3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Where to Stay and Must Sees

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling city in Vietnam that offers travelers a unique experience with its rich history, delicious food, and stunning architecture. If you’re planning a trip to this exciting destination, here are some travel tips to help make your visit smooth and memorable.

Transportation: Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is relatively easy with a variety of transportation options available. From taxis to motorbike taxis (xe om) to Grab, there are plenty of ways to navigate the city. Make sure to agree on a price before getting into a taxi or xe om to avoid any surprises.
Currency: The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some places may accept US dollars, it’s best to have local currency on hand for smaller purchases. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw from ATMs easily throughout the city.
Street Food: Ho Chi Minh City is known for its delicious street food, so make sure to indulge in local dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Be adventurous and try new things, but make sure to choose street food vendors that look clean and have a high turnover of customers.
Visiting Temples: The city is home to a wide variety of temples and spiritual sites.

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City HCMC / Must Visit Sites and Monuments in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

War Remnants Museum: A sobering but important museum that showcases the atrocities of war and the impact on Vietnamese people. [https://www.baothuathienhue.vn/en-US/News/News/201804/Mr.-Ngo-Tat-To-visits-War-Remnants-Museum-in-Ho-Chi-Minh-City-208.html]
Pricing: Entrance fee is around 40,000 VND.
How to get there: Located at 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3.
Ben Thanh Market: A bustling marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks. [https://www.ben-thanh-market.com/]
Pricing: Free entry, prices vary based on items purchased.
How to get there: Located at the intersection of Le Thanh Ton, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues, and Le Lai Street in District 1.
Notre Dame Cathedral: A stunning example of French colonial architecture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. [https://vexere.com/blog/en/guide-to-notre-dame-cathedral-in-ho-chi-minh-city/]
Pricing: Free entry, donations are welcome.

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3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Visit Itinerary

Day 1:

Visit the War Remnants Museum in the morning.
Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and local snacks.
Have lunch at a local street food vendor.
Walk around the Notre Dame Cathedral and take in the stunning architecture.

Day 2:

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an important historical site from the Vietnam War. [https://www.cuchitunnel.org/]
Pricing: Entrance fee is around 110,000 VND.
How to get there: Tours can be booked through local travel agencies, or you can take a bus or taxi to the site.
Take a sunset cruise along the Saigon River to see the city from a different perspective. [https://www.getyourguide.com/hochiminhcity-l272/saigon-river-tour-by-night-t251875

Day 3:

Explore the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the country’s reunification. [https://dinhdoclap.gov.vn/]
- Pricing: Entrance fee is around 40,000 VND.
- How to get there: Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

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Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City / Top Hotels Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

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Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.

For more about Vietnam, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and other travel destinations in Vietnam, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

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