One Day in Ho Chi Minh City: Recommended Itinerary & Top Places to Visit
Are you having one day in Ho Chi Minh City and still don’t know what to do? Not only an important economic hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City also has plenty of attractions, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine awaiting you. In this article, Lua Viet Tours will suggest you top places to visit as well as a detailed one-day itinerary to explore this bustling city.
Recommended Itinerary for One Day in Ho Chi Minh City
Morning
Kick off your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, there are many options you can choose from, such as pho (vietnamese beef soup noodle), bun bo hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup), banh mi (vietnamese baguette),… They will give you a taste of local cuisine and energy for a full day of discovery.
Visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), where the President of South Vietnam lived and worked until the war ended in 1975. This building has a unique architecture and offers a glimpse of Vietnamese history.
Just a short walk from Independence Palace, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a stunning cathedral with French colonial architecture. Right next to the cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office, another French-style architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. This post office is not only a functional space but also a significant landmark. Bring your camera and be ready to take beautiful photos.
Places to visit in the morning.
Next, visit The History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Museum of Vietnamese History, a large museum that showcases the history and culture of Vietnam from the past to the present. The building is also a mark of French colonial architecture and will give you an insight into Vietnam’s past.
Wrap up your morning adventure with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Try some local dishes such as com tam (broken rice), goi cuon (spring rolls), bun thit nuong (grilled pork and rice vermicelli), hu tieu (noodle soup),… Then, take a break before continuing exploring the city in the afternoon.
>>> Explore Ho Chi Minh City in one day with our local tour guides!
Afternoon
Start your afternoon by exploring the Giac Lam Pagoda, which was built in 1774 and is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. You will see a huge collection of Buddha statues in different shapes and sizes. This is a good place to reflect and appreciate the spiritual side of Vietnam.
Then, head to Cho Lon and visit Thien Hau Pagoda, located in the heart of Saigon Chinatown. This is a place where history and culture come alive, with many temples and pagodas that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the Chinese community.
Places to visit in the afternoon.
Conclude your afternoon by visiting Ben Thanh Market – a symbol of Saigon from past to present. This long-standing market was built in 1870 and is popular with international visitors in Saigon. Here, you can find local specialties, delicious street foods and souvenirs with Vietnamese characteristics.
Evening
Option 1: Enjoy a night cruise on the Saigon River
For a more luxurious and relaxing experience, take a Saigon River Cruise. From the cruise, you can watch a beautiful view of the city when it is full of lights and an illuminated skyline. Enjoy delicious dishes while listening to the live traditional music, all will leave you with an unforgettable evening on the Saigon River.
Option 2: Take a Saigon Motorbike Night Tour
One of the must-do activities in Ho Chi Minh City is to join a motorbike tour! On a motorbike, you can explore the vibrant nightlife of the city, from iconic landmarks such as Saigon Opera House to delicious local street food, the tour guide will take you through all the hidden gems. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city.
>>> Explore the highlights of Saigon nightlife with our motorbike tour!
Recommended itinerary for one day in Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Places to Visit in One Day in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Independence Palace
Address: 135, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Located at the heart of Saigon, Independence Palace is a must-see attraction if you have only one day in Ho Chi Minh City. It served as the residence and workplace for South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Come here to admire its elegant architecture and have a glimpse of Vietnamese history.
2. Saigon Central Post Office
Address: 2, Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
As a French colonial building, Saigon Central Post Office is one of the largest and oldest post offices in Vietnam. It has a stunning appearance with a mix between French and Asian style, making it a perfect spot to capture instagrammable photos.
The French-style architecture of Saigon Central Post Office. (Image source: Internet)
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
Address: 1, Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Right next to Saigon Central Post Office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Its neo-Romanesque and Gothic architecture features eye-catching twin bell towers, brilliant stained-glass windows, and bright red brick walls on the exterior making it a popular spot to capture fantastic photos.
4. War Remnants Museum
Address: 28, Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
The War Remnants Museum is an ideal place for those who want to dive deep into the country’s history. As its name suggests, this museum houses remnants from the wartime, offering a genuine and moving perspective.
5. Ben Thanh Market
Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
As the most famous market in Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is a great place for you to find local specialties, souvenirs and try local cuisine. Come to this market to find something to bring home or simply stroll around to immerse in the culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market – The iconic market in Ho Chi Minh City. (Image source: Internet)
6. Cho Lon (Saigon Chinatown)
Address: District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Cho Lon is a bustling district in Ho Chi Minh City where the local Vietnamese Chinese have lived for generations. This area offers you an authentic look into Chinese culture in the heart of Saigon, where you can sample well-known local dishes such as dimsum, noodles, sweet soup,…
7. Bui Vien Street
Address: Bui Vien Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
If you are looking for a place to enjoy nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Street is one. The street becomes lively at night with bustling bars and eateries, and music performances. It attracts many international visitors coming here to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the city at night.
The vibrant nightlife in Bui Vien Street. (Image source: Internet)
8. Nguyen Hue Street
Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of Bui Vien Street, come to Nguyen Hue Street for a leisurely evening walk. As you walk, you can encounter live music performances by street artists, street food vendors and local shops. This lively pedestrian street is an ideal place to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Is One Day In Ho Chi Minh City Enough?
Yes, although it has so much to offer, one day in Ho Chi Minh City is still enough for you to explore the city’s history, culture, iconic landmarks, and local foods. After your trip in Ho Chi Minh City, consider visiting other destinations nearby such as Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta. These destinations will offer you thrilling and insightful experiences, making your time in Vietnam more complete.
Tips for One Day in Ho Chi Minh City
- Check the weather forecast in advance to prepare well for your trip and bring necessary items such as sunscreen, umbrella,…
- Start your day early so you can make the most of your time.
- Download ride-hailing apps such as Grab to conveniently travel around the city.
- Take care of your belongings, even though the city is relatively safe for tourists, you should still be cautious.
- Consider taking a guided tour to get the best experience of the city.
And that is the recommended itinerary and top places to visit for one day in Ho Chi Minh City. Hopefully this information will help you have a great experience in Saigon. Whether you are looking for a place to take beautiful photos, learn about history or experience delicious local food, this city has everything. For any information about Vietnam travel, don’t hesitate to contact us for useful advice!
