It’s thrilling to know you’re coming to or contemplating visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, often known as Saigon.
This vibrant metropolis is a treasure trove of experiences ready to be explored. With over a decade of residing right here and operating a tour firm, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself within the metropolis’s attraction and uncovering its hidden gems.
In the event 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 the event you’re pressed for time and seeking to take advantage of your day, I’ve obtained you lined 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 range, so be happy to customise this information to match your vibe.
Earlier than we dive into the main points, let’s handle 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 here are our favourite meals excursions in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis/Saigon:
→ Avenue Meals Motorbike 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→ Strolling Avenue Meals Tour in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: Stroll the again alleys and go to outdated residences in-built 1968 whereas tasting 10 dishes, together with a drink and Saigon beer – BOOK NOW!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 night time from the again of a motorbike whereas having fun with scrumptious vegan dishes ready by among the finest vegan kitchens within the metropolis – BOOK NOW!
Right here is an outline:
Questioning whether or not a day journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta Floating Market is value it?
For my part, in the event you’ve solely obtained 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, it’s finest to take in 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 suggest visiting these iconic spots, I imagine that with simply 24 hours, it’s a bit rushed. Nonetheless, in the event you’re a historical past buff or have a eager curiosity within the Vietnam Battle, go forward and discover! The Cu Chi Tunnels will be intriguing, particularly for these fascinated by conflict historical past. But when it’s not your cup of tea, the lengthy journey won’t be well worth the restricted time you have got.
The identical goes for the Mekong Delta Floating Markets – they’re a incredible expertise however is perhaps higher loved with a bit extra time available. For a deeper dive into this area, contemplate staying in a single day and reserving a customized tour with a neighborhood firm for a extra immersive journey.
In the event you do resolve to go to these spots, I like to recommend choosing a speedboat tour for a extra pleasant journey. Whereas these excursions is perhaps pricier, the standard expertise is well worth the funding. Keep in mind, it’s all about profiting from your trip in a manner that fits you finest.
Is 24 hours sufficient to discover Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?
Navigating this bustling metropolis generally is a whirlwind, with its vibrant streets and various choices. Some could discover 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 seeking to dip their toes into town’s essence, a day in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis will be excellent. Take advantage of your time by exploring a couple of key sights from our curated listing or just unwind by the pool at your resort.
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 town as you embark in your subsequent journey.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re a metropolis fanatic craving myriad experiences, in the future received’t be sufficient to uncover all that Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has to supply. Lengthen your keep to dive deeper into town’s wealthy tapestry of adventures and experiences.
Finest 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
Handle: 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 sizzling 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 contemporary and piping sizzling, making certain you savor one of the best flavors and textures. Simply earlier than you indulge, a flavorful mixture of chili and soy sauce drizzles on prime for that further 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 prime vacationer websites
- Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): This superior spot was once the outdated presidential palace of South Vietnam and carries main significance from the Vietnam Battle. Visitors can take a look at its properly maintained rooms and dive into the nation’s fascinating historical past.
- Battle Remnants Museum: The museum does an ideal job of telling the story of the Vietnam Battle. It’s crammed with highly effective photographs, artifacts, and shows from the Vietnamese viewpoint. It actually provides you a deep understanding of how the conflict affected individuals.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: This cathedral is a surprising showcase of French colonial structure, serving as a standout image within the metropolis. Its distinctive purple bricks and twin bell towers create a very mesmerizing view.
- Saigon Central Put up Workplace: Subsequent to Notre-Dame Cathedral, this old-school constructing has a surprising inside and precise put up workplace companies. You may 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 you will discover all kinds of goodies, from stylish garments and cute souvenirs to scrumptious road meals. It’s a incredible 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 every kind of cultural reveals, like ballet, opera, and classical music concert events. Be sure to lookup the schedule for occasions occurring once you’re on the town.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: This Taoist temple is known for its detailed carvings and statues, making a tranquil environment that’s made much more particular by the soothing aroma of burning incense. It’s the right place to chill out and ponder, providing a peaceable retreat for religious 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 gives an enchanting glimpse into the nation’s journey from historical instances to the current day.
Exploring all these sights might 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 standard landmarks.
Afternoon
12 pm: Get pleasure from a scrumptious lunch at Com Tam Tran Qui Cap
Handle: 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, because of 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 individuals in.
Off the Crushed Path in Ho Chi Minh
1 pm: Following your meal, you’ll be able to proceed exploring well-known vacationer spots or enterprise off the crushed 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 town’s historical past and energy. Surprisingly, many guests close to the Battle 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 throughout the conflict.
- Oldest Espresso Outlets in Saigon: Vietnamese espresso is known globally, and Saigon has among the oldest espresso retailers that also make espresso utilizing conventional strategies. Espresso fanatics 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 gadgets at budget-friendly charges. Simply remember that whereas these markets present an genuine vibe, don’t anticipate all distributors to talk fluent English.
- Previous Flats: Saigon’s outdated residences are stuffed with historic and cultural significance, not like the fashionable 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 strategy to expertise the flavors of Vietnam is by happening a meals tour.
Exploring the culinary scene in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis via a meals tour is an incredible strategy 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 a neighborhood knowledgeable who is able to reply all of your food-related questions.
- Numerous Delicacies: Saigon provides a scrumptious number of flavors, mixing basic 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 contemporary seafood, all at budget-friendly costs.
- Farm-to-Desk Freshness: Uncover the colourful markets of Saigon, brimming with top-notch components that assure every meal is filled with unimaginable flavors.
Associated learn: Prime 10 Finest Avenue Meals In Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
- Cultural Perception: Discover Saigon’s vibrant meals scene to uncover the flavors of Vietnamese tradition and town’s fascinating previous. Make unforgettable recollections and achieve a deeper appreciation for the native lifestyle.
Be part of a Meals Tour in Cho Chi Minh Metropolis
Many guests love exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis via road meals excursions, contemplating them a must-do expertise. These excursions present a incredible strategy to uncover town whereas indulging in a various array of scrumptious native dishes.
The road meals on provide 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, making certain a seamless and pleasant expertise for all company.
With their in-depth data of town and its meals tradition, the guides provide an informative journey, shedding gentle 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 really useful to reach with a hearty urge for food to savor the various gastronomic delights on provide.
General, these excursions present a enjoyable and hassle-free manner for guests to immerse themselves in and admire 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 town’s most interesting road meals, together with ten dishes, drinks, and Saigon beer. Discover again alleys and go to historic residences relationship again to 1968, constructed throughout the Tet Offensive. Excursions will be personalized to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Avenue Meals Bike Tour: Hop on a bike tour via 4 vigorous districts, together with Chinatown, accompanied by a pleasant scholar companions for a very immersive journey. Get pleasure from a tantalizing collection of 8 prime road meals, paired with a cool Saigon beer and a candy deal with. Discover secret alleyways and off-the-beaten-path areas for an genuine native expertise.
- Vegan Meals Bike Tour: Savor a tasty collection of vegan dishes expertly ready by proficient native cooks. Embark on an exciting bike tour via its bustling streets at night time. Put together for an unforgettable vegan meals journey in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is huge!
In the event you’ve obtained some spare time, be sure that 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 go it alongside to buddies planning a go to to Saigon and searching for insider recommendation!