Ho Chi Minh City, often still affectionately called Saigon, is a city of captivating chaos, French colonial architecture, and a culinary scene that ranges from street-side plastic stools to Michelin-starred establishments. Whether you are visiting for the history, the coffee culture, or the incredible food, a weekend here offers a sensory overload in the best way possible.

This itinerary is designed to guide you through a perfect 48-hour experience, blending cultural landmarks with hidden gems and gastronomic delights. We have curated accommodations that offer unique experiences, from Japanese-style onsens to lush green design hotels, ensuring your rest is as memorable as your exploration.

Choosing the right base is crucial for your weekend. For a touch of luxury with a unique twist, Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung is a standout choice in District 1. Located in a golden area just a 5-minute walk from the Opera House, this boutique hotel features a stunning wine-red color palette and velvet textures. The real highlight here is the 24-hour smart Japanese onsen, which is free for guests for two hours daily. It includes a private sauna and cold plunge pool—perfect for soothing tired legs after a day of walking. They also offer an all-day executive lounge with unlimited instant noodles, fruit, and coffee.

• M Village offers a more modern, industrial-chic vibe at a very affordable price point. Locations like the one in District 3 are surrounded by greenery, offering a quiet respite with loft-style rooms and kitchenettes. It is often praised for its clean, minimalist design and proximity to local life.

• For those seeking colonial charm, Mai House Saigon Hotel provides a French-inspired atmosphere with impeccable service and a delicious breakfast spread. Alternatively, Silverland May Hotel near Japantown puts you close to the action, just minutes from the Vincom Center and the Opera House, surrounded by great dining options.

• If you prefer staying right in the backpacker hub but want comfort, Express by M Village on Pham Ngu Lao offers excellent value. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and there is a shared kitchen and laundry facility, making it convenient for travelers who pack light.

Start your morning with Vietnam's most famous sandwich. Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa is highly recommended for its freshly roasted, crispy baguette that flakes apart when you bite into it. The filling is a harmonious mix of Vietnamese cold cuts, roasted meat, and a rich, flavorful chicken liver pate that provides a "flavor bomb." It is balanced with plenty of pickles, cucumber, and cilantro to cut through the richness. It is so good that many travelers visit multiple times.

• After breakfast, take a leisurely walk to the city's most iconic landmarks. The Central Post Office, with its grand colonial architecture, and the nearby Book Street offer great photo opportunities. While the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation, the surrounding area remains bustling and beautiful.

• For a mid-morning pick-me-up, head to The Workshop Cafe or Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. The Workshop is known for its specialty brews, including a unique salt coffee that is surprisingly addictive. Little Hanoi serves a rich, creamy egg coffee that feels like a dessert—a dense, frothy delight that you simply must try.

For lunch, experience one of the city's most celebrated noodle soups at Pho Hoa Pasteur. A Michelin-recommended spot, this restaurant is famous for its clear, sweet broth and generous portions of tender beef. They offer a variety of options, including beef balls. A pro tip: the table comes with a plate of bean sprouts and herbs—tear the leaves into the soup for maximum flavor, but leave the stems.

• Spend your afternoon exploring Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs or simply soaking in the atmosphere. If you are looking for local fashion, The New Playground (located in Vincom Center) is a trendy spot for local streetwear brands, offering a cool, air-conditioned shopping experience.

• Alternatively, hunt for the trendy Chautfifth bags, a local brand that has become so popular there are often queues to enter the store. It is a great place to pick up a stylish souvenir.

It might seem counterintuitive to eat pizza in Vietnam, but Pizza 4P's is a culinary institution here. It is often referred to as the "queue king" of Western food in Ho Chi Minh. The star of the show is their Burrata Parma Ham pizza and the crab tomato cream spaghetti. The cheese is house-made, and the pizzas are baked in wood-fired ovens. Reservations are highly recommended as it is incredibly popular.

• If you prefer Vietnamese cuisine, try Man Moi, a Michelin-recommended restaurant near the War Remnants Museum. It serves refined Vietnamese home cooking in a beautiful setting. The ground floor also features a curated gift shop with exquisite handmade items.

• End your night with a relaxing massage. Momo Spa & Nail near Ben Thanh Market offers excellent service with private rooms and luggage storage. Alternatively, Sen Trang Spa provides a fantastic 2-hour head wash and massage package that will leave you completely rejuvenated.

Start your second day with a unique breakfast experience at Pho Viet Nam. This Michelin-recommended spot is famous for its stone pot pho. The broth arrives bubbling hot in a stone bowl, and you add the raw meat and herbs yourself, ensuring the beef is cooked exactly to your liking—soft and tender. It is an interactive and delicious meal.

• Next, visit the Tan Dinh Church, famously known as the Pink Church. Its vibrant pink facade makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Just across from the church is Ola Hale, a restaurant and bar with a lovely rooftop that offers a perfect vantage point for photos of the church.

• For a mid-morning snack, try the famous Five Boys Number One avocado smoothie. It is rich, creamy, and made with real fruit—a perfect refresher for the tropical heat.

Immerse yourself in culture at the Fine Arts Museum, a yellow colonial-era building that is as beautiful outside as the art is inside. It is a great place to wander and escape the afternoon sun.

• In the evening, do not miss the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This "bamboo circus" is a cultural masterpiece that uses bamboo props, acrobatics, and modern dance to tell the story of Vietnam's transition from rural life to urbanization. It is visually stunning and requires no language skills to appreciate. You can book tickets at luneproduction.com. The show takes place in the historic Opera House, which is a sight to behold in itself.

• Before the show, grab a quick bite at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. Known as the most famous banh mi in the city, it is heavy on the meat and pate. It is huge, so one sandwich is often enough for two people.

For your final dinner, you have two excellent choices depending on your mood:

• Option A: Fine Dining at Quince. If you want to splurge, Quince offers incredible wood-fired cuisine. Their duck breast and truffle dishes are highly recommended. It is a sophisticated spot that rivals top restaurants globally.

• Option B: Street Seafood at Oc Dao. For a more local vibe, head to Oc Dao for snails and seafood. Their garlic butter tamarind crab is legendary, and the atmosphere is buzzing with locals. Another great spot is Cua Bui Vien for fresh squid mouth and snails, perfect with an icy beer.

• Finish your trip with a drink at a rooftop bar or a stroll along the Saigon River to soak in the city lights one last time.