How Many Days in Ho Chi Minh City: The Perfect Itinerary Guide for 2025
Hoai Trinh
Wondering how many days in Ho Chi Minh City? Discover the ideal duration for your 2025 trip with this guide to must-see attractions, food, and culture.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling metropolis, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modern energy. From colonial landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica to bustling markets and a thriving street food scene, the city offers endless experiences. Deciding how many days in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your interests, but a well-planned trip can cover its highlights in 3–5 days. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an urban explorer, this guide for 2025 helps you determine the perfect duration, with a sample itinerary to explore the city’s iconic sites, hidden gems, and nearby attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Why 3–5 Days is Ideal for Ho Chi Minh City
Why 3–5 Days is Ideal for Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, often called Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city, with over 9 million residents and a dizzying array of attractions. A 3-day trip covers the core highlights, while 4–5 days allow deeper exploration, including day trips. Here’s why 3–5 days is the sweet spot for answering how many days in Ho Chi Minh City:
3 Days: Perfect for first-timers, this duration lets you explore District 1’s landmarks, sample street food, and take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll hit must-sees like the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market but may skip quieter neighborhoods or cultural experiences.
4 Days: Adds time for hidden gems like District 3’s cafes or a Mekong Delta day trip. You can enjoy a leisurely evening cruise on the Saigon River or explore local life in Cho Lon (Chinatown).
5 Days: Ideal for a comprehensive experience, including off-the-beaten-path spots like the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a full-day Mekong Delta tour, and nightlife in District 7. This allows a relaxed pace with room for shopping or spa visits.
Based on 2025 travel trends, a 4-day stay balances depth and efficiency, with daily costs averaging 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND ($40–80 USD) for mid-range travelers, including food, transport, and attractions. Let’s break down a sample 4-day itinerary to show how many days in Ho Chi Minh City works best.
A 4-Day Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City in 2025
A 4-Day Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City in 2025
Day 1: Exploring District 1’s Heart
Start your trip in District 1, the city’s historical and cultural core. Begin with a Vietnamese coffee (30,000 VND, $1.20 USD) at Highlands Coffee near Notre-Dame Basilica, a French colonial landmark built in 1880. Next, visit the Saigon Central Post Office (free entry), a stunning 19th-century building with intricate tiles and a bustling interior. For history, head to the Reunification Palace (40,000 VND, $1.60 USD), where the Vietnam War ended in 1975, with preserved rooms showcasing 1960s decor.
Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur (67,000 VND, $2.70 USD) for a bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup). In the afternoon, explore the War Remnants Museum (40,000 VND, $1.60 USD), a sobering look at the Vietnam War with powerful exhibits. End your day at Ben Thanh Market (Pham Ngu Lao Street), open until 6 PM, for souvenirs like conical hats (50,000 VND, $2 USD) or dried mango (100,000 VND, $4 USD). Dine at Nha Hang Ngon (160 Pasteur Street) for bun cha(100,000 VND, $4 USD) in a colonial villa setting. Day 1 covers Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic sights, setting the stage for deeper exploration.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Nightlife
On Day 2, take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels (250,000 VND, $10 USD, including transport), 70 km northwest. This underground network, used by Viet Cong soldiers, stretches over 250 km, with narrow tunnels and hidden traps you can explore. Tours, like those by Les Rives, include a 1-hour speedboat ride along the Saigon River, departing at 7 AM. Return by noon and grab lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (50,000 VND, $2 USD) for a legendary banh mi packed with pork and pate.
In the afternoon, visit Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck (200,000 VND, $8 USD) for 360-degree city views from the 49th floor. Spend the evening in Bui Vien Walking Street, District 1’s nightlife hub, where bars like Crazy Buffalo serve cocktails (80,000 VND, $3.20 USD) amid neon lights. For a quieter vibe, try Pasteur Street Brewing Co. for craft beers (100,000 VND, $4 USD). Day 2 blends history with modern energy, showcasing Ho Chi Minh City’s diversity.
Day 3: Culture and Cho Lon Exploration
Day 3 dives into Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural and lesser-known neighborhoods. Start at the Jade Emperor Pagoda (free entry, District 3), a 1909 Taoist temple with intricate carvings and incense-filled air. Enjoy breakfast at Cong Caphe(50,000 VND, $2 USD) for coconut coffee in a retro setting. Next, explore Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown in District 5, home to Binh Tay Market (free entry), where you can buy spices or dried shrimp (100,000 VND, $4 USD).
Visit Thien Hau Pagoda (free entry) in Cho Lon, dedicated to the sea goddess, with vibrant red lanterns and coiled incense. Lunch at Tan Hai Van (80,000 VND, $3.20 USD) for dim sum in a local favorite. In the afternoon, relax at Lush Spa (500,000 VND, $20 USD for a 60-minute massage) in District 1. End with a Saigon River dinner cruise (700,000 VND, $28 USD) via Bonsai Cruise, featuring bun bo Hue and live music. Day 3 offers a mix of spiritual, culinary, and relaxing experiences.
Day 4: Mekong Delta Day Trip
Cap your trip with a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta (600,000 VND, $24 USD), 2–3 hours south. Visit My Tho or Ben Tre to explore coconut groves, sample honey tea (20,000 VND, $0.80 USD), and paddle through narrow canals on a sampan boat. Tours, like those by TNK Travel, include a local lunch with ca kho to (claypot fish). Return by 5 PM and spend your final evening at Dong Khoi Street, District 1, shopping for silk scarves (200,000 VND, $8 USD) at Khaisilk or dining at Cuc Gach Quan (150,000 VND, $6 USD) for homestyle Vietnamese dishes in a vintage villa. Day 4 adds a rural contrast to the urban buzz, rounding out your Ho Chi Minh City experience.
Tips for Planning Your Ho Chi Minh City Trip in 2025
Tips for Planning Your Ho Chi Minh City Trip in 2025
To answer how many days in Ho Chi Minh City and plan effectively, consider these tips for a seamless 2025 visit:
Visit in Dry Season: February to April offers mild weather (25–30°C) with low humidity, ideal for sightseeing. September to November is also pleasant but wetter. Avoid December to January for fewer crowds but expect occasional showers.
Book Tours Early: Reserve Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta tours 1–2 weeks ahead via operators like Les Rives, especially in peak season (February–April). Prices range from 250,000–700,000 VND ($10–28 USD).
Get Around Easily: Use Grab motorbikes (30,000–50,000 VND, $1.20–2 USD per ride) or taxis (100,000 VND, $4 USD) for city travel. Walk District 1’s compact core to save time and money.
Carry Cash: Many street vendors and markets don’t accept cards. Bring small denominations (10,000–50,000 VND) for pho, banh mi, or souvenirs.
Dress Smart: Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for humid weather and walking. Modest attire (covered shoulders and knees) is required for pagodas.
For a tailored experience with local insights, book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to navigate Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant streets and uncover hidden gems.
Final Thoughts on How Many Days in Ho Chi Minh City
Deciding how many days in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your pace, but a 4-day trip in 2025 strikes the perfect balance, covering iconic landmarks, cultural neighborhoods, and day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. From sipping coffee by Notre-Dame Basilica to exploring Binh Tay Market’s bustling aisles, Ho Chi Minh City blends history, modernity, and flavor in a way that captivates every traveler. Affordable, dynamic, and rich in experiences, the city rewards those who dive into its energy. Plan your visit with this itinerary, and you’ll leave with memories of Vietnam’s beating heart.
Ready to explore Ho Chi Minh City like a local? Book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to discover the city’s top spots and hidden treasures with a guide who knows it best.
