1 Day in Ho Chi Minh City: Food and Culture Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon), an iconic symbol of the city built by French colonists. Its neo-Romanesque architecture and stained glass windows are a sight to behold. Afterward, walk over to the nearby Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, where you can admire its stunning colonial architecture and send a postcard home. For breakfast, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese sandwich at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, famous for its fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings.

In the afternoon, delve into Vietnamese history at the War Remnants Museum (Bao Tang Chung Tich Chien Tranh). This museum offers a poignant look at the Vietnam War through various exhibits and photographs. Afterward, head to Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh) for some shopping and local street food. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to traditional Vietnamese dishes. For lunch, dine at Quán Ăn Ngon, which offers a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a charming setting.

As evening falls, explore the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City starting with a visit to Dong Khoi Street (Duong Dong Khoi). This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and bars. Then make your way to the Saigon River for an unforgettable experience on the Ho Chi Minh City Saigon River Dinner Cruise with Live Music. Enjoy dinner while cruising along the river and taking in the city lights. End your night with drinks at The Deck Saigon, known for its chic ambiance and stunning views of the river.