Ho Chi Minh City attractions? Discover the best of Saigon in 2 days

Curious about the best sights in Ho Chi Minh City and wondering what you absolutely must see during your visit to Vietnam's vibrant south? Ho Chi Minh City—or Saigon, as the locals still call it—is a fascinating mix of colonial grandeur, wartime history, street food culture, and chaotic energy. During our trip, we discovered the city through the eyes of a local guide: from historical landmarks and lively markets to impressive war memorials and a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

In this blog post, I'll take you through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, supplemented with practical travel tips, insider advice, and our personal experiences.

Ho Chi Minh City in 2 days: historical places you can't miss

Ho Chi Minh City attractions: start your visit at the Reunification Palace

Our visit begins at the Reunification Palace , perhaps the most important place to understand the story of the Vietnam War. This is the building where the war officially ended when North Vietnamese tanks broke through the gates on April 30, 1975. It was the moment Saigon fell and Hanoi became the new capital.

Inside, you'll wander through time capsules: the command rooms, bunker halls, meeting rooms, and on the roof, the famous helicopter once used in a failed attack on the president. Everything breathes history—confronting yet essential.

Tip: Go in the morning or late afternoon. The tropical heat in HCMC is intense.

The best local experience: the vibrant Ben Thanh Market

After diving into history, we seek out the hustle and bustle of Ben Thanh Market , a chaotic but irresistible market full of smells, colors and sounds.

Here you will find:

• mountains of fresh herbs, vegetables and tropical fruits

• typical Vietnamese snacks

• Coffee stalls everywhere — did you know Vietnam is the world's second largest coffee producer?

We order a Bánh Mì and watch in amazement as the market vendors take action and enjoy the unique chaos that only Vietnam seems to be able to create.

Colonial Ho Chi Minh City: Notre Dame, the Post Office and the Opera House

The colonial part of the city surprises us with its elegance. During a short tour, we'll visit:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Built by the French with entirely imported building materials—even the bricks came from Marseille. A European monument in tropical heat.

• The Central Post Office

An architectural gem by… Gustave Eiffel ! Inside, a large map of Indochina hangs, and the atmosphere feels like it's straight out of the 1900s.

• Opera House & City Hall

Two beautiful buildings that radiate Saigon's glamorous colonial past.

• Hotel Continental

Known from The Quiet American and still a beloved spot for writers and travelers.

Where to stay in Saigon: the Silverland Jolie Hotel

After an intense day full of impressions, it's time to relax. Our hotel, Silverland Jolie, is perfectly located near the colonial district. The rooftop bar with pool proves to be a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

A fresh cocktail, a view of the skyline, and some time to relax — wonderful!

In the evening, we enjoy dinner at Home Saigon , where you can sample refined dishes from traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Highly recommended!

Tip : To get around Saigon, it is useful to install the Grab app on your phone. With this app you can visit all kinds of locations on a budget.

Cu Chi Tunnels day trip: an intense look at history

The Cu Chi Tunnels: An Underground World

The next morning we head to the world-famous Cu Chi Tunnels area, one of the most impressive and emotional sites of the war. Here you will discover:

• narrow underground tunnels

• strategic kitchens, hospitals and command centers

• traps and camouflage techniques

• tanks, bomb craters and bunker remains

You can crawl through some of the tunnels—but even with them adapted for tourists, it remains cramped and claustrophobic . Fascinating, but not for everyone.

The loud shooting range right next to the site is a constant reminder of the past. An intense, raw experience. You can book this unmissable trip here !

The Mekong Delta: floating villages, coconut trees and local specialties

After lunch we set course for the Mekong, where a completely different world opens up.

In My Tho:

• we sail with a boat across the wide river

• we taste local honey and herbal tea

• we walk along fruit plantations

• we take a trip with a traditional sampan through narrow waterways full of coconut palms

It's tropical, green, slow and dreamy — a beautiful counterpoint to hectic Ho Chi Minh City.

Those who dare can try snake wine (rúợu rắn) — a drink with a medicinal reputation, but… let's just say it wasn't an immediate favorite of ours.

Practical tips for your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi

Best time to travel

• December to April: dry, sunny, warm — ideal

• May to October: rainy season with tropical showers

Essential tips

• Take enough water with you: the heat is heavy, especially near the tunnels.

• Use tropical mosquito repellent (DEET) — especially in the Mekong Delta (dengue + sometimes malaria in rural areas).

• Wear plenty of sunscreen.

• Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty (the tunnels are muddy).

• Good walking shoes are a must.

How long to stay?

• 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City

• 1 day Cu Chi + Mekong (perfect to combine)