2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Itinerary & Travel Guide

Day 2: Markets, Pagodas, and Local Life

Morning: Explore Cholon – HCMC’s Chinatown
Start your morning in Cholon, a vibrant area rich in trade and tradition. Visit Thien Hau Temple, built in the 1800s and filled with incense smoke and detailed carvings. A traveler said, “It was peaceful yet so alive with devotion.” Just a few steps away, explore Binh Tay Market, where locals buy everything from herbs to electronics. Try a warm banh bao (~20,000 VND / $0.80) or a chilled che dessert (~15,000 VND / $0.60).
Tip: Wear modest clothing and remove your hat when entering temples to show respect.

Coffee Break: A Café with Character
Take a rest at The Workshop or L’Usine, both offering local charm and serious coffee. Try a ca phe sua da for ~50,000 VND ($2) or a crafted pour-over. One customer said, “It felt like a quiet creative hideaway.”
Tip: Avoid loud conversations—locals enjoy their coffee slowly and respectfully.

Lunch: Banh Xeo or Street Food
Order banh xeo at Banh Xeo 46A for about 80,000 VND ($3.10). This crispy pancake comes with pork, shrimp and herbs. A guest said, “Crunchy outside, juicy inside-pure comfort food.”
Tip: Use your hands with the lettuce wrap-it’s how locals do it.

Ben Thanh Market buzzes during our 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon: Jade Emperor Pagoda & Art Scene
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, filled with smoky altars and statues of gods. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. A traveler shared, “It felt mystical and grounding at the same time.” Then, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which costs about 30,000 VND ($1.20) and offers colonial architecture and Vietnamese art.
Tip: At temples, avoid pointing your feet toward altars or statues-it’s considered disrespectful.

Evening: Cruise or Cooking Class
Wrap up your 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City with a river cruise or cooking class. Dinner cruises cost from 500,000 VND ($20) and show the skyline at sunset. A guest shared, “The view was dreamy and the breeze was perfect.” Cooking classes, around 800,000 VND ($32), often start at the market and end with a homemade feast.
Tip: Bring small bills for tips or temple donations-it’s a kind gesture locals appreciate.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Most travelers stay in District 1, the city’s lively center and home to major landmarks and attractions. If you enjoy walking, you’ll love its accessibility–everything is just a few minutes from food or fun. For a quieter scene, District 3 is a great pick with leafy streets and French-inspired architecture. One traveler noted, “District 3 felt calmer but still close enough to join the action when I wanted.” For something more upscale, Thao Dien in District 2 offers modern comforts and an expat-friendly atmosphere. This riverside area is known for trendy cafes and boutique living, though it’s farther from downtown, so be sure to allow extra travel time.

Top Accommodation Options

Budget: Town House 50 (District 1) – Clean, central and social. Dorms start around $12 USD (~300,000 VND) per night.

Mid-range: Fusion Suites Saigon – Sleek, relaxing and close to Tao Dan Park. Rates begin at $80 USD (~2,000,000 VND) nightly.

Luxury: The Reverie Saigon – Pure opulence with panoramic views. Expect to pay $300 USD (~7,500,000 VND) or more per night.

What and Where to Eat

Food in Ho Chi Minh City is a joyful discovery, offering vibrant flavors that reflect local culture in every bite. From humble stalls to stylish cafés, the city delivers nonstop deliciousness.

Start with pho, Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup. Visit Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur, open 6 AM–10:30 PM). A bowl costs around 60,000 VND (~$2.40 USD). Add herbs, lime and chili then stir gently for balanced flavor.

Next, savor banh mi, the iconic sandwich. Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, 2:30 PM–midnight) or Banh Mi 37 (37 Nguyen Trai, from 5 PM) serve it for 35,000-50,000 VND (~$1.40–$2.00 USD). Eat warm with pickled veggies and optional hot sauce.

Only 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City? Don’t skip Huynh Hoa

Then try goi cuon, fresh spring rolls with shrimp and herbs. At Quan An Ngon (138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, 7 AM–10 PM), it costs 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD). Dip into peanut sauce and enjoy in one or two bites.

For spice lovers, go for bun bo Hue at Dong Ba Hue Restaurant (110A Nguyen Du, 6:30 AM–9 PM). A bowl is about 65,000 VND (~$2.60 USD). Slurp it hot with lime and banana blossoms.

Finally, try com tam, broken rice with grilled pork, at Com Tam Cali (222 Hai Ba Trung, 7 AM–9 PM) for 55,000 VND (~$2.20 USD). Pour fish sauce mix before eating for full flavor.

To end on a sweet note, sip an egg coffee or coconut coffee at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee (119/5 Yersin, 7 AM–10 PM) for 50,000 VND (~$2.00 USD). Stir slowly and savor the creamy top.

Cultural Etiquette

• Dress modestly at temples and pagodas. Cover your shoulders and knees to show proper respect when entering sacred spaces.

• Avoid touching heads, especially children’s. In Vietnamese culture, the head is seen as the most sacred part of the body.

• Use both hands when giving or receiving items from elders. This simple gesture shows politeness and appreciation for age and status.

• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Most households expect it, and many offer indoor slippers at the door.

• Keep physical affection private in public areas. A quick smile or nod is more culturally accepted than hugs or kisses outside.

2 days in Ho Chi Minh City, bowing to culture with every step

Optional Add-Ons

If you can stretch your 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City, a few add-ons offer deeper insights into local life and history. A half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels reveals the underground tactics used during the war—tight, intense and unforgettable. Many visitors call it a powerful learning experience. For a slower rhythm, the Mekong Delta is a full-day escape into rural Vietnam. Float past stilt houses, visit coconut candy workshops and enjoy a peaceful river cruise. It’s a contrast to the city’s energy. Back in town, catch a live show at the Saigon Opera House if time allows. The building itself is a gem of French colonial architecture and hosts everything from acrobatics to traditional Vietnamese performances. Each add-on shows a different side of Vietnam and adds color to your journey. Even with limited time, they’re well worth the extra effort.

Final Thoughts

Spending 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City may only offer a glimpse, but it’s enough to feel the pulse of Vietnam. This vibrant city blends cultural depth and modern energy in every corner-from historic sites to buzzing markets. The smell of street food and sounds of motorbikes stay with you long after you leave. Still, the real magic often lies in the unplanned moments. Perhaps it’s sharing a smile with a vendor or sipping an egg coffee while watching daily life unfold. Many travelers say that slowing down helped them connect more deeply with the city. So here’s my honest advice-resist the urge to over-plan. Build in time to explore freely, let the streets guide you and keep your eyes open. You may come for the history, but you’ll return for the spirit. And if these two days inspire you, don’t be surprised when you start planning your return.