🌏 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1
First things first, you'll need to make your way from the city's airport to your accommodation. The safest and most affordable option would be to book a ride with Grab via the app (think Uber, but cheaper!). There will be plenty of drivers outside the airport when you arrive, so go ahead and make your way to the hotel.
My personal favourite is the 'Beauty Guest House' in District 1. It's in a great location, tucked away down a quiet lane, but close to all the hustle and bustle the city has to offer.
Once you've unpacked and settled in, head out and explore the near by streets of Ho Chi Minh.
If there's one iconic food item I bet you've heard of, its the Vietnamese Bánh Mì (baguette usually filled with pate and pork). Simply delicious, and perfect for breakfast. They're not difficult to find, as there's a Bánh Mì stall on nearly every corner! I especially loved the below option - make sure to request the House Special.
It's easy enough to walk around District 1 and its neighbouring districts, or get on the back of a motorbike, using your Grab app. However, I find walking around really gives you a sense of a place. Take your time roaming around local parks and enjoying a Vietnamese coffee, known for being extra strong and sweet.
Head downtown and take in the beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, then wander to the Ben Than Markets for a truly local experience. You'll find many treasures at this market, enjoy some lunch and practice your bargaining skills!
After heading back to the hotel to freshen up, its time to experience HCM's infamous Bui Vien Street, also known as 'backpackers district' by locals, and often compared to Bangkok's Koh San road.
Bui Vien Street comprises of three main streets: Bui Vien, De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao. It's a nightlife destination for many tourists as it has a large selection of bars and clubs, and often open until the early hours of the morning. Great place to let loose and enjoy a Saigon beer!
You'll find most cafes and restaurants are open late into the night, so it's easy enough to find a late night feast once you're done with the craziness of Bui Vien Street.
Just a few minutes walk away you'll find, Pho Quynh, which offers some authentic Vietnamese food, including a heart warming bowl of local Phở.
Once your bellies are full, its just a short 6 minute walk back to my recommended accommodation. Time to get some rest before a busy Day 2 in HCM.
Day 2
After a great nights sleep (and maybe a little lie in), its time for a slow morning in HCM.
The perfect way to kick start your morning is to try the infamous Vietnamese egg coffee. Now this may sound quite unusual, but its actually quite sweet and delicious. My favourite cafe for this is the Little Hanoi, tucked away down a small back street, you'll find plenty to eat for breakfast as well as lots of drink options, but if you ask me, its definitely worth trying the egg coffee.
Take a walk across to the Independence Palace, which provides a glimpse into Vietnam's war era past, and take in the local architecture.
After the Palace, its a great time to head to the Saigon Sky Deck for 360˚, panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. You'll take an elevator ride to the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower for an incredible view of HCM.
Now its time to head back to your hotel, and get ready for tonight's activity.
One of my favourite things to do in HCM, is take a Street Food and Sight seeing Motorbike tour. There are so many motorbikes in the city, that this is one of most iconic ways to experience the city and all the food it has to offer. You'll be collected from your hotel by a local tour guide, and embark on a journey around four of HCM's districts. You'll ride on the back of your driver's bike, so you can really immerse yourself in Saigon's culture, history, and enjoy eating local dishes. Some of the places you'll visit include China Town, the Flower Market and the famous Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment Complex.
One of my favourite dishes is the Grilled Banana with coconut milk (image above). This tour lasts between 3 - 4 hours, so by the time you're finished, your bed will be calling!
Day 3
Its an early start today, because you've booked a half day guided tour of the near by Cu Chi Tunnels.
Starting at 8am, you'll be picked up from your hotel and set off on a 1.5 hour coach ride to Cu Chi Tunnels. You'll have plenty of time to explore the grounds including the underground crawl spaces that were used by the guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War. You'll also learn about the living quarters and different traps created by the guerrilla's.
There's also an opportunity to try your hand at the shooting range, and get a chance to shoot an AK-47.
This tour will last 6 - 7 hours, so you'll arrive back to your hotel around 3pm. Take you time to unwind and get ready for your final night in the city.
When you're ready for dinner, its time to hit the streets. There are so many places to choose from but I usually end up craving Sushi, so I found the perfect Japanese restaurant in District 1.
Followed by something sweet, there's a french inspired patisserie close by called Palais Des Douceurs. There's plenty of pastries and chocolate treats to choose from.
Once you've enjoyed all the food you can manage for the night, its time to head home and get some well deserved rest before you're coach tomorrow morning.
Coaches in Vietnam are cheap, convenient and actually pretty comfy! Now its on to your next destination....
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