Ho Chi Minh One-Day Itineraries

If you have planned for a short visit to Ho Chi Minh City, read our local guide on Ho Chi Minh City's must-see attractions in one day, and let your adventure begins.

Map of Ho Chi Minh One-day Itineraries:

Ho Chi Minh City One-Day Itineraries

Morning: 

 

8:30 AM - Notre Dame Cathedral (Duration: 30’)

One of the French colonial architect remnants in Ho Chi Minh City built in 1880. In front of the church, there is a garden with the statue of Our Lady of Peace standing in the middle. This statue has only been there for 50 years, but it has also become a symbol of the city center.

9:00 AM - Saigon Central Post Office (Duration: 30’)

On the opposite side of the Notre Dame Cathedral stands the oldest post office in Ho Chi Minh City which is still open today. Many visitors come to admire the beauty of the architecture as well as using the service here, sending their letters and postcards home.

9:30 AM - Independence Palace (Duration: 2h)

From the Post Office, it is a 5-minutes walk to the government office during the Vietnam-French War and Vietnam War, a place marking the reunification of the country and the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. The building and several items from that time are preserved in their original state and exhibited here.

11:30 AM - Lunch (Duration: 1h30)

Choose one of these typical Vietnamese foods and enjoy a new and flavorful combination of ingredients. These recommended places are all located in District 1, a 10 - 15 minutes taxi ride from the Independence Palace.

 

Com Tam (broken rice): BBQ pork chop with broken rice, egg meatloaf, and savory fish sauce.
Com Tam Thuan Kieu
Address: 114 Yersin, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 6 AM - 2 PM
Price: VND 40,000 - VND 110,000

Read more on Saigon's Classic Broken Rice

To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides!

 

Ga Met (chicken on a tray): The chicken is cooked in many ways and served with sticky rice on a circular bamboo tray.
Ga Met Quan
Address: 15K Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9 AM - 10 PM
Price: VND 35,000 - VND 100,000

Bun Thit Nuong: Vermicelli with BBQ pork and spring rolls.
Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen
Address: 195 Co Giang, District 1
Opening hours: 7 AM - 8 PM
Price: VND 30,000 - VND 66,000

Read more on Bun Thit Nuong in Ho Chi Minh City

Afternoon: 

 

1:30 PM - War Remnant Museum (Duration: 2h)

The museum shows a part of Vietnamese history and the Vietnam War via remnants, posters, artifacts, and presentations. It is also a reminder of war crimes and their consequences with areas dedicated to Agent Orange-infected victims and war victims.

4:00 PM - Ben Thanh Market (Duration: 1h)

From the War Remnant Museum, it is about a 10 - 15 minutes taxi ride to one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Many stores and kiosks here sell a variety of dried goods, produce, foods, textiles and garments, and conical hats. Don't forget to bargain.

5:00 PM - Refresh at your hotel before heading out in the evening for dinner.

Evening:

7:00 PM - Dinner (Duration: 1h30)

Get yourself an authentic local dinner by trying the well-marinated meat or fresh seafood dishes in Ho Chi Minh City. Join in the street-side BBQ and fun.

 

BBQ
5Ku BBQ
Address: 29 Thai Van Lung, District 1
Opening hours: 5 PM - Midnight
Price: VND 100,000 - VND 220,000

Snails
Oc Dao
Address: 212B Alley Nguyen Trai, District 1
Opening hours: 10 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: VND 60,000 - VND 110,000

Read more on Vietnamese Street Foods: A Guide to Snails on a Plate

Che (sweet dessert soup): a dessert made from coconut milk, sugar syrup, and different types of Vietnamese fruits.
Che Thai Y Phuong
Address: 380 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 10
Opening hours: 10 AM - 1:30 AM
Price: VND 18,000 - VND 33,000

Read more on Vietnamese Desserts

8:30 PM - Bui Vien Walking Street

  

Stroll down the backpackers' district and treat yourself to some street food snacks and Vietnamese beer. This walking street can get very crowded on the weekends and the holidays, so be mindful of your belongings.

Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Free entrance

Our Thoughts on Ho Chi Minh City One-Day Itineraries

From our team of local tour guides, the above suggestions are what we recommend you must see and eat if you have only 1 day in Ho Chi Minh. If you have more time in the city or looking for more things to do, check out our What to do in Ho Chi Minh in 3 Days Travel Guide.

You may also want to look into our Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Private Tours if you wish to see the city with our local guides. Contact us and let us know your inquiries.

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