Angelia and Chris standing on a bridge in front of a flower field at Cai To Chim

If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the city can feel overwhelming at first because there is so much happening everywhere at once. But once you break it down by district, it becomes much easier to explore, and each area has its own vibe.

This Ho Chi Minh City itinerary mixes iconic landmarks, local food, cute cafes, rooftop views, and a few hidden spots that are actually worth your time. It is planned in a way that keeps each day fairly practical, so you are not spending too much time stuck in traffic between stops. We also included a mix of classic first-time spots and places that feel a little more fun to add beyond the usual tourist checklist.

Just a heads up: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely love, use, or would recommend to our closest friends.

📱 Tip: Before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, set up an eSIM so you have data right away for Grab rides, maps, and QR payments. We usually use Holafly, and you can use our code “HELLOANG” for 5% off. It makes getting around much easier, especially when crossing districts.

Overview

📍 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Map Guide

We’ve pinned every stop from this Ho Chi Minh itinerary into one Google Map to make things easier while you’re exploring.

Just open it on your phone, save it, and use it to hop between cafes, food spots, and landmarks. It’s especially helpful when you’re jumping between districts or just want to see what’s nearby. Save it before your trip so you always have it ready when you’re out and about.

Angelia holding flowers near Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh

🏨 Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City 

Saigon is a big city, and traffic can slow things down more than expected, so staying close to where you want to spend most of your time just makes the trip easier and more enjoyable. Choosing the right base can make your Ho Chi Minh itinerary much smoother since traffic can easily take longer than expected.

Most first-time visitors stay in District 1 since it’s the most central, walkable, and well-connected part of the city. But depending on your travel style, Districts 2 and 3 are both solid alternatives worth knowing about.

Here are the top areas to consider based on your travel priorities:

1. District 1 Hotels – Best for first-timers and easy city access

Most of the main attractions, food spots, and nightlife are either in District 1 or easiest to reach from here. Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the main rooftop bars are all within walking distance or a quick ride. 

🛏 Recommended Hotels:

  • Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City – Serviced apartment-style stay in District 1 with spacious units, city views, a rooftop pool, and direct access to Saigon Centre.
  • KiN Hotel Ly Tu Trong Editon – Modern boutique with easy access to cafés, shopping, and Ben Thanh area.
  • Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel steps from Ben Thanh Market with elegant interiors, afternoon tea service, and a rooftop pool with city views.
  • MEANDER Saigon – Minimalist stay with a social vibe and central location near top attractions.
  • La Siesta Premium Saigon – Boutique hotel near Ben Thanh with a rooftop pool and sky bar.
  • New World Saigon Hotel – Full-service hotel with a pool, spa, fitness center, and several dining options on-site.
  • Hotel Majestic – One of Saigon’s oldest and most iconic hotels, sitting right along the riverfront with classic colonial charm and a rooftop bar to match.

2. District 2 (Thao Dien) Hotels – Best if you want something a bit more relaxed

Thao Dien has a noticeably different energy from the rest of the city, with tree-lined streets, independent cafes, brunch spots, craft beer bars, and a strong expat community that gives it a laid-back, neighborhood feel. 

It’s about 10–15 minutes by Grab to District 1, so you’re still well-connected. We’d recommend it if you’re staying for more than a few days and want somewhere that doesn’t feel overwhelming to come back to at the end of the day.

🛏 Recommended Hotels:

  • Villa Song Saigon – A quieter, more intimate option with a wine cellar and lush garden.
  • Amanaki Thao Dien – Right in the middle of the Thao Dien café and restaurant scene, with great brunch spots and local eats just steps away.
  • The Crest Airbnb – Spacious serviced apartment with full amenities, city views, and quick access to District 1.

3. District 3 Hotels – Best for local atmosphere without losing convenience

Sits right next to District 1 but with wider streets, more greenery, and a calmer atmosphere. Walkable to several key sights and great if you want a more local feel without losing convenience.

🛏 Recommended Hotels:

  • Hotel des Arts Saigon (MGallery) – A beautifully designed hotel in the city, with art-inspired interiors and a rooftop pool.
  • Mai House Saigon – Boutique hotel with rooftop dining and a pool, tucked away from the main roads so it stays quiet.
  • Bach Suites Saigon – Small and intimate with a French-influenced feel, a genuinely lovely spot for a slower-paced stay.

4. Landmark 81 Area – Best for skyline views and a modern luxury stay
 A good option if you want a newer, quieter part of the city while still staying close to District 1.

🛏 Recommended Hotel:

  • Luxury Home Landmark 81 – Spacious apartment-style stay inside the Landmark 81 complex, with panoramic city views, modern interiors, and direct access to shopping, restaurants, and the observation deck
Angelia & Chris holding hands in front of Saigon Central Post Office

🏙️ Day 1: Classic Ho Chi Minh City (District 1)

If it’s your first visit, this is the best way to begin your Ho Chi Minh itinerary because most major landmarks are close together.

Morning: 

Start your first day in Ho Chi Minh City with breakfast at Bò Né Bà Nũi 🥩 – This is a classic Vietnamese breakfast spot known for bò né, which is sizzling beef served on a hot plate with eggs, bread, and sauce. It’s really affordable, filling, and one of the most popular local breakfasts you need to try!

Afternoon: Easy walking route through central District 1

This whole area is very walkable, and you can do these stops in one route:

  • Saigon Opera House 🎶 – A beautiful French colonial building right in the center of the city and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Even if you do not go inside, it is worth stopping for photos.
  • Vincom Center Dong Khoi 🛍️ – A modern shopping mall with international brands, air conditioning, and a good place to cool off if you need a break from the heat.
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon ⛪ – A famous red-brick cathedral built during the French colonial period. Even while exterior restoration continues, it remains one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
  • Saigon Central Post Office 🏣 – One of the city’s most iconic buildings, known for its historic interior and architecture. You can even send a postcard home from here, just make sure to bring cash since postage is cash only!
  • Ho Chi Minh City Book Street 📚 – A short pedestrian street lined with bookstores, small cafes, and shaded seating. It is a nice, quiet stop right next to the main landmarks.
  • Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee ☕ – One of Vietnam’s most famous coffee brands and a great place to try Vietnamese coffee in a comfortable setting. Their egg coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are both popular!
  • If you want a drink break, stop at Shancha – Le Loi for boba 🧋

This is one of the easiest afternoons in the city because everything is close together.

💡 Optional: If you have extra time, you could also stop by The Cafe Apartments for a coffee break or Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, food, and apparel. Both are very popular with first-time visitors, but personally, we would skip them unless you are really curious, since they feel quite touristy and prices are usually higher than other spots in the city.

Night: Food + Rooftop Views

At night, you can also stop by Photo Objet 🎞️ to take selfies with some of the cutest and most creative backdrops, including a fake train, laundromat, and elevator. It is a really fun night activity if you want cute photo memories from the trip 📸✨

For dinner, choose either:

  • Xoi Ga Number One 🍚 and Bún riêu Gánh 🍜 (both restaurants are on the same block)
    • Xoi Ga Number One – Famous local spot for sticky rice topped with shredded chicken, egg, and rich sauce
    • Bun rieu Ganh – Known for crab tomato noodle soup with a flavorful broth, tofu, and fresh herbs.
  • Pizza 4P’s 🍕 – Vietnam’s most famous pizza chain, loved for wood-fired pizzas, house-made cheese, and creative toppings.

Then end the night at Banana Mama Rooftop Bar & Kitchen Saigon 🥂

Angelia & Chris hugging on the rooftop of Ola Hale in front of Tan Dinh Catholic Church

☕ Day 2: Cafes + Creative Spots (District 2 and Beyond)

Day 2 of this Ho Chi Minh itinerary focuses more on cafés, creative neighborhoods, and skyline views.

Morning

Start the morning at Oasis Cafe ☕🐟 – One of Saigon’s most unique café experiences, where koi fish swim right beneath your feet in flooded seating pits around the café floor. It’s a little quirky but genuinely fun, especially in the morning before it gets busy. The coffee is good, the vibe is calm and green, and it’s a nice contrast to the usual Saigon street-side café. 

Afternoon: Tan Dinh Area

This whole afternoon is based around the Tan Dinh neighborhood, which has a great mix of photo spots, local food, and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

  • Tan Dinh Catholic Church (The Pink Church) ⛪ – You’ve probably already seen this one on Instagram before landing in Saigon. The all-pink exterior is bold, a little surreal, and completely unlike anything else in the city. 
  • Ola Hale 🌸 – A Hawaiian-inspired restaurant and bar sitting directly across from the Tan Dinh Pink Church. The rooftop on the third floor gives you one of the best angles to photograph the church without the crowds blocking your shot.
  • Banh Canh Cua 87 🍜 – A neighborhood staple famous for thick crab noodle soup with fresh shrimp, crab meat, and straw mushrooms in a rich, naturally sweet broth. Affordable, filling, and almost always busy.
  • Su Su Waterfall Fried Chicken 🍗 – Worth tracking down for the cooking method alone. Boiling oil is poured over the chicken like a waterfall, giving you incredibly crispy skin without the heavy batter. Simple, well-seasoned, and really good.
  • Bo Kho Ganh Sai Gon 🥩🥖– A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot serving slow-braised Vietnamese beef stew with lemongrass, ginger, and aromatics in a rich, deeply flavored broth. Get it with a fresh baguette to soak everything up.

Night: Sunset Skyline

  • Vinhomes Central Park 🌅 – Head here in the late afternoon before sunset. It’s a huge riverside park with open lawns and walking paths along the Saigon River. Free to enter, relaxed, and a great spot to catch Landmark 81.
  • Then visit Landmark 81 🏙️ for skyline views – This is Vietnam’s tallest building with 360° views over the city and Saigon River from floors 79–81. Time your visit around 5:30–6:30 PM to catch golden hour into the city lights. If you’d rather skip the entry fee, the bar on floor 75 gets you a similar view with a drink instead.
Angelia & Chris sitting on a bench while Angelia holds flowers at the Meta Show in Ho Chi Minh

🍜 Day 3: Local Food + Hidden Spots

For the final day of this Ho Chi Minh itinerary, mix local food with one bigger experience outside the city center.

Morning: Day Trip

Start the day early with one of these two popular day trips from the city:

  • Cu Chi Tunnels 🪖 – An underground tunnel network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war, stretching over 250km beneath the ground. You can crawl through sections, see the traps, and learn how life worked down there.
  • Mekong Delta 🛶 – Book a half-day tour through the river delta south of Saigon with boat rides, floating markets, and local villages. A completely different side of Vietnam from the city.

Afternoon

  • ngâm CAFE ☕ – A retro-aesthetic café covered in bookshelves, vinyl records, and old memorabilia with plenty of photogenic corners. Open 24 hours, but it’s best to visit on weekdays to capture great shots without the crowds.
  • For lunch, try one of these nearby spots if you didn’t go on Day 2:
    • Banh Canh Cua 87 🍜
    • Su Su Waterfall Fried Chicken 🍗
  • Metashow Exhibition at Thiso Mall 🎨 – An immersive light art exhibition with 30+ interactive rooms, LED installations, mixed reality, and Van Gogh-inspired visuals. Great for photos, takes about 1–2 hours 👉 Grab your ticket in advance here.
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street 🚶– Stroll past cafes, flower displays, and people-watching spots. It gets livelier as the sun goes down.

Night

  • For dinner and dessert, try both of these spots that are right next to each other:
    • Bo Kho Ganh Sai Gon 🥩🥖
    • Khanh Vy Che Mam 🍭 – A three-generation dessert stall serving chè mâm, a tray of 16 small bowls of different chè varieties.
  • End the night at The View Rooftop Bar 🥂 – The highest rooftop bar on Bui Vien Street with views stretching over the neighborhood and city skyline. 
Angelia looking at books on Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

💡 Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City 

  • Plan by District 📍– Traffic is intense, so group by district each day.
  • Use Grab 🚕 – Grab is the easiest app for getting around, and it is very affordable.
  • Slow Mornings Work Well ☕ – Many cafes open late, so you don’t need to rush mornings
  • Stay in District 1 🏙️ – District 1 is best for first-time visitors.
  • Go to District 2 for Cafes 🌿 – District 2 is best for cafes, brunches, and slower afternoons.
  • Use QR Payment Apps 💳 – Download Moreta Pay (iOS / Android) and/or VNPay (iOS / Android) to be able to pay for most vendors without needing cash. Can connect international credit cards to add money and pay by scanning QR codes for vendors.
  • Avoid Peak Heat 🌡️ – It gets very hot and humid, so plan outdoor stops earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, if you can.
  • Try the Coffee Culture ☕ – Vietnamese iced coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee are all worth trying.
  • Best Time to Visit ☀️ – December to March usually has less rain, lower humidity, and more comfortable weather for walking around the city.
  • Worst Time to Visit 🌧️ – May to October is the rainy season, with sudden heavy showers, higher humidity, and occasional street flooding, especially from June to September.

✨ Final Thoughts on Ho Chi Minh City 


This 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary works especially well for first-time visitors who want a mix of classic spots and local favorites. Ho Chi Minh City is one of those cities that can feel chaotic at first, but once you settle into the rhythm, it becomes incredibly fun to explore. Between the food, coffee culture, rooftop views, and hidden spots tucked between busy streets, there is always something interesting around the next corner. If it is your first visit, try not to overpack your days too much, leave room for spontaneous stops, and enjoy the mix of local spots and iconic landmarks that make the city feel so unique ☕🍜

– Angelia & Chris

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