What to Do in Saigon for 3 Days? Detailed Itinerary Suggestions
Saigon - a vibrant and magnificent city where tradition and modernity converge - is filled with countless exciting experiences waiting to explore. So, what to do in Saigon for 3 days? Check out the detailed itinerary suggestions in this article!
1. What to do in Saigon for 3 days? Suggested Detailed Itinerary
To make your 3-day trip to Saigon complete and memorable, Joytime has created a perfect itinerary. This journey not only includes famous landmarks in the city center but also extends to the suburbs and surrounding areas, offering a comprehensive view of Saigon.
Note:
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The schedule is for reference only and may change depending on the type of travel and traveler's preferences.
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Departure time depends on the starting location and means of transportation that tourists choose (so there will be no specific departure time in the itinerary).
1.1 Day 1 Itinerary - Explore the City Center
On the first day, immerse yourself in Saigon’s iconic landmarks, which bear witness to the city's historical ups and downs.
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Part of The Day |
Duration |
Activities |
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Morning |
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM |
Have breakfast with "standard" Saigon dishes such as bread, vermicelli, and rolls at:
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8:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Step into the Independence Palace, go back in time to listen to heroic stories of the Vietnamese people. |
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10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Admire the ancient beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of French architecture in the heart of Saigon and explore the City Central Post Office with its unique architecture. |
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Noon |
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Enjoy a typical Saigon lunch, rest and recharge for the afternoon journey. |
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Afternoon |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Learn about the history and culture of Southern women at the Southern Women's Museum. |
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4:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Stroll in Tao Dan Park, enjoy the green space and watch the brilliant sunset fall over the city. |
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Evening |
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the famous local restaurants or eateries such as:
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8:30 PM - 10:30 PM |
Stroll on the brightly lit Nguyen Hue walking street, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bui Vien West Street. |
Independence Palace is a destination not to be missed when arriving in Saigon. - Photo source: Joytime
Besides, you can refer to the options Ho Chi Minh City tour by Joytime To make your first day's journey in Saigon more interesting:
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Tour Option |
Overview |
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Day Tour | Explore the Culture of Ho Chi Minh City | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City |
Immerse yourself in the flow of history in the heart of Saigon, marvel at the majestic beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of 19th century French architecture. Continuing the journey, the old Central Post Office appears like a nostalgic picture, a place that preserves the golden marks of time. |
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Day Tour | Premium Experience | Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing |
With dedicated and knowledgeable guides, you will explore outstanding destinations and listen to interesting historical and cultural stories of the most dynamic city in Vietnam. |
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Day Tour | Vibrant Saigon Walking Exploration Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Enjoy wonderful dishes, weaving your way through the city's iconic destinations: colorful flower markets, Saigon-style District 3,... |
1.2 Day 2 Itinerary - Experience Entertainment in Saigon
On the second day, explore the diverse and dynamic aspects of Saigon, from arts to river life and unexpected entertainment hotspots.
|
Part of The Day |
Duration |
Activities |
|
Morning |
6:00 am - 7:00 am |
Start your day like a true Saigonan: Buy a portion of hot sticky rice or fragrant bread, sip a rich cup of milky coffee at the park, and immerse yourself in the bustling morning atmosphere. |
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7:30 am - 12:00 am |
Explore the inspiring art space at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, admire unique works of art and learn about the history of Vietnamese art. |
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Noon |
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m |
Enjoy lunch with rustic dishes rich in Saigon flavors at a local restaurant, such as:
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Afternoon |
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
Experience the Saigon Waterbus, see the city from a completely new perspective, feel the harmony between modern life and the peaceful beauty of the river. |
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4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m |
Return to Saigon center and enjoy relaxing moments at one of the locations such as:
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Evening |
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m |
Stroll Ben Thanh market at night, discover a culinary paradise with countless delicious dishes and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs. |
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8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m |
Check-in to Starlight Bridge and watch the magical shimmering lights reflecting on the lake surface. |
You can buy Saigon souvenirs at Ben Thanh market. - Photo source: Pexels
And some Ho Chi Minh City tour Joytime's content below will help make your second day in Saigon more complete:
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Tour Option |
Overview |
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Temporarily put aside the usual means of transportation and step on Joytime's modern double-decker bus. With a delicately designed route, you will easily admire the most unique architectural and cultural symbols of the city. |
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Day Tour | Experience Saigon - Cholon Cultural by Buggy | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City |
Explore Saigon - Cho Lon, where the unique essence of Chinese culture blends in the heart of the city. From ancient, time-worn temples, to three-generation heirloom bakeries, to enjoying the flavors of traditional wedding cakes, you will not only be immersed in history but also have unforgettable culinary experiences. |
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Saigon Night Cultural Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner Cruise |
The memorable evening begins with a cyclo to the water puppet theater, where traditional Vietnamese arts come alive with traditional music. Then, a cruise on the Saigon River offers an authentic dinner on a wooden boat, amid the sparkling scenery of the city. |
1.3 Day 3 Itinerary - Explore the Outskirts of Saigon
On the third day, let's leave the bustle of Saigon together and immerse yourself in the peaceful space and rich beauty of the Mekong Delta, where winding canals and lush orchards await you.
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Part of The Day |
Duration |
Activities |
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Morning |
6:00 am - 7:00 am |
Enjoy a light breakfast, preparing for the journey to explore the Western region. |
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7:30 am - 12:00 am |
Depart for My Tho, Ben Tre, starting the journey to discover the beauty of the West. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient pagoda bearing unique architectural imprints. |
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Noon |
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m |
Enjoy lunch with attractive Western specialties such as:
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Afternoon |
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
Rowing along the green canals, weaving through nipa palm gardens, exploring four islands: Long, Lan, Quy, Phung and listening to legendary stories about this land. |
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4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m |
Return to Saigon, bringing with you unforgettable memories of the Mekong River Delta. |
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Evening |
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m |
Enjoy dinner at the luxurious restaurant on top of Landmark 81, watching Saigon sparkling at night from above. |
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8:30 pm - 10:00 pm |
Stroll along Bach Dang Wharf, watch the ships sparkling with lights and enjoy the cool air of the Saigon River. |
Visitors can spend the entire third day to fully explore the river beauty of the Mekong Delta. - Photo source: Joytime
To make your third day itinerary in Saigon more attractive, please refer to these options Ho Chi Minh City tour by Joytime:
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Tour Option |
Overview |
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Day Tour | Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site & Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam |
Away from the bustling city, explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and the garden beauty of the Mekong River. In Cu Chi, you will witness firsthand the secret tunnel system and learn about the resilient spirit of the Southern people. Continuing the journey, go down the Mekong River, admire the four sacred islands of Long, Lan, Quy, Phung, and enjoy delicious coconut candy and garden fruits. |
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Day Tour | Explore the Mekong Delta | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City |
Traveling to the Southwest, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery on Trung Luong Highway, immerse yourself in the cool water of the Mekong River, and row a boat around the four sacred islands of Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung. |
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Day Tour | Exploring Monkey Island | Can Gio | Ho Chi Minh City |
Immerse yourself in the world of monkeys, observe them in their natural habitat, visit the famous zoo to admire typical local animals. Finally, enjoy delicious local cuisine and interact with friendly and hospitable people. |
2. Notes When Planning Your 3-Day Exploration of Saigon
To ensure a smooth and fulfilling 3-day journey in Saigon, consider the following important notes:
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Plan in detail: Make a list of places you want to visit and prioritize them to avoid missing your favorite destinations.
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Book services in advance: Secure your flights, transportation, accommodation, and tours, especially during peak seasons (holidays, Tet) to avoid sold-out situations or price surges.
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Optimize your itinerary: Arrange visits to nearby attractions together to save travel time and avoid excessive commuting in a day.
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Check the weather: Look up the forecast before your trip. If traveling during the rainy season (typically from May to November), bring an umbrella or raincoat to stay prepared for sudden showers.
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Equip yourself with maps and navigation: Carry a physical map or use a smartphone navigation app with 3G/4G to avoid getting lost.
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Prepare for the sun: Saigon’s sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin.
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Keep your belongings safe: Limit the amount of cash and valuable jewelry you carry. Use a crossbody bag or an anti-theft pouch for extra security.
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Ask for prices beforehand: When shopping or ordering food, confirm the price in advance to avoid being overcharged.
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Be cautious with strangers: Stay alert when interacting with unfamiliar people and avoid accepting food or drinks from them.
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Stay flexible with your itinerary: Don’t be too rigid with your plans—be ready to adjust them if unexpected situations arise or if you want to spend more time at a particular place.
Be flexible in your schedule to explore Saigon based on your actual situation and preferences. - Photo source: Pexels
3. Frequently Asked Questions
To help you plan a perfect Saigon trip, here are some common questions and detailed answers:
3.1 Is 3 Days Enough in Saigon?
Three days is an ideal timeframe to explore Saigon’s famous landmarks, nearby suburban areas, and neighboring provinces, as well as to experience its vibrant food scene and dynamic city life.
If you have an extra day, you can delve even deeper into the city's offerings. Consider exploring "what to do in Saigon for 4 days" to discover hidden gems, take day trips to further-flung locations, or simply enjoy a more relaxed pace of exploration.
3.2 Should You Combine a Visit to Can Gio Beach in a 3-Day Trip to Saigon?
Can Gio is a great choice if you want to combine a visit to the sea during your trip to Saigon. However, you need to consider your time budget. If you want to fully explore Can Gio, you should spend at least one day. If you just want to drop by, you can combine a visit to Can Gio in the afternoon of the third day in Saigon.
3.3 What is the Estimated Budget for a 3-Day Trip to Saigon?
The average budget for a 3-day trip to Saigon ranges from 5 - 15 million, depending on many factors such as transportation, accommodation, meals, sightseeing and shopping, etc. To make a detailed budget, you need to make a list of specific destinations, places to eat, places to stay, etc.
If you want to save money, you can choose homestays or affordable motels instead of high-end hotels or eat at local eateries instead of luxury restaurants.
The budget to explore Saigon for 3 days depends on the destination, food and accommodation you choose. - Photo source: Pexels
Through the detailed 3-day itinerary to explore Saigon above, we hope you can plan your trip. If you're still wondering what to do in Saigon for 3 days, our guide offers the best experiences to make the most of your visit. For a perfect and relaxing journey, let Joytime create unforgettable memories with you!
With a series of detailed built itineraries filled with local quintessence, attentive service and friendly prices, Joytime promises to bring unique experiences and unforgettable impressions in Saigon. Contact Joytime now to receive free consultation and book your trip!
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