is often written as or Saigon; this plan uses both names where they’re commonly found on maps. It keeps most stops clustered by district, with a mix of landmarks, markets, food, and a couple of easy day trips.
Budget
About 12,000,000–20,000,000 VND per person for activities, meals, and local transport over 10 days, excluding accommodation and international flights.
Best time to visit
December to March is generally drier and a little less humid; expect warm weather year-round.
District 1: historic heart
Start around the city’s landmark boulevard, then explore its best-known colonial-era sights on foot.
Morning
See Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Begin at the city’s striking red-brick cathedral. The Central Post Office is about a 3-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Visit the Central Post Office
Admire the historic interior and browse the small souvenir stalls. It’s about a 3-minute walk from the cathedral.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the Reunification Palace
Tour the former presidential palace and its preserved rooms. It’s around a 10-minute walk from the post office.
About 40,000 VNDEvening
Stroll
Join the evening crowds on the broad pedestrian boulevard and enjoy the illuminated City Hall nearby. It’s about a 12-minute walk from the palace.
Free
District 1: markets and Saigon flavors
Spend an easy day around Ben Thanh, pairing market browsing with a museum visit and a classic local meal.
Morning
Browse
Look for snacks, coffee, and souvenirs, and enjoy the lively market atmosphere. Saigon Fine Arts Museum is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
See Vietnamese art in a beautiful early-20th-century building. It’s about a 10-minute walk from .
About 30,000 VNDEvening
Try a Saigon bánh mì
Pick up a generously filled bánh mì from this famous central counter. It’s roughly a 15-minute walk from the museum.
About 70,000 VNDEvening
See the city from Bitexco Financial Tower
Head up for a sweeping view of the skyline after dinner. It’s about a 10-minute walk from .
About 200,000 VND
District 3: history and leafy streets
Discover a key wartime museum, then slow down among District 3’s quiet lanes and landmark temples.
Morning
Tour the
Give yourself time for the exhibits documenting the Vietnam War and its impact. is about a 10-minute walk away.
About 40,000 VNDAfternoon
Take a break in
Walk beneath the trees and watch local life unfold in this central green space. It’s around a 10-minute walk from the museum.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Explore the incense-filled halls and intricate sculptures. Allow about 15 minutes by taxi from .
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Try Vietnamese home-style favorites in a relaxed setting. The restaurant is around a 15-minute taxi ride from the pagoda.
About 150,000–300,000 VND
Chợ Lớn: Chinatown
Explore the temples, markets, and food traditions of Chợ Lớn, with most stops close together in District 5.
Morning
Visit
See the temple’s elaborate carvings and coils of hanging incense. is about a 15-minute taxi ride away.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Explore a bustling wholesale market filled with local produce and everyday goods. It’s about 15 minutes by taxi from the temple.
FreeAfternoon
See
Step into one of Chợ Lớn’s atmospheric neighborhood pagodas. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from .
FreeEvening
Enjoy a Chinese-style dinner in Chợ Lớn
Choose a nearby Cantonese or Teochew restaurant around the market district. The area’s food streets are roughly 5–10 minutes away by taxi.
About 150,000–300,000 VND
District 1: Saigon’s café and theater scene
Return to central District 1 for a relaxed coffee stop, a landmark theater, and an evening performance.
Morning
Explore The Café Apartments
Browse the cafés and independent shops inside this famous apartment block. The Opera House is about a 10-minute walk away.
About Coffee from 50,000 VNDAfternoon
See the Opera House
Admire the ornate exterior, or check for a scheduled performance or tour. It’s around a 10-minute walk from The Café Apartments.
FreeAfternoon
Relax at
Cool off, browse shops, or stop for a snack in this central mall. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Opera House.
FreeEvening
Catch a show at the
If a performance is on, book ahead for an evening of music, dance, or acrobatics. The theater is around a 10-minute walk from .
About From 700,000 VND
Thao Dien: riverside District 2
Spend a slower day across the river in , where leafy streets, cafés, and riverside views make a welcome change of pace.
Morning
Wander
Explore the neighborhood’s boutiques, bakeries, and shaded lanes. The Saigon River is about a 10-minute walk from the central café cluster.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
See contemporary Vietnamese and international art in a distinctive creative space. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from central .
About From 80,000 VNDAfternoon
Take a riverside break at
Drop by this creative outdoor venue for a drink or an event, if the schedule suits. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from The Factory.
FreeEvening
Have dinner in
Choose from the neighborhood’s Vietnamese and international restaurants. Allow around 10 minutes by taxi from .
About 200,000–400,000 VND
Mekong Delta day trip
Take a guided outing to the Mekong Delta for river scenery and village life, then keep the evening easy back in the city.
Morning
Travel to
Join a guided day tour with hotel pickup; the drive from central usually takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.
About Tour from 800,000 VNDAfternoon
Cruise the
Enjoy a boat trip and a chance to see the river’s waterways and nearby islands. Tour operators typically arrange transfers from , around 10–20 minutes by road.
About Usually included in tourEvening
Return to
Ride back with your tour group; allow roughly 2 hours by road. Keep dinner near your hotel or enjoy a quiet evening in.
About Usually included in tour
Cu Chi Tunnels and District 1
Spend the day visiting the historic , then return to the city for a restful evening.
Morning
Travel to the
Take a guided tour or arrange transport to the tunnel site; the drive from central is typically 1.5–2 hours.
About Entry 125,000 VND; transport extraAfternoon
Explore the
Learn about the tunnel network and its history, with time for the outdoor exhibits. The visitor areas are within a short walk of one another.
About Included in entryEvening
Relax at
Back in District 1, watch the evening scene around this popular local gathering spot. Allow around 20 minutes by taxi from the central tour drop-off point.
Free
District 1: local food and the river
Enjoy a relaxed food-focused day in the center, ending with a sunset view along the Saigon River.
Morning
Try a bánh cuốn breakfast
Start with delicate steamed rice rolls at this well-known local spot. The Reunification Palace is about a 10-minute taxi ride away.
About 50,000–100,000 VNDAfternoon
Revisit the Reunification Palace grounds
Take a slower look at the gardens and any rooms you missed on the first visit. It’s about 10 minutes by taxi from .
About 40,000 VNDAfternoon
Walk along
Enjoy the riverfront promenade and watch boats move along the water. It’s about a 15-minute taxi ride from the palace.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Settle in for a relaxed meal of Vietnamese home-style dishes. Allow around 15 minutes by taxi from .
About 250,000–450,000 VND
District 1: a gentle final day
Keep the last day close to the center with a museum visit, a final coffee, and a memorable farewell meal.
Morning
Visit
Learn more about the city’s history in a grand former governor’s residence. The is about a 10-minute walk away.
About 30,000 VNDAfternoon
Explore the
Browse exhibits on Saigon’s past and enjoy the elegant historic building. It’s around a 10-minute walk from .
About 30,000 VNDAfternoon
Take a final coffee break at
Settle in for a well-made coffee before your last evening. It’s roughly a 10-minute taxi ride from the museum.
About 60,000–120,000 VNDEvening
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Quán Bụi
Toast the trip with Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable central setting. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from .
About 200,000–400,000 VND
Good to know
Getting around
Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer hops, and walk between close District 1 sights when sidewalks are clear. Travel times can rise sharply at rush hour.
Day trips
Book the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi outings with a reputable operator, and confirm what transport, meals, and entrance fees are included.
Markets and temples
Carry small notes for market purchases, dress modestly for temples, and ask before photographing worshippers.
Performance and opening times
Check current opening hours and performance schedules before you go; museums and venues may close on particular days or change ticket prices.