A Perfect 3-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary – A Travey Club Travel Guide
Ho Chi Minh City was one of those destinations that surprised us the moment we arrived. The energy of the streets, the endless motorbikes, the smell of fresh street food, and the mix of old colonial buildings with modern skyscrapers create a city that never feels quiet — in the best possible way.
When we visited as part of our Travey Club journey through Southeast Asia, we had three days to explore the city. It turned out to be just enough time to experience the history, culture, and incredible food that makes Saigon so memorable.
If you’re planning a short trip, here’s the 3-day itinerary we followed, along with the area we found easiest to stay in.
Where to Stay for Easy Access
Before diving into the itinerary, choosing the right area to stay makes exploring much easier.
After spending time moving around the city, we quickly realized that District 1 is by far the most convenient location for visitors.
Most of the major attractions, restaurants, cafés, and nightlife are located here, and many places are within walking distance.
Hotel we recommend:
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
We liked this hotel because it sits right near the river and close to many major sights. After long days of exploring, the rooftop pool overlooking the city was a great way to unwind.
Why we liked staying here:
- Central location
- Walking distance to many attractions
- Great rooftop views of Saigon
Day 1 – Discover the Historic Heart of Saigon
Our first day was all about exploring the historic side of the city.
We started the morning with a bowl of pho at a small local restaurant, which quickly became our favourite way to begin the day in Vietnam.
After breakfast, we headed to the War Remnants Museum. It’s one of the most powerful museums in the city and offers an emotional look into Vietnam’s history.
Next, we walked toward some of Saigon’s most famous landmarks:
- Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Saigon Central Post Office
Both buildings showcase beautiful French colonial architecture and are only a few minutes apart, making them easy to explore together.
In the afternoon we visited the Independence Palace, a fascinating historical site where important events during the Vietnam War took place.
By evening, we found ourselves wandering through Ben Thanh Market. The market is lively, colourful, and full of local food stalls. It’s a great place to try snacks and shop for souvenirs.
Day 2 – Culture, Cafés, and Street Food
Our second day was slower and focused more on experiencing everyday life in the city.
We started with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful temples in Ho Chi Minh City. The atmosphere inside was peaceful and filled with incense smoke drifting through the sunlight.
Later in the morning we stopped at a café to try Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da). The coffee culture in Saigon is incredible, and cafés are everywhere.
In the afternoon we explored:
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Saigon Opera House
- Small local boutiques and cafés around District 1
As night fell, we joined a street food tour, which ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip. We tried dishes like:
- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake)
- Bun Thit Nuong
- Banh Mi
Eating on tiny plastic stools on busy streets somehow made the food taste even better.
Day 3 – Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
On our final day, we left the city for one of Vietnam’s most fascinating historical sites — the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Located about an hour from Ho Chi Minh City, this massive underground tunnel network was used during the Vietnam War. Walking through the site gave us a glimpse into how people lived, cooked, and survived underground during difficult times.
Some parts of the tunnels have been widened so visitors can crawl through them, which made the experience surprisingly immersive.
It’s definitely one of the most unique historical sites we’ve visited anywhere in the world.
We returned to the city in the afternoon and spent our last evening enjoying dinner along the Saigon River, watching the city lights reflect off the water.
Final Thoughts from Travey Club
Three days in Ho Chi Minh City might feel short, but it’s enough time to experience the city’s unique mix of history, culture, and incredible food.
What stood out most to us wasn’t just the famous landmarks — it was the small moments. Sitting in a café watching the streets rush by, sharing street food with locals, and discovering hidden alleys full of life.
If you’re visiting Saigon for the first time, staying in District 1 and following a simple three-day itinerary like this makes exploring the city incredibly easy.
At Travey Club, Ho Chi Minh City quickly became one of those places we’d happily return to again and again.
And if you do visit, come with an open mind, a good appetite, and a sense of curiosity — Saigon has a way of surprising you.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Ho Chi Minh Itinerary : Travey Club
