Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Saigon, Vietnam

Day 1: Historical Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Start your day with a bowl of authentic Pho at Pho Hoa, a restaurant famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's history during the war, showcasing powerful exhibits and poignant imagery.
VND40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street food at Ben Thanh Market, with plenty of options from banh mi to fresh spring rolls.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Explore this iconic landmark built by French colonists, with its stunning stained glass and beautiful architecture, perfect for photos.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Saigon Central Post Office

Right next to the cathedral, visit this bustling post office renowned for its colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Get a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City from the skydeck of the Bitexco Tower and see the bustling city from a new perspective.
VND200,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nhà Hàng Ngọc Suối

End your day with a seafood feast at Nhà Hàng Ngọc Suối, where fresh catches are prepared with local flavors.
VND300,000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Savor one of the best Banh Mi in the city at this popular local spot where their crispy bread and savory fillings steal the show.
VND50,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can explore the underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War.
VND200,000 (excludes transport), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Enjoy delicious noodle soup at The Lunch Lady, known for their rotating daily special that showcases the best of Vietnamese cuisine.
VND100,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit this ornate temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor, filled with intricate statues and a serene atmosphere perfect for exploration.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Saigon Opera House

Take some photos and enjoy the architecture of this beautiful opera house and consider catching a performance if time allows.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant with a tranquil ambiance offering traditional Vietnamese dishes in a stunning setting.
VND250,000, 2 hours

Day 3: Local Living

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Da

Start your day with a refreshing iced coffee and a light breakfast at one of the local cafes popular among the locals.
VND40,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit a Local Market

Explore a local market such as Binh Tay Market, where you can shop for handicrafts, spices, and authentic local snacks.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using local ingredients and recipes from a chef.
VND800,000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Gia Truyen

Taste some of the best Pho in the city at Gia Truyen, where the flavorful broth and tender meat are a must-try.
VND70,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Independence Palace

Visit the historic Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's reunification and filled with fascinating history.
VND40,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cục Gạch Quán

End your Saigon adventure with a meal at Cục Gạch Quán, known for its rustic decor and home-style Vietnamese dishes.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours