Do you have a trip to Ho Chi Minh tourism to explore within 36 hours? What will you do when thousand things about it on social media and you don’t know about everything in this place? Don’t worry about that, trust me because this article is for you. This post already arranges a specific schedule for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s check it out!

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the famous tourist destinations in Vietnam. Moreover, this is one of the modern cities in the Asia region with a rich and long history. It’s not only associated with many battles but this place also used to be the busiest trading place in the area. Therefore, the culture here is crossed by many ethnic groups, forming an open cultural space with many interesting things for tourists to explore.

First 12 hours in Ho Chi Minh City

2:00 pm – Vietnam History Museum

The shortest way to study a new land which is to visit the museum. Indeed, coming to Ho Chi Minh tourism must definitely spend time for “Vietnam History Museum”. This place collects and preserves most of the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people from ancient times. From the founding and the defense of the country to today which passes through many periods spanning more than 4,000 years of civilization. All of this is illustrated here through a series of treasures and antiquities on display. On top of that, the museum also has automatic narration software, and a dedicated area for presentation. Thanks to that, it helps people find out the Vietnamese culture and history easily.

4:00 pm – Double-decker tour bus experience

This is a type of public transport that specializes in tourism for tourists. The bus takes visitors through more than 30 sections of the road and 20 sites of ancient and modern monuments within 30 minutes. At each relic site, the bus software will explain to visitors about the destination. Thanks to that, tourists have an overall and clear view of Ho Chi Minh tourism. In addition, visitors also have time to relax and watch the life of Vietnamese people. You can find out the times and fares of the double decker bus here!

4:30 pm – Downtown in District 1

After experiencing the double-decker bus, visitors will be dropped off at the center of Nguyen Hue walking street. This is the busiest area in Ho Chi Minh City. So take the time to relax, and admire the beauty of the harmony between modern and ancient. From rows of skyscrapers to architectural buildings that mix East – West. Don’t forget to visit Bach Dang Wharf; Monument to President Ho Chi Minh; City Opera House,… These are not only unique destinations but also have certain historical values. Finally, let’s watch the Saigon River, breathe the air and enjoy some street food such as mixed forehead cake, duck eggs, mango shake, and grilled chicken seeds, …

6:00 pm – Have dinner look like local people

Referring to Vietnamese cuisine, it’s impossible not to mention “Pho”. This is the first Vietnamese cuisine to be recognized by Oxford in the dictionary (September 2007). Thus, the pride of Vietnamese people, Pho is present in whole all regions of the S-shaped territory. For convenience, Hai Trieu Street is a good place for anyone to enjoy traditional Pho. Some outstanding pho restaurants such as Pho Hai Trieu, Pho Ha, Pho Thin,…

After that, should enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at EON 50 Cafe at the Bitexco building. The space of the restaurant is designed ancient, private and extremely luxurious. The menu is diverse, in addition to coffee, you can enjoy a few other drinks such as Juice, alcoholic drinks, etc. And enjoy the panoramic view of the city’s nightlife. This is definitely one of the things worth experiencing during your trip to Ho Chi Minh.

8:00 pm – Attend Nightlife in Bui Vien walking street

Nightlife is always the top entertainment area for visitors. That’s why most of the major tourist cities in the world have “Red-Light District”. They are born to fulfill the needed and missing experiences for travelers. In Ho Chi Minh, Bui Vien walking street is famous for its nightlife. As one of the largest gatherings of entertainment in the area, thanks to the vibrant and bustling rhythm of the night has turned this place into a favorite attraction of customers.

In addition, you not only participate in parties at restaurants, bars, or pubs, but you can also appreciate street entertainment activities such as Singing, fire dancing, and EDM,… It’s not difficult to say that this destination will bring a lot of interesting things.

24 hours left in Ho Chi Minh

9:00 am – Cultural and Religious path

Culture and religion are two things that sound separate, but they have a very close relationship with each other. In particular, they are evident in the social life of indigenous people.

Thien Hau Temple

This place was built around 1760, by a group of Chinese people of Tue Thanh origin, who contributed both human and material resources. It is the oldest place of worship of the Chinese in Ho Chi Minh. Therefore, Ba Thien Hau Pagoda has a great influence on the spiritual and social life of local people in the area. After many restorations, and more than 260 years of existence, the pagoda still retains its unique architecture. Not only that, but the pagoda also has a great religious value in the hearts of the local people. On January 7, 1993, Ba Thien Hau Pagoda was recognized as a “National architectural and artistic relic”.

Come here not only to see the beauty of the East temple architecture with bold Chinese characteristics, but also to satisfy personal religious and spiritual needs.

National Pagoda of Vietnam (Vietnam Quoc Tu)

This place is the cultural and administrative center of the Vietnamese Buddhist Pagoda. Located in the heart of Saigon with an area of up to 11,000 m2, construction began in 1964. Vietnam Quoc Tu stands out with the typical architecture of East Buddhism in general and Vietnamese Buddhism in particular. It is the pagoda that owns the most “most” in Vietnam. Above all, this place also preserves the heart of the monk “Thich Quang Duc”.

Currently, Vietnam Quoc Tu is always a cultural and spiritual destination for tourists. It is not only imbued with the value of spiritual life but also the pride of Vietnamese people.

Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)

Also known as “Pink Church”. It is one of the oldest and most important Roman Catholic institutions in Saigon. The history of formation is associated with the mission of Father Donatien Éveillard, founded in 1874. Under his supervision, the church was inaugurated in December 1876. As well as, the construction cost at that time is about 38,000 Francs, and has undergone many restorations. But the foundation of the church architecture is Roman style combined with Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

Tan Dinh Church is always awesome destination in Ho Chi Minh Tourism. Especially for the “Sheep”, this is also the living place of the Catholic community in the area.

12:30 am – Lunch time (Broken rice of Bui Sai Gon Restaurant – 100 Thach Thi Thanh)

Broken rice is a famous local dish of Vietnamese people. Inspired by Western steaks during the resistance period. The Vietnamese use pork instead of beef, rice (Wet Rice Civilization), and pork skins. In recent times, it was modified more, according to the characteristics of each region.

Bui Saigon broken rice is a place to store the typical street food culture of the original Saigon people. Coming here is not only enjoying the local cuisine but also being immersed in the daily lifestyle of the people here.

2:00 pm – Book Street, Notre Dame Cathedral and City Post Office

This is a pretty famous cluster of destinations in Ho Chi Minh. Beautiful book street with peaceful, cool space and fresh air. Coming here can both relax and visit new or used bookstores to buy some souvenirs. Then visit Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the ancient French architectural works in Vietnam. Next to it is a prominent City Post Office with ancient European architecture combined with Asian decoration. Both of these architectures have historical value and imprints in the development process in the form of European urbanism.

4:00 pm – Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the symbols of Saigon city. Dating back more than 100 years, this is the daily trading area of the indigenous people. Not only is it also a famous tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh over the years. Located right in the heart of District 1, the architecture is mixed East – West. Ben Thanh Market offers most of the products that visitors want. Therefore, this is an ideal place to visit and shop for local souvenirs.

With an area of more than 13,000m2, more than 6,000 small businesses and 1,500 stalls. Coming here, it is easy to see the trading life of the indigenous people. Thus, it also contains many profound social and cultural values.

6:00 pm – Watch the sunset on the Saigon River at Thu Thiem Tunnel Park

Do you know what one of the best travel experiences is? It is watching the sunset on a new destination. There is also nothing that makes people nostalgic than the beauty of the sunset

In Ho Chi Minh, Thu Thiem Tunnel Park is the ideal destination to watch the sunset. Sit back and enjoy a cup of tea with some street food. Watching the sun slowly fall on the quiet Saigon River. It will give a great boost to the spirit.

7:00 pm – Have dinner at Aunt Mai Restaurant (Landmark 81)

Di Mai Restaurant is a traditional Vietnamese cuisine restaurant. This place offers most of the rustic dishes of the indigenous people. The space is designed in an ancient and cozy Chinese style. There really is nothing better than saying goodbye to Ho Chi Minh by enjoying a traditional meal here.

The rest of the time, spend it free to experience and shop at the tallest building in Vietnam. Landmark 81!

Have a nice trip <3