In Vietnam, buy handicrafts from Markets in Ham Tan and Al Da Phat, as well as branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs from Ben Thanh Market, China Town and other shopping malls.
You can also explore a Vietnam War tunnel network in Cu Chi that spans 250 kilometers.
No trip to Saigon is complete without hitting the town and seeing the nightlife. There are so many great clubs where you can dance your heart out or party with your friends.
To arrange high-quality Ho Chi Minh City Tours, choose an experienced travel agency.
Here are some safety tips in Ho Chi Minh City: don’t wear jewelry, keep an eye on your valuables and beware of pickpockets, and especially, keep watching out on your mobile phones.
Don’t forget your sun protection items: umbrella, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, because it’s very hot in Ho Chi Minh City.
It is best to always carry a bottle of water with you, to avoid dehydration.
Dress appropriately for a religious site if you plan to visit one: shorts or skirts are not allowed.
Ho Chi Minh City day tours are designed for travelers who want to understand southern Vietnam beyond quick photo stops. In just one day, the city reveals a powerful mix of colonial history, wartime stories, modern urban life, and one of the country’s most exciting food scenes. This guide highlights the best time to visit, must-see places, and signature foods you can realistically experience on a well-planned Ho Chi Minh City day tour.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is from December to April. This period is the dry season, with lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and stable temperatures, making it ideal for walking tours, city sightseeing, and excursions to nearby areas like the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.
From May to November, the city enters the rainy season, with short but heavy afternoon showers. While travel is still very possible, tours are best planned in the mornings, and indoor attractions become more appealing during this time.
>>> Read more: The best time to visit Vietnam
The best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City in one day combine history, war heritage, colonial architecture, and everyday street life. Unlike Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is more spread out, so a well-structured route is essential to cover meaningful landmarks without feeling rushed. A classic day tour focuses on the city center and one key historical or cultural site.
The city center showcases Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past and modern energy side by side. Landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, and Saigon Opera House reflect French-era architecture, while nearby cafés and offices highlight the city’s fast-paced contemporary life.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The War Remnants Museum provides the most direct insight into the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. Through photographs, military equipment, and personal accounts, the museum explains the human impact of war in a factual and emotionally grounded way. It is one of the most visited and meaningful museums in southern Vietnam.
War Remnants Museum
Reunification Palace is a key symbol of Vietnam’s modern history. Formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, this site marks the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Walking through its preserved rooms, bunkers, and command halls helps visitors understand how political history shaped today’s Ho Chi Minh City.
Reunification Palace
Ben Thanh Market is the city’s most famous traditional market. It offers a snapshot of daily commerce, local snacks, souvenirs, and street food culture, all under one roof. While touristy, it remains a practical stop to understand how trade and food intersect in southern Vietnam.
Ben Thanh Market at night
The Cu Chi Tunnels are the most popular half-day extension from Ho Chi Minh City. Located outside the city, this underground tunnel network illustrates guerrilla warfare tactics and rural life during wartime. It is often combined with a city tour for travelers who want deeper historical context.
Cu Chi Tunnels
>>> Recommended tour: Full-Day Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Ho Chi Minh City cuisine reflects diversity, bold flavors, and regional fusion. As a southern metropolis, the city blends food traditions from across Vietnam, with slightly sweeter flavors and a strong street food culture. A Ho Chi Minh City day tour is incomplete without tasting local dishes.
Com Tam is the most iconic everyday dish of Ho Chi Minh City. Originally a working-class meal, it features broken rice served with grilled pork, pickles, fish sauce, and often a fried egg. It perfectly represents the city’s practical, flavorful food culture.
A simple plate of com tam, grilled pork, fragrant rice, and fresh sides
Hu Tieu is a signature southern noodle soup commonly found in Ho Chi Minh City. With a clear yet slightly sweet broth, it reflects southern Vietnam’s taste preferences and is eaten throughout the day, especially for breakfast.
Hu Tieu
Banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its variety and bold fillings. Crispy baguettes are filled with meats, pâté, pickles, herbs, and sauces, making it one of the most accessible and satisfying street foods in the city.
Banh mi Saigon – crispy on the outside, packed with flavor inside.
Ca Phe Sua Da
Vietnamese iced coffee is stronger and bolder than most international styles. Made with dark-roasted robusta beans and condensed milk, it reflects the city’s energetic lifestyle and café culture.
Street food defines everyday eating in Ho Chi Minh City. From grilled seafood and savory pancakes to sweet soups and tropical fruits, small street stalls provide insight into how locals eat, socialize, and unwind.
Vietnamese street food is smoky, lively, and meant to be enjoyed right where you stand.
>>> Read more: Top 30 Popular Vietnamese Dishes beyond Pho
A guided Ho Chi Minh City day tour helps you navigate a large, busy city efficiently and meaningfully. With local guidance, you save time on transport, gain historical context, and access food spots that locals actually trust. Whether you have a short stopover or limited travel days, a private or small-group Ho Chi Minh City day tour ensures you experience the city’s core stories without stress.
If you want to explore Ho Chi Minh City in a way that is informative, authentic, and well-paced, a professionally guided day tour is the smartest choice. Contact us today to start planning your ideal Ho Chi Minh City experience.
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