Ho Chi Minh City, often still affectionately called Saigon, is a vibrant collision of history, French colonial architecture, and an exploding culinary scene. For first-timers, the city can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, it is an unforgettable experience. This itinerary focuses on District 1 (the heart of the city) and District 3 for history and culture, while also venturing into the trendy Thao Dien area in District 2.

To navigate the city, ride-hailing apps are your best friend. Services like Grab are essential; you can easily book a car or a motorbike taxi. Just remember that Grab car plates often contain decimals, so check carefully before entering. The weather is typically hot, so dress lightly.

For accommodation, staying in District 1 or District 3 is most convenient. You will be within walking distance of major attractions like the Opera House and the Central Post Office. Whether you are looking for luxury or high-value boutique stays, this guide includes specific recommendations based on traveler experiences.

• Download Grab: Essential for getting around efficiently.
• Stay Central: District 1 and 3 offer the best access to major sites.
• Prepare for Heat: Light clothing is a must.

Check local weather

Start your first morning with a classic Vietnamese experience. Head to Little Hanoi Egg Coffee for breakfast. Their signature egg coffee is rich and creamy, and they also serve excellent sourdough toast. It provides a cozy start to the day before you hit the busy streets.

Your morning sightseeing should cover the colonial architectural highlights. Visit the Tan Dinh Church, famous for its striking pink facade, making it a perfect photo opportunity. From there, move on to the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation but still a landmark). Don't miss the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, a stunning yellow colonial building that was also a filming location for the movie The Lover.

For lunch, you must try the world-famous Vietnamese baguette. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is widely considered the number one spot in the city. The bread is crisped before serving, and the filling is incredibly generous with layers of ham, meat, and pate. It is so large that one sandwich can easily feed two people. Be prepared for a queue, but service is fast (around 15 minutes).

In the evening, dive into the local noodle culture. Pho Hoa Pasteur is a Michelin-recommended spot known for its tender beef and sweet, flavorful broth. A unique feature here is the option to add beef balls. They serve a plate of bean sprouts and herbs with every bowl; remember to pluck the leaves rather than eating the stems whole.

• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee: A must-try for the famous egg coffee.
• Pink Church (Tan Dinh): Iconic architecture.
• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Heavy, meat-filled baguettes that define the genre.
• Pho Hoa Pasteur: A legendary spot for beef noodle soup.

View Pho Hoa location

Begin day two with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. It is a sobering but essential experience to understand the country's history. Conveniently, right next to the museum is Man Moi, a Michelin-selected restaurant serving Vietnamese home cooking. The ambiance is refined, and there is a gift shop on the first floor selling handmade crafts. It is a perfect lunch stop if you want high-quality local food in a comfortable setting.

In the afternoon, explore the Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a block filled with independent cafes and boutiques. If you need to cool down, head to The Workshop Cafe, known for its specialty coffee and "salted coffee" that tastes like a rich, creamy caramel treat.

After walking, treat yourself to a spa session. Momo Spa & Nail near Ben Thanh Market offers excellent massages, hair washing, and nail services. It is clean, spacious, and features private rooms. Alternatively, Sen Trang Spa in District 1 offers a 2-hour head wash and massage combo that is highly recommended for relaxation.

For dinner, experience the fusion cuisine that Saigon is famous for at Pizza 4P's. It is incredibly popular, so reservations are recommended. Their Crab Tomato Cream Spaghetti is a standout dish, often cited as even better than the pizza. The 4-cheese pizza with honey is also a crowd favorite.

End your night with a cultural spectacle: the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This "Bamboo Circus" uses no spoken language but tells the story of Vietnam's transition from rural to urban life through acrobatics and contemporary dance. It is widely regarded as a must-see, offering high artistic value in a historic venue.

• Man Moi: Refined Vietnamese home cooking near the museum.
• The Workshop Cafe: Excellent specialty coffee.
• Pizza 4P's: Famous for crab pasta and cheese pizza.
• AO Show: A world-class cultural acrobatic performance.

Book AO Show Tickets

On your final day, venture out to District 2 (Thao Dien), an area known for its expat community and chic atmosphere. It is a great place to slow down. Visit Workshop Hub in Thao Dien for a DIY craft experience. You can make sand art, clay paintings, or beaded chains in a hidden, quiet studio.

For a sophisticated lunch, try Quince. This restaurant is highly praised for its wood-fired dishes, particularly the duck breast, which is described as "shockingly delicious." It provides a modern contrast to the traditional street food you have been eating.

Return to District 1 or 3 for a lighter afternoon snack. Banh Mi Hong Hoa is another top contender for the best baguette in town. Unlike Huynh Hoa, which is heavy on meat, Hong Hoa offers a crispy baguette with roasted meat, pickles, and liver pâté that strikes a perfect balance of rich and refreshing flavors. It is perfect for a lighter meal.

For your final dinner, go local with seafood at Oc Dao. This is a lively street-food style spot where you can enjoy grilled scallops, snails in butter and tamarind sauce, and other fresh catches. It captures the bustling, authentic vibe of Saigon nightlife.

• Workshop Hub: A hidden gem for DIY crafts in District 2.
• Quince: Top-tier modern dining with wood-fired specialties.
• Banh Mi Hong Hoa: A balanced, crispy baguette experience.
• Oc Dao: Authentic local seafood and snail dishes.

Explore Thao Dien

Choosing the right hotel can make your trip much smoother. Here are three highly recommended options across different price points and styles:

Mai House Saigon Hotel: This hotel offers a French-colonial style with impeccable cleanliness and service. It is located in a convenient spot with easy traffic access. The breakfast is excellent, often keeping guests coming back for more. It has a luxurious feel with reasonable pricing.

Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung: Located in the heart of District 1, just a 5-minute walk from the Opera House. The highlight here is the 24-hour Japanese-style smart onsen (hot spring) and sauna, which is free for guests. They also offer a complimentary business lounge with noodles, fruit, and coffee all day. The rooms feature a wine-red velvet design that feels low-key luxurious.

M Village (The Garden or Living Tu Xuong): For a more boutique, apartment-style stay, M Village is a great choice. The locations in District 3 are quiet and surrounded by greenery. The rooms often feature kitchenettes, and the design is modern and clean. It offers great value for money, often costing under 300 RMB per night.

• Mai House: French style, great breakfast.
• Kin Hotel: Central location, free 24h onsen.
• M Village: Green, quiet, and high value.

Check Mai House availability