How to Spend 48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam may now be one of the world’s best emerging tourist destinations, drawing visitors from afar to experience its vibrant culture and immense history. As the country’s largest and most influential city, Ho Chi Minh is the starting point for many tourists looking to explore Vietnam. In the two days you can spend in the city, you’ll experience a mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Before anything else, you should download a reliable maps app such as Maps.me and confirm that you’re connected to 4G internet. It helps both with navigation and when asking locals for directions. In order to travel as conveniently as possible, it’s best to use Grab or GoViet for private taxi rides.

Day 1

Start your day with a visit to Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the nation’s most iconic sites. This neo-romanesque Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1880, after having been constructed over a span of 10 years. After admiring its intricate details and taking plenty of photos, move on to the Duc Ba Church, which is said to resemble its twin in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral. It serves as a reminder of the French colonization of Vietnam.

From here, take a walk past the city’s enormous central square, Ho Chi Minh City Hall. This majestic building is impossible to miss and its stunning golden dome is also home to the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City’s History. If you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of the infamous Vietnam war, then consider visiting the War Remnants Museum just outside the centre. There are plenty of exhibitions that can be visited before or after exploring the RVN Presidential Palace. Construction began in 1868 and the palace has remained standing despite multiple bombings during the Vietnam War.

In the evening, it’s well worth experiencing the city’s lively nightlife. Check out lively Vuon Tao, an open-air market with live music performances where locals hang out until dawn. To experience something that feels more touristy, head to BiaCraft Artisan Ales, Vietnam’s first craft beer and artisanal kitchen with over 14 different beers on tap. With various pubs, clubs and secret rooftop bars scattered around town, there’s no shortage of fun places to spend your night.

Day 2

For your second day in Ho Chi Minh City, why not take in some of the local culture? First stop is Bangkok Silk Garment Factory; a great option for browsing and buying Vietnamese-style clothes at good prices. From here it’s only a short walk to browse through ongoing book sales at Diamond Bookstore. The shop includes several books from Vietnamese authors, as well as a range of international reads from English and French publishers. After browsing for books, take a short walk to Binh Tay Market for some sights and snacks. Here you can sample made-from-scratch dishes like banh mi as well as traditional Vietnamese desserts, like che or traditional ice cream rolls.

When your stomach is full and content, make your way to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This beautiful temple was built in 1909 to honour Yue Lao, the God of Marriage and Love. Finally, end your day exploring Saigon Culinary Art Tours. This half or full-day tour offers a journey through bustling streets and alleyways where tourists can purchase food from locals while listening to stories about local ingredients and dishes. In addition to tasting food from street vendors, you’ll gain valuable insight into Vietnamese culture by visiting some of its best restaurants and eateries.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City in 48 hours provides no shortage of activities and experiences guaranteed to leave you longing for more time in this vibrant city. Though two days may not seem like enough time to take in all that Ho Chi Minh has to offer, it’s absolutely enough time to experience something unique and spectacular in this rapidly developing destination. For more detailed information about where to go and what to do during your 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City you can check out this website.

An Insider’s Guide: How to Spend 48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

As Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City offers a lot to explore, especially for those looking for an authentic cultural experience. While tourist hotspots like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum shouldn’t be missed, there’s so much more to discover in this vibrant city. Here are five unique ways to make the most of your 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City.

Local Attractions: Uncovering Hidden Gems

While the Ben Thanh Market and the Saigon Opera House are well-known tourist spots, there are many hidden gems only locals know about. Start your exploration with a trip to the Bitexco Financial Tower to see the city’s breathtaking skyline, or visit the Cai Be Floating Market to immerse yourself in the local way of life. You can also stroll around the Thao Dien neighborhood, where you’ll find beautiful colonial architecture and stunning street art.

Cuisine: Delving into the Culinary Scene

Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is a true reflection of the city’s multiculturalism. Sample traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi at local spots like Pho Quynh and Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. But beyond that, the city has plenty of unique food experiences to offer, like trying street food from a vendor in the old town, or discovering lesser-known dishes like spicy bun mam at local eateries. To learn more about the city’s food culture and history, take a cooking class at cooking schools like Indochine Kitchen or Mai Home.

Cultural Experiences: Exploring Traditions and Customs

One of the most unique ways to experience Ho Chi Minh City is by exploring the city’s cultural traditions and customs. Participate in the annual Tet Festival to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year, or attend the Mid-Autumn Festival to celebrate the full moon. You can also visit the Mariamman Hindu Temple or the Cho Quan Church to learn more about the city’s religious history. If you’re interested in the arts, catch a show at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House or visit the Museum of Fine Arts to discover the works of Vietnamese artists.

Local History: Unveiling Fascinating Stories

Ho Chi Minh City’s history is both complex and fascinating. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about Vietnam’s political history, or explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to understand the city’s wartime past. You can also take a walk through the Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which showcases the city’s rich heritage and transformation throughout the years. For a unique experience, take a nighttime tour to explore the city’s ghost stories and haunting legends.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

For a truly unforgettable experience in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the rooftop bars like Chill Sky Bar and Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. You can also take a cycling tour of the city’s outskirts to discover the countryside’s rapid growth and understand the impact of urbanization. For a relaxing break from the city’s buzz, visit Tao Dan Park to observe locals practicing Tai Chi or join a yoga class at Yoga Pod.

With this insider’s guide, you’ll discover the lesser-known nooks and crannies of Ho Chi Minh City that only locals know and experience the city in an authentic way. Your 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for all the city has to offer.