Only one day in Ho Chi Minh City? That’s more than enough to dive headfirst into the action! From sipping strong Vietnamese coffee under the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral, to snapping a photo inside the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Post Office—designed by Gustave Eiffel himself—you’ll uncover the Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh in just 24 unforgettable hours. Whether you’re exploring the chaos of Ben Thanh Market Saigon, discovering the spiritual stillness of Cho Lon Saigon, or chasing views from the Saigon River, this guide will take you through Ho Chi Minh City must see highlights, all in one electrifying day. Let’s hit the streets!
Let’s start where history was frozen in time. The Reunification Palace—also known as the Independence Palace—is not just a museum. It was the command center of the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War, and it was here that the war officially ended in 1975 when a Viet Cong tank crashed through its gates.
Inside, you’ll walk through preserved war strategy rooms, presidential chambers, the iconic rooftop helipad, and the underground bunkers. Every corridor whispers the story of a divided Vietnam and a nation on the brink of transformation. If you’re asking what to see in Ho Chi Minh, this is a must.
Pro Tip: Exit through the main gate and walk a block along Le Duan Boulevard for great exterior shots framed by lush gardens. It’s an Instagram moment and one of the Ho Chi Minh best things to do for photo lovers.
Reunification Palace (Sours: vietnamtour)
Just a short stroll away, the red-brick twin towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral rise majestically into the sky. Constructed between 1863 and 1880 during French colonial rule, every single brick was imported from Marseille—making this one of the most authentic French colonial structures in Asia.
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of those saigon must see landmarks that beautifully contrasts with the bustle around it—and it leads perfectly into our third gem of the morning.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Sours: localvietnam)
Step inside the past at the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, a masterpiece of late 19th-century design by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the Eiffel Tower guy!). It’s one of the most elegant surviving examples of French architecture in Vietnam—and a fully operational post office to this day!
What to See Inside:
Souvenir Shopping: Don’t leave without browsing the beautiful postcards, propaganda art prints, and hand-painted bookmarks. Unlike some market stalls, everything here is fixed-price and worth a visit—especially if you want to skip the haggling chaos of Ben Thanh Market Saigon.
Unique Experience: Write a postcard and send it from the counter. The “poste centrale” charm will make it a memorable keepsake, and you’ll get to say you mailed something from one of the top things to see in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office (Sours: visithcmc)
This isn’t just another museum—this is an emotional, unflinching look at the legacy of the Vietnam War. The War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited sites in Vietnam and without a doubt one of the must see things in Ho Chi Minh City.
Inside, you’ll explore:
Layout Tip: Start at the top floor and work your way down. This helps you begin with broader historical context before moving to more emotionally intense material. There are rest areas and a courtyard café for breaks, which we recommend, especially for families or sensitive visitors.
While difficult at times, the museum offers a respectful and balanced perspective. It’s an essential part of understanding the past and makes your day trip in Ho Chi Minh City that much more meaningful. It also complements your earlier visit to the Reunification Palace and Ho Chi Minh City Post Office for a deeper view of Vietnam’s 20th-century transformation.
War Remnants Museum (Sours: tripsavvy)
Now it’s time to wake your senses! Step into the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market Saigon, where the sounds of sizzling pans and fragrant herbs lead you to some of the Ho Chi Minh best things to do—eating!
Top Local Dishes to Try:
Shopping Tips: For souvenirs, head toward the textile and handicraft stalls—but bargain politely! Prices are typically inflated for tourists, so counter with a smile and enjoy the experience. If fixed pricing is more your style, head back to the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, where items are more fairly priced and unique.
When to Visit: Midday is peak hour for both tourists and locals, so expect a crowd. That said, the energy is part of the charm—and if you’re asking what to do in Ho Chi Minh to truly feel the city’s pulse, this is it.
Ben Thanh Market Saigon (Sours: visithcmc)
After the market rush, take a breather on Nguyen Van Binh, the city’s charming Book Street nestled between historical sites and shaded by leafy trees. This is your oasis in the center of the chaos.
What to Do:
For a quieter lunch, grab a banh mi from one of the nearby street vendors or opt for a bowl of hot pho. You’ll find plenty of options around the cathedral zone—making this area ideal for combining sightseeing with food. Still hungry? Return to Ben Thanh Market Saigon for dessert or iced chè.
Saigon Book Street (Sours: saigontastetours)
Tucked away on a tree-lined street, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most atmospheric and mystical places in the city. Built in 1909, this Taoist temple feels a world apart from the French colonial elegance of the Notre Dame Cathedral or the grandeur of the Saigon Central Post Office.
What to Expect:
Best Time for Photography: Arrive between 15:00 – 16:00 when natural light slants through the roof tiles, illuminating the smoke-filled halls with a mystical glow. This is one of the Ho Chi Minh best things to do for photographers and spiritual seekers alike.
Travel Insight: The pagoda is still an active place of worship, so be respectful and quiet during your visit. Visitors often light incense and make small offerings—feel free to join in, or simply observe this centuries-old tradition.
Jade Emperor Pagoda (Sours: vinwonders)
Welcome to Cho Lon Saigon, Vietnam’s largest Chinatown and one of the most vibrant cultural districts in the country. This isn’t just another sightseeing stop—it’s an essential part of what to do in Ho Chi Minh for anyone seeking authenticity, heritage, and culinary adventure.
Where to Go:
Temples You Must Visit:
Food Tip: Don’t leave Cho Lon Saigon without sampling:
This area is a treasure trove for culture lovers, food enthusiasts, and photographers alike. It offers a slower, more intimate pace than the downtown attractions like the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office or Reunification Palace, yet it is every bit as impactful.
Getting There: From the center (District 1), it takes about 20–25 minutes by Grab or taxi. It’s well worth including on your day trip itinerary and belongs on every list of Ho Chi Minh city must see spots.
Cho Lon Saigon (Sours: localvietnam)
Welcome to the heartbeat of Saigon’s nightlife: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a wide pedestrian promenade framed by palm trees, fountains, and LED-lit high-rises. As twilight descends, the boulevard buzzes with life—street performers, local families, live music, and light shows make this one of the most vibrant things to do in Saigon today.
What to Do:
Must-visit: Try an egg coffee, a matcha latte, or even Vietnamese craft beer at one of the balconies overlooking the boulevard below—an ideal break before your next big indulgence.
Why It’s a Highlight: Few places capture modern Saigon like this—culture, creativity, and community all converging on one dazzling street. If you’re still wondering what to see in Saigon after dark, this is it.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Sours: wikipedia)
Your Saigon adventure deserves a grand finale—and there are two equally dazzling options to choose from.
Option A: Saigon River Dinner Cruise
There’s nothing quite like gliding down the Saigon River under the city lights while enjoying traditional music and a multi-course dinner. It’s romantic, scenic, and offers a serene contrast to the daytime buzz.
What to Expect:
Booking Tips: Prices start from 350,000 VND (basic dinner cruise) to over 1,200,000 VND for luxury dining. Book in advance during weekends or holidays.
Why It’s One of the Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh: You get an entirely new perspective of the city—one best enjoyed with a breeze in your hair and a cocktail in hand.
Option B: Rooftop Dining
Prefer to stay on land and dine in style? Then a rooftop restaurant or skybar is your best bet for unforgettable night views.
Top Picks:
From these rooftops, you can see the glow of Ben Thanh Market Saigon, the historic curves of the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, and the shimmering skyline of a city that never really sleeps.
River Cruise Dinner (Sours: vietgreentravel)
Say hello to the tallest building in Vietnam—and the 17th tallest in the world! Landmark 81 isn’t just an architectural marvel; it’s also home to the spectacular Skyview Observation Deck, perched on floors 79 to 81.
Why Go:
Ticket Price: From 810,000 VND, but often discounted online. It’s a premium stop, but definitely worth a visit if you’re into skyline thrills!
While Landmark 81 is taller, the Bitexco Financial Tower is the city’s icon—and its Saigon Skydeck (49th floor) offers unbeatable 360-degree views from the heart of town. Designed to resemble a lotus, the tower is a striking example of Saigon’s modern face.
What You’ll See:
Ticket Price: Around 240,000 VND for adults
Bonus: Try visiting at dusk to catch golden light on the city’s rooftops—one of the lesser-known Ho Chi Minh things to see for photographers.
289 Hai Ba Trung, District 3
Ready for a pop of pastel? Tan Dinh Church, affectionately known as “The Pink Church,” is one of the most Instagrammable and quirky things to see in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. Built in the 19th century, its vibrant candy-pink facade draws architecture lovers and curious travelers from around the globe.
Why It’s Special:
Even if you’ve visited the iconic cathedral earlier in the day, this lesser-known gem brings a whimsical contrast to your Ho Chi Minh city to dos.
If you’re interested in stories that often go untold, then this museum is a compelling final stop. The Southern Women’s Museum showcases the roles, achievements, and sacrifices of Vietnamese women throughout history—from war heroines to modern leaders.
Inside You’ll Find:
Why It Belongs on Your List: It’s quiet, deeply human, and an enriching break from the high-energy downtown scene. If you’re searching for what to do in Ho Chi Minh that adds emotional depth, this is the place.
And there you have it—a vibrant, action-packed itinerary featuring the absolute Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh! From historic icons like the Reunification Palace and Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, to flavorful stops at Ben Thanh Market Saigon and spiritual treasures in Cho Lon Saigon, this one-day adventure captures the essence of a city that never slows down. Whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, or stunning skylines, these experiences are the heart of what makes Ho Chi Minh Tours so unforgettable. And if one day isn’t enough (trust us—it won’t be!), there’s always more waiting to explore next time in this incredible city.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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