Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Ben Thanh Market
   10 minutes (1.5 miles) from War Remnants Museum

   Get lost in the maze of vendors selling everything from souvenirs to clothes to street food at one of the oldest and most iconic markets in the city.

2. Day 2: War Remnants Museum
   17 minutes (2.3 miles) from Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

   One of the most visited museums in the city, explore the history and impact of the Vietnam War through various exhibits and photographs.

3. Day 3: Jade Emperor Pagoda
   13 minutes (1.9 miles) from Independence Palace

   Take in the ornate details and impressive architecture of this Taoist temple, a tranquil place of worship and meditation in the midst of the bustling city.

4. Day 4: Independence Palace
   12 minutes (1.6 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City Museum

   Explore the historic and cultural significance of this former presidential palace, where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975.

5. Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Museum
   15 minutes (1.7 miles) from Bitexco Financial Tower

   Learn about the city's rich heritage and culture through a collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits in this museum.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ben Thanh Market (1-2 hours, free to explore)
• War Remnants Museum (2-3 hours, 40,000 VND per person)
• Jade Emperor Pagoda (1-2 hours, free to visit)
• Independence Palace (1-2 hours, 40,000 VND per person)
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum (1-2 hours, 20,000 VND per person)
Total Estimated Costs: 100,000 VND per person (excluding food and transportation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral or a day trip to the nearby Mekong Delta. For those with less time, skip the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and head straight to the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the city from the Saigon Skydeck.