Ho Chi Minh City is packed with history, culture, and amazing food. If you’re spending the holiday in Vietnam and don’t how long to spend in Saigon, let us help you! In today’s article, we’ll be giving you tips on what to visit, as well as an adventure-packed 4 days in Ho Chi Minh itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

Which is better for tourists Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Deciding between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi really depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for during your trip to Vietnam. Both cities are incredible, but they each have their own unique charm.

There are always a lot of things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, which is no surprise people say it’s the city that never sleeps. Ho Chi Minh is the place to be if you love nightlife, trendy cafes, and a fast-paced lifestyle. The city has a fascinating mix of old and new, with sleek skyscrapers next to French colonial buildings. The food scene is amazing – you can find everything from modest Vietnamese street food to world-class Indian, Japanese, Mexican, and European cuisine. From Ho Chi Minh, you can easily visit the lush Mekong Delta, navigate the meandering waterways on a tranquil boat ride; or fly out to Phu Quoc for a relaxing vacation in one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

On the other hand, Hanoi offers a more traditional and cultural experience. It has a laid-back atmosphere with beautiful lakes, ancient temples, and narrow streets lined with colonial architecture. The Old Quarter is a maze of history and local life, and you can easily spend days just wandering around, feasting on Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi. Plus, Hanoi is relatively cheaper than Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi is also the gateway to Ha Long Bay and adventures in the northern mountainous regions.

So, if you’re into a modern, lively city with lots of nightlife, go for Ho Chi Minh. If you prefer a city rich in history and culture with a more relaxed pace, Hanoi is your spot. Either way, you can’t go wrong !

How many days in Ho Chi Minh is enough ?

If you're planning a trip, 3 to 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City is usually a good amount of time to get a feel for the city and see the surrounding attractions. 

A couple of days is enough to explore the city center: the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, etc. You can also do some shopping, cafe hop, and explore the street food scene.

If you have more time, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the Vietnam War from a different perspective, or consider a Mekong Delta excursion. It’s a great way to experience the rural side of Vietnam and see the famous floating markets.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

War Remnants Museum

This museum offers a poignant and detailed look at the Vietnam War through various exhibits, including photographs, artifacts, and military equipment. It's a powerful experience that provides deep insights into the war's impact.

Reunification Palace

Also known as Independence Palace, this historic site is where the Vietnam War ended in 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates. You can explore the various rooms, including the president's quarters and the war command room.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Built in the late 19th century by French colonists, this stunning cathedral is a great example of neo-Romanesque architecture. Right next to it is the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, where you can admire the grand interior and send a postcard home.

Ben Thanh Market

This bustling market is a great spot to experience local life, buy souvenirs, and taste delicious Vietnamese street food. Try some pho, banh mi, or fresh spring rolls.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Located about 1.5 hours from the city center, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers. You can tour the tunnels, learn about their history, and even crawl through a section of the tunnels if you’re up for it.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

This is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most atmospheric temples, filled with statues, intricate carvings, and incense. It’s a peaceful place to visit and take in the spiritual side of the city.

Saigon River Cruise

A daytime river cruise can offer a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle, with scenic views and the chance to escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh at night 

Bui Vien Street

Known as the “backpacker street,” Bui Vien is full of bars, clubs, and street food vendors. It’s a lively place to enjoy drinks, music, and people-watching. Be prepared for a high-energy atmosphere !

Rooftop Bars

For a more upscale experience, visit one of Saigon’s many rooftop bars. Chill Skybar offers stunning views of the city skyline along with a chic atmosphere. Saigon Rooftop Bar at the Caravelle Hotel is another great option, providing a more historic ambiance with panoramic views.

Saigon Opera House

This beautiful French colonial building hosts various performances, including traditional Vietnamese dance and music shows like the AO Show, which combines acrobatics, dance, and visual arts.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

This wide, pedestrian-friendly street comes alive at night with street performers, families out for a walk, and people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the city’s energy.

Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise on the Saigon River provides a romantic and scenic way to spend an evening. Enjoy a meal while floating past the city’s illuminated skyline. There are several operators offering different styles of cruises, from traditional wooden boats to modern yachts.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in 4 days

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Ho Chi Minh

On the first day of your 4 days in Ho Chi Minh, dive into the heart of Saigon and check out all the iconic spots in the city such as the Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, or the Notre Dame Cathedral. Note that the cathedral is open from 5:30 AM to 5 PM daily, you can visit anytime but avoid weekend services if you don’t want to disrupt them. If you want a place to hang out with your kids, visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This place houses a variety of wildlife and is a great choice if you're traveling with your family.

At nightfall, pay Nguyen Hue Walking Street a visit. Best to come in the evening or on weekends when it’s lively with events, fashion shows, and street performances. Even though it’s only about 1 km long, it’s a hot spot for both tourists and locals.

Day 2: 2D1N trip from Ho Chi Minh City

For the second day of your 4 days Ho Chi Minh itinerary, you can take a short 2 days 1 night trip from the city.

Tan Lap Floating Village

A popular spot about 100 km from Saigon, roughly a 2-hour drive. Known for its rich ecosystem, the entrance fee is just 55,000 VND. On your way, you can stop by Thanh Hoa Agricultural Market for some tasty tropical fruits.

Cai Be Floating Market

Located in Tien Giang Province, about 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a favorite for those who love river life. The market trades in fruits, agricultural products, and food on the river. For an overnight stay, book a hotel in My Tho, Tien Giang, to easily visit the market and explore the city by night.

Other great spots for a 2-day 1-night trip include Mui Ne and Mui Ke Ga in Binh Thuan, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Thanh An Island in Can Gio, and Vung Tau beach city. All offer unique and exciting experiences.

Day 3: Mekong Delta

Ben Tre

About 20 km from Tien Giang, Ben Tre is famous for its tall coconut groves and ecotourism spots like Con Quy, Con Phung, and Con Phu Da.

Can Tho

 The largest city in the Mekong Delta, not too far from Ho Chi Minh, with popular ecotourism sites such as Ong De Ecotourism Site, My Khanh Tourist Village, and Phong Dien Ecotourism Site. Enjoy traditional games, local dishes, and explore Can Tho’s fruit gardens and the Cai Rang Floating Market.

Day 4: Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels

For your final day of the 4 days Ho Chi Minh itinerary, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a famous historical site about 70 km west of Ho Chi Minh City, were an underground resistance base with medical facilities, storage, kitchens, meeting rooms, and ventilation systems in the forest. This landmark played a significant role in Vietnam’s victory against the Americans in the 20th century and attracts hundreds of visitors daily.

You can join a Ho Chi Minh City tour that includes Cu Chi Tunnels or travel independently using a map. Besides exploring the tunnels, try activities like shooting live ammunition, enjoying fruits at Trung An Fruit Garden, visiting Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, and relaxing at the swimming pool designed to resemble the East Sea. 

And that's a wrap on your 4-day adventure in Ho Chi Minh City! We hope this helps. Safe travels and happy exploring! Contact Vietnam Original Travel if you have any further questions or to create a detailed itinerary catered to your interest !

>>> Top 10 best excursions from Ho Chi Minh