Headed to Vietnam’s biggest city? Read on for an epic 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!
The city formerly known as Saigon got its current name back in 1975 after the disastrous war finally came to an end.
What was the capital of South Vietnam took the name of one of the North’s leaders as the country began the difficult process of reunification.
For many locals, the urban core of the city is still known as Saigon. After all, it is located on the banks of the Saigon River and the airport code is SGN.
For simplicity, you’ll often see the name abbreviated to HCMC or just HCM. If you refer to “Ho Chi Minh,” however, many will think you’re talking about the historical figure.
Whatever you call it, the city has grown rapidly over the past few decades. With a population of just under 9 million, it’s one of the biggest cities in all of SE Asia.
The signs of this break-neck development are everywhere – futuristic skyscrapers, trendy shopping malls, and innovative hi-tech parks are shaping the city’s new identity.
That being said, the past remains very much present in HCMC. When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
With 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you can get a feel for its past and future at the same time. Meanwhile, the present seems to be floating aimlessly somewhere in the middle.
This is just enough time to check out some of the city’s most important landmarks, dive into the local culture, and even sneak out for a cheeky day trip.
Let’s get to it and see just how much you can do on your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!
READ MORE: Plan your trip to Vietnam with our comprehensive Vietnam Travel Guide.
How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
Step one – ditch your fear of motorbikes and fuel up with some strong Vietnamese coffee. This is key for a solid start to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
Day One
Morning – Take a Walking Tour
Massive, booming, hectic metropolises such as Ho Chi Minh can be a bit intimidating. That’s why I always recommend starting with a little walking tour in places like this.
The thing about walking in Saigon is that you have to inevitably cross the street, which means playing a human game of Frogger with a never-ending stream of motorbikes. It’s certainly a rush!
I should note that the popular free walking tours that were run by university students here were…
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