The Perfect 4-day Ho Chi Minh City Travel Itinerary 

This 4-day Ho Chi Minh City travel itinerary provides essential information to help you plan your perfect trip. It includes the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and where to eat, as well as a well-thought-out itinerary tailored to your preferences. 

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, note that this Ho Chi Minh City travel itinerary uses two names interchangeably: Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon. Some may wonder which name is correct. 

Briefly, Saigon was the city’s name before 1975. When North Vietnam took control of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, in honor of the first president, who was also a nationalist and communist revolutionary. 

Although Ho Chi Minh City is the official name, locals often refer to it as Saigon because it’s shorter. 

Other than that, it’s worth noting to:

• Check out our Vietnam travel guide for more tips and recommendations on Vietnamese visas, top attractions, fun activities, and outstanding local cuisines.

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Get to Know Ho Chi Minh City

Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is the country’s largest metropolis and a major economic, business, financial, and educational hub. 

As of 2024, the population was around 9.6 million, which you can imagine how chaotic the city’s traffic is. 

The city is divided into 1 sub-city named Thu Duc and 21 districts, including bustling urban centers and less crowded suburban areas. For first-time visitors, there are 4 districts you need to circle for visiting: 

District 1 is the heart of the city, home to skyscrapers, notable hotels left from the war, and most of the city’s landmarks, such as the Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Inside Ben Thanh Market. Image source: Artem Getman

Not far from District 1 is District 3, also centrally located but less bustling. This area serves as the city’s administrative center and is home to historical sites like the War Remnants Museum, Tan Dinh Church (the pink church), and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. 

District 5, aka Chinatown or Cholon, is a distinctive area with the highest concentration of Chinese-descended residents. 

Shops, restaurants, and homes are adorned with Chinese signs and architecture, and people speak various Chinese dialects. The district is home to the Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market.  

Cu Chi suburban district, situated 30 km from downtown, is covered with green rice fields, tapioca and rubber tree plantations. 

This area is renowned for the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels – a testament to the brutal and bloody war, and a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people. 

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City experiences two distinct seasons throughout the year: a dry season that is hot and warm, and a wet season characterized by heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding in the city. 

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April. This period offers more comfortable weather with less humidity and rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. 

However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. 

If you prefer fewer tourists and don’t mind occasional rain as well as high humidity, consider visiting during the wet season from May to November.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Booking accommodation in District 1 or District 3 will make it convenient for you to explore the area. 

For budget stays, you can stay at: 

• MEANDER Saigon. Located in District 1, near Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, the Post Office, and the Cathedral, this place also offers coworking space and game nights.
• Saigon Rooftops Hostel. Provide clean private rooms and dorms at reasonable prices. Free breakfast, coworking space, and friendly, helpful staff. 

For mid-range stays: 

• Eden Star Saigon. Very nice hotel with spacious rooms, comfy beds, a delicious buffet with huge choices, nice staff, and a rooftop swimming pool.
• La Siesta Saigon. Besides excellent room amenities and services, it also offers a nice sky bar, two restaurants serving tasty foods, and an infinity pool. 

Recommendations for luxury stays:

• Park Hyatt Saigon. Prime location, excellent service, beautìully-decorated rooms, attentive, courteous and helpful staff, incredibly soft beds, large gym and pool. 
• The Reverie Saigon. Fanciful decoration, professional services, dedicated staff, modern facilities, stunning city views, and world-class cuisine. 

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City

As Ho Chi Minh is a big city, you may get overwhelmed by the dense and chaotic traffic here. To navigate Ho Chi Minh City efficiently, consider the following popular transportation options:

• Taxis. They are readily available on every city corner. Popular taxi companies in the city include Mai Linh and Vinasun. They charge by meter, so make sure drivers turn on the meter to avoid overcharging.
• Grab. This is a ride-hailing and food delivery app that is widely used in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers both car and motorbike rides and can be more cost-effective and convenient than traditional taxis. Download the Grab app to easily book a ride.
• Motorbikes. A popular and exhilarating way to explore the city. Many locals use motorbikes as their primary mode of transportation. If you’re comfortable riding, you can rent a motorbike from local shops or hotels. Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules.
• Walking. It’s suitable for short distances and exploring the bustling streets of District 1. However, be cautious of the heavy traffic when crossing the streets and narrow sidewalks.

On top of that, you can also easily explore the city using cyclos and the newly-operated metro line. 

Cyclos are traditional Vietnamese tricycles that offer a leisurely way to see the city. You’ll sit in the front while the cyclo rider drives from the back. 

The vehicle has a cover to protect you from the heat, sun, and rain. They provide a unique experience, allowing you to discover the city at a slower, more leisurely pace while blending into the city’s traffic. 

Visit the city’s historical landmarks on a cyclo. Why not?

Hop on our Saigon city tour and explore the top attractions including the Independence Palace, Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more.  Get a chance to delve into Vietnam War history by visiting the secret weapon bunker and the site where Thich Quang Duc self-immolated. Want to add this to your Ho Chi Minh travel itinerary?

Regarding the metro line, this transportation option has gained immense popularity among local people due to its speed and convenience. It passes by the Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, making it easier for those who love shopping. 

Lastly, you can travel around the city using public buses. It’s the most affordable, but can be crowded and complex for first-time users. Additionally, the bus drivers generally don’t speak English.

The Ho Chi Minh City Bus Service offers several routes that connect major areas of the city. It’s advisable to check the route maps and schedules in advance.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Itinerary for 4 Days

The following is a detailed travel itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City that includes all the essential information you need to plan your perfect trip.  

Day 1: City Tour, Book Street, Cafe Apartment, Food Tour on Motorbikes

Let’s start this Ho Chi Minh City travel itinerary with a tour around the city – the best way to get a glimpse of it, its history, and lifestyle. 

Hit the road early to avoid the heat, grab a Banh Mi from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa and Vietnamese coffee, then head to the Independence Palace before the streets get too busy.  

Independence Palace, aka Reunification Palace, was initially built as the Norodom Palace for the French colonial administration in 1868. It was reconstructed in 1962 and served as the residence and office of the President of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in 1975. 

Renting an audio guide will make exploring the palace easier and more enjoyable. The palace is open daily from 8:00 to 15:30. The entrance ticket costs 65,000 VND.

From the palace, it’s a nice short walk through a park to the next stop – the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Built during the French colonial period, they served as symbols and reminders of French civilization and colonization in Vietnam. 

The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation while the Central Post Office opens every day for visitors at no charge. The post office is still active and you can send letters or postcards back to your country. 

If you’re thinking of getting some little souvenirs for friends and family, you can buy them at the post office. They sell items at fixed reasonable prices, so you don’t need to haggle. 

Not far from the post office lies a little Book Street – a paradise for book lovers. This charming corner is a popular hangout spot where you can find extensive collections of books from various publishers. 

Additionally, there are sections for magazines, newspapers, stationery, old book exchange, and more. Open daily from 8:00 to 22:00. 

Next, head to the cool cafe apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street where you’ll find an apartment house with many cute cafes and gift shops. Fill your tummy with light snacks and a fresh Vietnamese coconut coffee and save room for the food tour in the evening.  

At 5.30 PM, hop on the back of the motorbike and marvel through the street maze of Saigon to hunt for food.  

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnel, War Remnant Museum, Tan Dinh Church, Massage

Spend the 2nd day of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary diving into wartime history and events with a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. 

In addition to learning about the tunnel system and fighting tactics, you’ll have the chance to shoot an AK-47, crawl inside the actual tunnels, and try the food that Vietnamese soldiers ate during that time. 

The tour starts at 8 AM and finishes around 2 PM, depending on traffic. By then, you’re likely to be hungry. 

Get a heaping plate of Com Tam, aka broken rice, at Com Tam Moc located at 85 Lý Tự Trọng. Their signature dish is Com Tam, but you can also order other items like beef skewers, vermicelli noodles with BBQ pork, and more. 

Enjoy your lunch before visiting the War Remnants Museum, as the photos, videos, and documentaries inside are very confronting and traumatizing, which can erase your appetite. 

The information is straightforward, providing moving and educational insights into the American Resistance War, the use of Agent Orange, and its terrible legacy for generations. The museum is open daily from 7:30 to 17:30. Entry costs 40,000 VND. 

After 1-2 hours in the museum, get some fresh air and walk 20 minutes to Tan Dinh Church. This Roman Catholic pink church is one of the oldest in Saigon, built in 1876, and is now more than 150 years old. 

While most visitors come here for Instagram-worthy photos, others come to admire the beautiful interior architecture. 

Note that the church does not have fixed opening hours. It’s typically open only during mass times for prayer. 

• Weekday masses are at 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. 
• Saturday and Sunday masses are at 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. 

Give yourself a treat with a pampering massage to rejuvenate after a full day of learning about war and history. 

For dinner, visit Ben Nghe Street Food Market, an indoor food court with a great vibe and music. It offers a variety of food options, including Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Greek, and Indian cuisine, as well as beers, cocktails, and mocktails. 

Highly recommend trying the coconut ice cream there! 

Day 3: Mekong Delta, A O Show, Bui Vien Street 

The 3rd day of the Ho Chi Minh travel itinerary includes a trip to the Mekong Delta. 

There is so much to see and do on this tour, including visiting a local bee farm to taste kumquat honey tea, listening to local folklore, rowing sample boats, making coconut candy from scratch, and much more. 

The tour starts at 8 AM and finishes around 4 PM. You can enjoy lunch at Mekong restaurants or bring your snacks. Upon returning to Saigon, get ready for the A O Show at the Opera House at 6 PM. 

This Vietnamese answer to Cirque du Soleil features bamboo circus acts, combining storytelling and unique live music, which will leave you in awe. 

Note: 

• The show starts at 6 PM, but you will need to arrive 30 minutes earlier. 
• You can buy tickets at the counter, but it’s highly recommended to purchase them in advance as the show gets fully booked quickly, especially on holidays. Whatsapp us at +84 978755865 for assistance with securing your A O Show tickets in advance. 

Image source: Lune Production

The show ends after 1 hour – time for dinner! Recommendations for dinner include: 

• Propaganda Bistro – 21 Han Thuyen. A little restaurant offers a nice ambiance, tasty Vietnamese food, drinks, and desserts. 
• Secret Garden Restaurant – 158 Pasteur. A hidden quaint rooftop restaurant and bar offering a huge menu of food and drinks. 
• Pho Vietnam – 14 Pham Hong Thai. Michelin Pho with reasonable prices in the city.  

What’s next? Let your hair down at Bui Vien Street! The entire street is filled with bars and eateries featuring loud upbeat music and a crazy vibe. Youngsters typically hang out and dance the night away here. 

Some bars you can check out are Boosh Rooftop Bar and Lost In Saigon. 

Day 4: Cho Lon, Cooking Class, Coffee Hopping, Shopping 

On your last day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the morning from 8 – 12 AM joining a Saigon cooking class to gain hands-on experience in cooking Vietnamese dishes and learn the art of bargaining at the local market. 

The class also provides vegetarian options and covers useful kitchen skills, including knife techniques, dish decoration, and marinating methods to achieve authentic Vietnamese flavors.

In the afternoon, hail a Grab to Cho Lon. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda ,Ong Bon Pagoda, and Hao Sy Phuong Alley, and shop at Binh Tay Market, etc.  

You can also spend the last night exploring some cool coffee shops and bars in the city, such as:

• Cheo Leo Cafe – 109/36 Nguyen Thien Thuat. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, located near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in Cho Lon.  
• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. Nice egg coffee here. 
• OKKIO Caffe – Le Loi. Baristas ask about your coffee preferences and allow you to sample different coffee origins. 
• Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar – 141 Nguyen Hue. Nice rooftop bar at the historical Rex Hotel overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The view and drinks are great but a bit pricey. 
• Summer Experiment – 2nd Floor, 77-79 Lý Tự Trọng. Tropical-themed decoration brings a relaxing vibe. Their menu is frequently updated to offer new experiences for customers. 

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Itinerary Plan B

In addition to the activities listed on the itinerary, you can also experience dinner on a 5-star cruise, take in the views of Saigon from Landmark 81, or visit Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. 

The Saigon River Dinner Cruise is a fantastic way to see the city’s beauty by night while enjoying a delicious Vietnamese buffet and local music. 

Landmark 81 is the tallest building not only in Vietnam but in all of Southeast Asia. You can admire the impressive panoramic view of Saigon from its Skyview Observatory, check out the infinity pool, or ice skate at Vincom Ice Rink. 

All of these places require entry, so make sure you check the prices before going. 

The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum) houses a vast collection of traditional Vietnamese medicines. 

Visit to learn about Vietnamese remedies and traditional practices, and if you wish, purchase some medicine to take home. Admission is 180,000 VND. 

Image source: FITO Museum

Where to Visit Next After Ho Chi Minh City?

You’ve accomplished so much during your four days in Ho Chi Minh City. I hope this travel itinerary has inspired you and made your trip much easier. 

After Ho Chi Minh City, consider exploring further south with a visit to Phu Quoc Island, or head to central Vietnam to visit Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. For more information, check out our comprehensive Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary. 

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