The Perfect Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Ho Chi Minh City is a whirlwind of energy, flavor, and culture. While a weekend might not be long enough to discover every corner, this curated two-day itinerary gives you the perfect taste of Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis.

Saturday Morning – Discover the City’s Historic Core

Start your day the local way with a fresh, crusty bánh mì filled with pickled vegetables and savory pork. Pair it with a strong cà phê sữa đá from a streetside café near the Reunification Palace, a historical landmark brimming with stories from Vietnam’s past.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Notre Dame Cathedral, bathed in the soft morning light. Across the street, the charming Saigon Central Post Office is a photographer’s dream with its vintage phone booths and mosaic-tiled floors. Stroll along Đồng Khởi Street, a bustling boulevard lined with shops, until you reach the grand Saigon Opera House.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss a captivating cultural performance by Lune Production, held at the Opera House several evenings a week.

Saturday Afternoon – Cafés and Local Finds

For lunch, try Võ Roof Garden, where modern Vietnamese cuisine meets rooftop views. Or go full local with street favorites like bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodle salad) or cơm tấm (broken rice with pork chop).

Head to Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, one of the few pedestrian-only areas in HCMC. Explore the quirky and creative spaces of Apartment 42, filled with hidden cafés, fashion boutiques, and vintage shops. Wrap up your shopping spree with a coffee break at the chic L’Usine café.

Saturday Evening – Street Eats and Sky Views

Craving seafood? Head to Ốc Oanh on Vĩnh Khánh Street for a shellfish feast featuring crab, scallops, clams, and snails—all infused with garlic, butter, and lemongrass. Prefer something cozier? Try Quán Bụi, a charming Vietnamese bistro loved by locals and visitors alike.

For drinks with a view, enjoy a classic cocktail at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the Caravelle Hotel or sample craft beers at Pasteur Street Brewing Co.

Wellness Tip: Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of spas. End your night with a relaxing foot or body massage at one of the many affordable wellness centers nearby.

Sunday Morning – Local Vibes and Markets

Begin your day at Tao Đàn Park, where locals gather at dawn for tai chi, jogging, and leisurely conversation. There’s even a small temple tucked within the grounds, adding a peaceful ambiance.

Then explore Tân Định Market, a colorful maze of stalls selling fresh produce, street snacks, and souvenirs. Don’t forget your camera—this market is a feast for the senses. Afterwards, visit the Thien Hau Pagoda in District 5, a serene temple rich in cultural details and incense-scented air.

Sunday Afternoon – Culture and History

For lunch, step into the homely yet elegant Cục Gạch Quán, where traditional Vietnamese dishes are served in a rustic heritage house.

Spend your afternoon diving into Vietnam’s complex history at the War Remnants Museum, a must-see for its emotional and educational exhibits. If you’re an art enthusiast, wander through the Fine Arts Museum, housed in a colonial-era mansion. For something unique, the FITO Museum offers fascinating insights into traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Sunday Evening – Sip and Savor Above the City

Celebrate your final night in HCMC with a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine at Anan Saigon, nestled inside a wet market and known for its creative cocktails and innovative flavors.

If you’re in the mood for a stylish nightcap, Glow Sky Bar is the perfect place to toast your unforgettable weekend in Ho Chi Minh City.