Start your morning in Ho Chi Minh City with an absolute explosion of flavor. While many associate Vietnam immediately with Pho, the French colonial history has left a permanent and delicious mark in the form of the baguette. You cannot visit Saigon without trying a Banh Mi, and according to local foodies, Banh Mi Hong Hoa is a spot you might find yourself singing praises about for a lifetime.

Located in a bustling area, this shop is renowned for its crispy baguettes that are roasted to perfection—biting into one creates a shower of crumbs without being overly dry or choking. The interior is hollowed out to make room for a generous stuffing of flavorful fried meat slices, ham, and a distinctively rich chicken liver pâté that acts as a "flavor bomb." To cut through the richness, they load it with pickles, cucumber, and cilantro, creating a battle of creamy and refreshing textures in every bite. One traveler noted that despite not usually liking sandwiches, they finished a whole one and bought another for the plane ride home.

• Tip for ordering: There are often two queues or storefronts side-by-side for this brand; usually, you order and pay on the left to get a receipt, then queue on the right to pick up your food. If liver pâté isn't your thing, be cautious as the flavor here is quite strong.

If you prefer a sit-down breakfast experience that locals love, head to Banh Mi Hoa Ma or try the sizzling skillet bread at Bánh Mì Chảo Dì Nữ. Here, eggs are fried on a sizzling iron plate with ham, bacon, pork, and fish cakes. Pairing this with a Vietnamese iced coffee injects a soul into your morning.

After fueling up, take a walk through District 1 and District 3 to admire the city's architectural heritage. A must-visit is the Tan Dinh Church, famously known as the "Pink Church." Its striking pink facade makes it a fantastic photo opportunity. From there, you can easily reach other landmarks like the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. The Fine Arts Museum, with its yellow colonial walls, was a filming location for the movie The Lover and offers a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for photography.

Vietnam runs on caffeine, and you are never far from a world-class coffee shop. For a unique experience, visit Little HaNoi Egg Coffee. Their signature egg coffee is rich and creamy, often paired with sourdough toast. Alternatively, explore the Cafe Apartment building on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or visit The Workshop Cafe, which is highly rated for its specialty coffee, particularly the salted coffee which tastes like a childhood coffee candy melted into a drink.

• Hidden Gem: If you want something refreshing to beat the heat, try the coconut coffee at iO Specialty Coffee. The espresso is poured over coconut ice slush, blending bitterness with sweetness perfectly.

For lunch, dive into Vietnam's most famous export: Pho. You have excellent options that have caught the eye of the Michelin guide.

Pho Hoa Pasteur is a legendary spot frequented by locals. The soup is sweet and fresh, and the beef is incredibly tender. They offer a unique variety including beef balls. A local tip: when the side plate of bean sprouts and herbs arrives, pick the leaves off the herbs to eat; don't chew the stems unless you want a workout!

Alternatively, try Pho Viet Nam, known for its stone pot pho. The broth arrives boiling in a hot stone bowl, and you add the raw meat yourself, ensuring it is cooked to your exact preference of tenderness. It keeps the soup hot until the last drop. Another contender is Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong, famous for its rich chicken soup where you can choose between glass noodles or instant noodles.

• Budget Note: These Michelin-recommended bowls are surprisingly affordable, often costing around 70,000 to 85,000 VND (approx. 20-30 RMB).

After walking in the tropical heat, take advantage of Saigon's affordable wellness services. Located right next to Ben Thanh Market is Momo Spa & Nail. It is a massive facility offering a one-stop service for massage, hair washing, and manicures. It's clean, quiet, and the staff speaks multiple languages including English and Chinese. They even offer luggage storage and showers, making it a perfect pit stop.

If you are near the city center, Royal Barbershop offers a dedicated relaxation space for men (and women), providing services like shaving, ear cleaning, and massages that will rejuvenate you for the evening ahead.

For those who prefer active relaxation, check out the booming Pickleball scene in Ho Chi Minh. Clubs like Level Up Sport Club An Phu offer a great social atmosphere, though you might need to book in advance due to popularity.

It might seem counterintuitive to eat Pizza in Vietnam, but Pizza 4P's is a culinary institution here that you simply must try. It is known as the "queue king" of Western food in Ho Chi Minh City, so reservations are essential.

The highlight is their house-made cheese. The Crab Tomato Cream Spaghetti is often cited as a favorite, with rich, creamy sauce and plenty of crab meat. For pizza, the Burrata Pizza is iconic, with a whole cheese ball placed in the center, and the 4-cheese pizza served with honey is a flavor explosion. The service is impeccable, and the vibe is perfect for a nice dinner.

If you prefer Vietnamese family-style cooking with a Michelin nod, try Man Moi (Mặn Mòi) or Bep Me In, known for their savory pancakes (Banh Xeo) and cozy atmosphere.

For a truly memorable evening, book tickets to the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This performance is often described as a "bamboo circus" and offers a sophisticated look at Vietnamese culture, transitioning from rural village life to modern urbanization.

Using simple bamboo props, the cast performs incredible acrobatics and modern dance, accompanied by live folk music and beatboxing. There are no spoken lines, making it accessible to everyone. The lighting highlights the strength and beauty of the performers. It's a humorous, touching, and visually stunning hour-long show.

• Details: You can buy tickets on their official website. Arrive early to take photos of the beautiful French colonial Opera House architecture.

End your night at MUA Craft Sake, a unique fusion izakaya located near the Notre Dame Cathedral. This spot creatively blends Japanese sake culture with Vietnamese ingredients.

Must-try dishes include the fish sauce marinated beef cheek, which offers a burst of rich umami, and the Ca Mau crab with pickled lotus stems. Their roasted bone marrow served with focaccia is also a standout. The atmosphere is lively, perfect for reflecting on a day well spent. If you are still hungry for street food, head to Oc Dao for some late-night snails and seafood, enjoying the local open-air dining culture.

For accommodation, consider Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung. It offers a luxurious experience with a wine-red color scheme and, surprisingly, a 24-hour Japanese-style onsen (free for guests) to soak away your fatigue. It also features a 24/7 business lounge with free instant noodles and snacks.

Another excellent option is Silverland Min, located in a prime spot in District 1. It offers great value (around RM 945 for 3 people for multiple nights), clean rooms, and easy access to major attractions. For a more boutique feel, M Village properties offer stylish, green-filled environments at very affordable rates.