What to Do in 3 Days in Saigon? Tips Expats Never Knew
Hoai Trinh
Plan your 3 days in Saigon with insider tips expats miss! Discover hidden gems, local eats, and cultural spots with a guided adventure.
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, pulses with energy, motorbikes weaving through District 1, street vendors dishing out steaming phở, and colonial buildings whispering tales of history. For travelers with just 3 days in Saigon, the city offers a whirlwind of culture, cuisine, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. Imagine Emma, a British traveler, uncovering a tucked-away rooftop bar with a local guide who shares stories of Saigon’s vibrant past. This guide reveals why Saigon captivates, maps out a perfect 3-day itinerary, and shares insider tips even expats overlook, inviting you to dive into the city’s soul with a Tubudd Local Buddy for an unforgettable adventure.
Why Saigon Captivates in 3 Days
With only 3 days in Saigon, you can taste its culinary heart, explore its historical depth.
Saigon’s charm lies in its blend of chaos and heritage, from the neon-lit bustle of Bùi Viện to the serene halls of the Ho Chi Minh History Museum. With only 3 days in Saigon, you can taste its culinary heart, explore its historical depth, and uncover hidden gems that guidebooks miss. Yet, navigating this vibrant city can be daunting from unmarked alleys to Vietnamese-only menus like “bánh mì thịt nướng,” and crowded markets challenge first-timers. A Skift report shows 85% of travelers crave authentic urban experiences, but 60% struggle without local insights. Emma, new to Saigon, felt lost until her guide led her to a District 3 café serving ca phe sua da (~30,000 VND), paired with tales of local life.
The city’s accessibility, compact District 1, affordable taxis (~50,000 VND for short rides), and vibrant street life, makes it ideal for a short trip. From December to April, Saigon’s weather (25°C–32°C) is perfect for exploring, though July 2025’s humidity calls for early starts. A local expert transforms 3 days in Saigon into a seamless journey, revealing hidden spots and cultural nuances, like bargaining politely at Ben Thanh Market (~50,000 VND for souvenirs). Tubudd’s guides ensure your brief visit captures Saigon’s essence, blending must-sees with offbeat discoveries for a trip that feels both full and authentic.
Your 3-Day Saigon Itinerary
Visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at Vietnam’s history
This curated itinerary for 3 days in Saigon balances iconic sights, local flavors, and hidden gems, perfect for a first-time visitor:
Day 1: Dive into Saigon’s Heart (District 1) Start at the Ho Chi Minh History Museum (~100,000 VND entry), marveling at Nguyen dynasty artifacts and Champa sculptures, guided by a local expert who shares imperial stories (~1,200,000 VND for a 3-hour tour). Stroll to Notre-Dame Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office, iconic French colonial landmarks, for quick photos. Lunch at a hidden bún bò Huế stall in District 1 (~40,000 VND), recommended by your guide for authentic flavors. In the afternoon, explore Ben Thanh Market, bargaining for crafts (~50,000 VND), then end with a sunset drink at a rooftop bar like Chill Skybar (~150,000 VND). Best from 7 AM to avoid crowds.
Day 2: Culture and Hidden Gems Visit the War Remnants Museum (~40,000 VND entry) for a sobering look at Vietnam’s history, with your guide adding context to exhibits. Head to District 3’s Tan Dinh Church, a pink architectural gem, and wander nearby alleys to a secret bánh xèo stall (~50,000 VND), a crispy pancake delight. Afternoon, take a cyclo ride (~100,000 VND) through Chinatown (Chợ Lớn), exploring Thien Hau Pagoda and its incense-filled air. Dine at a family-run phở stall in District 5 (~30,000 VND), where your guide shares its generational recipe. In the evening, catch a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Theatre (~200,000 VND), a cultural must-see.
Day 3: Urban and Offbeat Adventures Start with a Cu Chi Tunnels tour (~500,000 VND, half-day), a historical marvel 1.5 hours from Saigon, with your guide explaining its wartime significance. Return for lunch at a vegan bún riêu stall in District 7 (~40,000 VND), a hidden gem for plant-based travelers. In the afternoon, visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street for street performances and iced coconut coffee (~30,000 VND). End your 3 days in Saigon with a Mekong Delta-style dinner at a District 1 eatery (~100,000 VND), savoring fish in claypot, guided to the best spots for authenticity. Evening, explore a hidden rooftop café in District 3, a local favorite.
This itinerary, best from December to April, ensures your 3 days in Saigon are packed with culture, food, and unique finds, elevated by a local expert’s insights.
Insider Tips Expats Never Knew
Try dishes like com tấm for breakfast.
To make your 3 days in Saigon unforgettable, these lesser-known tips, often missed by expats, add depth and ease:
Navigate Like a Local: Skip pricey tourist taxis; use apps like Grab (~30,000 VND for short rides) or walk District 1’s compact core. Your guide can teach phrases like “giảm giá” (discount) for market bargaining.
Eat Where Locals Eat: Avoid touristy stalls near Ben Thanh; ask your guide for hidden gems, like a District 3 bún bò stall run by a family for decades (~40,000 VND). Try dishes like com tấm for breakfast (~35,000 VND).
Time Your Visits Smartly: Hit museums early (7:30 AM) to dodge crowds, especially in peak seasons (December–April). For June 2025’s heat (25°C–35°C), carry a reusable water bottle and start by 8 AM.
Discover Hidden Cafés: Seek out District 3’s tucked-away coffee shops, like a retro-themed spot with vinyl records (~50,000 VND for drinks), often shared by guides for a local vibe.
Support Sustainable Choices: Buy crafts from family-run stalls (~50,000 VND), like lacquered boxes, to support artisans, aligning with 80% of travelers’ eco-conscious preferences (Booking.com 2025 report).
Plan your trip via the Tubudd app, available on the Appstore or Google Play, and book a guided tour 5–7 days in advance for peak seasons. Bring cash (~10,000–50,000 VND bills) for vendors, as cards are rare outside District 1, and engage with your guide’s stories to uncover Saigon’s secrets. These tips ensure your 3 days in Saigon are both authentic and seamless, revealing a city even expats don’t fully know.
Conclusion
Your 3 days in Saigon can be a vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine, and hidden gems, from the Ho Chi Minh History Museum to secret District 3 eateries. Let a local expert guide you to the city’s soul—book Local Buddy today to receive a free travel menu from us.
