Food Finds and Souvenirs

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its delicious and affordable cuisine. If you only have a day to explore, I would recommend starting your tour with a hearty bowl of Pho, Vietnam’s national dish. Pho is a noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs and your choice of protein like chicken or beef. One of the best places to get an authentic bowl of pho is Pho Hoa on Pasteur Street. After fueling up, wander through the busy streets of District 1 in search of souvenirs. For local handicrafts, snacks and more, the iconic Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit. Be prepared to haggle for the best prices on embroidered linens, lacquered wood furnishings and snacks like coconut candy.

History and Architecture

To learn about Vietnam’s complicated history, pay a visit to the informative War Remnants Museum. Through extensive photographs and artifacts, the museum tells the story of the country’s wars against France and America. Afterwards, take in the grand colonial architecture at the elegant City Post Office. Built in the 1890s by the French, its Neo-Romanesque design is a gorgeous reminder of Ho Chi Minh City’s past under French rule. As you wander through the surrounding plaza, snap photos of the ornate Notre Dame Cathedral across the street.

Urban Exploration

As the afternoon approaches, hop on the back of a ** xe om** or motorcycle taxi for an adventurous ride through the busy streets. Your driver can weave in and out of traffic as you take in sights of daily life. Request a stop in bustling Pham Ngu Lao where foreign tourists and locals alike gather at streetside cafes. This lively backpacker enclave is the perfect place to refuel with a smoothie or bubble tea. End your day with a sunset stroll through Tu Do Park, a scenic oasis downtown filled with families, runners and street vendors. Reflect on your whirlwind journey as the sky turns shades of orange and pink overhead.

Getting to the Airport

With just enough time before your evening flight, catch a taxi at the curb. Though traffic can be heavy, the short 25-minute ride to Tan Son Nhat International Airport gives you one last bird’s eye view of this colorful city. After your day of cultural immersion and culinary delights, you’ll leave Ho Chi Minh City with happy memories and a new appreciation for Vietnam. With advance planning, it’s easy to see the top highlights in a single action-packed day. I hope this guide has inspired you to make the most of a transit visit to this energetic Southeast Asian metropolis. A Guide to Exploring Ho Chi Minh City in a Day