2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: The Perfect Itinerary

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City was an exhilarating experience, steeped in vibrant culture and awe-inspiring sights. Although I’m not typically a city girl, the bustling energy and expansive urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City captivated me. It truly reminded me of Bangkok, Thailand. Despite its vastness, I found that two days were absolutely perfect to explore and soak in everything it has to offer. From the lively markets to the historical landmarks, every corner of Ho Chi Minh City tells a story, making my brief stay enriching.

In this post, I will share the perfect itinerary for spending two days in Ho Chi Minh City. Trust me, 2 days is plenty of time to explore this vibrant metropolis. We arrived late Saturday night and stayed until late Monday, making it technically 2 days and 3 nights. Here’s how we made the most of our time in Ho Chi Minh City:

The Perfect 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City

Day One: Arrival and Night Out

Pho Viet Nam (Michelin Selected)

After dropping off our bags, we decided to head to Pho Viet Nam, for a Michelin-selected gem offering mouth-watering pho for just $3. This place was a 10-minute walk from the hotel we stayed at and is open until 3 am. So even though we arrived there around 11 pm it was still popping off. Note: the hotel we stayed at was Silverland Yen Hotel. This was in prime location and walking distance to mostly everything in District 1.

Cocktails at Stir

We didn’t end up going here because we were super tired but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t at least give you the suggestion to go. Stir is a cozy cocktail bar just 7 minutes away, to unwind with a drink. It is one of the coolest speakeasies in Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for more excitement, head over to Bui Vien for a lively street party or the techno club above Stir. Both options are a short walk from each other.

Day Two: Exploring the Heart of the City

Cơm Tấm Trần Quý Cáp

Start your Sunday with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Cơm Tấm Trần Quý Cáp. This spot is perfect for an authentic taste of local cuisine and loved by many locals. It is located in district 3.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office

Once back in district 1 after breakfast, you can walk to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the nearby Saigon Post Office. These architectural marvels are close to each other and offer a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. The Notre Dame Cathedral for us was under construction but still a sight to see. Also, at the post office you can go inside to purchase postcards and then send them to your loved ones back home, wherever home is for you.

26 Lý Tự Trọng (New Playground)

On the way from the post office to the cafe apartment is the New Playground. It is basically a trendy thrift store that offers both men and women clothes. I ended up getting two very cute summer dresses for $15.

Cafe Apartment

For a mid-morning break, visit the Cafe Apartment, a unique building filled with various cafes offering great vibes and delicious coffee. It is right around the corner from the New Playground. We ended up going to floor 9 to visit Good Day Coffee and it was incredible coffee with even better views.

cocktail at our hotel's rooftop pool

Spa Nga Suga

Treat yourself to a relaxing head spa for just $15. This is a perfect way to unwind before lunch. This specific one is located in District 3 and is said to be one of the best in the city. However, when we were there, they were changing locations so we went to Ga Spa which was right around the corner from it. The experience we had was incredible and was one of the most relaxing spa treatments I have ever had.

Bến Thành Market

Head to the famous Bến Thành Market for a diverse lunch experience. This bustling market is filled with street food vendors offering a wide range of Vietnamese delicacies. I personally am not a fan of street food so we didn’t indulge in any food here but rather did a lot of shopping. They have everything from nike sneakers to patagonia hats to christian dior bags. I got my wonderful dior bag for $30!

Reunification Palace

After lunch, take a short walk to the Reunification Palace. This historic building is a must-see, offering insights into the country’s history.

Rooftop Bar at The Social Club

As the day winds down, head to the Rooftop Bar at The Social Club to catch a beautiful sunset view over the city. An expat suggested it as one of their favorite rooftop bars in the city, and it surely did not disappoint.

Dinner at Quince

This restaurant offers a premier fine dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While it is on the pricier side compared to other dining options in the city, it is absolutely worth the splurge, as it is highly recommended by many locals. We opted to share a selection of appetizers instead of having full dinner meals, and the food was nothing short of extraordinary. It quickly became one of our favorite dining experiences ever. The exceptional service included a complimentary appetizer and homemade candy to take away. This establishment is deserving of a Michelin star, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it receives one in the near future. For a truly memorable experience, I highly recommend trying the bone marrow and caviar appetizer.

Day Three: Final Day of Exploration

Phở Cao Vân

Begin your Monday with a hearty breakfast at Phở Cao Vân, another spot to enjoy quintessential Vietnamese pho and another highly recommended restaurant for pho.

Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church)

We walked to the Pink Church but it was quite a bit of a walk. When we got to the pink church, we were in awe of its color and beauty. Although we saw it up close, we actually enjoyed the view better from the cafe across the street called Cộng Cà phê. Their coconut coffee is a must!

Jade Emperor Pagoda and Giac Lam Pagoda

Explore the spiritual side of Ho Chi Minh City by visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Giac Lam Pagoda. Both are beautiful buddhist temples rich with culture.

Lunch at Bún Chả 145

For lunch, head to Bún Chả 145 and savor a delicious meal of the city’s famous Bún Chả. Another stop recommended by an expat, this was by far one of my favorite meals in Vietnam. It is a a traditional Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and rice noodles. The meal seems super simple but the flavors are out of this world.

Bun Cha

cocktail at our rooftop pool

Padma de Fleur: Coffee Break

Enjoy a unique coffee experience at Padma de Fleur, known for its beautiful floral arrangements and tranquil ambiance. It is hard to find located in a back alley way but it is highly worth it. We loved our coffee and alcoholic beverages that we got here. Plus the ambience was super peaceful and relaxing.

Spa Treatment at Cát Mộc Spa

If time permits and you are looking to indulge in the city’s anti-aging spa experiences, Cát Mộc Spa is the best place to do so as it is highly recommended.

Enjoyed our 2-day guide but seeking something a bit more tailored to your unique tastes? Allow me to craft a personalized itinerary that aligns perfectly with your preferences and interests, ensuring your Ho Chi Minh City adventure is nothing short of spectacular. Dive into a journey customized just for you, and let’s make your travel dreams come true together.