Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. It’s a place where modern skyscrapers stand next to ancient pagodas, where bustling markets and street food stalls fill the air with delicious aromas, and where history comes alive through museums and colonial-era buildings.

With so many things to explore, you might ask yourself “how many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?” That depends on what you want to see and do. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out the ideal length of stay based on your interests. We’ll also provide a detailed itinerary, covering the top attractions, the best places to eat, day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels, and practical travel tips, including the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to get around. Let’s dive in!

How Many Days do I Need in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is big, busy, and full of energy. You could spend just one or two days here and see the highlights, but to really enjoy the city and explore beyond its center, four days is the ideal amount of time. How so?

1 Day in Ho Chi Minh City

If you only have one day, you can still see the essentials, but you’ll have to move fast. Focus on District 1, where most of the famous attractions are. For only a day, you can visit the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market, and taste a couple of Saigon’s dishes. This schedule is doable, but it’s rushed. You won’t have time to explore the different sides of Ho Chi Minh City, and you’ll miss out on local experiences.

2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City

With two days, you can slow down a little. On your second day, visit Chinatown (Cho Lon), home to beautiful temples like Thien Hau Temple. Wander around Binh Tay Market, a more authentic alternative to Ben Thanh. Then, take a boat trip along the Saigon River or visit the city’s hidden cafes and local markets. In the evening, enjoy a street food tour or watch an AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. Two days let you see more than just the tourist spots, but you still won’t have time for a day trip.

3-4 Days in Ho Chi Minh City

3-4 days give you enough time to explore the city and take a short trip outside. One of the best options is the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 1.5 hours from the city. These underground tunnels were used during the Vietnam War and offer a fascinating look into Vietnam’s resistance strategy. You can crawl through the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors, and even try shooting an AK-47.

If you prefer something less intense, visit the Mekong Delta (My Tho, Ben Tre, and Can Tho). It’s a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City and offers a completely different atmosphere. You’ll take a boat ride through narrow canals, visit coconut candy workshops, and try tropical fruits in a peaceful village. You’ll also visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, where locals sell fresh produce from boats in the early morning. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Vietnam.

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Should You Stay Longer?

If you love big cities, food, and culture, you could easily stay longer. Ho Chi Minh City has vibrant neighborhoods, rooftop bars, and hidden gems that take time to discover. You could also take extra day trips, like visiting Vung Tau for beaches or Tay Ninh to see the colorful Cao Dai Temple.

Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: 4 days

Day 1: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Arrival & Getting to Know the City

When you land in Ho Chi Minh City, the best way to get to your hotel is by taxi (Vinasun or Mai Linh) or Grab (ride-hailing app). The drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to District 1 takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Check into your hotel and take a short break before heading out to explore. If you arrive early, drop your bags and start exploring right away.

Afternoon: Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Start at Notre Dame Cathedral (Nhà Thờ Đức Bà), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the French in the late 19th century, it features red bricks imported from France. While the inside is sometimes closed for renovation, the outside is still worth a visit.

Right next to it is the Central Post Office, designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux (though often credited to Gustave Eiffel, the same guy behind the Eiffel Tower). It’s a beautiful colonial-era building where you can send postcards or just admire the grand architecture.

Evening: Ben Thanh Market & Nightlife

Head to Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most famous marketplace. Walk through the bustling aisles filled with souvenirs and handicrafts. Stop at Ben Thanh Street Food Market, and sample different Vietnamese dishes at one of the food stalls.

After dinner, explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively boulevard where locals gather at night. You can stop by The Café Apartments, a unique old building filled with trendy coffee shops.

Day 2: City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning: War Remnants Museum & Reunification Palace

Start your day at the War Remnants Museum, one of Vietnam’s most powerful museums. The exhibits focus on the Vietnam War, showing real war photos, captured military equipment, and personal stories. Some images are graphic, but they give an important perspective on history.

Walk over to the Reunification Palace, a historic site where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. The building is preserved exactly as it was, and you can explore the presidential offices, war command room, and underground bunkers.

Midday: Lunch—Pho or Banh Xeo

Try a steaming bowl of pho (Vietnam’s famous noodle soup) at Pho Hoa Pasteur, one of the city’s oldest pho restaurants. If you prefer something crispy, go for banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) at Banh Xeo 46A.

Afternoon: Cu Chi Tunnels

In the afternoon, take a 1.5-hour drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war.

You’ll get to see hidden trapdoors, secret bunkers, and even crawl through a section of the tunnels (don’t worry, there are escape exits if you feel claustrophobic). There’s also a shooting range where you can fire an AK-47 or M16 rifle if you’re interested.

Evening: Back to Ho Chi Minh City & Dinner

Return to the city in the evening and head to Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant serving classic Vietnamese home-cooked dishes. Try ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot) or canh chua (sour tamarind soup). If you’re up for a drink, visit The View Rooftop Bar for great cocktails and a stunning night view of the city skyline.

Day 3: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho

Today, you’ll leave the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind and head into the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s "Rice Bowl." You’ll experience peaceful rivers, lush coconut plantations, floating markets, and local life along the waterways.

Morning: Travel to My Tho & Ben Tre

6:30 AM – Depart from Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 1.5–2 hours to reach My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta.

Your first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with large Buddha statues and impressive gardens.

Next, hop on a boat trip along the Tien River. You’ll see Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix Islands, each with its own unique character.

Stop at Ben Tre, famous for its coconut products. Visit a coconut candy workshop to see how locals make these sweet treats. You can also taste honey tea and tropical fruits at a local garden.

Midday: Explore Mekong Canals & Have Lunch

Take a sampan (small rowing boat) ride through the narrow canals, shaded by water coconut trees. This is one of the most peaceful and scenic parts of the trip.

For lunch, enjoy a Mekong specialty: deep-fried elephant ear fish, served with fresh herbs and rice paper for wrapping. Other must-try dishes include grilled river prawns and Vietnamese caramelized clay pot fish (ca kho to).

Afternoon: Travel to Can Tho

Around 2:00 PM, continue your journey deeper into the Mekong Delta, heading to Can Tho, the region’s largest city. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.

Check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. If you have extra energy, visit Ninh Kieu Wharf, a lively riverfront area where you can take a short sunset boat ride.

Have dinner at Mekong 1965, offering Southern Vietnamese home-cooked dishes, as well as Western and Mexican dishes.

Day 4: Can Tho - Saigon - Departure

Early Morning: Cai Rang Floating Market

Wake up early (around 5:30 AM) and take a boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most famous floating market in Vietnam. This is where local traders sell fresh produce directly from their boats. You’ll see vendors advertising their goods by hanging samples on bamboo poles. Have a floating breakfast: try hủ tiếu (Vietnamese noodle soup) or a strong Vietnamese iced coffee from one of the boat vendors.

Mid-Morning: Visit a Rice Noodle Factory & Explore Can Tho

After the market, visit a rice noodle-making workshop, where you’ll see how fresh noodles are made from scratch.

Stop by Binh Thuy Ancient House, a well-preserved French-style mansion with a mix of Vietnamese and colonial architecture. It’s also famous for being featured in the French film The Lover.

Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

10:30 AM – Depart Can Tho and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (about 3.5–4 hours).

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home. If your flight is late, grab a final meal at Pho 2000 (famous for being visited by Bill Clinton) before heading to the airport.

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s weather can be divided into 2 distinct seasons: dry and rainy. 

Dry Season (December–April): Best Time to Visit

• Why visit? Pleasant weather, less rain, and many festivals.
• Temperature: 25–34°C (77–93°F)
• Best months: December to February—the weather is cooler, making it great for walking tours.
• Lunar New Year (Tet Festival): If you visit in late January or February, you’ll see the biggest Vietnamese holiday. However, many businesses close, so plan accordingly.
• March & April: Hotter but still dry, good for day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Rainy Season (May–November): More Budget-Friendly

• Why visit? Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, and lush greenery.
• Temperature: 26–33°C (79–91°F)
• Rainfall: Sudden but short tropical showers (usually in the afternoon).
• Pros: The city feels fresher after rain, and you’ll find fewer crowds at attractions.
• Cons: Some flooding can occur in certain areas, and boat trips in the Mekong Delta might be affected.

Verdict: December to March is the best time to visit for sightseeing and comfortable weather.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

District 1 – Best for First-Time Visitors & Nightlife

Close to major attractions like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping.

• Luxury: The Reverie Saigon – One of the most luxurious hotels in Vietnam.
• Mid-range: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside—Great location with a rooftop pool.
• Budget: Bui Vien Street Hostel—Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.

District 3—Local Vibes & Less Touristy

It’s quieter than District 1 but still very central.

• Luxury: Hôtel des Arts Saigon—A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool.
• Mid-range: Orchids Saigon Hotel – Quiet, yet close to the city center.

District 5 (Chinatown)—Best for Cultural Experience

Home to Cholon (Chinatown), beautiful temples, and great Chinese-Vietnamese food. Less touristy but still easy to access the city center.

• Luxury:  Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City—Comfortable with a pool.
• Mid-range: Windsor Plaza Hotel—Offers great views of Chinatown.

District 2 – Best for Families & Long-Term Stays

It’s an expat-friendly area with many Western restaurants and modern apartments. A bit far from District 1, but great for a relaxed stay.

• Luxury: Mia Saigon—A peaceful riverside retreat.
• Mid-range: Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City – Serviced apartments for families.

Verdict: If it’s your first visit, stay in District 1 for convenience. If you want a quieter area with local charm, District 3 or District 5 are great choices.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic, but there are plenty of ways to get around.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps

Use these for easy and safe rides:

• Vinasun & Mai Linh (reliable taxi companies)
• Grab & Be (Vietnamese ride-hailing apps similar to Uber)

Tip: Always use metered taxis or book through an app to avoid overcharging.

Motorbike Taxis (Xe Ôm)

If you want to zip through traffic, take a motorbike taxi. Use GrabBike or Gojek for a safe option.

Tip: If you take a street motorbike taxi, negotiate the price first. 

Public Buses

• Pros: Very cheap (around 5,000–10,000 VND per ride).
• Cons: Routes can be confusing, and buses are often crowded.

Walking (Best for Exploring District 1)

Most attractions in District 1 are walkable, but sidewalks can be uneven and crowded with motorbikes.

Renting a Motorbike

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is crazy, so renting a motorbike is not recommended for beginners.

Tip: If you really want to ride, make sure to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules.

Conclusion

So, how many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City? If you want to fully experience its vibrant atmosphere, explore historical sites, enjoy amazing food, and take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, four days is the perfect amount of time. It gives you a great mix of city life and cultural experiences without feeling rushed.

If you’re planning your trip and want to make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, why not book a tour with us? Our expert guides will help you navigate the city’s hidden gems, taste the best local dishes, and experience the real Saigon without the hassle of planning everything yourself. Contact us today to start your adventure in Vietnam’s most exciting city!

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