As one of Vietnam’s most important cities, Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon) is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With only a day to spare, it can be challenging to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. However, with some careful planning and insider tips, you’ll be able to experience the best of what Ho Chi Minh has to offer.
A Morning of Temple Hopping
To start your day on the right foot, head to the Pagoda of the Jade Emperor, one of the most important temples in the city. Located near the center, it can be easily reached by taxi and is open from early morning. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Ngoc Hoang, the supreme deity of Taoism, hence its name “Emperor of Jade”. Built in 1909 with a Chinese-style architecture, it features red walls and stunning decorations, including a statue of Ngoc Hoang, the main attraction.
After visiting the pagoda, stop for breakfast at a nearby local restaurant, such as Oromia Coffee & Lounge, which is rich in plants and always decorated for festivals. Get directions to ensure you’re there on time.
A Step Back in Time: Reunification Palace
From the temple, head towards the city center to visit one of the most important places in Ho Chi Minh. The choice is between Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, both significant for Vietnam’s history. Located nearby, the solution is to take a taxi (5 minutes). You can also walk for about 30 minutes, but time is tight.
We recommend visiting Reunification Palace, one of the city’s symbols. Here, the war ended in 1975 with the conquest of the palace by North Vietnam forces. Today it is visitable inside and you can discover the history of the country and the palace itself.
Duration of visit: 1 hour
Immerse Yourself in Daily Life
After visiting the palace, conclude your morning by going to Ben Thanh Market, one of the most famous in the city. From Reunification Palace, it’s about 550m away (7 minutes on foot), and from the War Remnants Museum, 1 km (about 12 minutes on foot).
This is a must-see stop, as it will give you an insight into daily life in the city. In Southeast Asia, walking through markets means immersing yourself among colors, scents, traditions, and food. And exactly here, besides buying some souvenirs, you can taste many local specialties such as Pho, Vietnam’s national dish, or a noodle soup with rice noodles, beef broth, spices, herbs, and thinly sliced beef.
Duration of visit: 1.5 hours
Stop at the Iconic Basilica
From here, head towards the Basilica of Notre Dame of Saigon, just a 10-minute walk away. After discovering the market and tasting some local specialties, head to the Basilica of Notre Dame of Saigon, the city’s true symbol.
The Basilica of Notre Dame of Saigon is one of the few Catholic churches left in Vietnam, despite being mostly Buddhist. It remains an important witness to France’s colonial period in the country. Today it is still a point of reference for the local Catholic community, which gathers here every Sunday morning at 9:30 am for Mass.
Duration of visit: 30 minutes
Architectural Gems
Just a few steps away from the Basilica is the Saigon Central Post Office, now also an attraction in the city. This post office is a true gem of architecture, with French colonial style. Scouting a photo here has become a must-do.
Duration of visit: 15 minutes
A Taste of Opera
Behind the Cathedral and the Post Office lies one of the city’s most peculiar streets: Nguyễn Huệ Street, or “Street of Books”, in Vietnamese. This street is lined with nothing but bookstores! No restaurants, cafes, or other shops to be found.
Walking down the entire street, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw from the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, a beautiful colonial-style opera house, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. Today it hosts ballet and symphony concerts, but deserves a visit for its stunning facade, recently restored and brought back to its former glory.
Duration of visit: 30 minutes
Unforgettable Views
After visiting the Opera House, you’ll find yourself back on Nguyễn Huệ Street, where you’ll walk along to reach the Saigon Skydeck. Located at Bitexco Tower, just a few steps away, this is probably the most famous building in Ho Chi Minh.
To experience an incredible view of the city, take the elevator up to its 49th floor and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of all that surrounds it. A truly unforgettable conclusion to your day in Vietnam City.
Duration of visit: 1 hour
Alternatives and Options
In reality, Ho Chi Minh is rich in attractions to discover, also outside the city. With only one day to spare, you’ll have to make some compromises and choose what to see, but there are many alternatives and possible itinerary options, depending on your preferences.
Outside of the city, consider a tour to the Mekong Delta or the Pagoda of Vinh Trang, as well as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, used during the Vietnam War. However, choosing one of these tours or both with a one-day tour from Ho Chi Minh will require you to give up almost everything.
In the city itself, consider visiting the Chinese Quarter, Cholon, which has its temples and markets. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with children, include a visit to the Saigon Botanical Garden and Zoo, certainly enjoyed by them.
Instead of the historical museums mentioned in the itinerary, you’ll also find the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts, one of Vietnam’s most important museums, and the Ho Chi Minh History Museum.
Tour for families: morning – Saigon Botanical Garden and Zoo. Afternoon – Street of Books and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, along the riverfront and Bach Dang Wharf Park, Saigon Skydeck.
Itinerary without free attractions: Pagoda of the Jade Emperor, Basilica of Notre Dame of Saigon, Street of Books and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Lunch at Ben Thanh Market. Afternoon visit to Chinese Quarter Cholon. Evening along Bui Vien Walking Street:
Tour on Vietnam War history morning – War Remnants Museum. Pomeridiano – Tunnel of Cu Chi Tour. Evening along Nguyễn Huệ Street and riverfront.
Day tour outside Ho Chi Minh: 10 hours at the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh, including transportation and guide.
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Before Departing
Use taxis to get around as much as possible, this will save you a lot of precious time. When attractions are close to each other, walk instead.
Stop for meals in markets here, where you’ll find delicious food at reasonable prices. You can also quickly sample local specialties without stopping too long.
Organize your itinerary well, consider taking a tour with a local guide or deciding to go independently, so that you won’t have to worry about organization.
Start early, most attractions open from 7:00 am and close by mid-afternoon. Make the most of the morning and visit as many places as possible, even if this means sacrificing some sleep.
Travel insurance: our advice is to always book with a company that provides comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. They also offer customer support and medical assistance 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to get around Ho Chi Minh City?
A: Taxis are an efficient way to travel, but walking or taking public transportation is also recommended.
Q: What should I eat in Ben Thanh Market?
A: You can find a variety of local specialties such as Pho and noodle soup with rice noodles at Ben Thanh Market.
Q: How long does it take to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
A: A day tour outside Ho Chi Minh City, including transportation and guide, is approximately 10 hours long.
Q: Can I visit the Pagoda of Vinh Trang without a guide?
A: While it’s possible to visit the pagoda on your own, taking a guided tour can provide valuable insights into Vietnamese history and culture.
Q: Is the Saigon Skydeck worth visiting?
A: Absolutely! The views from the 49th floor are breathtaking and make for an unforgettable experience.
Q: What are some must-see attractions in Cholon?
A: Cholon is home to many temples, markets, and historical landmarks. Be sure to visit the Chinese Quarter to get a taste of local culture.
Q: Can I visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts without a guide?
A: While it’s possible to visit the museum on your own, taking a guided tour can provide valuable insights into Vietnamese art history and culture.
Insider Tips
- Consider purchasing a Ho Chi Minh City Tourist Pass, which grants you access to many attractions and public transportation.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), and “Tạm biệt” (goodbye).
- Don’t be afraid to try new foods and drinks, like Pho, Banh Mi, and fresh coconut water.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
Additional Tips for Families
- Consider booking a private tour guide, who can provide personalized attention and insights into the city’s history and culture.
- Pack comfortable shoes and clothing for outdoor activities, such as walking tours or visits to markets.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Don’t forget to try some local street food, like Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake) or Bánh Mì Chay (vegetarian sandwich).
Conclusion
Discovering Ho Chi Minh City is a rewarding experience that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and culture. With careful planning and insider tips, you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re visiting with family or traveling solo, Ho Chi Minh City has something to offer everyone.