How to Spend 7 Days in Ho Chi Minh City - A Complete Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 | Morning

Independence Palace

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 40000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Reunification Palace was once the office of the French Governor in Vietnam. It is now a venue for government meetings and heads of state receptions. It is also an open historical site for both domestic and foreign visitors. The Palace is 3 stories high with two side buildings and a basement. There is a luxurious meeting room on the first floor; a credential submission room, a presidential VIP room, a banquet hall, and a presidential office on the second floor; and a movie room and entertainment room on the third floor. Reunification Palace is surrounded by trees, with a large lawn in front of the main entrance and a fountain.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: This is an amazing place to visit, the rooms are still furnished in 1960/70's style. Even though they are corded off you really get to see into the life of the tenants and visitors. Spend some time to look around. Also great views. It cost next to nothing and is a great place to spend a few hours. I icy they hadn’t parked the tanks on the lawn out front and it is ruining the grass

Trip.com User: The weather in Ho Chi Minh was so good that I went well, but the people who stayed in the same hostel were sleeves on their phones, so I was scared and I didn't take the picture well. Be careful with sleeves. The motorcycle is full. Other than that, the food and the weather and the scenery are beautiful.

Day 1 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Independence Palace, you can head to War Remnants Museum, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

War Remnants Museum

Opening Hours: 7:30-18:00

Ticket Price: 40000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum is one of the five outstanding museums in Vietnam. The War Remnants Museum is a place to call for world peace. The museum is not only a place for patriotic education in Vietnam, but also an important place for tourists to visit. The content of the exhibition is divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. The indoor part uses pictures, maps and text to describe how the US military used advanced weapons and inhumane methods to kill Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Even though the name of the museum has changed, the content has not changed. The interpretive languages used in the museum include Vietnamese, English and Chinese. Interestingly, the vast majority of these images depicting U.S. atrocities are from the United States. There are real objects on display in the museum. The outdoor part is a display of aircraft, artillery shells and various gas bombs used by the US military during the Vietnam War. There is also a French-made guillotine shipped to Vietnam in the early 20th century, which was fully used between 1959-1960 and is chilling to watch. There are eight themed exhibition halls in the museum, and the display themes are: historical truth, photo collection of current affairs of international photojournalists who died in the Indochina war, photo collection of current affairs of Japanese photographers, prison system, crimes of the war of aggression, "white dove" children The Department of Education and people from all over the world supported the Vietnam War of Resistance.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: The museum is somewhat small, but it has some very interesting exhibits. The captured American aircraft and tanks outside are cool to look at. I've been to several Vietnam war museums in this country, and many are straight up propaganda. This one isn't. It's actually fairly subjective. And the Agent Orange exhibit was very powerful. An absolute must visit in Saigon. Parts of the museum feel a bit “propaganda-y”, but the Agent Orange exhibit is an absolutely important piece of history that everyone should see. It is also informative, heartbreaking, and highlights the resilience of the Vietnamese people. I will never forget the exhibit and will always remember the shame felt as an American in the museum.

Kazzyy: I went to War Remnants Museum where is located in Ho Chi Minh. It was hurtbroken to see everything there, however it was really good and worth to get to know what happened in the world and learn them. I just can not believe that it was happened not long ago. Many travellers visited there to see and educate ourselves. Especially people from the countries which was involved that occurrence have to visit and see them. I hope this world wont be like that and the peaceful place would be continued. ❤️ #vietnam #war #warremnantsmuseum #experiences #memories #dontletithappenagain

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, The Reverie Saigon is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

The Reverie Saigon

Conveniently located in District 1, The Reverie Saigon Hotel offers luxurious and stylish accommodations with free WiFi access in the guestrooms. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center and sauna facility on site. The hotel is just 300 m from Tax Trade Center and 400 m from Opera House. Union Square is 500 m away, while Tan Son Nhat International Airport is accessible with an 5 mi drive. Elegantly furnished, air-conditioned rooms come equipped with a wardrobe, mini-bar, a flat-screen TV and comfortable seating area. The private bathroom features a spa bathtub, shower facility, bathrobes and free toiletries. Ironing facilities are also available. At The Reverie Saigon Hotel, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or enjoy drinks served at the bar. Business center and meeting/banquet facilities are available, while the 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage and airport transfers. The in-house restaurant offers a delectable spread of Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be provided in the privacy of guests' rooms. District 1 is a great choice for travelers interested in museums, shopping and history.

Day 2 | Morning

Bitexco Financial Tower

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30-21:30

Ticket Price: 200000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Financial Tower is also known as the "roof" of the city. The tower is 262 meters high and has a total of 68 floors. The observation deck is located on the 49th floor. The building is located in the center of the first county of Hu City, invested and constructed by Pingming Import and Export Production and Operation Co., Ltd. The famous American architect Carlos Zapata used the lotus shape, a symbol of Vietnamese culture, in his design. Urban landmarks often become a benchmark for the economic development level of a city or a country. Ho Chi Minh's financial tower seems to be announcing to the world that Vietnam is not only a beautiful scenery, but also a gradually booming economy. However, in Ho Chi Minh City, which retains the elegant style of 19th-century French colonial architecture, this slightly abrupt modernist building is a bit out of place, and some people think that building such a high-rise in the city center violates the principles of historic preservation. The observation deck on the 49th floor of the building has a bird's-eye view of the entire Ho Chi Minh City and the crooked Mekong River. There is a special entrance to buy tickets and take the elevator directly. Although the souvenirs are a little expensive, the use of high-powered telescopes is free.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: It's cost-effective to come to the small bar on the top floor to see the night scene. You can choose the evening to see it. It's worth a visit from the day to the night.

Trip.com User: Even if you go to the financial tower on the rainy day, you can clearly see the 360-degree Ho Chi Minh. Yes, it is recommended that tourists go.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Bitexco Financial Tower, you can head to Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Ticket Price: 230000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

Water puppet show is Vietnam's "national quintessence" and one of Vietnam's characteristic traditional folk stage shows. It has a history of more than 800 years. Although "water puppets" originated in North Vietnam, they have been slowly relocated to Ho Chi Minh City over the past decade due to their popularity with foreign tourists. The performance method is to set up a stage on the pool, and the actors who are immersed in the water in the background manipulate the puppets with long lines or bamboo poles, and sing, read and play with the accompaniment on the spot, so that the puppets can vividly interpret various Vietnamese folklore stories. There are many performance venues for water puppet shows, especially the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, which lasts about 50 minutes.

Day 2 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, InterContinental Saigon, an IHG Hotel is the best places.

InterContinental Saigon, an IHG Hotel

Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is InterContinental Saigon, which offers luxurious accommodation with leisure facilities including a 24-hour fitness centre.

InterContinental Saigon is linked to the mPlaza Saigon complex, which offers a variety of retail options. It is also close to several historical and cultural attractions including Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Ben Thanh Market and Reunification Palace.

Rooms at InterContinental Saigon feature floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms with a separate rainforest shower. Rooms are also fitted with ample workspace, an iPod docking station and DVD player. Turndown service is also offered.

The Spa InterContinental boasts state-of-the-art equipment and luxurious signature spa treatments. Yoga classes are available on request.

Enjoy a meal at InterContinental Saigon's on-site restaurant offering a variety of Cantonese, Italian, international and local cuisines. You can also relax with a refreshing drink at The Library or Purple Jade.

Day 3 | Morning

Fine Arts Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 30000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 97A D Pho Duc Chinh, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

The building of the Ho Chi Minh Museum is bright yellow and has an attractive appearance. It was built during the French colonial period in the early 20th century and was jointly designed by Vietnamese and French designers. The main structure of the museum has three floors, and the collection is rich. Art lovers should not miss it. The first floor of the museum displays relevant works of local and international contemporary artists, the second floor gallery displays the collection of contemporary art, including some sketches, paintings and sculptures originating from the colonial period, and the third floor displays older works. There are also collections displayed in the basement.

Reviews from Real Guests:

_Casper_hk: The Ho Chi Minh Art Gallery is near the most lively and famous cityside market. The cityside market is still a noisy and crowded area. As we walked along the road to the visible art gallery, the horns gradually faded away and the air around us seemed to be quiet. The Ho Chi Minh Art Museum, a three-story building with a goose-yellow exterior, was completed in 1934 and was actually a villa and former residence of Chinese merchants in Sai Kung. It was rebuilt as an art museum by the government in 1987. It is said that because there were too few cultural relics in the early years, the exhibition was not started when the renovation was completed. It was only opened in 1992 and now it is a museum with a large collection of Vietnamese art.

Trip.com User: A place where travelers are busy taking pictures of themselves rather than seeing the work. It can be hot in the middle of the day, so you have to use your hand fan.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Cu Chi Tunnels nearby is the top choice before you leave Fine Arts Museum and hit the road.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Opening Hours: Open from 7:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 90000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

Like an underground village, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the three major relics in Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels played a surprisingly successful role in the various wars that Vietnam has experienced, so it has become a legendary and popular attraction. The Cu Chi Tunnel is 250 kilometers long and is composed of numerous tunnels less than 80 cm wide, which are divided into three layers, and the third layer is 8 meters deep. Each floor is equipped with air holes extending to the ground indistinctly. There are wells, granaries, conference rooms, and dormitories in the tunnels, like a large military camp. The first floor has to walk in a half-squatting manner, the second floor may have to kneel to advance, and the third floor may even need to crawl forward. Through personal experience, go deep into the authentic, and be shocked by the indomitable national character of the Vietnamese. The tunnel is narrow and there is no room for movement, and it won't take long for you to sweat profusely. The terrain of the Cu Chi tunnels is relatively intact, and the wreckage of helicopters, chariots, and bunkers can still be seen on the ground, quietly spreading in special scenic spots, reminding people of the ruthlessness and cruelty of war.

Reviews from Real Guests:

nengratihkurniawan: The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

Ramdankurniawan21: The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War,

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Les Hameaux de l＇Orient Ho Chi Minh is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Les Hameaux de l＇Orient Ho Chi Minh

Set in Trung L?p in the Ho Chi Minh Municipality Region, 43 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Les Hameaux de l'Orient features a year-round outdoor pool and views of the lake. The hotel has a sun terrace and hot tub, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a TV. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. Some units have views of the pool or garden. All rooms include a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. Les Hameaux de l'Orient features free WiFi throughout the property.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is 36 km away.

Day 4 | Morning

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 7:30am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 30000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum was rebuilt from the Gia Long Palace built by the French. It was once an important political center of the Vietnamese regime. Now it is open to the public as a museum showing the history of the Vietnamese people's heroes resisting foreign aggression. The museum is a beautiful neoclassical off-white building, built in 1885. The museum displays artifacts from different periods of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It can be seen from some of the French Communist newspapers on display that Ho Chi Minh used the pseudonym NguyenAiQuoc to write for these newspapers during his stay in Paris. Also on display are the aircraft and other weapons used in that year, as well as some photos and documents. Compared with other museums in Ho Chi Minh City, this museum is somewhat inconspicuous, but it is also one of the rare tourist attractions.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Ho Chi Minh City Museum, don’t forget pay a visit to Museum of Vietnamese History.

Museum of Vietnamese History

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 30000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

The History Museum was built by the French in 1929. There are various cultural relics in the cultural evolution process of Vietnam in various periods since 3,300 years in the museum. There are many stone tools, ancient bronzes, stone tablets, bronze drums, Champa art, pottery and ethnic costumes, etc., all of which are very precious. It is a place where you can learn about the history of Vietnam. The museum is mainly divided into two stages, the first stage is ancient Vietnam, and the second part is Vietnam after the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The display of the first stage is divided into several halls, basically each dynasty in the ancient history of Vietnam is an exhibition hall. The exhibition halls in the second part display many important historical relics of South Vietnam and North Vietnam according to various themes, including ancient pottery. Many of these exhibits are powerful evidences that reflect the ancient culture of Vietnam. In addition, the museum also preserves a large number of important historical relics, and these exhibits are displayed separately from other exhibits. In the three-cuddle library at the rear of the museum, there are also collections of books from the French colonial period, and the research materials are quite rich. In Den Hung, directly opposite the museum, the founding monarch (Hung King) of Vietnam and his ancestors are also enshrined.

Day 4 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, New World Saigon Hotel is the best places.

New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City District 1 amid a bustling neighborhood of restaurants and entertainment venues, within walking distance to markets, museums and places of cultural interest. The hotel is located 20 minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and steps away from the central bus station, making it a perfect location to explore the city. The hotel offers 533 guestrooms and suites with multiple event venues, a casual all-day restaurant, a sophisticated Chinese restaurant and a vibrant lounge for late night enjoyment.

Day 5 | Morning

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 50000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam

Grass Bird Garden is one of the most famous animal and botanical gardens in Southeast Asia, and it is also the largest animal and botanical garden in Vietnam. It has a history of more than 100 years and covers an area of 32 hectares. The origin of the name of the grass bird garden. Most of the tropical plants grown in Vietnam are planted in the botanical garden. It is a large and colorful garden, decorated with rockeries, pavilions and bonsai, which is refreshing and pleasant. The characteristic of this grass and bird garden is that it is planted with huge and lush trees, accompanied by lush green lawns and well-designed flower beds. It covers an area of 33 hectares.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Artinus 3D Art Museum.

Artinus 3D Art Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Fri,Sun,9:00am-7:00pm;Open on Mon-Thu,9:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 150000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: 02-04 Road 9, Him Lam Residence, Tan Hung Thuan Ward, District 7 | District 7, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

The works displayed in the Ho Chi Minh 3D Museum allow visitors' senses to reflect three-dimensional objects or scenes through 'optical illusions', and guests can take pictures in 2D and 3D art and sculpture works. Visitors can use their countless imaginations to take creative photos or fully immerse themselves in the paintings to achieve a lifelike artistic effect.

Day 5 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, The Reverie Saigon Residential Suites is the best places.

The Reverie Saigon Residential Suites

THE REVERIE SAIGON residential-style suites
Designed in the same inimitable Italian style as that of hotel, the 89 full-service apartments of The Reverie Saigon present luxurious residential-style living spaces for those who prefer a more home-style setting and conveniences while travelling.

Ranging in size from a very comfortable 80 square metres to a spacious 140 square metres, our fully furnished residential-style suites are available in one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and all come outfitted with sleek kitchens designed by Snaidero and equipped with modern appliances, cookware and crockery.

Rich in design details and featuring panoramic views of the Saigon River and surrounding city skyline, our residential-style suites range from classic to contemporary in their interiors.

Located within the landmark Times Square Building in District 1, The Reverie Saigon’s residential-style living space comes replete with its own private entrance and lobby, 24-hour guest service, a chic Residence Lounge designed by Giorgetti and full access to the hotel’s facilities and services.

Day 6 | Morning

Southern Women's Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sat-Sun,7:30am-11:30am,1:30pm-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 15000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 200-202 Vo Thi After St Ward 7, Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Southern Women's Museum is one of the more distinctive museums in Ho Chi Minh City, introducing the changes in the living customs and social status of women throughout the history of Vietnam. One part shows the evolution of women's clothing over thousands of years, including clothes for daily life and dresses for important occasions, etc. The other part introduces the great achievements of Vietnamese women in the war against French colonists and American invaders. Photos of the heroines and the items they used, as well as actual written data on them.

Day 6 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Southern Women's Museum, don’t forget pay a visit to My Spa.

My Spa

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-11:30pm

Ticket Price: 320000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 15C4 Thi Sach Street, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

This local SPA club in Vietnam highly respects the concept of natural and organic life, so the care products used here are also 100% natural, and the massage by professional masseurs can relax people's body and mind.

Day 6 | Evening

After visiting the glorious My Spa, Sherwood Suites nearby is the best place to stay.

Sherwood Suites

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Sherwood Suites offers accommodation with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and private parking is available on site.There is a private bathroom with bath and free toiletries in each unit, along with a hairdryer.A buffet breakfast is served daily at the property. The restaurant at the apartment specialises in Asian cuisine.In the wellness area you will find a hot tub, sauna and a fitness centre.A kids' club is also available for guests at the property.Popular points of interest near Sherwood Suites include Tan Dinh Market, Sai Gon Square 3 - Hai Ba Trung and War Remnants Museum. The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 5 km from the property.

Day 7 | Morning

Hop On Hop Off Vietnam

Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00

Ticket Price: 200000 VND

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh

Explore the sights of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace on a tour bus, hopping on and off at popular sites, including Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market.

Therer are also audio commentary available in multiple languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and Vietnamese.

Day 7 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: A O Show.

A O Show

Location: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh.

The name ‘A O’ derives from ‘Lang Pho’, which means ‘village and city’. The show depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. The show is a unique mix of bamboo circus, acrobatic acts, dance, and theatrical visual art. The live music echoes Vietnamese Southern work songs. All in all, this beautiful blend of genres creates a unique stage language, which well captures the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.