convenience! District 1 is the main business district and is where you’ll find most of the tourist attractions, including almost all of the stops on this 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.
Hotels
Little Saigon Boutique Hotel
LOTTE Hotel Saigon
Auc Lac Charner Hotel
Intercontinental Saigon
Vacation Rentals
Rooftop Hidden Gem (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom)
Penthouse Suite with Rooftop Pool (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
Saigon Skyline Suite (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
Want to get FREE flights and hotel stays?
Check out our favorite travel cards, which have saved us thousands of dollars and enabled us to travel so much over the years!
District 2
Formerly one of the poorer neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City, District 2 has been completely revitalized over the past few years. It is now home to many expats and you’ll find lots of western food, trendy restaurants and bars, and international schools.
When we visited Ho Chi Minh City, we were visiting friends who lived in District 2, so this is where we stayed. And we really liked the vibe of it here! However staying here will require you to take a Grab quite a bit to get around.
Hotels
Vacation Rentals
Luxury Balcony (1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms)
ThaoDien apt near Landmark 81 (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
District 3
Right next to District 1 is District 3. This is where you’ll find the War Remnants Museum, so it’s still extremely walkable to many of the top attractions in District 1.
Hotels
ÊMM Hotel Saigon– We stayed here on our last night in Vietnam and it was great!
Sherwood Suites
Vacation Rentals
AustinHome (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom)
Saigon Center (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
Final tips for visiting Ho Chi Minh City
Before enjoying your 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City, we have a few final tips to help your time in both the city and Vietnam go a bit smoother. Some of these we had to learn the hard way (like the 5th one…yikes). To see more tips, check out our blog post, where we share 20+ things to know before you visit Vietnam!
Make sure you have a visa (if required)
As American citizens, we were required to get a visa. But depending on your nationality and length of visit, you may not need one.
While you can get a visa upon arrival, getting an e-visa in advance is much easier! To get an e-visa you will want to go to this website. Yes, it looks a tad outdated and sketchy, but this is the website run by the Vietnamese government. There are other websites that you can get your visa from, but they may charge more.
The e-visa costs $25 USD per person, which can be paid by credit card. You will need to provide your passport information, arrival and departure dates, and entry and exit points. You also have to provide a passport photo. We used this app to take photos at home.
After filling out the information, you will likely hear your results within 3 business days. We suggest planning for longer, just in case. Once approved, make sure to print it to bring with you!
Get an eSIM
Want to use your phone while in Vietnam? We highly recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo! This is a SIM that you can download to your phone. You can get an eSIM for a specific country or for an entire region, making it extra easy to use if you plan to hop between countries.
Note: this SIM only works for data, not calling. If you need to make a call, WhatsApp will be your best bet. More on that below!
Buy travel insurance
We never travel internationally without travel insurance. And SafetyWing is our go to!
SafetyWing is travel medical insurance that will cover you outside of your home country for however long you need it. We purchase their Nomad Insurance plan, which not only gives us travel medical insurance, but also provides coverage for lost baggage and travel delays!
Always have cash
While some places do take credit cards, we found that many restaurants, street food stalls, public restrooms, and even homestays will only take cash. For this guide, it’s a safe assumption that most food vendors will be cash only.
You can find ATMs all over town and we suggest going to a bank ATM for the best rates.
Carry toilet paper
Make sure to carry some toilet paper (or tissue) while out and about in Vietnam. Otherwise, you may get into a crappy situation…literally! We found bathroom conditions to vary a lot. And sometimes they either did not have toilet paper or you had to pay for it. While many toilets have bum guns (spray gun bidets), you will want something to dry off. Don’t ask how we know…
Use WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the go-to app for communicating while in Vietnam. Many lodging and tour companies use it to book things and communicate with you. Make sure to download it in advance and give any guides your number!
One perk of WhatsApp is that you can also make calls on the app. This is very helpful if you have a data-only eSIM!
Learn how to cross the street
Crosswalks really don’t mean much in Vietnam. Locals told us that the best way to cross the street is to just start walking. Look for a small window in traffic and walk at a consistent pace (don’t run or stop). The motorbikes will go around you. It feels unnatural, but it eventually gets easier.
Ready to explore Ho Chi Minh City?
Pin this 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary to help plan your trip!
About the Author
This article was written by Tori, one of our Adventures of A+K team members. Learn a bit about her below!
Hi, I’m Tori! I live in Nashville, TN with my husband and two daughters. We travel as much as possible throughout the year, around a 9-5 schedule and with babies in tow! My travel blog, Tori Pines Travels, aims to help people plan action-packed and culture-rich vacations around their busy jobs, fitting in as much exploring as possible. When I’m not working for Adam and Kathryn or entertaining my little ones, I’m writing, cooking, crafting or exploring Music City!