Known as Ho Chi Minh City since the 1970s but still lovingly called Saigon by locals and travelers alike, this city is a whirlwind of energy. With motorbikes zipping past at every turn, vibrant propaganda lining the streets, and the constant hum of street vendors, it can feel overwhelming at first. But if you take the time to explore, you’ll uncover a city bursting with culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences. It didn’t take long for Saigon to become one of our favorite cities in Southeast Asia—for these reasons and so many more.
In this guide, we’ll share our first impressions, top tips, and the ultimate 3 day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary to help you experience the chaos and charm of Vietnam’s largest city for yourself.
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
After an incredible month in Bangkok, our Thai visas were about to expire, so we packed our bags and headed to Vietnam. Our journey began in Ho Chi Minh City and marked the start of an epic 30-day adventure traveling from south to north. Here’s what we got up to in our first three days!
Flying Bamboo Airways
We took a chance and booked our tickets with Bamboo Airways, a relatively new Vietnamese airline. Known for offering high-quality service under a hybrid model, Bamboo Airways didn’t disappoint. For $175, we scored two Economy Smart seats, which included 20kg of checked baggage each. To our surprise, we were also upgraded to the exit row, giving us much-appreciated extra legroom for the short 1.5-hour flight.
The service on Bamboo was fantastic—our tickets included a bánh mì sandwich, Vietnamese beer, and some of the friendliest cabin crew we’ve encountered. If Bamboo Airways operates out of your starting location, we highly recommend them. While budget airlines like AirAsia may seem cheaper at first glance, hidden fees (like baggage) and website glitches can quickly sour the experience.
First Homestay in Vietnam
After landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we navigated the long customs lines, grabbed a SIM card for 250,000 VND (about $11 USD), and made our way into the city. By the time we arrived at G9 Homestay, most of the city’s historic sites were closed.
Thankfully, our cozy guesthouse in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City offered a great balance of affordability and comfort. It wasn’t the cleanest accommodation we’ve stayed in, but for the price and location, we were happy with what we paid for.
Our room was bright and airy, with a kitchenette equipped with a kettle, dishes, and a refrigerator—perfect for those who enjoy making quick meals. The queen bed passed our comfort test, and the quiet surroundings made it easy to rest after a long day.
Pro Tip!
Homestays in Vietnam don’t typicallly have a reception desk, so make sure to contact the hosts via WhatsApp to coordinate your check-in.
First Impressions of Bui Vien Walking Street
To end the day, we wandered over to Bui Vien Walking Street, the city’s version of Bangkok’s Khao San Road. It’s lively, chaotic, and a little wild—perfect for nightlife lovers or people-watching enthusiasts. While it’s not everyone’s scene, it’s worth a visit at least once to soak in the energy.
Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Highlights
The next morning, we started our day with a visit to Soo Kafe for a classic Vietnamese egg coffee. This unique drink combines robusta coffee with egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar, creating a sweet, creamy treat that’s perfect for coffee lovers and adventurous foodies alike.
Afterward, we headed to September 23rd Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Shaded by large trees, it’s an excellent spot for people-watching and escaping the mid-day heat. Fun fact: The park gets its name from the date it was reconstructed in 2002, and it’s one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike.
While exploring, we made a quick stop at Bến Thành Market, which is often touted as a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City. However, we found it a bit underwhelming and overpriced. If you’re in the mood for bargaining and branded knock-offs, it might be worth checking out, but we’d recommend skipping it if you’re short on time.
Instead, we stumbled upon Charm Bakery, where the owner promised the “best bánh mì in Saigon.” At under $3, it lived up to the hype, offering fresh ingredients and great value. While street vendors may offer cheaper options, the quality here was top-notch.
We wrapped up the day with a stroll through Ho Chi Minh City Square, snapping photos near the People’s Committee Building and Opera House. Then, we braved the city’s infamous traffic to reach the Saigon River, where we soaked in the city’s vibrant energy as the sun set.
Day 3: Eat Vietnamese Street Food at Ho Thi Ky Food Street
Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its food scene, and we couldn’t resist checking out Ho Thi Ky Food Street. By day, this area is known as the city’s largest flower market, but after sunset, it transforms into a bustling night market. What makes it special is its Cambodian influence—many vendors here sell dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
From fried frogs and balut to snails and avocado mousse ice cream, the variety is overwhelming. As adventurous eaters, we loved sampling unique dishes, but a guide would have been helpful since many vendors didn’t speak English (and we don’t speak Vietnamese). If you’re unfamiliar with local cuisine, consider booking a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Most visitors stick to District 1, but Ho Thi Ky Food Street in District 10 is well worth the trip. The locals are friendly, and the atmosphere is electric. We enjoyed our time so much that we returned the next night!
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the lively energy of Bui Vien Walking Street to the peaceful greenery of September 23rd Park and the culinary adventure of Ho Thi Ky, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
This is just the start of our Vietnam adventure. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive deeper into the culture, history, and incredible food of this amazing country. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for travel guides, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from our trip!
