It’s thrilling to know you’re coming to or contemplating visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, also called Saigon.
This vibrant metropolis is a treasure trove of experiences ready to be explored. With over a decade of residing right here and working a tour firm, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself within the metropolis’s attraction and uncovering its hidden gems.
In case you’re gearing up for a fast 24-hour go to, my information to spending a day in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is simply what you want.
In case you’re pressed for time and trying to profit from your day, I’ve acquired you coated with a spread of choices to tailor your expertise to fit your preferences. Whereas I’ll share my private favorites, keep in mind that everybody’s tastes fluctuate, so be at liberty to customise this information to match your vibe.
Earlier than we dive into the small print, let’s deal with some burning questions you may need as you intend your journey. Whether or not you’re on a layover or have restricted time within the metropolis, this information to 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is right here to assist.
In a rush?
Listed below are our favourite meals excursions in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis/Saigon:
→ Avenue Meals Bike Tour in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: Expertise Saigon the way in which the locals do, on a bike! Style 8 of one of the best road meals within the metropolis, together with a drink, Saigon beer and dessert – BOOK NOW!
→ Strolling Avenue Meals Tour in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: Stroll the again alleys and go to outdated flats inbuilt 1968 whereas tasting 10 dishes, together with a drink and Saigon beer – BOOK NOW!
→ Vegan Meals Bike Tour in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: Expertise Ho Chi Minh Metropolis by evening from the again of a bike whereas having fun with scrumptious vegan dishes ready by a number of the finest vegan kitchens within the metropolis – BOOK NOW!
Right here is an summary:
Questioning whether or not a day journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta Floating Market is value it?
For my part, for those who’ve solely acquired 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, it’s finest to absorb the town’s distinctive vitality earlier than venturing out. Whereas some would possibly discover this recommendation shocking, I genuinely need you to have a memorable trip.
Whereas many guides would possibly advocate visiting these iconic spots, I consider that with simply 24 hours, it’s a bit rushed. Nevertheless, for those who’re a historical past buff or have a eager curiosity within the Vietnam Conflict, go forward and discover! The Cu Chi Tunnels will be intriguing, particularly for these fascinated by warfare historical past. But when it’s not your cup of tea, the lengthy journey may not be well worth the restricted time you will have.
The identical goes for the Mekong Delta Floating Markets – they’re a improbable expertise however is likely to be higher loved with a bit extra time readily available. For a deeper dive into this area, contemplate staying in a single day and reserving a personalised tour with an area firm for a extra immersive journey.
In case you do determine to go to these spots, I like to recommend choosing a speedboat tour for a extra pleasing journey. Whereas these excursions is likely to be pricier, the standard expertise is well worth the funding. Bear in mind, it’s all about taking advantage of your trip in a method that fits you finest.
Is 24 hours sufficient to discover Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?
Navigating this bustling metropolis could be a whirlwind, with its vibrant streets and various choices. Some could discover the town’s vitality invigorating, whereas others would possibly really feel overwhelmed by its hustle and bustle.
As seasoned expats, we’ve grown to like Saigon‘s distinctive attraction, however we respect differing opinions.
For these trying to dip their toes into the town’s essence, a day in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis will be good. Benefit from your time by exploring a number of key points of interest from our curated listing or just unwind by the pool at your lodge.
And don’t neglect to savor a scrumptious meal – contemplate becoming a member of a meals tour for an genuine culinary expertise. Wrap up your day with a drink at a rooftop bar and bid farewell to the town as you embark in your subsequent journey.
Nevertheless, for those who’re a metropolis fanatic craving myriad experiences, in the future gained’t be sufficient to uncover all that Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has to supply. Lengthen your keep to dive deeper into the town’s wealthy tapestry of adventures and experiences.
Greatest issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in 24 hours
Okay, let’s kick off your day in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!
Morning
7 am: Breakfast
Begin your day with breakfast at Bánh mì chảo Hoà Mã
Tackle: 3 Cao Thang Avenue, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Not your typical Vietnamese banh mi, Mi Chao Hoa Ma has been round for 50 years. Cooked on a scorching scorching pan with eggs, pate, and sausage, this dish is a real delight in your style buds.
However wait, there’s extra! Diners have quite a lot of fillings to select from, making every meal distinctive. At all times served recent and piping scorching, guaranteeing you savor one of the best flavors and textures. Simply earlier than you indulge, a flavorful mixture of chili and soy sauce drizzles on high for that additional zing. The wealthy egg yolk mixed with the tasty sauce creates a deliciously indulgent dip in your crispy bread.
8 am: Discover Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s high vacationer websites
- Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): This superior spot was the outdated presidential palace of South Vietnam and carries main significance from the Vietnam Conflict. Friends can take a look at its properly maintained rooms and dive into the nation’s fascinating historical past.
- Conflict Remnants Museum: The museum does an amazing job of telling the story of the Vietnam Conflict. It’s stuffed with highly effective pictures, artifacts, and shows from the Vietnamese perspective. It actually provides you a deep understanding of how the warfare affected folks.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: This cathedral is a shocking showcase of French colonial structure, serving as a standout image within the metropolis. Its distinctive crimson bricks and twin bell towers create a very mesmerizing view.
- Saigon Central Publish Workplace: Subsequent to Notre-Dame Cathedral, this old-school constructing has a shocking inside and precise publish workplace companies. You’ll be able to soak in its architectural attraction whereas mailing postcards or delving into its previous.
Associated learn: Issues to Do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: A Information for Vacationers
- Ben Thanh Market: This vigorous hotspot is the place yow will discover all kinds of goodies, from fashionable garments and cute souvenirs to scrumptious road meals. It’s a improbable probability to actually get a really feel for the native vibe.
- Saigon Opera Home (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater): This fancy French colonial constructing places on all types of cultural exhibits, like ballet, opera, and classical music concert events. Be certain that to search for the schedule for occasions taking place while you’re on the town.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: This Taoist temple is legendary for its detailed carvings and statues, making a tranquil ambiance that’s made much more particular by the soothing aroma of burning incense. It’s the proper place to loosen up and ponder, providing a peaceable retreat for non secular contemplation.
- Museum of Vietnamese Historical past: Housing an enormous array of artifacts that inform the story of Vietnam’s wealthy historical past and tradition, this museum offers an enchanting glimpse into the nation’s journey from historic occasions to the current day.
Exploring all these points of interest may simply refill your complete day in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It’s a good suggestion to prioritize based mostly in your pursuits and contemplate trying out different actions and locations past these widespread landmarks.
Afternoon
12 pm: Get pleasure from a scrumptious lunch at Com Tam Tran Qui Cap
Tackle: 260 Võ Văn Tần, phường 5, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Working Hours: 10AM-9PM, each day
Should-try dish: Com tam suon nuong
Everybody adores com tam suon nuong, from locals to vacationers, younger to outdated, rich to budget-conscious. Its widespread attraction comes as no shock, due to its ease of entry and mouthwatering style. But, what actually units it aside is the enchanting vibe that accompanies each its making and savoring. There’s an simple attraction that merely lures folks in.
Off the Overwhelmed Path in Ho Chi Minh
1 pm: Following your meal, you possibly can proceed exploring well-known vacationer spots or enterprise off the overwhelmed path:
- The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument: This monument pays tribute to Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk who made a daring assertion in 1963 by self-immolating in protest in opposition to the South Vietnamese authorities. It stands as a transferring reminder of the town’s historical past and power. Surprisingly, many guests close to the Conflict Remnants Museum are unaware of its presence.
- The Secret Weapon Bunker: Do you know that amidst the bustling historic websites in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, there’s a hidden gem not many vacationers have found? Tucked away within the coronary heart of Saigon lies a secret weapon bunker, as soon as an important hub for troopers to move weapons through the warfare.
- Oldest Espresso Retailers in Saigon: Vietnamese espresso is legendary globally, and Saigon has a number of the oldest espresso retailers that also make espresso utilizing conventional strategies. Espresso fans shouldn’t skip visiting these iconic spots on their one-day Vietnam journey plan.
- Native Moist Markets: To get a style of Vietnamese tradition, swing by a close-by moist market stocked with quite a lot of objects at budget-friendly charges. Simply needless to say whereas these markets present an genuine vibe, don’t count on all distributors to talk fluent English.
- Previous Flats: Saigon’s outdated flats are filled with historic and cultural significance, in contrast to the trendy high-rises. It’s a disgrace that many vacationers miss out on exploring these architectural treasures throughout their visits. Don’t neglect to take a look at the Nguyen Thien Thuat condo on the meals tour!
Nighttime in Saigon
One nice approach to expertise the flavors of Vietnam is by happening a meals tour.
Exploring the culinary scene in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis by way of a meals tour is a tremendous approach to immerse your self within the metropolis’s distinctive tradition and bond with its pleasant locals over scrumptious dishes.
You not solely get to benefit from the mouthwatering Vietnamese delicacies but additionally profit from the data and insights of an area professional who is able to reply all of your food-related questions.
- Various Delicacies: Saigon provides a scrumptious number of flavors, mixing traditional Vietnamese delicacies with international influences to create a various eating journey.
- Avenue Meals Tradition: Immerse your self within the vigorous world of road meals and savor native delights akin to pho, banh mi, and recent seafood, all at budget-friendly costs.
- Farm-to-Desk Freshness: Uncover the colourful markets of Saigon, brimming with top-notch elements that assure every meal is full of unimaginable flavors.
Associated learn: High 10 Greatest Avenue Meals In Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
- Cultural Perception: Discover Saigon’s vibrant meals scene to uncover the flavors of Vietnamese tradition and the town’s fascinating previous. Make unforgettable recollections and achieve a deeper appreciation for the native lifestyle.
Be a part of a Meals Tour in Cho Chi Minh Metropolis
Many guests love exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis by way of road meals excursions, contemplating them a must-do expertise. These excursions present a improbable approach to uncover the town whereas indulging in a various array of scrumptious native dishes.
The road meals on supply actually captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors, making it a pleasant culinary journey. The guides main these excursions are pleasant and approachable and proficient in English, guaranteeing a seamless and pleasing expertise for all friends.
With their in-depth data of the town and its meals tradition, the guides supply an informative journey, shedding mild on the culinary wonders and numerous neighborhoods of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Whereas these excursions could contain strolling or using on a bike, security and luxury are at all times prioritized, together with the chance to have interaction with the guides and fellow vacationers.
For these contemplating becoming a member of a road meals tour, it’s beneficial to reach with a hearty urge for food to savor the various gastronomic delights on supply.
Total, these excursions present a enjoyable and hassle-free method for guests to immerse themselves in and recognize the colourful road meals scene of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Select between the next tour choices:
- Strolling Avenue Meals Tour: Expertise real native eating and dialog whereas sampling the town’s most interesting road meals, together with ten dishes, drinks, and Saigon beer. Discover again alleys and go to historic flats relationship again to 1968, constructed through the Tet Offensive. Excursions will be custom-made to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Avenue Meals Bike Tour: Hop on a bike tour by way of 4 vigorous districts, together with Chinatown, accompanied by a pleasant pupil companions for a very immersive journey. Get pleasure from a tantalizing number of 8 high road meals, paired with a cool Saigon beer and a candy deal with. Discover secret alleyways and off-the-beaten-path places for an genuine native expertise.
- Vegan Meals Bike Tour: Savor a tasty number of vegan dishes expertly ready by proficient native cooks. Embark on an exciting bike tour by way of its bustling streets at evening. Put together for an unforgettable vegan meals journey in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is huge!
In case you’ve acquired some spare time, make certain to discover locations like Chinatown, catch a conventional efficiency such because the A O Present or Water Puppet Present, or enterprise to the Mekong Delta for a novel expertise of southern Vietnam.
I belief that my one-day information to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis will help you in maximizing your journey. Don’t neglect to cross it alongside to associates planning a go to to Saigon and in search of insider recommendation!