✈️ Ho Chi Minh 3 days 2 nights, using only 1 vacation day

We only had a weekend, but we wanted to get out of the country! 💗 We chose Ho Chi Minh City because it was a short trip, with a direct flight taking only 2.5 hours. It was also easy to eat, easy to travel, and cheaper than we thought.

We went from May 10th to 12th. The weather was hot like Thailand, but the cool evening breeze made it comfortable to walk around. The atmosphere was like a mix of Bangkok and Paris, with old colonial buildings, chic cafes, and vibrant streets.

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🗓 Day 1 – Upon arrival, we were ready to explore.

3:20 PM – Arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport. We cleared immigration very quickly, then took a Grab to the city center (it only took 20 minutes and cost around 80–90 baht, which is cheaper than buses in some countries!)

🏨 Check-in: Cityhouse Lighthouse Saigon
A small, minimalist accommodation with everything you need: a comfortable bed, strong water, and an area with easy access to markets and cafes.

🛍️ Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City's legendary market Here you'll find great-value souvenirs, silk, Vietnamese coffee, and a food zone with amazing aromas that are a must-try.

🍕 Pizza 4P's Ben Thanh
A pizza restaurant so popular that reservations are required. Their signature dish is their homemade cheese, which is premium and reasonably priced. We recommend the Burrata and Salmon Pizzas.

🚌 City Tour Bus
Take an open-top bus tour to admire the views of the old buildings, wide streets, and Vietnamese evening life. The sunset brings a pleasant breeze.

🎭 Saigon Opera House
A classic French architecture still in use, perfect for taking photos at night with its beautiful lights.

☕ The Cafe Apartment
An old building renovated into dozens of cafes within a single building. Each floor offers a variety of cafes, perfect for taking photos all day long.

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🗓 Day 2 – Art, Cafes, and City Life

🌉 Mong Bridge
A beautiful curved blue bridge, a photo opportunity with both the river and the skyscrapers. This is a popular hangout spot for locals.

🖼️ Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
A three-story colonial art museum housing paintings, sculptures, and Vietnamese folk art.

🥢 Banh Ut Ban Mê Giang Vương
Thin, soft rolls served with grilled pork and a delicious dipping sauce. Cheap and delicious, you'll want more.

🍸 Katinat
A famous cafe in Vietnam. They offer a wide selection of drinks, including tea, coffee, and soda. This branch offers a great view of the city.

📍 Statue of Ho Chi Minh
A monument in the heart of the city, perfect for taking photos with City Hall as the backdrop.

🍜 Phở Sang
Noodles with beef and pho, a sweet and fragrant broth, chewy noodles, and a rich aroma from fresh herbs.

📚 Book Street
A small street lined with bookstores and cafes, perfect for chilling.

📮 Saigon Central Post Office
A striking cream-yellow building, still in operation, perfect for retro photos.

🍵 Dumm.cafe
A minimalist cafe in white tones. Homemade drinks and desserts are served in a peaceful atmosphere.

🌃 Bui Vien Walking Street
A nightlife street with bars, restaurants, and live music. The lights are vibrant, similar to Khao San Road.

🐌 Ốc Đào
A seafood restaurant famous for its shellfish. Choose from butter, garlic, or chili sauce. Every bite is fresh.

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🗓 Day 3 – End your trip with legendary food.

🥖 Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa
Bánh mì stuffed to the brim with so much filling you can barely cover the bread. Grilled pork, shredded pork, liver pâté, pickled vegetables, all the essentials.

🍗 Jollibee
A fried chicken brand from the Philippines. Its flavors are different from KFC and are popular among Thais.

🥤 Cong Cafe
Known for its Coconut Coffee and rich chocolate menu.

⛪ Tan Dinh Catholic Church
A pink church that looks like something out of a Disney movie. Beautiful photos from every angle.

🍜 Phở Sesan
End with a hot bowl of pho before taking a Grab to the airport.

1:00 PM – Fly back to Thailand with a full stomach and a full heart.

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💡 What we love about Ho Chi Minh:
• Easy to get around, you can call a Grab all day, and the prices are very reasonable.
• Delicious food at every meal, both street food and famous restaurants.
• The city is charming, with old buildings, lots of cafes, and friendly people.
• Budget-friendly. This trip cost around 5,000–6,000 baht (not including airfare).

Ho Chi Minh… a city perfect for both beginners and those looking for cultural and culinary inspiration. 🫶

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