Start around 8:30 at Independence Palace, where you can wander through the reception rooms, underground command bunker and grounds of the former presidential residence. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is roughly 40,000–65,000 VND, and it’s worth arriving early before the midday heat. From there, take a short Grab ride or walk about 15 minutes to the War Remnants Museum. Give its exhibits at least 1½ hours, and take them at your own pace: some displays are confronting. It generally opens daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; admission is around 40,000 VND.
Head to Hum Vegetarian in District 3 for a relaxed Vietnamese lunch—expect about 150,000–300,000 VND per person. It’s a good pause after the museum; reserve ahead if you have your heart set on a particular time. After lunch, take a Grab back to District 1 for the Saigon Central Post Office. The ornate interior is free to visit, and 45 minutes is plenty to admire the architecture and browse the small stalls. Hours can vary, especially on weekends, so check locally before setting out.
As the day cools, stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where locals gather for people-watching, street performances and views toward the river. Give yourself about an hour, then walk or take a short Grab to Bếp Mẹ Ỉn for home-style Vietnamese dishes; budget around 150,000–300,000 VND per person and consider booking for an early-evening table. The central streets are easy to cover on foot, but use a ride-hailing app for longer hops and be especially careful crossing traffic.
Keep the morning open for the separately arranged travel from Ho Chi Minh City; allow roughly 1.5–2 hours each way by car, depending on traffic. Aim to reach Cu Chi Tunnels – Ben Duoc site in the morning, when it’s cooler and you have time to explore without rushing. Allow around 2½–3 hours for the tunnels, exhibits and grounds. The passages can be hot and cramped, and going underground is optional. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and check current admission and opening details before you set out; budget roughly 90,000–250,000 VND for entry, depending on the ticket and any optional activities.
After the tunnels, take a short drive to Ben Duoc Memorial Temple. It’s a calm, respectful visit, so dress modestly and keep voices low; allow 30–45 minutes. You can then stop at a local Vietnamese restaurant in Cu Chi for lunch. Expect around 80,000–200,000 VND per person for a straightforward meal, and keep some cash handy.
Leave a little breathing room to enjoy the Cu Chi countryside before starting back—there’s no need to pack in another attraction after the tunnel visit. Arrange your return pickup in advance, and allow another 1½–2 hours to reach central Ho Chi Minh City, with extra time possible in traffic. The site is outside the city, so confirm your driver’s waiting arrangements before you begin exploring.
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