Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of accommodations, from boutique hideaways to luxury hotels. For a unique experience, Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung offers a Japanese-style onsen experience in the heart of District 1. Guests can enjoy a private sauna and mineral baths, with a complimentary business lounge offering noodles and drinks 24/7.

If you prefer French colonial elegance, Mai House Saigon Hotel is highly recommended for its impeccable service, delicious breakfast, and classic design. For those seeking a modern, eco-friendly vibe, The Anam (though noted for Cam Ranh, the brand is synonymous with quality) or the lush Silverland May Hotel near the Japanese street are excellent choices. Budget travelers should look into M Village, which offers clean, well-designed rooms with communal kitchens in various locations like District 3 and near Pham Ngu Lao.

• Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung: Features 24-hour smart Japanese onsen and complimentary business lounge access.
• Mai House Saigon: French-style luxury with a highly-rated breakfast buffet.
• M Village: Great value options like M Village The Garden or Express by M Village, often featuring kitchenettes and community vibes.
• Silverland May: Located near Vincom Center, featuring a pool and convenient access to shopping.

No trip to Vietnam is complete without diving into the local street food. Start with the national dish, Pho. Pho Hoa Pasteur is a Michelin-recommended institution known for its tender beef and savory broth; locals recommend dipping the accompanying dough sticks (quay) into the soup. For a unique twist, try Pho Viet Nam, which serves stone pot pho where you cook the raw meat yourself in the bubbling broth, or Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong for a rich chicken noodle soup.

For Banh Mi, the debate is fierce. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is famous for its massive portions of cold cuts and pate, often considered the best by many. However, Banh Mi Hong Hoa is also a top contender, praised for its crispy baguette and fresh pickles that cut through the richness of the liver pâté. Another local favorite is Banh Mi Hoa Ma, perfect for a skillet breakfast experience.

• Pho Hoa Pasteur: Michelin-rated, famous for beef pho.
• Pho Viet Nam: Stone pot pho ensures the soup stays hot.
• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: The "heavyweight" champion of Banh Mi with generous meat fillings.
• Banh Mi Hong Hoa: Known for a balanced flavor profile and crispy bread.

Explore the historic heart of District 1. Key stops include the Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church), the Fine Arts Museum, and the Central Post Office. For a cultural immersion, book tickets to the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This show uses bamboo props and acrobatics to tell the story of Vietnam's transition from rural to urban life, offering a visually stunning experience without the need for spoken language. You can check ticket availability at luneproduction.com.

Later, head to Thao Dien (District 2), known for its expat community and modern amenities. Here you can find unique activities like Pickleball at clubs like D'Lucky or Level Up, or engage in creative workshops like pottery or painting at Workshop Hub. For adrenaline junkies, there is even a multi-level go-kart track at Infinity Racing.

• AO Show: A must-see bamboo circus performance at the Opera House.
• Thao Dien Activities: Home to trendy workshops, pickleball clubs, and go-karting.
• Sightseeing: Don't miss the photogenic Pink Church and the historic Post Office.

Vietnam's coffee culture is legendary. Visit Little Hanoi Egg Coffee for their signature egg coffee, or The Workshop for specialty brews. For a local favorite, try Cafe Linh for their salted cream coffee. If you crave something sweet, Five Boys Number One offers excellent fruit smoothies, with avocado-mango being a top choice.

For dinner, Pizza 4P's is an absolute essential. Their crab pasta and 4-cheese pizza with honey are widely praised, and reservations are highly recommended. For a fine dining experience, Quince serves wood-fired European dishes, while Anan or Man Moi offer elevated Vietnamese cuisine. If you love seafood, local spots like Oc Dao or Cua Bui Vien provide a lively atmosphere with fresh snails and crab.

• Pizza 4P's: Famous for Burrata pizza and crab pasta; book in advance.
• Coffee: Egg coffee at Little Hanoi; Salt coffee at Cafe Linh.
• Seafood: Oc Dao for garlic butter snails; Cua Bui Vien for fresh seafood.

Dedicate a day to explore the Mekong Delta. Tours often include visits to the floating markets, offering a glimpse into river life, which is a stark contrast to the bustle of the city. After returning to the city, unwind with a spa treatment. Momo Spa & Nail near Ben Thanh Market offers professional massages and luggage storage, while Sen Trang Spa is noted for its relaxing head spas.

For a unique relaxation experience, try Royal Barbershop, which offers a comprehensive combo of ear cleaning, shaving, facial massage, and hair washing—a popular service for men but available to all.

• Mekong Delta: Experience the water markets and river culture.
• Spa: Momo Spa for convenience; Royal Barbershop for a full grooming experience.
• Relaxation: Many spas offer luggage storage, making them perfect for your last day before a flight.

Before leaving, indulge in some shopping. The New Playground in Vincom Center offers trendy local fashion brands. For bag lovers, Chautfifth is a local designer brand worth queuing for. Don't forget to visit the massive MUJI store at Le Thanh Ton, which recently reopened with an expanded layout.

Enjoy a final meal at El Gaucho for a premium steak (half price on 'Super Tuesdays') or grab a last Banh Mi to go. The city's energy will leave you planning your next trip back.

• Shopping: Chautfifth for bags, New Playground for clothes, MUJI for lifestyle goods.
• Final Bite: El Gaucho for steak lovers.
• Transport: Grab is the most convenient way to get to the airport.