Detailed 3-Day, 2-Night Self-Guided Saigon Itinerary

Three days and two nights provide enough time to discover the defining character of central Saigon, especially for first-time visitors. Rather than trying to visit too many places, group attractions by area, allow time for a midday break and avoid travelling long distances during peak hours.

The following 3-day, 2-night Saigon itinerary combines historic landmarks in District 1, the cultural life of Cholon, the Saigon River waterfront and convenient shopping stops before heading to the airport. District 3, close to the District 1 boundary, is a practical area to stay because it provides convenient access to the airport, city centre and many attractions included in the itinerary.

1. Summary of the 3-day, 2-night Saigon itinerary

Day	Main Area	Highlights	Estimated Time	Budget Excluding Accommodation
Day 1	District 1 and District 3	Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, OnTop Bar	08:00–21:30	VND 600,000–800,000 per person
Day 2	Cholon and the Saigon River waterfront	Thien Hau Pagoda, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Binh Tay Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Saigon Waterbus	08:00–22:00	VND 900,000–1,200,000 per person
Day 3	Central District 1	Local breakfast, Ben Thanh Market, souvenir shopping and airport transfer	07:30–16:00 or adjusted to your flight time	VND 400,000–600,000 per person

The costs in this guide are estimates and may vary depending on the travel period, dining preferences, transport choices and selected activities.

2. Things to know before you begin

• This itinerary is most suitable for travellers who are already in the city centre before 08:00 on the first day and have a late-afternoon or evening flight on the third day.
• After arriving in the city, travel to the hotel and use the luggage service before beginning the itinerary.
• At Novotel Saigon Centre, standard check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 12:00. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to room availability and should be confirmed in advance.
• Travel between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and District 1 or District 3 usually takes approximately 25–45 minutes. During peak hours from 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:30, or in rainy weather, the journey may take between 60 and 90 minutes.
• Avoid booking timed attraction tickets too close to your scheduled landing time. On departure day, allow additional time for the airport transfer, check-in procedures, security screening and finding the correct terminal according to your airline’s instructions.

How to adjust the itinerary based on arrival and departure times

Situation	Recommended Adjustment
Arriving after 14:00 on the first day	Check in and rest first. Skip Independence Palace and visit Saigon Central Post Office, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street or Nguyen Hue Walking Street instead.
Departing before 15:00 on the final day	Have breakfast near the hotel, check out at around 10:30, shorten the shopping period and leave for the airport early.
Arriving by train	Saigon Railway Station is approximately 10–15 minutes by car from central District 3 in favourable traffic conditions.
Arriving by coach	Confirm the passenger drop-off point or transfer station before arranging transport to the hotel.

3. Day 1: Explore the historic centre and see Saigon at night

The first day focuses on District 1 and District 3. The attractions are relatively close to one another, making it easy to combine walking with short taxi or ride-hailing trips.

3.1 Suggested schedule

Time	Activity
07:30–08:00	Leave luggage at the hotel and have a light breakfast
08:15–10:00	Visit Independence Palace
10:10–11:30	Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office and Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
11:45–13:15	Lunch
13:30–15:30	Visit the War Remnants Museum
15:30–17:00	Turtle Lake, hotel check-in and rest
From 17:30	Dinner and city views at OnTop Bar

3.2 Morning: Independence Palace and the central architectural landmarks

After leaving your luggage at the hotel, begin at Independence Palace on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. Around 90 minutes is usually sufficient to explore the ceremonial rooms, former working areas, rooftop and underground bunker system.

From Independence Palace, walk to Paris Commune Square. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office and Nguyen Van Binh Book Street are located close together, so allow approximately 60–90 minutes for all three attractions.

Access to some areas around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon may be restricted while restoration work is underway. Saigon Central Post Office remains a convenient stop for viewing the architecture and historic maps or purchasing small souvenirs.

3.3 Afternoon: War Remnants Museum and District 3

After lunch, visit the War Remnants Museum at 28 Vo Van Tan Street. A typical visit takes approximately 90–120 minutes.

Some galleries contain graphic images of war and the effects of Agent Orange. Families with young children and visitors who may be sensitive to this subject matter should consider whether to explore the entire museum.

Afterwards, take a break at Turtle Lake, visit a nearby café or return to the hotel to check in. A rest of 60–90 minutes makes the schedule more comfortable and helps conserve energy for the evening.

3.4 Evening: Dinner and city views at OnTop Bar

In the evening, dine at Food Exchange Restaurant before heading to OnTop Bar on level 20 of Novotel Saigon Centre. This is a convenient way to end the first day without travelling again during the evening peak period.

OnTop Bar is open from 16:30 until late. Arrive around 30 minutes before sunset to allow time to choose a seat and watch the city transition from daylight into the evening.

Happy Hour runs from 17:00 to 20:00, with a buy-one-get-one-free offer available across a range of drinks. The menu includes cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and light bites. DJ and acoustic music schedules may vary from week to week.

For a full meal, Food Exchange Restaurant on level 2 serves an à la carte menu and selected buffet programmes throughout the year.

4. Day 2: Explore Cholon and Saigon’s riverfront

The second day begins in Cholon, an area closely connected to the cultural and commercial life of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. After a busy morning with several stops, return to the hotel for an early-afternoon break before continuing to the riverfront in the evening.

4.1 Suggested schedule

Time	Activity
08:00–09:00	Breakfast in District 5
09:15–10:15	Visit Thien Hau Pagoda
10:30–11:15	Walk along Hai Thuong Lan Ong traditional medicine street
11:30–13:00	Visit Binh Tay Market in Cholon and have lunch
13:30–16:00	Return to the hotel to rest or choose an indoor activity
17:00–19:00	Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bach Dang Wharf
19:00–20:00	Take the Saigon Waterbus or walk through Thu Thiem Riverfront Park
20:00–22:00	Dinner and return to the hotel

4.2 Morning: Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market

Begin with a dim sum breakfast in District 5 before visiting Thien Hau Pagoda. Wear modest clothing, keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing worshippers during your visit.

From the pagoda, continue along Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, known for its traditional medicine shops selling herbs, medicinal ingredients and other traditional products. The final stop on the morning route is Binh Tay Market at 57A Thap Muoi Street.

The market covers a large area and includes stalls selling tea, preserves, spices, dried food and household goods. Families with young children or older travellers may prefer a shorter route that includes only Thien Hau Pagoda and one dining stop to reduce the amount of walking.

Tien Phat Dim Sum on Ky Hoa Street is suitable for breakfast or an early lunch. Co Lan Crab Soup on Luong Nhu Hoc Street is a convenient option for travellers who prefer a light meal before returning to the city centre.

4.3 Afternoon: Rest or choose an indoor activity

The period from 13:30 to 16:00 is best reserved for rest. After a morning in a busy market district, continuing to travel during the hottest part of the day may make the itinerary unnecessarily tiring.

Option	Duration	Best Suited For
Rest in the room, swim or exercise	2–3 hours	Families, business travellers and visitors who need time to recharge
Pottery-making experience	1.5–2 hours	Couples and groups of friends
Takashimaya or Vincom Center Dong Khoi	2–3 hours	Travellers interested in shopping or avoiding the midday heat
Spa treatment	60–120 minutes	Guests looking to relax before the evening itinerary

Guests staying at Novotel Saigon Centre may use the swimming pool and fitness centre or book a treatment at The Spa. Access to these facilities depends on the room conditions and services included in the reservation.

4.4 Evening: Nguyen Hue, Bach Dang Wharf and Thu Thiem

From around 17:00, begin at Nguyen Hue Walking Street and continue towards Bach Dang Wharf. Temperatures are generally more comfortable at this time, and the timing is suitable for watching the city centre light up after sunset.

One option that attracts many visitors is the Saigon Waterbus from Bach Dang Station. A short trip to Binh An and back offers views of the city from the river without taking up too much time. Departures around sunset are often busy, so check the schedule and purchase tickets early.

Alternatively, travel across the river to Thu Thiem, walk through the riverfront park and look back towards the District 1 skyline. The area is spacious, so set a specific pick-up and drop-off point in your ride-hailing app.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bach Dang Wharf offer a wide range of dining choices. When visiting Thu Thiem, select a restaurant in advance or have dinner in the city centre to avoid a long walk between the dining venue and the riverfront viewing area.

5. Day 3: Ben Thanh Market, shopping and airport preparation

The final day should remain flexible based on the flight departure time. Travellers with an afternoon flight can have breakfast and visit Ben Thanh Market before returning to the hotel. For an evening departure, the itinerary may include lunch or a café near the luggage storage location.

Check out before 12:00 and use the hotel’s luggage service when additional sightseeing time is available. Avoid booking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, a multi-hour experience or an attraction far from the airport route on the final day.

5.1 Suggested schedule

Time	Activity
07:30–08:30	Breakfast in the city centre
09:00–10:30	Visit and shop at Ben Thanh Market
10:30–11:30	Return to the hotel and check luggage
Before 12:00	Check out
12:00–14:00	Have lunch or visit a café when departing on a later flight
According to flight time	Collect luggage and travel to the airport

5.2 Morning: Breakfast and Ben Thanh Market

Begin with My Tho-style hu tieu at Thanh Xuan on Ton That Thiep Street. For a quicker breakfast, Hong Hoa Banh Mi on Nguyen Van Trang Street is a more convenient option.

Afterwards, allow approximately 60–90 minutes for Ben Thanh Market. Popular products include coffee, tea, dried snacks, packaged food, handicrafts, lacquerware and textiles.

When shopping, ask for the price first, compare several stalls and confirm the total amount before paying. For food products, check the packaging, expiry date and condition of the item at the stall.

Travellers who do not plan to buy souvenirs may replace Ben Thanh Market with a nearby café or shopping centre. Whichever activity you choose, finish early enough to return to the hotel and check your luggage.

5.3 Afternoon: Collect luggage and travel to the airport

Before leaving the hotel, check your identification, flight ticket, phone, portable charger and all luggage. Easy-to-pack gifts include coffee, tea, chocolate, dried snacks and small handicrafts.

Review the airline’s rules for liquids, strong-smelling food, fragile items and lithium batteries. Portable chargers and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage and should not be placed in checked baggage.

For flights departing after 21:00, consider an early dinner at Food Exchange Restaurant, coffee in District 3 or a short walk around Turtle Lake. Choose an activity close to the luggage storage location and avoid restaurants that commonly require a long wait.

6. What to eat during a 3-day, 2-night trip to Saigon

The most convenient approach is to match dining stops with each sightseeing route rather than setting aside a separate session just to search for food. The itinerary can combine local specialities, Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine and a meal at the hotel.

Dish or Venue	Estimated Price	Recommended Time
Thanh Xuan My Tho-Style Hu Tieu	VND 30,000–75,000	Morning of Day 3
Hong Hoa Banh Mi	VND 17,000–35,000	Quick breakfast or snack
Nguyen Van Cu Broken Rice	VND 100,000–200,000	Lunch on Day 1
Tien Phat Dim Sum	VND 40,000–110,000 per serving	Breakfast or lunch on Day 2
Co Lan Crab Soup	VND 38,000–75,000	Lunch or afternoon snack on Day 2
Food Exchange Restaurant	Varies by menu and buffet programme	Dinner on Day 1 or Day 2
Drinks at OnTop Bar	Varies by beverage	Before or after dinner

Families travelling with young children should prioritise restaurants with comfortable seating and varied menus. Travellers following a vegetarian diet or with a history of food allergies should inform the restaurant when booking, particularly when ordering dim sum, broth-based dishes or seafood buffets.

7. Estimated cost of a 3-day, 2-night trip to Saigon

The table below estimates the cost per person when travelling in a group of at least two. Airfares are not included because prices vary considerably depending on the departure city, airline and booking date.

Category	Budget	Standard	Comfortable
Two nights of accommodation	VND 300,000–500,000	VND 1,000,000–1,800,000	VND 3,000,000–6,000,000
Meals for three days	VND 350,000–500,000	VND 900,000–1,500,000	VND 2,500,000–4,000,000
Admission fees and activities	Around VND 100,000	Around VND 600,000	Around VND 1,200,000
Local transport	Around VND 100,000	VND 250,000–400,000	VND 800,000–1,500,000
Drinks and evening activities	Around VND 100,000	VND 350,000–500,000	VND 1,000,000–2,000,000
Souvenirs	Around VND 150,000	VND 300,000–500,000	VND 1,000,000–2,000,000
Estimated total	VND 1,100,000–1,850,000	VND 3,400,000–5,300,000	VND 9,500,000–16,700,000

Actual costs may be higher due to airport surcharges, increased transport fares during rainy weather, additional drinks, service charges and taxes at certain restaurants or hotels.

Room rates also vary between weekdays, weekends and peak seasons, as well as according to cancellation and amendment conditions. Check current prices when booking rather than treating these estimates as fixed rates.

8. Transport options for the itinerary

Transport	Suitable Routes	Notes
Walking	Attractions less than 1 km apart in District 1 and District 3	Avoid walking for long periods at midday and take care when crossing roads
Ride-hailing services	District 3 to Cholon, hotel to Ben Thanh Market and dinner transfers	Fares are displayed in advance but may increase during rain or peak hours
Taxi	Airport transfers, families with young children and groups carrying substantial luggage	Choose a clearly identifiable operator and check the trip details
Public bus	Travellers with more time who want to reduce costs	Check the route, stops and luggage rules in advance
Metro Line 1	Ben Thanh and areas in eastern Ho Chi Minh City	Confirm that a station is close to the intended destination
Private car	Families, larger groups and business travellers	More expensive but offers greater control over the schedule

For a three-day trip, taxis and ride-hailing services remain convenient for journeys to Cholon, District 3 and the airport. The metro works well when the destination is close to a station, while walking is best reserved for compact sightseeing clusters in the city centre.

To reduce delays caused by traffic, avoid long journeys between 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:30. When the schedule cannot be changed, book transport early and allow at least 30 additional minutes as a buffer.

9. How to adjust the itinerary for different types of travellers

Traveller Type	Activities to Prioritise	Activities to Reduce	Notes
Couples	Sunset views, OnTop Bar, pottery-making and the riverfront	One museum or a busy market	Book in advance when requesting outdoor seating
Families	Swimming pool, indoor restaurants and shorter sightseeing stops	Long walks and exhibitions with sensitive content	Allow a midday break of two to three hours
Business travellers	Attractions near the hotel, OnTop Bar and on-site dining	Out-of-town tours	Use the time before 09:00 or after 17:00

Couples can skip one museum on the first day, return to the hotel earlier and arrive at OnTop Bar before sunset. On the second day, rather than trying to cover Cholon, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Thu Thiem, they may choose a pottery-making session or a Saigon Waterbus journey.

Families should limit each day to two main sightseeing areas. Some exhibitions at the War Remnants Museum may not be suitable for young children, while Binh Tay Market is large and often crowded. A midday break in the room or at the swimming pool will help the family maintain their energy.

Business travellers can visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office before work, stop at Turtle Lake during a break or visit OnTop Bar after 17:00. Guests staying in eligible room categories with Premier Lounge access also have an additional space for working or meeting business partners.

10. Saigon itinerary for rainy days

Saigon’s rainy season generally lasts from May to November. Showers can develop quickly in the afternoon, so the itinerary should include indoor alternatives.

Planned Activity	Alternative
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Nguyen Hue Walking Street	Saigon Central Post Office, Diamond Plaza or an indoor experience
Ben Thanh Market	Takashimaya and Saigon Centre
Saigon Waterbus or Thu Thiem riverfront	Pottery-making, a spa treatment or a break at the hotel
Turtle Lake	War Remnants Museum
OnTop Bar during unfavourable weather	Dinner at Food Exchange Restaurant

During heavy rain or thunderstorms, postpone outdoor activities. Ride-hailing cars or taxis are more suitable than motorbikes in these conditions.

Before booking the Saigon Waterbus or any timed activity, review the rescheduling and refund policies. Once the rain has eased, allow a little extra time for traffic conditions to stabilise before continuing the journey.

11. Should you include Cu Chi or the Mekong Delta in a 3-day, 2-night itinerary?

Choose either the Cu Chi Tunnels or a My Tho–Ben Tre tour only when it is a main priority of the trip and you are prepared to reduce the time spent exploring central Ho Chi Minh City.

Option	Advantages	Limitations	Duration
Three days in the city	Flexible itinerary covering several areas	Does not include an out-of-town excursion	Three full days
One day at the Cu Chi Tunnels	Learn about the tunnel network and military history	Requires considerable travel time	Half a day to one day
One day in My Tho and Ben Tre	Experience waterways and fruit orchards	Takes up most of the day	Approximately 9–10 hours

Avoid combining both the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta in the same three-day, two-night trip. These excursions can take up a large proportion of the itinerary, leaving limited time for the city. To experience both, extend the trip to at least four or five days.

12. Pre-trip checklist

Time	Preparation
Before the trip	Book accommodation, save the confirmation details and check flight times, baggage allowances and ticket-change policies
Before the trip	Reserve Saigon Waterbus tickets, workshops or a table at OnTop Bar when necessary
Before the trip	Install a ride-hailing app, prepare payment methods and check the weather forecast
Upon arrival	Go to the correct pick-up area, keep some cash available and leave luggage at the hotel
Before departure day	Confirm the terminal, flight time and when to leave the hotel
Before departure day	Separate liquids, food and fragile items, and move portable chargers into hand luggage
Before checking out	Check identification, phone, chargers and all luggage

13. Frequently asked questions about a 3-day, 2-night Saigon itinerary

13.1 Are three days and two nights enough for Saigon?

Three days and two nights are enough to explore key areas such as District 1, District 3, Cholon and the riverfront when attractions are grouped into convenient routes. The Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta should replace one day in the city rather than being added to an already full itinerary.

13.2 How much does a 3-day, 2-night trip to Saigon cost?

Excluding airfares, the estimated budget is approximately VND 1.1–1.85 million per person for a budget trip, VND 3.4–5.3 million for a standard trip and from VND 9.5 million for an itinerary with higher spending on accommodation, dining and activities.

The final cost depends mainly on the type of accommodation, transport, dinners, drinks and paid activities.

13.3 Is it better to stay in District 1 or District 3?

District 1 is suitable for travellers who want to stay close to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, shopping centres and evening entertainment areas. District 3 has a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing convenient access to District 1, the airport and attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Turtle Lake and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

The area near the boundary between District 1 and District 3 is particularly convenient for a short stay because it reduces travel time between sightseeing routes.

13.4 How long does it take to travel from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the city centre?

The journey generally takes around 25–45 minutes in favourable traffic conditions. During peak hours or rainy weather, it may take between 60 and 90 minutes. Allow additional travel time on both arrival and departure days.

13.5 Should you rent a motorbike for a short trip?

A motorbike is suitable only for travellers with a valid driving licence who are familiar with city traffic and know where to park. For a three-day trip, taxis or ride-hailing services are generally more convenient because there is no need to manage directions, parking or luggage.

14. A convenient place to stay for a 3-day, 2-night itinerary

Accommodation location has a significant effect on travel time during a short trip. Located at 167 Hai Ba Trung, Novotel Saigon Centre is in District 3 and provides convenient connections to District 1, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, business districts and many of the attractions included in this itinerary.

The hotel features 247 modern rooms with city views. Dining and relaxation options include Food Exchange Restaurant, OnTop Bar on level 20, a swimming pool, fitness centre and The Spa. Guests staying in selected room categories may also access Premier Lounge according to the benefits included with their booking.

The location makes it convenient to leave luggage before check-in, take a midday break and continue sightseeing in the evening. On departure day, guests can check out before 12:00, use the luggage service and allow time for a meal or nearby activity before travelling to the airport.

Review the room options at Novotel Saigon Centre and check the current offers before finalising the budget for the trip.

Novotel Saigon Centre
Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 28 3822 4866
Email: h7965@accor.com
Website: www.novotel-saigon-centre.com