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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City

How many days in Ho Chi Minh City are perfect for a trip?

19/04/2025 818 views

How many days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough to explore its iconic landmarks, cuisine, and activities? While the ideal duration varies, this guide will help you uncover the top highlights and plan your itinerary based on various timing options.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City –  Vietnam’s ultimate tourist hotspot (Source: Collected)

1. How many days in Ho Chi Minh City is enough?

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant tourist hotspot in southern Vietnam, brimming with cultural and historical landmarks, compelling entertainment, and incredible food. Most of the city’s attractions are concentrated in central districts like District 1, District 3, and District 5

Nearby areas such as District 2, District 4, District 7, Thu Duc City, Binh Thanh District, and Go Vap District also offer plenty to explore. Plus, don’t miss out on the charming suburbs like Cu Chi District, Hoc Mon District, and Can Gio District, which are packed with unique destinations.

If you are wondering how many days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough to see everything on your travel list, a 3-day, 2-night stay is ideal for exploring the city’s highlights and enjoying its famous dishes. However, if you have more time to explore, Ho Chi Minh City is packed with attractions and activities that can fill a longer itinerary effortlessly.

Saigon Central Post Office

Ho Chi Minh City attracts tourists with various renowned landmarks (Source: Collected)

Discover: Ho Chi Minh City map:A compass for first-time tourists

2. Guide to have a time-worthy trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant hub of cultural wonders, bustling markets, historic landmarks, and delicious street food. This lively city offers endless possibilities for crafting an unforgettable travel experience.

2.1. Where to go?

Ho Chi Minh City is not just a vibrant and youthful metropolis; it is also a rich tapestry of cultural and historical heritage. The city features impressive historical sites, ancient architectural structures, bustling markets, and intriguing outlying destinations. These elements attract both local and international visitors, providing a deep dive into its fascinating past and diverse experiences.

Here are some recommendations to help you plan your itinerary and answer the question, “How many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City?”

  • For a deeper understanding of historical events and to view precious artifacts, visitors can explore renowned sites such as Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Museum of Ho Chi Minh City Commandos, Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, etc.
  • For a chance to admire the impressive architecture and snap some memorable photos, visitors should explore the iconic sites like Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, People’s Committee Building, etc.
  • To enjoy shopping while discovering aspects of local culture and the everyday lifestyle of the people, visitors can also explore local markets including Ben Thanh Market, Tan Dinh Market, Binh Tay Market, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, etc.
  • For a unique suburban experience, visitors can discover the natural beauty of Can Gio or delve into the historical significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Saigon Opera House

“How many days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough?” is a common question among travelers (Source: Collected)

2.2. What to do?

Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism offers unique attractions in each district, featuring a rich mix of entertainment, recreation, sightseeing, and shopping for all types of visitors. You can refer to the following popular activities to plan your itinerary:

  • For a scenic adventure on the water, you can embark on a riverboat tour to admire unique landmarks such as Dragon Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Phu My Bridge, Red Light Cape, and Binh Khanh Ferry.
  • Visitors can opt for a dinner cruise along the river with a buffet of Asian-European cuisine, complemented by live performances, music, dance, and magic shows. The cruise also offers stunning nighttime views of Dragon Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Saigon Bridge, and Landmark 81.
  • Tourists should admire the city’s sights from a double-decker bus, with a 60-minute tour showcasing iconic landmarks such as Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, City Hall, and Bitexco Financial Tower.
  • Besides, tourists can stroll through well-known parks such as Tao Dan, Hoang Van Thu, and Le Van Tam to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the fresh air, and interact with locals.
  • Visitors who enjoy a lively atmosphere can savor a coffee or a drink while listening to live music at lounges, bars, or cafes, such as Yoko Cafe, Chill Skybar & Dining, TNR Saigon, Acoustic Bar, etc.
  • Exploring the Western Quarter on Bui Vien Street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, reveals a lively atmosphere with hundreds of cafes, bars, pubs, and eateries, along with numerous tour options available along the street.
  • In the Chinatown area, you can admire over-100-year-old Chinese-style buildings, ancient temples, and typical Chinese eateries. Must-try dishes include roast duck, Vietnamese-style stewed offal, curry fish balls, hand-pulled noodles, braised chicken, and dim sum.
  • You are highly recommended to try Ho Chi Minh City food with famous dishes like com tam (broken rice), banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), banh mi, hu tieu (rice noodle soup), goi cuon (spring rolls), various seafood, com ga (chicken rice), bo ne (Vietnamese beef steak), and banh trang tron (Vietnamese mixed rice paper salad), etc.
com tam

Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise (Source: Collected)

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3. Recommended Ho Chi Minh City itineraries by duration

Whether you have a few days or a longer stay, these recommended itineraries will help you explore the best of Ho Chi Minh City.

3.1. Itinerary for 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City

To make the most of a 1-day trip in Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore these two carefully crafted itineraries that capture the essence of the city’s vibrant culture and must-see sights.

Option 1: One-day Ho Chi Minh City exploration

  • Morning: Notre Dame Cathedral – Saigon Central Post OfficeHo Chi Minh City Book Street.
  • Noon: Savor Saigon specialties for lunch at Ben Thanh Market, then unwind at a local café.
  • Afternoon: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts – Ho Chi Minh City Opera House.
  • Evening: Bach Dang Wharf – Bui Vien Street.

Option 2: One-day Cu Chi Tunnels exploration

  • Morning: Depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels and begin your adventure.
  • Noon: Explore bamboo traps, primitive weapons, and the extensive underground tunnel network, including the infirmary, living quarters, storage rooms, and kitchens.
  • Afternoon: Watch locals craft rice paper and rice wine, try your hand at shooting at the firing range, and then return to the city center.
  • Evening: People’s Committee Building Nguyen Hue Street.
Ben Thanh Market

The bustling Ben Thanh Market (Source: Collected)

3.2. Itinerary for 2 days 1 night in Ho Chi Minh City

An itinerary for 2 days and 1 night in Ho Chi Minh City ensures unforgettable experiences packed into a short yet fulfilling adventure. Below are recommended options tailored to every preference.

  • Day 1: Independence PalaceWar Remnants Museum Notre Dame Cathedral – Jade Emperor Pagoda – Bach Dang Wharf
  • Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Opera HouseHo Chi Minh City Museum of Fine ArtsHoang Van Thu Park –  Ben Thanh Market 

3.3. Itinerary for 3 days 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City

A 3-day-2-night itinerary is the perfect answer to the question, “How many days in Ho Chi Minh City?” During your Ho Chi Minh City 3-d​​ay itinerary, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of this city.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Source: Collected)

3.4. Itinerary for 4 days 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City

On a Ho Chi Minh City 4-day, 3-night itinerary, you will have a chance to delve deeper into the diverse landscapes and rich history of Ho Chi Minh City. This extended time here promises a wealth of memorable experiences.

  • Day 1: Can Gio Beach – Monkey Island
  • Day 2: Ben Thanh Market – Independence Palace – War Remnants Museum – Bitexco Tower
  • Day 3: Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens –  Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – Bui Vien Street
  • Day 4: Thien Hau Pagoda Guandi TempleGolden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
Landmark 81

Landmark 81 is an architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Don’t miss: 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary

4. FAQs related to how many days in Ho Chi Minh City

When deciding how many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure an enjoyable experience. Here are some key pieces of information to keep in mind.

4.1. Are there any guided tours for 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, you can refer to the following 1-day guided tours in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Follow the Way of the “Saigon Commandos”
  • “Biet Dong Sai Gon” – Special Force of the “Sac” Forest
  • From Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Sunset on the Saigon River
  • Bike Tour – Peaceful Day on the Steel Land of “Cu Chi”

4.2. Is 5 days too long for a stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Not at all! With 5 days, you have plenty of time to venture beyond the city center and explore nearby attractions like the Mekong Delta. You can also dive into local experiences, such as a full-day farming and cooking class in an agricultural village in Cu Chi, along with many other exciting activities.

Independence Palace

If you are wondering, “Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?” the answer is a definite yes (Source: Collected)

4.3. Are there specific events that might require a longer stay?

During special Vietnamese national holidays such as Tet Holiday, Mid Autumn Festival, and Independence Day, extending your stay can allow you to fully immerse yourself in and experience the local culture.

4.4. How can I make the most of my time in Ho Chi Minh City?

To make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, you should combine visits to key cultural and historical landmarks, savor signature local dishes, and explore the city’s beauty at various times of the day.

Bui Vien Street

In only one day in Ho Chi Minh City, you can experience the city’s finest charm. (Source: Collected)

Read more: Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City: 15 fantastic things to do

So, how many days in Ho Chi Minh City are essential? There is no right or wrong answer. The city offers a rich variety of attractions, from historical landmarks to cultural sites. Whether you have just one day or several, there is always an abundance of things to see and do in this vibrant Vietnamese destination.

If you’re looking for top-tier entertainment experiences, don’t miss Grand Park located within Vinhomes Grand Park, Ho Chi Minh City. At the Tropical Island water park, visitors can get their adrenaline pumping on the 195-meter-long Sea Monster Slide, ride the waves at the Tsunami Bay, or let kids have fun at the Magical Oasis. The dreamy Enchanted Garden Amusement Park opens up a sparkling fairytale world with attractions like the Spring Dance Ferris Wheel, the thrilling Adventure Coaster, and the spinning Shield of Achilles. Additionally, the commercial street and Vincom Mega Mall Grand Park offer a vibrant shopping and dining atmosphere all day long—so fun, you won’t want to leave.

Grand Park features a dynamic array of activities all year round

Grand Park features a dynamic array of activities all year round

 

Book Grand Park ticket now

 

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam travel invites you to explore other stunning destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang. Each location offers its own unique charm and experiences, ensuring a rich and varied travel adventure across Vietnam.

When visiting popular tourist spots across Vietnam, make sure to explore VinWonders, an entertainment paradise perfect for the entire family. With its wide range of themed zones and attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to mesmerizing water shows, VinWonders ensures there is something enjoyable for every visitor.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

VinWonders is Vietnam’s top family-friendly entertainment destination

After enjoying the park’s entertainment, retreat to one of Vinpearl’s premium hotels or resorts. Here, you will experience unparalleled comfort and luxury, complete with stunning views, exquisite dining, and top-tier service, making it the perfect end to your adventure.

Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang

Vinpearl offers the finest stay for your vacation

Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for an unforgettable experience!

 

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