🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City · Itinerary
3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: The Perfect Itinerary
Three days covers Ho Chi Minh City’s history, its markets and a day in the countryside. The old Saigon core of District 1 is walkable; the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta make the classic day trips out.
Best for: First-timers and history-and-food lovers wanting buzzing city life and great street eats.
Get this as a free, personalised Ho Chi Minh City planWavvia tailors it to your dates, pace, budget and how you travel — solo, couple, family, LGBTQ+, accessibility needs and more.
Day 1: Old Saigon
Based around District 1
Morning
The Notre-Dame Cathedral and the French colonial Central Post Office, then the Reunification Palace.
Afternoon
The powerful War Remnants Museum, then Ben Thanh Market.
Evening
A rooftop bar over the city, then street food along the Bui Vien strip.
Day 2: Tunnels & Chinatown
Based around Cu Chi & Cholon
Morning
A half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Viet Cong’s underground network.
Afternoon
Back in town, explore Cholon (Chinatown) — the Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market.
Evening
A Cholon street-food dinner.
Day 3: The Mekong
Based around Mekong Delta (day trip)
Morning
Set out to the Mekong Delta — sampan boats through the coconut-palm canals.
Afternoon
Floating markets, fruit orchards and a river lunch.
Evening
Return to the city for a farewell bowl of pho or a banh mi.
Ho Chi Minh City itinerary tips
- Cross the road slowly and steadily — the motorbikes flow around you, so don’t stop suddenly.
- Use the Grab app for cheap, hassle-free rides.
- Don’t miss Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) and a fresh banh mi.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Compare Ho Chi Minh City hotels in one placeBrowse and compare prices across Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and more on one map.Ho Chi Minh City itinerary FAQs
Is 3 days enough for Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes — 3 days is a great length to see Ho Chi Minh City's highlights at a comfortable pace. It's best for first-timers and history-and-food lovers wanting buzzing city life and great street eats. The plan groups sights by area so each day flows naturally instead of criss-crossing the city.
How should I spend 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City?
Spend it like this: Day 1 is Old Saigon (District 1), Day 2 is Tunnels & Chinatown (Cu Chi & Cholon), Day 3 is The Mekong (Mekong Delta (day trip)). Each day is built around one area to keep walking and transport to a minimum.
Which areas does this Ho Chi Minh City itinerary cover?
It's based around District 1, Cu Chi & Cholon, Mekong Delta (day trip) — chosen so you explore one part of Ho Chi Minh City per day.
What should I know before visiting Ho Chi Minh City?
Cross the road slowly and steadily — the motorbikes flow around you, so don’t stop suddenly.
Make it yours — free
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