The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City

Located on the banks of the Saigon River in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was once known as Saigon. It was renamed in 1976 to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to honour the beloved Vietnamese revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh.

You will need at least three days to experience this city, pulsating with life and energy, with all its historical landmarks and delicious street food.

The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City should include a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the riveting War Remnants Museum, and a day trip to the famous Mekong Delta.

We arrived in HCMC on April 30th, which is celebrated as Reunification Day, the day when the Vietnam War ended and North and South Vietnam were unified. The day is marked by a lot of celebration with parades and public festivities.

Our hotel happened to be very close to the Independence Palace. We saw hundreds of people, mostly youngsters, thronging the palace and taking part in the festivities around the Palace.

We spent the evening loitering around the palace and enjoying the festive vibe.

3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City - Day One - Morning - Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels, a large, intricate maze of tunnels, about 60 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh, is a must-see attraction.

A lot of day trips are available from HCMC to visit these tunnels.

Learn more about this amazing site that decided the fate of the Vietnam War by clicking on the link below

https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-cu-chi-tunnels

Day One - Afternoon - Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta lies about 100 km southwest of HCMC.

Most day trips offer all-inclusive packages that cover transport, lunch on board, and an English-speaking guide who accompanies you on your trip.

The trips offer a very authentic Vietnamese experience as they pick you from your hotel in HCMC, halt at interesting souvenir shops along the route, take you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, make you savour authentic Vietnamese fare and close the trip with a boat ride on the Mekong Delta.

Learn more about our amazing day trip by clicking here

https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/exploring-the-mekong-delta-on-a-day-trip-from-ho-chi-minh-city

Day Two - Morning: War Remnants Museum

After an exhausting first day at the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, we had a slow start on Day Two since visiting the War Remnants Museum also involves a lot of walking. You should keep aside at least 2 to 3 hours to see the museum.

This powerful museum documents the impact of the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and personal stories. With over 20,000 artefacts and more than 1,000 photographs, the museum conveys the war's profound effects on Vietnam and its people.

My Tip

This is a must-see attraction, not just for history buffs but for every person to understand the havoc wars can create in the lives of ordinary, innocent people.

The museum is divided into five sections; try to see them in sequential order. You should keep aside at least two hours to see all of them and fully absorb the emotional narratives that accompany most artefacts. Don't miss the exhibits of Agent Orange Effects. You will see heart-rending pictures and anecdotes about the unimaginable suffering it caused to the people and even their generations to follow.

The museum operates daily from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is about 40,000 VND (approximately $1.70). Don't rush through the outdoor displays featuring tanks and aircraft; they tell a significant part of Vietnam’s history.

I never thought that a museum showcasing extensive coverage of war could be so engrossing and the entire experience so emotional.

The museum has all the necessary public amenities, a cafeteria, free washrooms, disability-friendly ramps and elevators, and adequate places to sit and relax.

Evening: Saigon Theatre Show

After an emotionally charged morning spent at the War Remnants Museum, we spent the evening at the famous Saigon Theatre.

The Saigon Opera House is located in District 1 of HCMC. The building is officially called the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre. Its French-style architecture and stunning outer facade make it stand out as a distinct landmark in the city.

The theatre is known for showcasing traditional Vietnamese music and dance, such as the A O Show, which combines bamboo circus, contemporary dance and acrobatics.

My Tip

Book your tickets in advance as performances can sell out quickly. Please check the official website of the Theatre to check the current show timings and ticket prices based on seating. Most online platforms like Klook.com and Holidify.com sell tickets.

The performances were good, but I would not call the show extraordinary, especially if I compare it with Charming Da Nang, the show that we saw in Da Nang. The riot of colour and energy that we saw in Charming Da Nang was exemplary. Having said that, I will have to admit that going to the famous Saigon Theatre for a show has its own undeniable wow factor!

Photography during performances is strictly prohibited. We saw a lot of people coming in halfway through the one-hour show. This was very annoying; the theatre management should not allow it.

Day Three - Independence Palace

The Independence Palace was vibrating with energy the day we reached Ho Chi Minh City, so we were curious to see it from the inside.

Also known as the Reunification Palace, this architectural gem was the official residence of the President of South Vietnam during the war. The building boasts a unique blend of modern and traditional Vietnamese architectural styles.

Guided tours are available, allowing you to appreciate the palace's history and the pivotal role it played when it fell to North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens that encompass the palace grounds.

My Tip

The Independence Palace has played a pivotal role in Vietnamese history.

It is a deeply symbolic structure that attracts a lot of youngsters to its compounds...fresh graduates, young couples, young people looking for some great selfies or portraits.

The palace is undoubtedly very beautiful, but I did not find it a very touristy kind of place; the furniture and tapestry are all very symbolic, with a lot of historical anecdotes written on placards. It was interesting to read them, but there is not much to see. Also, there is no air conditioning, so it was extremely hot and humid when we visited.

The gardens outside are great; one can spend some time there if the weather permits.

Our last evening in Ho Chi Minh City also happened to be our last day in Vietnam. We spent it loitering around the vibrant District 1 and savouring local delicacies.

So, that's the old Vietnamese capital for you.

Whether you're wandering bustling streets, savouring mouthwatering Vietnamese street food, or soaking in the rich history, Ho Chi Minh City is sure to leave a lasting impression. So prepare yourself for an exciting adventure in this remarkable city!