Saigon 1-Day Itinerary: Make the Most of 24 Hours

Start your day at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Saigon's most iconic landmark. Arrive at 8:00 AM to photograph the stunning pink-hued French colonial church with its twin 58-metre bell towers in the soft morning light. Walk around Paris Square to admire the neo-Romanesque architecture built with red bricks imported from Marseille. The cathedral is currently under restoration, but the exterior remains a magnificent photo opportunity.

Cross the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a magnificently preserved French colonial building with architecture attributed to Gustave Eiffel's firm. Step inside to admire the soaring arched ceiling, the two hand-painted maps of Saigon and Indochina from the early 1900s, and the large Ho Chi Minh portrait at the far end. Send a postcard home from this still-functioning post office — stamps cost about 10,500₫ for international mail.

Walk to the Reunification Palace, one of the most important historical sites in modern Vietnam. Explore the grand reception rooms preserved from 1975, the basement war command room with its vintage military communications equipment, and the rooftop helicopter pad where the last evacuations took place. See the original North Vietnamese tank that crashed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975, ending the Vietnam War.

Walk to the War Remnants Museum, Saigon's most visited and most powerful museum. Begin in the outdoor courtyard to see American military hardware — helicopters, tanks, and fighter jets. Inside, the exhibits document the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, including the devastating effects of Agent Orange, the My Lai massacre, and the Requiem photography collection by war photographers who lost their lives. Plan at least 2 hours and be prepared for an emotionally heavy experience.

Head to Ben Thanh Market, Saigon's most iconic market, recognizable by its distinctive 1914 clock tower entrance. Browse the stalls selling Vietnamese lacquerware, silk áo dài, conical hats, and souvenirs. Practice your bargaining — start at 40-50% of the asking price. Stop at the food stalls inside for a refreshing cà phê sữa đá (iced Vietnamese coffee, 15,000-20,000₫) and try some chè (sweet dessert soup).

Walk to Bui Vien Walking Street, Saigon's legendary backpacker strip. Grab a plastic chair on the sidewalk and order a glass of bia hơi (fresh draft beer) for just 10,000-15,000₫ — one of the cheapest beers in the world. Try bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper salad, 15,000-20,000₫) from a street vendor and soak in the electric atmosphere as the neon lights begin to glow and the live music starts up.