Top 10 Places to Visit in Saigon in 1 Day - Full Itinerary
- Afrah F
- Apr 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Saigon is hands down my favorite city in Vietnam. Sure, it doesn’t have the old-world charm of Hoi An or the classic tourist appeal of Hanoi, but there’s something about this city that tells a different story of Vietnam. That said, we only had one day in Saigon before hopping on a 17-hour train, so we had to move fast. Still, we managed to check off most of our must-visit spots. Here are our top 10 places to visit in Saigon!
This blog covers;
Top 10 Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Things to know before you travel to Saigon
1-Day Itinerary for Saigon - Downloadable
Firstly;
Is it called Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?
Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City both refer to the same place, but the name you use depends on context. Before 1975, it was Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. After the Vietnam War, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City to honor the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.
You can even find his massive bronze statue in Nguyen Hue.
However, many locals and travelers still call it Saigon, especially in central districts. Officially, "Ho Chi Minh City" is the correct name, but "Saigon" is used in daily conversations.
Is 3 Days Enough for Saigon?
Yes. Although there are many sites to see in Saigon, you can cover almost all of them within 3 days. Keep in mind that there are many places to visit in Saigon that are closely linked to its war-ridden history. We advise you to visit at least one of them, because the stories they have to share go beyond what we see on the internet.
How Much Money Should I Bring to Vietnam for 10 Days?
It cost the two of us about 3,000$ (7.700.000 VND) for 10 days in Vietnam. This includes both domestic and international air tickets, train tickets and accommodation. Saigon is slightly more expensive than Hanoi, and our accommodation cost was somewhat higher here
Plus, train tickets to Da Nang were more expensive than we thought. So if you're on a budget, luxury trains may not be a good idea.
Top 10 Places To Visit in Saigon
War Remnants Museum, District 3
Entrance Fee: 1.60$ (40,000 VND)
Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Time To Cover: 2 Hours (Max)
If I were to list the top 5 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum would undoubtedly be among them. However, it's important to note that this museum is not a fun experience. Prior to visiting, my understanding of the U.S.-Vietnam War was limited. Exploring the museum's exhibits provided me with profound insights and a deep respect for the city's resilient people.
Opened in 1975, the War Remnants Museum is a 3-storey building featuring the horrific war crimes that happened 50 years ago. You'll learn about all the tortures, Agent Orange and many other things. Fair warning for the faint-hearted, though.
Cu Chi Tunnel, Ben Dinh Network (Optional)
Entrance Fee: 3.51$ (90,000 VND) / Group Tour about 23$ (600,000 VND)
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Time To Cover: 6 Hours (Including Travel Time)
If you're short of time, we would call this optional as it's somewhat away from the city (2-hour drive from District 1), and you'd ideally have to join a tour group for the best experience. Nevertheless, if you're actively looking for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit.
These tunnels were originally dug during the 1940s to combat French troops, but during the 1975 war, it was repaired and used by Viet Cong soldiers to transport food, resources and help.
Travellers today are allowed to walk the same paths and the underground hollows that once these soldiers and over 16,000 victims used. There are two tunnel sets, with Ben Dinh Tunnels being the most prominent one.
Bitexco Tower Saigon Skydeck, District 1
Entrance Fee: 9.37$ (240,000 VND)
Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (Best view - December to April)
Time To Cover: 30 Minutes
The Bitexco financial tower is a building with many offices, and the observation deck is located on the 49th floor. The entrance to the Skydeck is separate. You also get a free water bottle at the deck.
Many people debate between Landmark 81, the tallest tower in Vietnam, and Bitexco Tower. While Landmark 81 is higher, the Bitexco Skydeck offers a more panoramic view as it's centrally located in the city.
Beyond the stunning 360-degree aerial view, the Skydeck also features photo props, landmark art, and exhibits showcasing Vietnamese culture. However, keep in mind that seating options are limited.
Ben Thanh Market, District 1
Entrance: Free
Opening Hours: Day Market - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Night Market - Until 10 p.m.
Time To Cover: 2 Hours
Originally built in the 17th century, Ben Thanh Market, located by the Ben Nghe River, is your go-to spot for shopping in Saigon. While the prices aren't that cheap, you'll be able to find many things from clothes to souvenirs here. We got some quirky Vietnamese printed t-shirts for 4$ each.
Like Thailand's bargain culture, the secret to securing a good deal is bargaining. But make sure you don't go overboard, because they do get a lot of sales, and losing just one with you is not a big deal, and they can be really mean when telling you off.
Jade Emperor Pagoda, District 1
Entrance: Free
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Time To Cover: 30 Minutes
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is somewhat far from the heart of District 1, in the middle of a hustle and bustle. Yet, once inside, the serene atmosphere makes you forget the urban chaos. Despite its small size, the pagoda exudes a sense of calm and tranquility.
Vietnamese people follow a religion called 'Tam Giao,' which is a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. According to mythology, the Jade Emperor is one of the most significant gods. This pagoda was built in the early 1900s by a Chinese devotee who embraced these faiths, creating a sacred space for worship. Today, many young people and couples visit seeking blessings for love, fortune, and fertility.
Saigon Center Mall, District 1
Entrance: Free
Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Time To Cover: 2 Hours
Don't waste all your time in HCMC looking for historic places and museums. You can do all that in Hoi An and Hanoi. Saigon is a hearty, fun and modern city, so make sure you hit the local malls, do what locals do and eat what locals eat. We visited Vincom Mall, but Saigon Center is just more inviting.
There are many affordable brands like Uniqlo and really good eating options like Haidilao Hot Pot, sushi belt, authentic Chinese food and more. I was hunting for bun rieu, the famous crab noodle soup, and I found it at the Saigon Center Mall.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street & Cafe Apartment, District 1
Active Hours: 5 p.m. onwards (Weekends are more entertaining)
Time To Cover: 2 Hours
Nguyen Hue is a famous pedestrian zone with a boulevard that has various stores lined across both its streets, including the iconic Cafe Apartments that were trending on social media. During the day, the place is calm and laid back because it's super humid outside. The late evening hours bring all the locals out to the street, making it a unique experience for travellers.
Make sure to walk the whole length, starting from the Ho Chi Minh statue to the Saigon River (Song Sai Gon). You can also take the ferry if you like.
We recommend visiting the Cafe Apartment when you're here. It's the heart of Saigon's unusual hidden cafes (You'll find many in creepy alleys around the city).
Ben Nghe Street Food Market, District 1
Active Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Time To Cover: 1.5 Hours
When it comes to street food in Saigon, you might be disappointed if you're expecting street carts like in Bangkok. Most "Vietnamese street food" is prepared in small restaurants or stalls along the roadside, and if you're not actively looking for it, you might miss it. But the effort is well worth it.
That said, Ben Nghe Street Food Market, or the Street Food Court, offers a cleaner yet pricier way to enjoy Southern Vietnamese street food. Here, you’ll find pho, banh mi, grilled meats, DIY spring rolls, stuffed squid, and fusion flavors. While popular among locals, prices are on the higher side, making it a convenient spot for travelers to sample a variety of dishes in one place.
You'll also find the famous Bookstreet in Ben Nghe Street.
Saigon Opera House, District 1
Program Fees: 3$ - 33$
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Show Duration: A O Show - 1 Hour
If you're a classical and contemporary performance art fan, visiting the Saigon Opera House is a must. It's very close to Nguyen Hue Street and has multiple shows throughout the day. 'A O Show' is the highly recommended one, which depicts rural and urban architecture, costing 33$ per person.
Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by a French Architect who wanted to showcase European theatre performances in Saigon. Throughout history, it stood ground. Today it's referred to as the Municipal Theater.
Keep in mind that children under 5 are not allowed to the show, and you're not allowed to record any part of the show.
Bui Vien Street, District 1
Active Hours: 7 p.m. onwards
Time To Cover: 1 Hour (including 10-minute walk and a quick refreshment)
Known as the 'backpackers area', Bui Vien Street is the Vietnamese version of Khao San Road. Walking in Bui Vien Street is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. However, we ask everyone to visit it.
The street itself is very short, about a 10-minute walk (850m). Everything is located compactly. It's super loud and more intense compared to Khao San, and it's quite safe. There are many bouncers in the street, and surprisingly, a lot of kids as well.
Other Places To Visit in HCMC
Cholon: Chinatown, Districts 5 & 6 - Chinatown in HCMC is one of the must-visit places in Vietnam. Apart from some beautiful Pagodas and Assembly Halls, you'll also find all kinds of Chinese food, from Dimsum and Hot Pot to pulled noodles and unique fusion desserts.
Tao Dan Park, District 1 - If you love nature and would enjoy a nice break in an open park, Tao Dan Park is your go-to destination.
Tan Dinh Pink Church, District 3 - The pastel pink coloured catholic church is a unique sight in Saigon. However, recently, foreigners are not allowed to enter the church unless it's mass.
Mekong Delta - A highly touristy activity, the Mekong Delta River tour is where you can see traditional rice cultivation, floating markets and farming in Ho Chi Minh City.
Things to know before you travel to Saigon
Wear breathable clothes - Saigon is hot year-round, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes.
Avoid tap water and iced drinks from small restaurants - If you're aware of Bali belly, you may have to brace yourself for it in Vietnam too, especially in HCMC. We were so worried that we used bottled water to brush our teeth.
7/11 and GS25 are only available here - You'll only find 7/11 and GS25 chains in Ho Chi Minh City. But don't worry, they have similar convenience stores like Family Mart across the country.
Roads are chaotic, be careful - Drivers in Saigon care very little about safety, and everyone on the road seems to be in a super hurry. If you're crossing roads, be extra careful. I had about 3 near-accident moments.
Stick to Grab or Taxi for safety and convenience - Most parts of District 1 are not pedestrian-friendly, but driving scooters are not recommended either. We found Grab to be reliable and safe.
English isn't widely spoken - Compared to Hanoi and Hoi An, we had a tough time conversing with HCMC locals. So be prepared with Google Translate.
Sitting on the roadside is normal - In the evening hours, you'll see many young locals gathering at open cafes, unusually sitting on the pavement or low stools. One of the local girls at a cafe said that they live in very cramped places, so when night comes, they enjoy staying out in the open air.
Local sitting outside a cafe at night Very friendly people - I believe the most friendly people in Vietnam live in Ho Chi Minh City. Not exaggerating. Love the warmth we felt in Saigon.
Plan to stay for 3 days - While you can do HCMC in one day, we recommend 3 days to experience the best of the local culture. Saigon is such a beautiful city.
If it's your first time travelling to Vietnam, make sure you get your eVisa sorted before arriving - The Vietnam eVisa is a bit of a complicated affair.
1-Day Itinerary for Saigon
Here's our downloadable 1-day itinerary for Saigon starting from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. the next day. It might be a tiring run, but you can visit all the above 10 places in 1 day as long as you follow this plan. Make sure you take taxis when travelling past District 1.
Found this article helpful? Buy me a coffee so we can write more helpful articles for travellers like you!
Wrapping Up
We hope this article helps you plan your Ho Chi Minh City tour better. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below, and we'll be happy to answer for you.
Comments