The Best 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary for 2024

Here are some of the top things to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:

• Visit the War Remnants Museum - This museum has exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the aftermath. It provides a somber but important look at this history.
• See the Reunification Palace - This iconic building was the home of the president of South Vietnam during the war. It's a historic landmark with guided tours.
• Explore Ben Thanh Market - A massive market in the city center where you can buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, food, and more. It's a great place to experience local commerce.
• Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels - Just outside the city, you can visit the 125-mile tunnel network used by the Viet Cong during the war. See trapdoors, living areas, and displays.
• Relax at Independence Palace - Also known as Dinh Độc Lập, this is a lush urban park with a lake and fountains near many government buildings.
• Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History - Tracing the history of Vietnam from the Funan Kingdom to the modern era through artifacts and exhibits.
• Shop and dine on Bui Vien Street - The city's backpacker district has cheap lodging, bars, restaurants, and shopping.
• Take a Mekong Delta day trip - Escape the city to see rice paddies, small villages, and floating markets by boat.
• Check out the Saigon Skydeck - Get panoramic views from the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, the highest building in the city.
• See the beautiful French Colonial architecture - Examples include Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Here are some of the top attractions that shouldn't be missed in Ho Chi Minh City:

• War Remnants Museum - A sobering and important look at the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, with tanks, planes, and impactful exhibits.
• Reunification Palace - This historic landmark was home to the president of South Vietnam during the war and site of the fall of Saigon.
• Notre Dame Cathedral - A beautiful French cathedral dating back to 1877 in the heart of the city. Shows the influence of French colonial architecture.
• Ben Thanh Market - Massive market in the city center where you can buy handicrafts, street food, clothing and souvenirs. Fascinating look at local commerce.
• Jade Emperor Pagoda - A bright Taoist temple with intricate carvings, roof tiles, and religious relics. A peaceful oasis in the city.
• Cu Chi Tunnels - The immense network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. You can crawl through some.
• Bitexco Financial Tower - Houses the Saigon Skydeck on its 49th floor, providing the best views over the city skyline.
• Independence Palace - The iconic palace was home to the president of South Vietnam. Now a museum showcasing 1960s design.
• Mekong Delta day trip - Escape the city to floating markets, small villages, and rice paddies. Shows river-based local culture.

Here are some common ways to get around Ho Chi Minh City:

• Walking - The best way to experience the city is on foot. Many attractions in District 1 are walkable. Just be careful crossing streets.
• Taxi - Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Stick to Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis which use meters to avoid overcharging. Uber is also available.
• Motorbike taxi (xe ôm) - Popular form of transportation where you ride on the back of a motorbike. Agree on price beforehand.
• Cyclos - Bicycle rickshaws with a seat for passengers. Found around major tourist sites. Negotiate the fare before riding.
• Bus - Extensive network of public buses running all over the city. Useful for longer distances. Routes can be confusing though.
• Grab - Southeast Asia's version of Uber. Convenient app for booking rides from motorbikes or cars.
• Metro - A new elevated metro line opened recently connecting key districts. More lines are under construction.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam depends on what kind of weather and experiences you prefer:

• Dry Season (December to April) - This is the most popular time to visit. It's hot and humid, but dry. High season means more crowds and higher hotel prices.
• Shoulder Season (May, June, October, November) - The shoulder seasons have comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices on hotels. Some occasional rain.
• Rainy Season (July to September) - The wettest months with frequent rain showers. Streets may flood. Lowest hotel prices but also very hot humidity.
• Tet Holiday (Late January or Early February) - Vietnam's biggest holiday leads to festive celebrations but also closed businesses and crowded conditions.

Here are some of the most popular ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta region:

• Organized Mekong delta day tour - Very convenient way to visit the Mekong as part of a group day tour. They will pick you up at your hotel and handle transportation and itinerary.
• Public bus - Cheapest option. Buses depart hourly from the Mien Tay bus station to destinations like My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho, etc. Takes 2-3 hrs.
• Private car/van - Hire a private car and driver to explore the delta at your own pace. More expensive but flexible. Can stop wherever you want.
• Boat tour from Saigon River -Tour operators offer boat trips down the Saigon River to the Mekong taking 4-5 hours. More scenic.
• Motorbike - Riding a motorbike through the Mekong is popular but requires experience. Remember to get Vietnamese International Drivers Permit.
• Private Mekong Delta tour - Hire a local guide with a car to customize your own private tour based on your interests.