Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? You must plan a few days in the South in Ho Chi Minh City. It is not only super interesting to stay there and experience the hustle and bustle, but it is also a perfect base to do trips to the southern Islands and Mekong Delta trips to Can Tho or My Tho. We made you a little list of places you must do in the length of two days in Ho Chi Minh City. We will let you mix and match these recommendations as you wish and will share another guide for those who have more time in town!
Breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City
Cafe Marcel
This place literally just opened and it was recommended by my very good friend living in Vietnam, Vy. She is a huge fan of Marcel Burger and thought I would love to try and, plus, she needed to try it too! Get your steps ready because you will need to climb up a few stairs. As we found our spot on the very cute rooftop, we really wanted to order everything.
Ben Thanh Market
Many Vietnamese people love to eat soups for breakfast. If you feel to adjust your diet the local way, make your way to the food hall at the Ben Thanh Market
Cho Lon (Binh Tay market in Chinatown, District 5)
Ho Chi Minh City is quite hot so wake up early and take advantage of the cool mornings. You can also experience a local market and find breakfast there! Cho Lon is a must and opens at 6 AM with local vendors selling fresh produce, household supplies, more food items, etc. It is another perfect place to find authentic Vietnamese street food.
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Just a photo of Thuymi discovering the many tea and coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City
Places to see in Ho Chi Minh City
There are many landmarks to see right in the centre in District 1. Discover beautiful classic French architecture which we recommend to do by walking and taxis, which is dirt cheap!
Reunification Palace
Some like to go in and visit, we recommend just to pass by in front to snap a photo. Ho Chi Minh City is plenty of beautiful alleyways that in our opinion are more worth it to discover as it will give you a feel of the rich culture and beauty.
Notre Dame Cathedral on Nguyen Du Street and Saigon Post Office
Do both as it is located in the same square. Make sure you enter the Saigon Post Office because it is quite beautiful and worth a photo! The cathedral is quite iconic of Ho Chi Minh City, found on all the historical photos you know of the old Saigon.
The War Remnants Museum
Not a must we would say, but if you are a history buff, maybe head over to Vo Van Tan Street and see the Museum
Opera House
Pass by the Opera House which is a cute colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street. The construction of the metro is making the square look horrific but it is still worth it to pass by to see the place. If you can and have time, book an evening show. For a nice view, get yourself to L’Usine Dong Khoi cafe, where from the balcony you can get a wonderful point of view of the Opera House. There are many other shops and coffee shops in the same alley where you can find that view.
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Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien Streets
If you are the backpacker type or just likes to drink and see a touristy street, Pham Ngu Lao area and Bui Vien is your area. It is like Khao San Road in Thailand but with its own weird charm. There you can find street food, cheap beers, live music and all sorts. Some fun-locals like to go there too for some fun friend outings. Probably one of the best places for people-watching while enjoying cheap Vietnamese beer on the roadside.
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A wonderful temple in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City in District 9
The Pink Church (Tân Định)
Tân Định church was built during the French colonial period and was completely built in 16th December 1876, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It is very beautiful and worth a little stop for a picture!
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Roof Top bars
If you are the kind that likes to see a city from the top, our favourite place is at the Social Club Rooftop Bar at Hotel Des Arts Saigon, an M Gallery Hotel. It has a beautiful infinity pool looking over the city. There are many other options like
- Glow Skybar, 13th Floor, President Place, 93 Nguyen Du street, D1. Happy hour between 5 to 8 PM for 50% on beers, mixed drinks, wines, etc…winning!
- SOHY Bar & Restaurant, 25th-27th floor, Centec Tower Rooftop, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1
- Air 360 Sky Bar, Rooftop 22nd – 23rd, Ben Thanh Tower, 136-138 Le Thi Hong Gam Street, D1
- Level 23 Wine Bar, Level 23 Wine Bar. For those who fancy a wine bar.
- Chill Skybar, 26th and 27th Floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, D1. This is a classic from the old days we used to live here. It’s at the 25th floor of Saigon’s AB Tower and you will find “affluent locals” and expats.
- The Rooftop Garden Bar, 8th Floor, Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1. For those who fancy old school places.
- The View, 9th Floor, Duc Vuong Hotel, 195 Bui Vien, D1. If you are looking for a cheap place, this is your address! It’s located on the 9th floor of Duc Vuong Hotel, amongst the tallest buildings on Bui Vien Street. You will find mostly backpackers and cheap drinks as low as a dollar.
- Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, 19 Lam Son Square, D1. It’s quite an iconic place in the old Caravelle Saigon hotel. This rooftop was open in 1959 and the setting for daily war correspondents briefing during the Vietnam War. Happy hour from 4-7PM (50% off the total bill!)
- EON Heli Bar, Level 52, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, D1. Instead of paying 10 dollars to go up and see the city, might as well go buy a 10$ drink here and see the view!
- M Bar at Hotel Majestic Saigon, 1 Dong Khoi, D1. Perfect rooftop to gaze over the river.
- SKYXX Garden & Lounge, 33 Lê Duẩn, D1. New bar in town, it is the largest rooftop bar in the city.
- Above Sky Bar, 59 Đường 61 Đường Pasteur. It is located on the 19th floor of Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint. It has a great 360-degree view of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline.
- Broma: Not a Bar, 41 Nguyen Hue, D1. It is not a very high rise rooftop being on the 4th floor but it is awesome vibes and the crowd is super chilled. It is more of a grungy-style bar that regularly hosts live music performances and cool party nights. A must if you want to socialize with chill people and want to have a good party.
- Have you visited Vietnam before?
- Any other recommendations for Ho Chi Minh City you would like to add?
- Don’t forget to book your travel insurance before travelling.
- If you don’t have your flights, check out ways to book the cheapest fares here.
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