Buzz
What to do in Saigon for 4 days and 3 nights? Save this fun-filled self-guided itinerary along with tips for an amazing Ho Chi Minh City experience, recommended by Mytour!
Saigon, also known as the ‘City that Never Sleeps,’ is always buzzing with energy and countless exciting activities that are impossible to fully explore. If it’s your first time visiting Saigon and you want to dive into everything this incredible city has to offer, let Mytour guide you through a Saigon that’s both glamorous and nostalgic, with a touch of romance.
This article will suggest a 4-day, 3-night itinerary for Saigon, which you can follow as is or customize according to your own preferences and needs.
Day 1: Explore Historical Landmarks in Saigon
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
The journey to discover Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 70km northwest of the city center, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a symbol of pride for the Vietnamese people, as they witnessed the resilience and unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese during the war.
Here, you’ll not only explore the secret underground tunnels and experience crawling through them like in the past, but you can also participate in activities like shooting real ammunition, ziplining through the forest, and countless other thrilling experiences waiting for you at the Cu Chi Tunnels!
2. Admire the French Colonial Architecture
As you stroll through the bustling streets of Saigon, you’ll encounter grand and historic French colonial architecture. The most iconic landmarks include the Gothic-style Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Romanesque-style Central Post Office, and the magnificent Independence Palace with its fish-scale tiled roof, all of which are steeped in French cultural influence.
Each structure is a masterpiece of art, carrying unique stories of history and culture for you to explore and capture stunning photographs.
3. Visit the Buu Long Pagoda
At the end of the day, take some time to visit the Buu Long Pagoda – the ‘Thai-style temple’ in the heart of Saigon. This place is famous for its unique architecture, which deeply reflects Thai Buddhist culture. You’ll get to admire the majestic and dazzling Buddha statues while immersing yourself in the peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Day 2: Suoi Tien, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Explore Saigon's Culinary Delights
1. Suoi Tien
Start your new day with a visit to Suoi Tien, one of Saigon’s largest amusement parks. The park boasts a picturesque natural landscape along with a wide variety of games and activities suitable for everyone. Don’t miss out on experiencing the 18 Levels of Hell, the Snow Castle, swimming in the Fairy Sea, and watching the cultural and artistic performances held here.
2. Find Your Favorite Cafe at The Cafe Apartments
A key landmark of Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the apartment building full of cafes, each offering a unique atmosphere for you to enjoy. To reach the top, you can either take the elevator or climb the stairs, and the process of walking up while discovering the cafe that suits your taste is a fun experience in itself!
- Address: The Cafe Apartments, 42 Nguyen Hue, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
3. Savoring Saigon’s Culinary Delights
Tasting Saigon's food is a wonderful and exciting experience, and one of the must-try dishes here is the iconic Saigon Bánh Mì. Made with soft and smooth wheat flour, it’s filled with various ingredients such as pork, chicken, Vietnamese sausage, pate, fresh herbs, cucumber, and mayonnaise or chili sauce. Bánh Mì will undoubtedly captivate anyone who tries it.
Additionally, don't miss out on other local specialties like Bún Riêu, Bánh Xèo, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, or Saigon's famous Com Tam. Street food here is also a treat, with options like Bánh Tráng Trộn, Bánh Tráng Cuốn, Bột Chiên, and the unique and delicious Bánh Mì Chảo.
Day 3: Saigon Book Street, Vietnam Museum of Traditional Medicine, Antique Market
1. Explore Saigon Book Street
Located in the vibrant heart of Saigon, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is a peaceful haven for book lovers. As you stroll along this literary street, you'll be amazed by the variety of book genres available: from literature, science, and art to business, foreign languages, and more. Each bookstore offers a unique atmosphere, drawing visitors with its vibrant colors and distinctive displays.
2. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Traditional Medicine
The Vietnam Museum of Traditional Medicine (Fito) is the perfect destination for those interested in the history and culture of traditional medicine in Vietnam. With over 3,000 valuable artifacts, this museum vividly showcases the development of the country’s long-standing medical practices.
With its unique architecture, blending traditional and modern elements seamlessly, Fito is not just a museum but also an impressive cultural space. It’s also a great spot for photography, attracting many visitors.
- Operating hours: 8:30AM - 5PM
- Address: 41 Hoang Du Khương, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
3. Shop at the Ho Chi Minh City Antique Market
The second-hand market is a treasure trove of "hidden gems" available at surprisingly low prices. With a "hunt" and "experience" spirit, you can discover unique, high-quality items at incredible prices. Wandering through the market's numerous stalls, you'll find a diverse range of products, from clothes, shoes, and household goods to electronics and handicrafts. Not only will you save money, but you'll also enjoy a unique and exciting shopping experience.
Here are some recommended markets you should visit:
1. Nhật Tảo Market: The largest second-hand electronics market in Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in phones, computers, and parts. Address: Nhật Tảo Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Bàn Cờ Market: An old second-hand market offering a wide variety of goods, from clothing and shoes to household items and souvenirs. Address: Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Hoàng Hoa Thám Market: A budget-friendly second-hand market with a focus on fashion items. Address: Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Tân Bình District, Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Bến Thành Market: A large market with a variety of goods, from clothing and shoes to local souvenirs and specialties. Address: Trần Hưng Đạo Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Enjoy Water Puppet Shows in Ho Chi Minh City
Attending a water puppet performance is a unique and memorable experience that you should not miss when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Water puppetry is a traditional art form of Vietnam, renowned for its creativity and exceptional technique. In water puppetry, wooden puppets are controlled over the water surface using rods and strings, bringing characters and scenes to life.
Water puppetry is not only entertainment but also a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnam. Experience this traditional art form to discover the richness and beauty of Vietnamese culture.
Day 4: Landmark 81, Ben Thanh Market, Cooking Class, Elegant Dinner at Saigon Princess
1. View the City from Above at Landmark 81
Landmark 81 is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and the tallest building in Vietnam. From the SkyView observatory located on the 79th to 81st floors of Landmark 81, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking views of the vibrant city. At an elevation of 400 meters, the entire city unfolds like a dynamic painting, with towering skyscrapers, winding roads, and the serene Saigon River.
When visiting, don't forget to experience the "Skywalk Glass Bridge" – a unique check-in spot with a transparent glass floor, giving the sensation of "walking on clouds". Additionally, try the innovative virtual reality game "Top of Vietnam" and enjoy coffee and dining at Landmark 81 building!
2. Shop at Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is not only a lively shopping destination but also a place that holds beautiful memories of Saigon. As you stroll through this bustling market, you'll immerse yourself in the fast-paced, vibrant life while picking up unique souvenirs to share with your loved ones and friends.
3. Experience a Cooking Class
If you're already in love with Saigon's cuisine, don't miss the chance to join a cooking class where you’ll learn about the origins, significance, and preparation of traditional dishes.
You'll be guided through the preparation of three dishes and one dessert. Before cooking, participants can shop for ingredients at Tan Dinh Market to experience the local shopping culture. This fantastic class also provides a chance to meet and bond with others who share a passion for cooking.
4. Enjoy a Luxurious Dinner at Saigon Princess
Make your final day in Saigon unforgettable with a luxurious dining experience at Saigon Princess. This journey will take you across the Saigon River at sunset, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals while taking in the stunning views. You can choose from a 3, 4, or 5-course dinner, with options available for children and vegetarians.
The experience lasts for two hours, giving you plenty of time to savor the dishes and enjoy the sparkling beauty of Saigon by night.
Operating Hours: 7:15PM - 9:30PM
Suggested Hotels in Saigon
1. Felix Hotel
- Address: 26 Le Thi Hong, Ward 7, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 800,000 VND/night
2. The Hotel Nicecy
- Address: 202 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 800,000 VND/night
3. Silverland Sil Hotel & Spa
- Address: 185 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 1.5 million VND/night
4. Citadines Regency Saigon
- Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Approximate Price: 2 million VND/night
5. Hotel Nikko Saigon
- Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Approximate Price: 2.8 million VND/night
Estimated Travel Expenses for 4 Days and 3 Nights in Saigon
Mục chi phí | Loại chi phí | Mức chi tiêu (VNĐ) | Ghi chú |
Vé máy bay | Máy bay khứ hồi | 3.000.000 - 6.000.000 | Tùy hãng bay, thời điểm đặt vé |
Di chuyển | Xe buýt/taxi | 200.000 - 500.000/ngày | Di chuyển trong thành phố |
Lưu trú | Khách sạn 3 sao | 500.000 - 2.000.000/đêm | Tùy loại phòng, vị trí |
Ăn uống | Ăn sáng, trưa, tối, ăn vặt | 200.000 - 1.000.000/người | Tùy vào lựa chọn món ăn và vị trí ăn uống |
Vé tham quan, trải nghiệm văn hóa | Địa đạo Củ Chi, Suối Tiên, xem múa rối nước | 30.000 - 400.000/ người | Tùy khu du lịch, điểm tham quan |
Mua sắm | Quà lưu niệm, quần áo,... | 200.000 - 1.000.000/ngày | Tùy nhu cầu mua sắm |
Chi phí khác | Sim 4G, điện thoại,... | 100.000 - 300.000 | Tùy nhu cầu sử dụng |
Total Cost: 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND/person
(*) The travel expenses for 4 days and 3 nights in Saigon are only an estimate. Actual costs may vary depending on the timing and pricing policies of the destinations.
With the 4 days 3 nights Saigon tour suggested by Mytour, we hope you will have memorable and meaningful experiences. For more information on other travel destinations, you can also check out these articles: 30 Delicious Dishes in Saigon That Will Blow Your Mind, Saigon Bars, Saigon Restaurants, Seafood Buffets in Saigon, 34 Must-Visit Places in Saigon, One-Day Trip Ideas Near Saigon, Famous Art Performance Programs in Vietnam, Mountaineering Spots Near Saigon, Dam Sen Park Review,...
Have you packed your bags for the 4 days 3 nights Saigon trip yet?
