Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a place where diverse cultures converge and the “city that never sleeps” with vibrant activities and entertainment both day and night. If you’re planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to Saigon, refer to this guide for a complete and enjoyable experience!
1. Best Time to Visit Saigon
Saigon has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season, so you can visit any time of the year. The dry season lasts from December to April, with sunny and warm weather, making it very convenient for sightseeing. The rainy season runs from May to November, with rain usually occurring in the late afternoon and evening, but it doesn’t last long and won’t significantly impact your plans. Therefore, just prepare a small umbrella and you can explore Saigon to the fullest!
2. Suitable Transportation Options in Ho Chi Minh City
- Renting a Scooter: This is the most popular and convenient option. You can move freely to any place you want. Scooter rental prices in Saigon are quite affordable, ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab, Gojek, and Be are popular ride-hailing apps here. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, you can easily book a ride and travel safely.
- Public Transportation: Buses and public bicycles are cost-effective options. Buses cover a wide area of the city with ticket prices starting from 5,000 to 10,000 VND per ride. Public bicycles are an interesting choice for exploring the city center and enjoying the scenery.
3. Accommodation in Saigon
Accommodation services in Ho Chi Minh City are incredibly diverse and cater to all types of travelers. You can choose from luxurious hotels with full amenities and premium services, cozy homestays that feel like home, to modern serviced apartments. Depending on your budget and personal preferences, you can easily find accommodation ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million VND per night.
- Hotels: Ho Chi Minh City offers many luxurious hotels, from international hotel chains to unique boutique hotels. These hotels are often located in central areas, close to attractions and shopping centers, making it convenient for you to get around and explore. With professional service, modern amenities, and facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and spas, these hotels will surely provide you with a top-notch stay.
- Homestays: If you want to experience local life and enjoy a warm, homely feeling, a homestay is an ideal choice. Homestays in Saigon are often uniquely designed with the host’s personal style and are located in quiet, nature-friendly areas. This is a great option for those who want to learn about local culture and have unique experiences during their trip.
- Serviced Apartments: For travelers staying longer or seeking privacy and home-like comfort, serviced apartments are a perfect choice. Serviced apartments in Ho Chi Minh City come fully equipped with amenities including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are often stylishly and modernly decorated. You can cook, do laundry, and enjoy the comfort of a home away from home. Additionally, these serviced apartments are usually located in central areas, making it easy to move around and explore the city.
- Tan Son Nhat Hotel: This is one of the accommodation options that visitors should not miss when in Ho Chi Minh City. Tan Son Nhat Hotel is conveniently located near the airport and popular tourist destinations, making it easy for you to travel and save time. With quality service, spacious rooms, and full amenities, this hotel offers a comfortable and memorable stay. The professional and friendly staff are always ready to assist and meet your needs, ensuring you have a wonderful vacation.
With its diverse and rich accommodation options, Ho Chi Minh City is sure to provide you with a wonderful lodging experience, making your trip more complete and enjoyable.
4. Attractions and Entertainment in Saigon
4.1. River Cruise Bus
Taking a river cruise bus is a unique feature of tourism in Ho Chi Minh City that you should not miss. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to view the city from a completely new and exciting perspective. From the bus, you’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes along the riverbanks and pass by many famous landmarks such as the Dragon Wharf, which holds many important historical stories of Vietnam; the bustling Ben Nghe Port with its lively trading activities; the modern and majestic Phu My Bridge connecting the southern districts of the city; the Red Light Cape with its lighthouse guiding ships in and out of the port; and the Binh Khanh Ferry, which offers peaceful and tranquil moments amidst the bustling city flow. All these landmarks viewed from the river will give you a fresh and unique perspective, allowing you to see the hidden beauty of Saigon, a city where the past and present converge. The river cruise bus is not just a means of transportation but also a delightful travel experience, helping you explore and fully appreciate the city’s beauty from a different viewpoint.
4.2. Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour Around the City
In addition to exploring famous destinations, taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to relax and enjoy the fresh breeze from above. You can comfortably sit on the top deck, take beautiful photos, and capture memorable moments during your city exploration. The tour guide on the bus will also provide you with interesting and informative details about the history, culture, and stories behind the landmarks you pass by.
Riding the hop-on, hop-off bus around the city is not only an efficient way to get around but also an exciting and surprising journey that helps you gain a deeper understanding of Saigon—the city where tradition and modernity, past and future blend. This will undoubtedly be a memorable experience during your trip.
4.3. Strolling Down Nguyen Hue Walking Street at Night
Strolling down Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night is an unmissable experience when visiting Saigon. Located in the heart of the city, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a hub for various entertainment activities and cultural events. In the evening, the street becomes more vibrant than ever with its dazzling lights and lively atmosphere.
In addition, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a fantastic place for taking dazzling photos. With its colorful lights, modern architectural structures, and beautifully decorated little scenes, you’ll have countless opportunities to capture beautiful moments. Especially during festive occasions, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is often adorned with lanterns, flowers, and street performances, creating a magical and impressive atmosphere.
Moreover, you can also enjoy delicious street food and local specialties from various stalls along the walking street. From snacks like grilled rice paper and stir-fried corn to traditional dishes such as pho and bun, all will satisfy your taste buds.
4.4. Bustling and Vibrant Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is a famous backpacker district that attracts visitors with its lively and vibrant atmosphere day and night. The area is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and diverse shopping stores, offering you many exciting options to explore. When you visit Bui Vien Street, you’ll immerse yourself in the energetic ambiance with dazzling lights and music echoing from the bars, creating a dynamic and energetic environment. This is an ideal place to enjoy delicious food, from local dishes to international cuisine, sip cocktails at trendy bars, and shop for unique items. Bui Vien Street is not only a destination for entertainment but also a place where you can meet and make friends with travelers from around the world, all while enjoying the colorful and lively nightlife of Saigon.
4.5. Check-In at Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office
These two landmarks are not only architectural symbols but also excellent spots for those who love photography.
4.6. Shopping Experience at Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a shopping paradise with a wide variety of goods, from clothing and souvenirs to food. It’s also a place where you can enjoy Saigon’s local specialties.
Ho Chi Minh City is a hub of cultural, tourist, and culinary excellence, always attracting visitors from both near and far. Spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring and experiencing the vibrancy and richness of this city. Wishing you an enjoyable and memorable trip!
