If you’re seeking an exhilarating 48-hour adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, your search ends here.
This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends historical landmarks, vibrant street life, and culinary delights into a rich tapestry of experiences. Wander through the architectural splendour of District 1, from the stately Notre Dame Cathedral to the bustling Saigon Central Post Office. Savour traditional Vietnamese cuisine at local eateries, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Chinatown and the cosmopolitan Thao Dien area.
Follow our steps, and your days will be packed with unforgettable moments.
Vibrant Bui Vien Street bustling with people, motorbikes, and colorful hotel, bar, and shop signboards. (© Shutterstock)
Day 1: Discovering District 1
Morning
Start your exploration in District 1, the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel with Roman and Gothic influences, and then walk over to the Saigon Central Post Office, a beautiful blend of Western and Eastern designs. Next, head to the Independence Palace, steeped in historical significance and surrounded by lush gardens.Lunch
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at Cuc Gach Quan, a Bib Gourmand spot known for its traditional dishes. The restaurant features two-facing dining rooms with a serene koi pond and garden. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes like deep-fried tofu and canh chua ca hu fish soup. Save room for desserts like deep-fried banana and suong sam jelly.
Peter Cuong Franklin's creation at Ănăn Saigon and Park Hyatt Saigon. (© Ănăn Saigon, Park Hyatt Saigon)
Afternoon
Take a leisurely stroll through the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, an oasis in the city housing a variety of animals and a rich botanical collection. Nearby, the Vietnam History Museum offers insights into the nation's past.Dinner and a night out
Dine at Ănăn Saigon, the city's only MICHELIN Star restaurant in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vietnam edition, where traditional Vietnamese flavours meet modern culinary techniques. Chef-owner Peter Cuong Franklin, returning from abroad, blends modern techniques with street food for vibrant dishes like tuna tartare and wagyu beef pho.End your day after a meal with a visit to Dong Khoi Street, a historic and bustling area filled with iconic landmarks like the charming Opera House and the classic Continental Hotel (built in 1880). This district boasts top hotels like the centrally located Park Hyatt Saigon and the luxurious The Myst Dong Kho.
Address book:
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: 01 Công xã Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Saigon Central Post Office: 02 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Cuc Gach Quan: 10 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Independence Palace: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Ănăn Saigon: 89 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Dong Khoi Street: Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: 07 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 710212, Vietnam
- Park Hyatt Saigon: 2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- The Myst Dong Khoi: 6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tan Dinh Church in Saigon, a popular Gothic-style tourist destination, known for its pink Romanian architecture. (© Shutterstock)
Day 2: Exploring Chinatown and beyond
Morning
Venture into Chinatown in District 5. Visit ancient temples like the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda and the Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, each adorned with traditional Chinese architecture and intricate motifs.Lunch
Indulge in Chinatown's renowned culinary offerings. Try dumplings, pulled noodles, and Chinese sweet soups along Ha Ton Quyen Street.
Afternoon
Explore the charming narrow streets of Chinatown, where classic dormitories and oriental medicine pharmacies provide a glimpse into daily life. Don't miss the picturesque Tan Dinh Church in District 3, known for its striking pink exterior.
Cuong Nguyen at An's Saigon and a dish at Lua in Thao Dien. (© An's Saigon, Mark Shimmori/Lua)
Dinner
Head to District 2's Thao Dien area for dinner. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the MICHELIN-listed An’s Saigon, an establishment with three dining zones offering varied meals, including a chef's dinner at the counter, highlighting creative Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. For a super wine experience, try Lửa. The chef sources organic produce from local farms and blends European dishes with Japanese elements, accompanied by an excellent wine selection by the country’s first MICHELIN Sommelier Award winner.Evening
Stroll down Xuan Thuy Street in Thao Dien, known for its vibrant nightlife. Discover a mix of chic bars and eateries, and perhaps try a local delicacy like balut at a famous shop on the street.Address book:
- Ba Thien Hau Temple: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Ha Chuong Assembly Hall: 802 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Tan Dinh Church: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- An's Saigon: 5A Tong Huu Dinh Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Lửa: 2 Street No. 11, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Xuan Thuy Street: Thao Dien, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
