48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Last Edited: October 2026

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and one of the most exciting places to visit in Southeast Asia. With its chaotic streets, buzzing markets, delicious street food and fascinating history, it’s a city that certainly knows how to make an impression!

Here, beautiful French colonial buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and bustling shopping streets. Add thousands of motorbikes weaving through the traffic, and you’ve got a city that’s full of energy from morning until night.

Ho Chi Minh City was our first stop in Vietnam, and arriving here was quite the introduction to the country! The traffic seemed completely crazy, crossing the road felt like an extreme sport, and the constant noise took a little getting used to. But once we embraced the chaos, we absolutely loved it.

Although you could easily spend longer exploring, 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City is enough to discover many of its highlights, learn about its fascinating history and sample some incredible Vietnamese food.

Here’s how to make the most of two days in Ho Chi Minh City, including our favourite attractions, practical tips and recommendations from our own visit.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City on a Motorbike Tour

The best way to start your time in Ho Chi Minh City is to immerse yourself in the craziness. To achieve this, take a motorbike tour. Of course, I’m not suggesting you rent a motorbike to ride yourself! But there are many companies that run half day tours of the city where you’ll sit behind a very experienced Ho Chi Minh City driver. Your guide does the driving while you enjoy the madness!

These tours are the best way to take in the city while at the same time learning how to navigate its traffic. You’ll visit the city’s various districts, learn about its history and see the main sights. But more importantly, your guides will give you practical tips about the city and take you to taste some mouthwatering local delicacies. We used XO tours and we had a fantastic time with them. Our drivers were fantastic and we never felt scared, even amongst all the craziness. It was a perfect introduction to the city.

Send a postcard from the Central Post Office

The Central Post office is a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times. No, it was not designed by Gustave Eiffel as you may be told, but instead by Alfred Foulhoux. This impressive building has several old-fashioned telephone booths and a soaring ceiling with a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh hanging high above the far end of the main hall. If you plan to send mail or postcards home, you can do so from here because it is still a working post office.

Cross the road to the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

Right next to the post office is the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built in the 1880s by French colonists, with building materials imported from France. Its red brick façade came all the way from Marseille! You can either simply admire the cathedral from outside or take a look inside. However, it is currently closed for extensive renovations until late 2019. Some locals claim to have seen tears being shed from the statue of the Virgin Mary at the front of the Cathedral. Ever since then it has attracted even more visitors.

Learn more about the war at the War Remnant Museum

The Vietnam War is a big part of Ho Chi Minh City’s history and if you are interested in finding out more about the war, be sure to visit the War Remnant Museum. Told with a Vietnamese point of view, some of the exhibits are very graphic, but they are definitely an eye-opener to the horrors of war. It can be quite disturbing to look at some of the photos, especially those in the Agent Orange Effects exhibition.

The museum’s outdoor exhibit area displays aircrafts, tanks, a guillotine, and the disturbing “tiger cage”.

Fee: VND 60,000

Visit the Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace was built in the 1960’s and is a short walk from the War Remnants Museum. It used to be the residence of the South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu until the fall of Saigon on the 30th of April 1975. On that day, Communist tanks crashed through its gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

The bunker in the basement is the most interesting part of the palace, with tunnels, a war room and a telecommunications centre. You’ll be able to see vintage radios and telex machines, along with the president’s situation room and wartime bedroom. Bear in mind that it gets really stuffy in there on a hot day so visit early or be prepared!

Fee: VND 80000

View Ho Chi Minh City from above at the Bitexco Tower Skydeck

The Bitexco Tower Skydeck was designed by the American Architect Carlos Zapata. It is located in the centre of the business district and is two hundred and sixty-two metres tall. The building has sixty-eight storeys and is one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.

Take the fast elevator to the observation deck on the 49th floor for a 360 degrees view across the city and the Saigon River. But don’t expect to get great photos, unless they’ve cleaned the windows since we visited!

Another option is to head to the Eon Heli Bar on the 52nd floor, for a drink with your view and no entrance fee. Arrive just before sunset to enjoy the view both by day and by night.

Observation desk fee: VND 240,000

Explore the local markets

Everywhere we visit we enjoy checking out the local markets. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the local lifestyle and I always find them fascinating and great for photography. There are many such markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Some markets are mainly for locals, while others are aimed at tourists.

Ben Than Market

Ben Than market is the most famous market and therefore the most touristy one. Be prepared to haggle hard! With over three thousand stalls, it covers a huge area, and it’s a great place to buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, branded goods, Vietnamese art and more. There’s also a street food section, where you can try some cheap and delicious local Vietnamese cuisine.

Tan Binh Market

Tan Binh is not a tourist market. It’s mainly dedicated to fabrics, vegetables, and meat, but it’s a great place to watch the locals haggle and to find out more about their way of life.

Ba Thien Hau Temple

If you visit just one temple in Ho Chi Minh City, make it this one. From the outside, it’s nothing special. But once inside, the smell of burning incense fills the air. The interior walls have interesting engravings, and there is the traditional curvy roof lined with porcelain figures depicting good and evil characters. But my favourite part was the large coils of incense that hung from the ceiling. While there you can make a small donation and light and hang one yourself.

Take a half day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are about fifty kilometres outside Ho Chi Minh City. This network of interconnecting underground tunnels was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, as well as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon storage bunkers and living quarters. People were even married inside them!

The tunnels are now a popular tourist attraction and visitors can crawl through the safest parts of them. The tunnels have been widened for tourists and now have low-power lights installed along their length, but it’s still not a great experience for the claustrophobic. We crawled through the twenty-metre long one and I couldn’t wait to get out!

How to travel around Ho Chi Minh City?

By foot

Like every other city in the world, we found that the best way to explore Ho Chi Minh City was by foot. You’ll see a lot more by walking, but the only thing to bear in mind is that being a pedestrian in Ho Chi Minh City can be totally terrifying at first.

Crossing the road will get your heart racing like never before! Don’t expect the traffic to ever stop for you. If you don’t make your way through it, you’ll be stuck where you are for hours! The advice we received was “walk out with confidence and, whatever you do, DON’T STOP.”

The last part seems obvious, but there were a few times where I found myself in utter shock, just standing there screaming. Not some of my finest moments! However, once we got used to it, it became a bit of a game and crossing the road was suddenly fun and sometimes a great challenge. Just be sure not to walk out too close in front of cars and trucks. They take longer to stop if they don’t see you, whereas motorbikes can easily route around you.

Grab

Grab is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around Ho Chi Minh City. Similar to Uber, it allows you to book a car or motorbike taxi directly through the Grab app. You’ll easily recognise Grab drivers by their distinctive green jackets and helmets.

Fares are displayed in the app before you book, making it a convenient option for tourists who want to avoid negotiating taxi prices. Grab is widely available throughout Ho Chi Minh City and many other parts of Vietnam.

Although we didn’t use Grab during our visit, it’s now a popular transport option for travellers, particularly since Uber exited the Southeast Asian market in 2018.

Metro Line 1

Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line finally opened in December 2024, making it easier to explore parts of the city without getting stuck in its notorious traffic!

Metro Line 1 connects Ben Thanh Market in District 1 with Suoi Tien in the northeast of the city, passing through areas such as Thao Dien and An Phu. It’s a modern, air-conditioned and affordable way to travel, particularly useful for visitors staying near one of its stations.

Although the metro doesn’t cover all the major tourist attractions yet, it’s a great alternative to taxis and Grab for certain journeys. We didn’t get to experience it during our visit, as it was still under construction at the time.

What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers, and sampling the local cuisine is one of the highlights of any visit. From tiny street food stalls to bustling local eateries, you’ll find delicious Vietnamese dishes around almost every corner.

Some local favourites worth trying include pho, Vietnam’s famous noodle soup; banh mi, a crispy baguette filled with savoury ingredients and fresh herbs; goi cuon, fresh rice paper rolls; and com tam, a popular southern Vietnamese dish made with broken rice and various toppings.

For an authentic experience, don’t miss the city’s vibrant street food scene. Pull up a little plastic stool, watch the world go by and enjoy some of the best flavours Vietnam has to offer!

Love Vietnamese food? If you’re continuing your journey through Vietnam, don’t miss beautiful Hoi An! As well as its charming lantern-lined streets and historic buildings, it’s a fantastic destination for food lovers. Read our guide to Hoi An for more inspiration.

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid throughout the year. Unlike northern Vietnam, which experiences four distinct seasons, southern Vietnam has just two: the dry season and the rainy season.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is between December and April, when the weather is generally drier and sunnier. December to February are particularly pleasant months for sightseeing, with slightly lower humidity.

The rainy season runs from May to November, bringing frequent tropical downpours, usually in the afternoon. However, the rain often doesn’t last long, so visiting during this period is still possible. Just pack an umbrella and be prepared to adjust your plans!

If you’re visiting during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), expect a festive atmosphere, but be aware that some businesses and attractions may close for the celebrations.

How Many Days Do You Need in Ho Chi Minh City?

We spent 48 hours exploring Ho Chi Minh City, and although it was a busy couple of days, we managed to see many of the city’s main attractions.

Two days in Ho Chi Minh City is enough to experience the highlights, including the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market and some of the city’s fantastic food.

However, if you have more time, we’d recommend spending three days here. This will give you a little more breathing room and allow you to include a trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels without rushing around.

If you’re planning to explore the Mekong Delta as well, consider adding another day or two to your itinerary.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Budget

Piano Hotel

For travellers looking for affordable accommodation in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Piano Hotel is a great option. Located in District 1, within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and several major attractions, this small hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly service and excellent value for money. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city without spending a fortune on accommodation. Click here to check out the latest prices.

Mid-Range

Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel

Centrally located in central Saigon, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel is just opposite the tall Bitexco Financial Tower. A 5-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market, it has free WiFi. The property is 700 metres from Independence Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Click here to check out the latest prices.

Luxury

The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie is extravagant and the most luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located inside the 39 stories Time Square Building, overlooking the Saigon River and walking distance to most sites. All rooms are spacious and benefit from some of the best views of Ho Chi Minh City. Click here to check out the latest prices.

Exploring more of Vietnam? Head north to discover Hanoi, Vietnam’s fascinating capital. With its bustling Old Quarter, beautiful lakes, historic temples and incredible street food, it’s another city that’s well worth adding to your itinerary. Read our Hanoi travel guide to help plan your visit.

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?

Absolutely! Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most exciting destinations, offering a fascinating mix of history, culture, colonial architecture and incredible food. The traffic and noise can feel overwhelming at first, but that’s all part of the experience!

Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable?

Many of the main attractions in District 1 are within walking distance of each other. However, the heat, humidity and busy traffic can make walking tiring. For longer distances, Grab and the metro are convenient alternatives.

Is Ho Chi Minh City expensive?

Not at all! Ho Chi Minh City is generally an affordable destination, with accommodation and food options to suit almost every budget. Street food is particularly inexpensive, and many of the city’s attractions have reasonable entrance fees.

Is Ho Chi Minh City the same as Saigon?

Yes! Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, following the reunification of Vietnam. However, the name Saigon is still widely used by locals and visitors, particularly when referring to the city’s central area.

Planning a Longer Trip to Vietnam?

If 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City is just the beginning of your Vietnamese adventure, why not explore more of this incredible country? From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the charming old town of Hoi An and the fascinating sights of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has so much to offer.

For more inspiration, check out our 2-week Vietnam itinerary, where we share our favourite destinations and tips for making the most of two weeks in Vietnam.

Read more: 

10 Things You Should do in Hoi An 

8 Reasons Why we Loved the Chaotic City of Hanoi