[2025 Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide] Must-See Attractions Itinerary + Food Recommendations

Preface Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is Vietnam's most vibrant metropolis, boasting rich colonial-era architecture, historical war relics, and serving as a food paradise in southern Vietnam. This article will guide you through the must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and itinerary planning, and at the end, we've added a further reading section on Ho Chi Minh City food recommendations, so you can cover everything about eating, drinking, and having fun in one go! Article Guide Must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary planning suggestions Transportation options Accommodation recommendations Travel tips Further Reading: Ho Chi Minh City Food Recommendations 1. Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City There aren't too many attractions in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon); most of them are the kind of spots where you can stroll around and take photos, making them perfect for a relaxed 2-3 day exploration. Here's our curated Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City: Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) This market, preserved from the French colonial period in Saigon, sells cashews, coffee, textiles, and more, with a jewelry/gold shop offering better exchange rates right next door. It's great for shopping during the day, and at night it transforms into a night market. A reminder: this spot is heavily touristy and prices tend to run high, so remember to compare prices and haggle. Also, most of the taxis waiting out front are unlicensed "black cabs" — it's recommended to use Grab instead.

Saigon Opera House Built in 1900, this French colonial building has an elegant exterior, and performances are occasionally held inside. It stands as a representative example for understanding Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial architectural history.

People's Committee Hall & Coffee Apartment A representation of French colonial architecture, the square often features installation art during the day and is a wonderful place for an evening stroll. The neighboring Coffee Apartment has many specialty cafes and creative shops, making it a popular photo spot for social media influencers.

Central Post Office Designed by a French architect, the interior still retains the original postal facilities. Many visitors come here to buy postcards and mail them back home — it's a classic historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Hong Kong) Built in the late 19th century using French red bricks, the exterior follows a Romanesque style while the interior features Gothic design. It is only open to visitors during holiday Mass services.

Cu Chi Tunnel An underground bunker from the Vietnam War that fully demonstrates how the Vietnamese people avoided warfare. It is recommended to join a half-day tour for convenient transportation. Book Street (Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình) A cultural gathering spot for young intellectuals, with bookstores and cafes lining both sides. Weekend events feature new book launches and calligraphy activities, creating a leisurely atmosphere.

Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập) The former residence of the South Vietnamese president, now converted into a museum that comprehensively showcases the history of the Vietnam War and the architectural style of that era. Bui Vien Street (Bùi Viện Street) A vibrant gathering place for nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants, incredibly lively in the evenings, and truly a backpacker's paradise. Pink Church (Nhà thờ Tân Định) Built in the early 20th century, it became famous for its striking pink-colored exterior walls and has become an Instagram hotspot. The interior is not open to visitors; it's recommended to take Grab to visit.

2. Itinerary Suggestions 👉 Four days and three nights itinerary suggestion, recommended schedule focuses on "City Sightseeing + Historical Culture + Nightlife + Cuisine": Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration Morning: Binh Tay Market (Money Exchange + Shopping) → Saigon Central Post Office & Red Church & Book Street Afternoon: MiuMiu Massage (Reservation Required) → People's Committee Hall & Cafe Apartment & Opera House Evening: Dinner by Saigon River → EON51 Bar Night View

Day 2: Culture and Shopping Day Morning: Half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, or the Independence Palace + War Remnants Museum Afternoon: Ben Thanh Market walking street → 137 Massage Evening: Phở 2000 to try the classic beef pho → Drinks at Pham Ngu Lao Street

Day 3: Coffee & Free Time Morning: Try Vietnamese chocolate at Maison Marou Afternoon: Revisit any spots or museums you missed (consider taking a ride to the Pink Church) Evening: Enjoy Japanese cuisine in the Japanese quarter

Day 4: Last-minute Shopping & Departure Morning: Stock up on coffee, cashews, and souvenirs Afternoon: Get ready to head back 3. Transportation · Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Grab ride: About 25 minutes, costing around 250,000 VND Bus: Route 109 or 152, about 35 minutes, single fare 20,000 VND Taxi: Not recommended, you may run into scams · Urban Transportation: You can use GRAB or UBER app to call for a ride. If you prefer taxis, look for major brands like VINASUN (white) or MAILINH (green). · For suburban areas (Cu Chi, Mekong River), it is recommended to join a day tour or rent a private car. 4. Accommodation Recommendations · Recommended area: District 1 (from Binh Tay Market to Saigon River Wharf area) · Price reference: 3-4 star hotels cost approximately 1000-1500 TWD, Airbnb prices are similar. Luxury Choice: Majestic Hotel (Ho Chi Minh's first five-star hotel with a century of history, featuring stunning Saigon River views and elegant European classical design).

5. Travel Tips · Climate Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical monsoon climate, hot and humid all year round. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is drier and more pleasant for sightseeing. May to October is the rainy season, with more frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures generally exceed 30°C, while evenings are a bit cooler, so it's recommended to bring lightweight clothing and prepare sun protection. · Overall, Vietnam is quite safe, but you should still be careful of motorbike bag-snatching and phone theft — avoid using your phone while walking on the street. · Currency: It's recommended to bring US dollars. The jewelry stores near Binh Thanh Market have good exchange rates. · Tipping: Massage shops typically require tips (starting from 100,000 VND), hotels depend on personal preference, and restaurants have no tipping culture. · Traffic Safety: There are many motorcycles, be careful when crossing the street. Grab is recommended for ride-hailing. Avoid taking taxis to avoid scams. · Vietnamese Head Wash: A popular experience in recent years, head wash + facial treatment + massage, approximately 900,000 VND. You can choose shops with high ratings on Google Maps. Further Reading: Ho Chi Minh City Food Recommendations When traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, you absolutely can't miss the local and international cuisine! I've put together a complete Ho Chi Minh City food guide, covering everything from pho and traditional Vietnamese restaurants to specialty spots like Pizza 4P's, Danbo Ramen, and Noir Dining — it has everything you need. In this article, you'll find: Vietnamese Cuisine Recommendations: Pho 2000 (rice noodles where even Clinton has dined), Ngon Restaurant (your go-to for traditional Vietnamese cuisine) Hong Kong Style Cuisine: San Fu Lou (Hong Kong dim sum), Ocean Palace (Cantonese seafood restaurant) Japanese Cuisine: Danbo Ramen (rich and savory pork bone ramen), Sushi Hokkaido (popular sushi spot in Japan town) Signature Experiences: Noir Dining (dining in the dark), Nikko Hotel Buffet (luxury buffet) Local Hidden Gems: Mì Vịt Tiềm Thiêm Huy (herbal stewed duck noodles), Lão Lài Mutton Hot Pot (nourishing and health-boosting) 👉 Want to see the full food list and recommended dishes? Check out this article: 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide | 20 Must-Try Restaurants: Vietnamese Cuisine, Hong Kong-Style, Japanese Street Food & International Cuisine Guide Summary Ho Chi Minh City blends French colonial architecture, Vietnam War history, and rich culinary culture, making it the perfect starting point for exploring South Vietnam. Whether you're passing through briefly or diving deep, this city has surprises waiting just for you! Discover More Vietnam Travel Destinations Vietnam boasts abundant natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Whether you want to explore the stunning mountains and waterways of North Vietnam, the historic ancient cities of Central Vietnam, or the relaxed coastal areas of South Vietnam, you'll find the perfect travel experience for you! 🇻🇳 North Vietnam Travel Guide 📍Hanoi: Thousand-Year Ancient Capital｜📍Ha Long Bay: World Heritage Wonder｜📍Tam Coc: Ha Long Bay on Land｜📍Sapa: Sea of Clouds and Terraced Rice Fields 🇻🇳 Central Vietnam Travel Highlights 📍Da Nang: Coastal Resort Paradise｜📍Hoi An: Ancient Lantern Town｜📍Hue: Imperial City Ruins 🇻🇳 Must-See Spots in Southern Vietnam 📍Nha Trang: Beach and Island Paradise｜📍Da Lat: Romantic French Mountain Town｜📍Ho Chi Minh City: Where Modernity Meets History｜📍Vung Tau: Seaside Resort Destination