3 Days In Ho-Chi-Minh City: The Ultimate Itinerary
Ho-Chi-Minh City was the first stop in my Vietnam travels, and I can tell you my first expression was not the best: But I will say that was also due to the jet lag and the heat. After the first shock you realize how charming and exciting this city is. Ho-Chi-Minh is a full of buzzing scooters, French-colonial charm, street food that grabs the soul. It is a whirlwind of contrasts that somehow flow together in perfect harmony. Over three unforgettable days, I dove headfirst into this vibrant city, where every alley hums with history, every café whispers stories, and the aroma of pho is around every corner. In this Blog I will tell you how I spent my three days in Vietnam’s southern gem.
When to visit Ho-Chi-Minh City?
What season is the best time to visit? Well depends on what you want to experience. I went in November and boy it was hot and humid. If this is your first stop and you come from cooler climates give yourself a bit of time to relax from the jetlag and get used to the heat.
☀️ November to March
This is the dry season, and it’s when Ho Chi Minh City is at its most comfortable. Expect:
- Pleasant temperatures (around 25–30°C / 77–86°F)
- Low humidity
- Clear skies—great for exploring on foot, rooftop drinks, and photography
- It’s also peak tourist season, so book ahead if you’re traveling during this time.
🌧️ May to October
This is the rain season but don’t be too quick to rule this out! Even though it rains almost daily, showers are usually short and refreshing. Perks include:
- Fewer tourists
- Lush, green cityscapes
- Cooler afternoons after the rain Just pack a light raincoat or umbrella and you’ll be fine.
🔥 April and May
These are the hottest months of the year, with temps soaring above 35°C (95°F). It’s doable, but be ready for:
- Sticky days
- Extra sunscreen and hydration
- Afternoon breaks in air-conditioned cafés or museums
Must-see Things in Ho-Chi-Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is bursting with culture and history. One of my favorite things to do in any city is simply walk around, and Saigon is no different. As you stroll, you’ll discover so many hidden gems — charming cafes and unique spots that aren’t mentioned in any blog or guide. That’s what we did most of the time, we found ourselves wandering the streets, soaking in the city’s energy and vibrant atmosphere. That said, there are definitely some must-see attractions I’d recommend. Here are a few of my favorites.
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most impactful and visited museums in Vietnam — raw, emotional, and eye-opening. We went early in the morning to avoid the crows and take your time seeing everything. I was really happy with that decision also cause when we left we had to go back to our hotel and just take a pause to process everything that we saw and learned. So I will give you a little warning this museum is nothing lighthearted and if you are sensitive to graphic content, I would advise you not to go.
What to Expect
- Outdoor Exhibit:
- Military equipment like helicopters, tanks, planes, and bombs.
- A chilling replica of the “Tiger Cages” used to hold political prisoners.
- Main Exhibits:
- Harrowing photojournalism from war correspondents (some who died documenting the conflict).
- Rooms dedicated to Agent Orange and its devastating effects — includes disturbing images and personal stories.
- Exhibits on international protest movements and anti-war sentiment during the Vietnam War era.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 35–50 km (22–30 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and are one of the most fascinating and immersive historical experiences near Ho Chi Minh City — a chance to literally crawl through history. We did not do it because I am to claustrophobic but if you are braver then me I really suggest you checking it out.
The easiest way to get there is with a tour group, on get your Guide I will find a lot of different ones.
What to Expect
The Tunnel Experience:
- Crawl (or crouch) through narrow, dark tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war.
- Some sections have been widened for tourists — still a tight fit!
Traps & Tactics:
- Learn how the VC used ingenious booby traps, underground kitchens, ventilation systems, and hidden escape routes.
Exhibits & Video:
- A short but dated intro film (from the Vietnamese perspective).
- Weapon displays, mannequins, and bomb craters from U.S. B-52s.
Ben Thanh Market
You cannot miss this market. It is full of clothes, souvenirs, spices, fruits, coffee and kind of everything that you could imagine. Here you can shop to your hearts content and in between get a pho or a refreshing smoothie at the food court. I still have some tips and tricks for you
- Bargain hard but respectfully — initial prices can be 2–3x the fair amount.
- Keep an eye on your stuff — it’s safe, but like any busy market, pickpockets exist.
- Go early for less crowd & better vendor moods
- Great place to buy gifts, especially Vietnamese coffee, local snacks, or lacquerware.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
The Independence Palace (aka Reunification Palace) is like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule from the 1970s — iconic, a little surreal, and historically massive. It’s one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most important landmarks, especially for understanding the Vietnam War’s final chapter. It is in walking distance to the war museum, I recommend doing one after another. You can freely wander trough the rooms but there are audio goods or tours available.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
This Street is like the vibrant living room of Ho Chi Minh City — a big, breezy, and beautifully lit boulevard that’s perfect for people-watching, chilling out, and catching a slice of local life. In my time in Ho-Chi-Minh this was our go to stop in the evening. There are street performers, music, light and just a good vibe. Grab a drink in one of the bars and just enjoy your time here.
Central Post Office
The central Post Office is one of Ho-Chi-Minhs most known sites thanks to Instagram. It is a blend of French colonial architecture and history. It is right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral and both are very charming and lovely. The Post Office is free to explore and therefore I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The Café Apartment
I think this was my highlight in Ho-Chi-Minh and by far the coolest experience there. Its one of the hidden gems of this city. A quirky, multi-story building turned into a maze of cafes, shops, and bars. It’s perfect for escaping the busy streets and enjoy a unique, laid-back experience in the heart of the city.
There is a small narrow street entrance that gets you to the elevator its right next the book store and could easily be overseen. There is a Fee the use the elevator, we went to the top and made your way down trying multiple coffee shops and bars.
Day trip to Mekong Delta
If you have a bit more time why not go to the Mekong Delta on a day trip. It’s a way to escape the city and enjoy some lush landscapes, peaceful countryside and traditional culture. There are a lot of different tour providers to choose from and you can experience a variety of different things such as cruising along the river, visit the floating village or even biking trough the villages. No matter what you choose from, all are great way to explore the rural life and scenic surroundings.
Food and Drinks you need to try
I love food and when I visited Vietnam I never had Vietnamese cuisine so I did not know what to expect or if I would even like it. But this thoughts where quickly forgotten when I had my first bowl of pho. I fell in love with it so quickly that I ate it every day for the next three weeks on my journey. But there are a lot more dishes to try. Here are some of my favorites.
Phở
Of course I have to start with pho, if you don’t know what Pho is, its a fragrant noodle soup typically made with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), served with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. The broth is the heart of this dish — slow-cooked to perfection, full of depth and flavor. Try it at places like Phở Hòa on Pasteur Street.
Bánh Mì
Banh Mi was my go to Lunch on the go, it is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meats, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and spicy. My personal favorite was the Banh Mi with just egg as a substitute to the meats. It is available everywhere and most of the time is even under 1$
Bún Thịt Nướng
This is a bowl of grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and fish sauce. Refreshing, savory, and full of texture. You then mix everything together so that the noodles soak up the sauce, the pork’s flavor spreads around, and you get a bit of everything in each bite. It’s basically a noodle salad with soul. There are a lot of restaurant or stalls where you can try this dish. The local favorite is Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo.
Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi Cuốn are Vietnamese Spring Rolls and are a delicious and refreshing dish that’s popular throughout Vietnam. Known as “Vietnamese summer rolls” or “fresh spring rolls,” they’re a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and a must-try if you’re in the city or Vietnam in general.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
This is Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Sweetened Condensed Milk and is one of Vietnam’s most iconic drinks and a must-try for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a refreshing, energizing coffee that combines strong, rich coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk, making it both a pick-me-up and a treat.
Coconut Coffee
Even though I liked the above-mentioned condensed milk coffee, this coconut coffee quickly became my favorite, and I almost had it every day. It is a sweet coffee made with coconut milk, it is a refreshing drink and a sweet treat at the same time.
Ho-Chi-Minh was a loud, hot and vibrant start in my Vietnam trip. If you want to read more about my trip, here is my 2.5 weeks itinerary. And to be completely honest with you I was happy to leave after 3 days. But that said I’m planning on coming back next year. I really enjoy the city and its vibe, just for someone that enjoys the quite of nature 3 days is the perfect time to enjoy this city and then to escape the craziness of it. I Hope I could inspire you to visit Ho-Chi-Minh or help plan your trip. Either way let me know or ask remaining questions in the comments. If you want to read more about Asia here you find everything.