Ho Chi Minh City in 2 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market and District 1

A pagoda morning, the palace of the old south, lunch at Ben Thanh, then the colonial heart of District 1 and a street food dinner.

1
8:00 AMJade Emperor PagodaStep into the incense-filled halls quietly; this is an active place of worship, so dress modestly.About 1 hour 15 min here
Active place of worship; dress modestly
Taxi or Grab, about 10 min
2
9:30 AMIndependence PalaceTour the halls and meeting rooms, and leave time for the basement command center. Check current opening hours first.About 2 hours 15 min here
Adult: ₫80,000 (about $3) · Check notices for special closures
Official fees: Independence Palace (official)Last verified Nov 7, 2026
Walk about 10 min
3
12:00 PMBen Thanh MarketHead to the food stalls at the back for banh xeo or banh mi, then browse the hats, coffee and crafts.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to enter; pay as you go
Walk about 15 min
4
1:30 PMSaigon Central Post OfficeStep into the vaulted hall with its historic maps and old wooden phone booths; entry is free.About 30 min here
Free to enter
Walk about 2 min
5
2:00 PMOptionalNotre Dame CathedralView the twin spires from the square at the head of Dong Khoi Street, and check whether the interior is open.About 1 hour 15 min here
Check whether the interior is open
Walk about 15 min
6
3:30 PMNguyen Hue Walking StreetStroll the pedestrian boulevard from the City Hall exterior toward the river. It gets busy at sundown.About 2 hours 15 min here
Free to visit
Taxi or Grab to Vinh Khanh, about 15 min
7
6:00 PMVinh Khanh Food StreetGrill meat and seafood on the coal stove at your table; snails are the specialty, and the street fills after dark.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Book rides in an appUse Grab, Be or Xanh SM, or an official metered taxi, so the fare is clear before you set off.
Watch your bagIn crowded streets, keep bags on the side away from the traffic: bag snatching from motorbikes happens.
Carry small notesCards cover hotels and bigger bills, but markets and street stalls want cash. Bargaining is normal in markets.
Tipping is optionalTipping isn't part of Vietnamese culture, and restaurants and cafes don't expect it.
Plan for afternoon rainFrom May to November, short afternoon showers are common; keep an indoor stop or a cafe nearby.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in District 1 near Ben Thanh Market, which keeps most of the first day on foot.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 3, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.