Layover, business trip or a quick stop on a longer Vietnam itinerary, whatever your reasons for spending just 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City, my guide is here to help and plan your day for you.
Originally part of the kingdom of Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh began as a small fishing village called Prey Nokor, engulfed by thick jungle and swamp, it was only in the 17th Century that the Vietnamese Nguyen Lords officially took control of the area. Its checkered past included; colonisation by France in 1859 and named Saigon; the war years of 1955 and 1975 saw significant American presence and violence; Saigon fell in 1975 and went under communist rule, renamed to Ho Chi Minh after the leader. Today, it’s one of South East Asia’s major cities, although it’s not Vietnam’s capital it is the largest city and commercial hub. Many remnants of the colonial era remain with French style buildings, boulevards and food.
Both modern and historic, Ho Chi Minh captivated me. There are so many things to do here and so much to learn 1 day in Ho Chi Minh is not enough to cover everything but you will still experience so much, and likely end up plotting your next trip back. Especially, with the help of this 24 hour itinerary which is based on my first hand experience over the few weeks I spent in Ho Chi Minh. There is also a map included to give you a rough guide on the route.
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1 Day In Ho Chi Minh City Essentials
- Best Time To Visit: Dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit with more comfortable temperature, whereas the wet season (May to November) sees frequent showers but accommodation is much cheaper.
- Getting Around: You don’t need public transport for this itinerary, it is a completely walkable itinerary. If needed, the new metro line 1 and Grab taxi are both quick and affordable ways to get around.
- Travel Insurance: True Traveller (EU/UK citizens only) or World Nomads
Should I Visit Cu Chi Tunnels with 24 Hours In Ho Chi Minh City?
The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. However, the journey can take up to 2 hours to get there, the tours are usually 2 hours and then it takes another 2 hours to get back to the city. You wouldn’t have much time to see all the other great things the city has to offer, therefore I suggest seeing the attractions in the city and saving the Cu Chi Tunnels for another visit.
Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City
For just 1 day in Ho Chi Minh, your best best is to stay in District 1. This will put you within walking distance of everything on this itinerary, including fantastic dining options. Meow Hotel & Cafe is budget friendly and offers modern and cosy rooms with air conditioning.
While Adora Art Hotel is a 5-star hotel with rooftop pool, large rooms and a buffet breakfast, located a few metres from the War Remnants Museum.
1 Day In Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary Map
I was generous with times per each location, but you might spend less time in each place, it is just a guide. I suggest starting the day between 8 – 9 AM.
Morning
War Remnants Museum (2 hours)
When researching things to do in Saigon the War Remnants Museum was one place that kept popping up. The museum chronicles the immense suffering during the Vietnam War while celebrating the Vietnamese people’s resilience. Through haunting photographs and personal stories, including the devastating effects of Agent Orange, visitors are given insight on the war’s brutal reality. Yet the museum also emphasises hope, peace, and reconciliation, encouraging us to learn from history to prevent future tragedies. It is one of the most important places to visit in Ho Chi Minh, to truly appreciate how far the city has come.
Along with stories and photographs there is a large collection of artillery and machinery used by both Vietnam and USA on show outside.
Need a morning cup of coffee? In’Joy Café & Bake not only does superb coffee but also gluten free pastries and banh mi’s!
Independence Palace (90 mins)
Another essential thing to do during 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City is the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. As the site where the Vietnam War effectively ended, the palace is a significant location when learning about Vietnams turbulent past.
Built in the 1960’s, the place is huge, it has a bold modernist design with well-preserved rooms that include the president’s office, war rooms, and the famous basement where key military operations took place. Outside you will see the iconic statue of North Vietnamese tanks that crashed through the palaces gates in 1975. You can also visit the rooftop, for panoramic views.
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Afternoon
Ben Nghe Street Food (1 hour)
For lunch I highly recommend Ben Nghe Street Food Market. This is a vibrant food market with about 10 – 15 food stalls, you will find local Vietnamese, Indian, Thai and Korean food here. It is touristy, so although still reasonable, prices are higher than normal. The seating is under a roof but opened planned and the market is decorated with cool neon light fixtures and artwork.
One of the best banh xeo I had in Vietnam was from here.
Send A Postcard From Saigon Central Post Office
(40 mins)
6 minute walk from Ben Nghe Street Food Market is the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, it is a must see building during your 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City. Designed in the 19th Century by Gustave Eiffel, the architect behind the Eiffel Tower, the building is an example of French colonial architecture that you see throughout Vietnam. Today it still serves as a post office for both locals and tourists.
Inside are vaulted ceilings, original telephone booths and large maps of southern Vietnam and Saigon hand on the walls. However, the main reason most people visit here is to send a postcard.
You can purchase postcards inside the post office and send them to family and friends back home. It’s a very popular thing to do, with counters lined with people filling in their postcards.
Across from Saigon Post Office is the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, another major remnant from the colonial era. It’s currently undergoing extensive renovation on the exterior but you can still take a look inside.
Book Street (20 mins)
Our next stop on our 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh is Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. This is a quaint 100 meter pedestrian street, which book lovers are bound to love (awful pun, I know!). This charming lane is dotted with bookshops, cosy cafes, and independent boutiques, all enveloped in a chill atmosphere. While most books are in Vietnamese, you can still find some English titles.
Dep Café is a cute cafe with nice outdoor seating, good coffee and sweet treats.
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Little Japan (20 mins)
Tucked away from Ho Chi Minh City’s chaotic streets, is a slice of Japan, a series of small, quiet alleyways nestled with izakayas, sushi restaurants and ramen bars. It’s a fun place to wander and inspire a future trip to Japan.
Although the day is a peaceful escape, I don’t recommend visiting at night, it turns into a red-light district with a dramatically different atmosphere.
Cafe Apartment (90 mins)
As a self-confessed coffee addict, when I heard that Ho Chi Minh has a 9 floor apartment block filled with cute cafes, I just knew I had to visit. Overlooking the busy Nguyen Hue Square, from ground level the cafe apartments look like colourful cubes, everything is unique with all the cafes have different signs and colours.
The best way to explore is by climbing the stairs, checking out the unique cafes and boutiques along the way, there are also still a few residential apartments remaining in the building. You can also take the elevator to the top for a fee of 3000 VND.
I loved Madam Quyên on the top floor, serving the most incredible Bun Cha and salted coffee. DOSH Doughnuts also look unreal!
On Nguyen Hue Square is the Statue of Ho Chi Minh. It is located in front of French colonial style City Hall.
Ben Thanh Market (1 hour)
Super busy market selling clothing, souvenirs, handcrafts, watches and street food, Ben Thanh Market is an essential thing to do during 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City. The market dates all the way back to the French colonial era in the 17th Century when it was called Les Halles Centrales. Originally located on Ton That Thiep Street, it was moved to Ben Thanh in 1899. The building is colonial style, with its iconic clock tower that is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The market is huge with hundreds of stalls selling designer dupes, from North Face and Nike to Marc Jacob and Gucci bags, although obviously the items are not legitimate, some are good quality for their price.
Do not be afraid the haggle here, it’s key to getting a good deal. Start by offering half the price they quote (within reason of course), they will then raise it a bit but you’ll shave about 30-40% off the original price.
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Evening
Sunset At Skydeck (1 hour)
Soaring 262 meters high across 68 floors, Bitexco Financial Tower stands as Vietnam’s tallest building. The observation deck on the 49th floor offers spectacular unobstructed 360 panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts and the winding Saigon River from floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You’ll also find handy interactive boards that identify the buildings below, which I really appreciated, as I’ve often felt lost trying to identify distant sites at other observation decks.
It’s best to visit during sunset when the city starts to light up. Sunset times vary throughout the year but it’s generally between 17:30 – 18:20. Check the average sunset times per month in Ho Chi Minh.
Feeling hungry or want a cocktail to kick off the evening? Vo Roof is a rooftop bar serving delicious Vietnamese food and creative cocktails (try the Summer Poloma)
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Crazy Or Chill Night?
Ho Chi Minh has an excellent nightlife, where you go next depends on one vital question, do you want a crazy or chill night?
Crazy Night: Backpacker Street
If you are looking for a wild night out, then Backpacker Street, or Bui Vien Street, is a must visit to close out your 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the city’s answer to Khaosan Road in Bangkok. The street is full of life, with colourful bars with flashing neon lights and energetic dancers. Music is blasting out of all the bars, the bass so loud that it can be felt in your chest. If your senses aren’t overloaded enough, motorbikes are constantly weaving in and out of the crowds. It’s supposed to be pedestrianised, but don’t you know that road rules are made to be broken in Vietnam.
The atmosphere is both entrancing and chaotic. I recommend doing a pub crawl for the ultimate fun and the chance to meet other travellers.
Chill Night
Bui Vien Road is not going to be everyone’s idea of a good night, which is fine, there are so many other fun, but chilled spots to visit in Ho Chi Minh at night.
- Opera House: Witness the Vietnamese take on Cirque du Soleil at the A O Show. A Vietnamese bamboo circus where performers do acrobatics and dancing using props like bamboo baskets and boats, while using the sounds of Southern Vietnamese work songs.
- Craft Beer: Ho Chi Minh has a well developed craft beer scene with breweries dotted all around the country. Two bars I really enjoyed were Heart Of Darkness and Pasteur Street Brewing. Both have a large selection of IPA beers and nice food.
- Speakeasy: Along with craft beer this city has no shortage of hidden speakeasy bars. I recommend the Telephone Bar where you have to climb through a London phone box to enter and The Iron Bank.
- Rooftop Bar: Enjoy Saigons skyline with a cocktail in hand. Broma Not A Bar has great music and vibes while SolLuna is a bit more relaxed and cheaper.
- The Monkey Gallery Dessert Bar: cocktail and a decadent dessert or two? This is more of an experience, the desserts are edible pieces of art that look too good to eat. You also get to spin the lucky wheel which could result in a free drink. The theme of the menu changes frequently but keep an eye on their website for up to date info.
- Acoustic Bar: Live music venue where locals perform mostly well known English songs and a few Vietnamese songs. Awesome venue and night!
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Thanks for reading this 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh itinerary, continue reading for more helpful information.
2 Day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
If you have 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City I recommend you spend the extra day at Cu Chi Tunnels. It take approximately 2 hours to reach there from Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a 2 hour tour and then 2 hours back. It’s too long to fit into a 1 day itinerary but is definitely worth visiting if you have 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City.
I also recommend visiting the 10,000 Buddha Temple and Cholon.
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1 Day In Ho Chi Minh FAQ
Ho Chi Minh has a significant history, 1 day is not enough to cover it all. However, you can see a lot in one day as many prominent landmarks are located close to one another. 3 – 4 days is a more adequate time frame to branch out from the regular city centre locations.
Both cities offer a vastly different experience. Danang is a laid back coastal city with white sand beaches, fantastic surf, and mountains. While Ho Chi Minh is a busy and large international city, it’s a major commercial hub
3 – 4 days is the perfect amount of time to see the city, take a day trip or two and explore outside the city centre tourist sites.
