What to Do in Saigon for 2 Days? A Detailed Itinerary Suggestion!

If you're wondering what to do in Saigon for 2 days, we’ve got you covered! From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in local street food and vibrant nightlife, there’s so much to experience in a short time.

Let Joytime Travel Agency take you on a carefully curated 2-day Saigon adventure, ensuring that you don’t just visit the city but truly experience its heartbeat.

1. What to do in Saigon for 2 days? Suggested Detailed Itinerary 

This itinerary gives you a well-rounded view of Saigon, from its historic landmarks and cultural treasures to its lively modern life.

Note:

  • This schedule is for reference. It can be flexible and customized to fit different tours and personal preferences.

  • Departure times may vary depending on your starting location and mode of transport, so they are not included in the itinerary.

1.1. Day 1 Itinerary

Day 1 is all about unlocking Saigon’s historical landmarks, unique architecture, and vibrant nightlife, much of which is centered in its bustling core. For a deeper dive into this area, exploring what to do in district 1 saigon can be very helpful as you follow this plan:

Part of The Day

Duration

Activities

Morning

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

"Awaken" your taste buds with authentic Saigon dishes such as banh mi, bun rieu, and banh cuon at:

  • Huynh Hoa Bread

  • Ganh noodle soup at Ben Thanh market

  • Banh cuon Thien Huong 

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Visit the Independence Palace, which preserves the golden marks of Vietnamese national history.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Admire the magnificent beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral and the city's central Post Office.

Noon

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Enjoy a typical Saigon lunch and relax at the surrounding restaurants.

Afternoon

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Discover the beauty and stories of Vietnamese women at the Southern Women's Museum.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Stroll and admire the romantic sunset at Tao Dan Park - the "green lung" of Saigon.

Evening

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at:

  • Dan Ich fish hotpot

  • Ba Hat beef stew

  • Bun BBQ House

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Stroll on Nguyen Hue walking street - Saigon's avenue of light or “party” on West Bui Vien street, where music and fun never stop.

Independence Palace is a special historical symbol of Vietnam. - Photo source: Joytime Travel Agency

To make your first day in Saigon more interesting, you can refer to these options Ho Chi Minh City tour designed by Joytime, highlights include:

Tour Option

Overview

Day Tour | Premium Experience | Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing

Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City, cultural and historical highlights are vividly recreated under the guidance of a team of dedicated, professional tour guides.

Day Tour | Experience Saigon - Cholon Cultural by Buggy | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Explore Saigon through the lens of Cho Lon, a world of vibrant Chinese culture hidden in the heart of the city.

Day Tour | Explore Chinatown - Ho Chi Minh City | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Saigon completely in one day, from famous historical sites to vibrant Chinatown.

Day Tour | Private Saigon Day Tour by Military Jeep | Ho Chi Minh City

Experience Saigon in the most unique way with an open-top 4x4 Jeep adventure through its vibrant streets and explore its famous landmarks.

1.2. Day 2 Itinerary

Day 2 takes you back in time at Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by an immersive night market and bar-hopping experience.

Part of The Day

Duration

Activities

Morning

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

"Enjoy" a sidewalk-style breakfast, visit a local restaurant to "sip" rustic breakfast dishes and a rich cup of iced milk coffee.

7:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Departure and move to Cu Chi district

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels - a magnificent tunnel system, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people during the war.

Noon

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Cu Chi tunnels area.

Afternoon

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Visit Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, a place marking the heroic victories and sacrifices of Cu Chi soldiers and people.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Move to Saigon center, prepare for the evening to explore the city.

Evening

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 

Stroll around Ben Thanh market, enjoy specialty dishes and shop for unique souvenirs.

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM

"Chill" with Saigon music at bars and pubs such as:

  • Understand the SGN Lounge

  • Chill Skybar

Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the places not to be missed when coming to Saigon. - Photo source: Joytime

Similarly, for day 2 in Saigon, you can choose from: Ho Chi Minh City tour from Joytime Travel Agency, highlights include:

Tour Option

Overview

Day tour | Explore Cu Chi Tunnels departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the magnificent tunnel system, witnessing heroic history 70km from Saigon. Coming to the impenetrable "underground village", you will see with your own eyes a tunnel network of more than 200km and listen to legendary stories of the Vietnam-American War.

Full-Day Tour | Explore the Authentic Saigon Through Every Street Corner | Ho Chi Minh City

Feel Saigon with all your senses on a motorbike through the streets, explore every mysterious corner, local Vietnamese markets and learn deeply about culture and history through the words of a professional tour guide.

Experience the Provincial Table Cooking Class & Market Tour | Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the local market and participate in an exciting cooking class, learning how to prepare famous dishes such as spring rolls, pho, and regional specialties under the guidance of talented chefs.

Saigon Night Cultural Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the brilliant Saigon night with a unique journey: ride a cyclo to the traditional water puppet theater, where fairy tales come to life with traditional music. Then, immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of dinner on a wooden yacht, watching the sparkling city lights on the romantic Saigon River.

This two-day itinerary offers a rich experience, but for those with more time, exploring "what to do in Saigon for 3 days" will open up even more opportunities to discover the city's hidden gems and unique attractions.

2. Tips to Make The Most out of 2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City

To ensure a fulfilling two-day trip to Saigon, keep these essential tips in mind:

  • Plan in detail: Before your trip, outline the key attractions you want to visit, from historical landmarks and museums to bustling shopping centers and unique cafés.

  • Book in advance: Secure your flights, transportation, accommodations, and services ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to get the best deals and avoid sold-out tickets.

  • Visit nearby attractions together: Many of Ho Chi Minh City's attractions are close to each other, so plan your itinerary accordingly to minimize travel time.

  • Check the weather: Stay updated with the weather forecast to dress appropriately and bring the necessary essentials. Especially, if you visit Saigon during the rainy season (from May to November each year), you should bring an umbrella or a raincoat.

  • Prepare navigation tools: Carry a city map or use a smartphone with 3G/4G access to help you navigate and avoid getting lost.

  • Protect yourself from the heat: Saigon's sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and other protective gear.

  • Limit valuable belongings: Avoid carrying expensive items or flaunting wallets and bags. If you must carry valuables, keep them secure and stay alert.

  • Ask for prices beforehand: Whether ordering food or buying souvenirs, always check the prices first to avoid being overcharged, especially in tourist areas.

  • Be cautious with strangers: Stay vigilant when interacting with strangers, and never accept food or drinks from unknown sources.

  • Stay flexible with your itinerary: Be flexible to enjoy most of the experience of your trip.

You can flexibly customize your 2-day itinerary to explore Saigon according to your actual situation. - Photo source: Joytime Travel Agency

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a 2-Day Trip in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are answers to some common questions about a two-day Saigon adventure:

3.1. Is two days enough to explore Saigon?

Two days are enough to visit key attractions like the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market while enjoying some of Saigon's exciting activities and vibrant street food scene.

However, if you want to dive deeper into the city’s culture, history, and cuisine or explore nearby provinces in the Mekong Delta, consider extending your trip to at least three days and two nights for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

For those planning a longer stay, researching "things to do in Saigon in 4 days" will reveal even more opportunities for exploration, allowing for day trips, extended cultural experiences, and a more comprehensive understanding of the city and its surroundings.

3.2. What is the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has warm weather year-round, making it a great destination anytime. However, the rainy season lasts from May to November, so check the weather forecast in advance to prepare accordingly.

3.3. Should I include a visit to the Mekong Delta in my two-day Saigon trip?

If you want to experience the charm of the Mekong Delta, you can incorporate it into your two-day itinerary by spending one day in Saigon and the other on a guided Mekong tour. However, this will make your schedule packed, leaving less time for full exploration of each destination.

You can completely explore the Western region of the river in a 2-day itinerary to explore Saigon. - Photo source: Joytime

We hope these useful travel tips and itinerary recommendations help you plan your 2-day, 1-night journey to the "Pearl of the Far East." 

If you’re looking for a hassle-free and well-organized Saigon adventure, let Joytime Travel Agency be your travel companion! With uniquely curated tours infused with local charm, attentive services, and budget-friendly options, Joytime Travel Agency guarantees unforgettable experiences in Vietnam’s most dynamic city. Contact Joytime now for a free consultation and tour booking!

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Danish Nguyen

Danish Nguyen

Danish Nguyen is a renowned travel blogger in Vietnam with over 5 years of experience sharing unique travel experiences. With a passion for exploring new places, Danish captures incredible moments and provides readers with valuable tips to discover the beauty of his homeland.

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