Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary – Part 2: Day Trips Outside Saigon
Having spent your first few days in Saigon centre, it is now the time to explore away…
Known as both Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Saigon, this city in southern Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating and energetic. Infused with both modern and historical charms, Ho Chi Minh City is an essential part of any trip through Vietnam. When considering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days, you’ll find that there is plenty to keep you busy. Despite the fast pace of the city, you won’t need to rush to make your way through our suggested Ho Chi Minh City travel itinerary.
Our guide of top things to do in Saigon is here to keep your trip planning from being too overwhelming. We’ll curate for you the must visit places in Ho Chi Minh City and other useful information such as how to get around HCMC and the best day trips from HCMC to consider.
For a guide to enjoy Vietnamese foods in Ho Chi Minh city, we believe it deserves a whole separate blog post and we highly recommend you to book a reputable street food tour.
Ho Chi Minh City is a big metropolitan and while you can comfortably walk around the city center, you may want to look to other options beyond that.
With limited public transport, your options are taxis and motorbike taxis. Since the cost of living in Vietnam is quite low, taxis are inexpensive, we suggest you use trusted companies like Vinasun (white) and Mai Linh (green). Motorbike taxis, or xe om in Vietnamese, can be even quicker and cheaper but you’ll need to agree on cost up front. The best option though, is to download the Grab smartphone app, Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber, except that the service is at speed of light!
Getting to and from Tan Son Nhat International Airport from the city center is about 15 minutes, you can take either a taxi/Grab or arrange with us for a private shuttle
On the first couple days, jump right into the best things to do in Saigon around the city center. This way, you’ll be able to get a feel for the city before exploring further.
A good place to start with is the gorgeous Ho Chi Minh City Hall in the center of District 1. Boasting a classic French colonial design, this glamorous city hall was first known as the Hôtel de Ville when it was built in 1908. While its look may not be traditionally Vietnamese, it sets the tone for what you can expect as you explore the heart of this vast and complex city.
You don’t want to miss the city’s Central Post Office, a bright and elegant colonial building decked out in yellow and green on the exterior of the building. Discover the inner decor which perfectly matches the outer architecture. Inside, the post office is also a bit of a time warp to the turn of the 20th century, thanks to little touches like wooden phone booths.
Sitting on the same square as the post office is the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, another major city landmark. Like the post office, the cathedral is a holdover from the French colonists and dates from the 1880s, initially named as the Church of Saigon (L’Eglise de Saïgon). It’s one of the most important surviving catholic churches in Vietnam and its bells still ring out in its neighborhood.
Down the street from the cathedral, you’ll soon see your next stop, the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as Independence Palace, this was the residence and office of the President of South Vietnam during the war. The Vietnam War ended here on April 30, 1975 when a tank rolled through the palace gates, forcing the South Vietnamese to surrender. The palace is now a museum, with the interior left to look as it did in the 1960s.
For a nice break and a change of pace, find your way to 42 Nguyen Hue street from Pasteur street to see the cute Cafe Apartment building. Once an ordinary residential building, this apartment complex now hosts a fantastic collection of restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques, co-working space and a great book store inside each of the once apartments. This is a fun concept and you could spend quite some time seeing what is in store on each level of the building.
For a more in-depth look at the Vietnam War and its consequences, you’ll want to make the short trip over to the War Remnants Museum in District 3, next to District 1. Arguably the city’s most important museum, it gives visitors a candid look, if one sided, at the war through three different exhibits.
Ben Thanh Market in the heart of the city center. This large market isn’t the only major marketplace in Saigon, but it certainly is the most well-known. Set inside a historic landmark, local produce, souvenirs, and clothes are sold in over 3,000 stalls across the marketplace. Whatever you’re looking for, you have a good chance of finding it here.
The other side to Ben Thanh Market is the Night Market that starts at 6pm. Countless food stalls and open-air restaurants fill the space outside the market hall, perfect for a drink and snacks
End your day in style by going to one of Saigon’s most popular rooftop bars. From sleek ultra modern bars such as EON Heli Bar at Bitexco Financial Tower to an old-world charming place with live music Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at Caravelle Saigon, rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City cater to any style and offer panoramic views of the vibrant city and beyond
Each city offers a lot of attractions that can satisfy people of many interests, from sight seeing to sports to arts, there’s something for everyone. For a detailed curated experience during your visit, please use the printed guide book left at your Homes by IDG home or ask us any questions at homes@idogood.ca
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