Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the economic and cultural center of South Vietnam. The city combines a rich historical heritage with modern advancements, evident in its skyscrapers, traditional markets, and elegant temples.

Delectable culinary delights such as pho and banh mi and a never-ending nightlife make this city a diverse experience.

Ho Chi Minh is a perfect short getaway destination due to its easy access to transportation, a wealth of attractions such as the Reunification Palace and War Museum, and the possibility of exploring the nearby Mekong Delta region.

If you want to come to Vietnam, follow the following Ho Chi Minh itinerary recommendations.

Let's start your first day with the following itineraries:

On the first day, you can visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These are two historical icons that reflect the French colonial heritage.

With its grand Gothic architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral is a striking religious and cultural symbol. On the other hand, the elegant Central Post Office shows a touch of classical European architecture.

Both are located in the city center and reflect French colonial influences still evident today.

Then, you can continue your adventure to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you'll taste city life in the buying and selling and market colors. You can find a variety of items from clothes to traditional handicrafts.

Spending the three route trips earlier will certainly make you hungry, you can have lunch at a local restaurant. Vietnam is known for its delicious dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh mi. Enjoy authentic dishes to experience the true taste of Vietnam.

After lunch, you can continue your trip to the War Remnants Museum. The museum displays images, artifacts, and documentation depicting the difficult Vietnam War period. It's an immersive experience and respect for the history of this city.

You can close the first day of your trip by visiting historical places by enjoying the night on the rooftop bar. From here, you can enjoy stunning city views while enjoying a delicious cocktail. The city's warm and vibrant evenings create the perfect atmosphere to relax and socialize.

After enjoying a long day, you can visit your destination hotel. The following are some of the best recommendations for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh.

Location: 19C Bui Thi Xuan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 700000

Price: Start from S$ 27.98

Cozrum Lux Hotel is a luxury stay destination in Ho Chi Minh City. With elegant design and modern facilities, this hotel offers guests high comfort. Its strategic location makes it easy to access the city's main attractions. You can book your hotel here.

Location: 261C Nguyen Van Troi, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 700000

Price: start from S$ 101.23

Muong Thanh Luxury Saigon Hotel, which has stunning city views, complete facilities, and quality services, provides a unique stay experience. Situated close to many tourist attractions, this hotel is the ideal base to explore the city comfortably. Booking is now here.

Location: 39H Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 711090

Price: start from S$ 21.68

ACE Hotel Saigon is a convenient accommodation option in Ho Chi Minh City due to its strategic location, modern rooms, and comprehensive facilities. This hotel presents a pleasant stay experience for guests—the ideal place to explore the city's charms comfortably. Don’t forget to book your hotel here.

Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh City will provide the perfect mix of historical exploration, culture and culinary delights. From colonial architecture to lively markets, you'll get a sense of the diversity and vitality of the city.

The history alive in the War Remnants Museum pays homage to Vietnam's winding journey. At the same time, the vibrant evenings provide an opportunity to relax and admire the panoramic views of the lit-up city. With so many experiences in one day, you will surely be satisfied and impressed by Ho Chi Minh City's charms.

The second day in Ho Chi Minh City offers a deeper experience with a rich mix of history, food, and culture. The following is a recommendation for the second day of the Ho Chi Minh itinerary:

Early in the morning, visit the impressive Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels played an important role during the Vietnam War and provided insight into the bravery and perseverance of the warriors. This underground complex network includes narrow passages that connect various strategic areas.

Visitors can feel the limitations and challenges faced by the warriors while exploring the tunnel. Witnessing the hideouts, sleeping quarters, kitchens, and bastions provides an in-depth look at the underground life of the time. The guerrilla warfare tactics used can also be understood through the exhibits and explanations on site.

After visiting the historical site in the morning, you can join an interesting cooking class. Learn to make traditional dishes like spring rolls or pho from local culinary experts. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of Vietnam.

Satisfied cooking, it's time to shop. Visit Saigon Square for shopping. This market is the ideal place to find Vietnamese souvenirs and souvenirs. You'll find a wide selection of unique and affordable clothing, crafts, and other items.

Dinner is an opportunity to enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant. Try various dishes such as bun thit nuong, goi cuon or com tam to satisfy your taste buds with delicious and varied flavors.

End your day with a traditional water puppet show. The traditional water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh is an interesting cultural experience. This show involves beautiful dolls floating on the water's surface, telling folk stories and legends of Vietnam.

Using lights, music, and subtle movement, the show creates a magical atmosphere that enchants the audience. It's a beautiful way to immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich culture and arts.

The second day in Ho Chi Minh City will take you deeper into the city's history and culture. From exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels to cooking traditional dishes and enjoying traditional art performances, you will feel connected to the richness of Vietnam in all its aspects.

Even though it's the last day, you can still enjoy various things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some destinations that you can visit:

Start your day with a return visit to Ben Thanh Market to explore more unique items and shop for souvenirs. This market offers a wide range of options such as clothing, handicrafts, spices, and traditional dry goods.

After shopping, enjoy breakfast at a local cafe for a taste of Vietnamese morning food. Try the pho or bun thit nuong for an authentic taste of the local cuisine before you leave town.

Before flying back to Malaysia, use the remaining time to tour the city or visit the last places you want to see. You can try to taste the last street food, take the last photo around the city landmarks, or buy the last souvenir as a memento.

Afterward, prepare to return to Malaysia with fond memories from your short trip to Ho Chi Minh City. With experiences ranging from historical explorations to local culinary delights, you will surely take home unforgettable stories and treasured experiences.

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