Saigon Itinerary Guide

Saigon Itinerary Guide

Find the perfect trip plan for Vietnam's electric city, from quick getaways to a complete three-day exploration

Planning a trip to Saigon? You've come to the right place. Whether you have just one day or a long weekend, our detailed itineraries will help you experience the best of Vietnam's most dynamic city.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is Vietnam's commercial capital and a city of extraordinary contrasts. French colonial cathedrals stand beside glass skyscrapers. Ancient Chinese temples hide in narrow alleys next to neon-lit karaoke bars. Street food vendors serving 30,000₫ pho sit around the corner from rooftop cocktail bars overlooking the Saigon River.

Our itineraries are crafted from firsthand experience. Each plan includes must-visit attractions, the best food stops, budget breakdowns in VND, transport tips, and insider recommendations to make your Saigon trip unforgettable.

Choose Your Itinerary

1 Day

1-Day Saigon Itinerary

Cover the essential highlights in a single action-packed day. War Remnants Museum in the morning, Reunification Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral after brunch, Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon, and street food along Bui Vien for dinner.

Best for: Layovers, quick city breaks
War Remnants MuseumReunification PalaceNotre-Dame CathedralBen Thanh Market
Budget: 500,000-1,500,000₫Read More
2 DaysPopular

2-Day Saigon Itinerary

A perfect weekend covering District 1 landmarks on day one, then Cholon Chinatown with Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market on day two. Time for both war history and incredible food trails.

Best for: Weekend trips
District 1 LandmarksCholon ChinatownThien Hau TempleSaigon River
Budget: 1,500,000-3,500,000₫Read More
3 Days

3-Day Saigon Itinerary

The full Saigon experience. District 1 landmarks, Cholon exploration, plus a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta, with time for museums, street food crawls, and rooftop bar sunsets.

Best for: Complete experience
Cu Chi TunnelsMekong DeltaCholon ChinatownDistrict 3 Cafes
Budget: 3,000,000-6,000,000₫Read More

Compare Itineraries

Feature1 Day2 DaysPopular3 Days
Best ForLayovers, quick city breaksWeekend getawaysComplete experience
Key HighlightsDistrict 1, War Museum, CathedralDistrict 1 + Cholon ChinatownEverything + Cu Chi/Mekong
Day TripsNoNoCu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta
Budget per person (VND)500,000-1,500,000₫1,500,000-3,500,000₫3,000,000-6,000,000₫

Explore Our Saigon Guides

🏛️

War Remnants Museum Guide

Vietnam War history, exhibitions, photography, and visiting tips.

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🏰

Reunification Palace Guide

Fall of Saigon, war command room, rooftop helicopter, and bunker.

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⛪

Notre-Dame Cathedral Guide

French colonial masterpiece with pink terracotta bricks and twin towers.

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🛒

Ben Thanh Market Guide

Bargaining tips, food stalls, night market, and must-buy souvenirs.

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🍜

Food Guide

Pho, banh mi, com tam, banh xeo, and 50+ must-try spots.

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💰

Budget Guide

Detailed cost breakdowns and money-saving tips in VND.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Saigon is December to April during the dry season, with temperatures averaging 25-35°C and plenty of sunshine. February and March are particularly pleasant with lower humidity. The wet season (May-November) brings heavy afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours, but mornings are usually clear and prices are lower. Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, usually late January or early February) is festive but many shops and restaurants close for a week — plan accordingly.
We recommend 2-3 days as the ideal duration for Saigon. Two days lets you cover District 1 highlights like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and the best street food spots. Three days adds time for Cholon (Chinatown), the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels day trips, and leisurely café hopping. Even one packed day can cover the essential landmarks and give you a genuine taste of the city's energy.
Yes, Saigon is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty theft and bag snatching from motorbikes — keep your phone and bag on the side away from the road, and use a cross-body bag. Be cautious when crossing streets (walk steadily and the motorbikes will flow around you). Avoid unlicensed taxis and always use Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) for reliable, metered transport.
Budget travelers can spend 500,000-800,000₫/day ($20-32 USD) with hostels, street food like phở and bánh mì (25,000-50,000₫ each), and walking. Mid-range is 1,500,000-3,000,000₫/day ($60-120 USD) with 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, and museum entries. Luxury travelers should budget 5,000,000+₫/day ($200+ USD) for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private tours. Saigon is one of Southeast Asia's best-value cities.
Many nationalities can visit Vietnam visa-free for 15-45 days depending on their passport (UK, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN countries get 15-45 days). US, Canadian, Australian, and most European citizens need an e-visa, which costs $25 USD and can be applied for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — processing takes 3 working days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. E-visas allow a single entry for up to 90 days.

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