Travel guides › Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City in 3 nights and 4 days: history and the river, or markets and the outskirts?
Plan A suits travelers who want to take their time exploring downtown historic sights and riverside nightlife. Plan B is ideal for those interested in traditional markets, the city’s Chinese quarter, and a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Both itineraries start at Tan Son Nhat Airport and end with a trip back to the airport on the final day.
How do you get from the airport to District 1?
Tan Son Nhat Airport is about 20–60 minutes from District 1 by car. GrabCar fares are approximately 120,000–280,000 VND. Bus 109 departs from Terminal 3 and runs to the bus terminal near September 23 Park. The fare is 15,000 VND, and the stated travel time is 20 minutes. Bus 152 passes between the airport and Ben Thanh and is listed as free from July to December 2026.
3 Nights, 4 Days A | Reunification Palace and the Saigon River
Explore District 1’s historic sights, take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, then enjoy downtown views from a Saigon River water bus. This itinerary is a good fit for travelers who want a mix of city sightseeing and riverside nightlife.
Day 1 | From the airport to Reunification Palace and an evening downtown
- Tan Son Nhat Airport → District 1
After landing, a GrabCar ride takes about 20–60 minutes depending on traffic, with an estimated fare of 120,000–280,000 VND. By bus, take the 109 from Terminal 3 to the bus terminal at September 23 Park. The fare is 15,000 VND, and the stated travel time is 20 minutes.
- Accommodation in District 1 → Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
Walk or take a Grab. The palace is open daily from 07:00–18:00, and general admission for adults is 80,000 VND. After exploring the palace and exhibition halls, have dinner at Sen Dai Viet Restaurant in District 1, then enjoy a rooftop cocktail at Aqua Sky Bar.
Day 2 | War Remnants Museum and colonial-era streets
- District 1 → War Remnants Museum
Take a Grab from District 1 or walk from Reunification Palace. The museum is open daily from 07:30–17:30; ticket sales and entry close at 17:00. Standard admission for foreign adults is 60,000 VND.
- War Remnants Museum → Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office
Explore central District 1 on foot or by Grab. The cathedral and post office are next to each other, making them easy to visit together. Check on-site notices about restoration work at the cathedral. For lunch, try Quan Ngon Bun Cha Hanoi in District 1. In the evening, wind down with live music at Curate Saigon Music Cafe Bar.
Day 3 | Mekong Delta day trip and the Saigon River
- District 1 → Mekong Delta (My Tho and Ben Tre)
Book a day tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City and travel toward My Tho and Ben Tre. My Tho is listed as about a 2-hour drive away. The estimated group tour price for adults is 800,000–1,190,000 VND. Before booking, check the destination, boat transfers, meals, and whether admission fees are included.
- Mekong Delta → Bach Dang Wharf
Return to District 1 by tour vehicle and head to Bach Dang Wharf. The Saigon Waterbus runs from 07:00–21:00 on weekdays and 07:00–23:00 on weekends and public holidays. A one-way ticket costs 15,000 VND; a round trip costs 30,000 VND. Check departure times and seat availability, then explore the riverfront. Have dinner at Con Oc Quan in District 1, followed by live music at B.Bop Saigon.
Day 4 | Ben Thanh Market and the airport
- Accommodation in District 1 → Ben Thanh Market
Walk, take a Grab, or walk from Ben Thanh Station on Metro Line 1. The market is listed as open daily from 07:00–19:00, with the night market running from 19:00–24:00. Admission is free. Browse for souvenirs, then have lunch at A Taste of Saigon Old Market in District 1.
- Ben Thanh Market → Tan Son Nhat Airport
The GrabCar ride takes about 20–60 minutes, with an estimated fare of 120,000–280,000 VND. Bus 152 goes via Ben Thanh to the airport and is listed as free from July to December 2026. Bus 109 links the airport with the terminal near September 23 Park and costs 15,000 VND.
3 Nights, 4 Days A: Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)
Reunification Palace 80,000 VND + War Remnants Museum 60,000 VND + Mekong Delta group tour 800,000–1,190,000 VND + Saigon Waterbus round trip 30,000 VND = total 970,000–1,360,000 VND.
- Included: Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum admission, estimated Mekong Delta group tour price, and round-trip waterbus fare
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, airport transfers, optional paid activities, and costs not covered by the tour
3 Nights, 4 Days B | Markets and the Cu Chi Tunnels
Explore Ben Thanh Market and the markets and temples of Cho Lon, then take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This itinerary suits travelers who want to experience local market life and see wartime sites.
Day 1 | From the airport to Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue
- Tan Son Nhat Airport → District 1
A GrabCar takes about 20–60 minutes depending on traffic, with an estimated fare of 120,000–280,000 VND. Bus 109 departs from Terminal 3 and takes about 20 minutes to reach the bus terminal at September 23 Park. The fare is 15,000 VND.
- Accommodation in District 1 → Ben Thanh Market → Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Explore Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street on foot or by Grab. The market is listed as open daily from 07:00–19:00, with the night market running from 19:00–24:00. Admission is free. Have dinner at A Taste of Saigon Kitchen in District 1, stroll along Nguyen Hue, then enjoy the night views at Banana Mama Rooftop Bar & Kitchen.
Day 2 | Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple
- Ben Thanh Market → Binh Tay Market
Take Bus 1; the ride takes about 25 minutes and costs 7,000 VND. The indoor shops at Binh Tay Market are open approximately 06:00–18:00. Admission is free. Take in the architecture and lively commerce of this wholesale market.
- Binh Tay Market → Thien Hau Temple
Walk between the sights in Cho Lon. The temple is open daily from 06:00–17:30, and admission is free. Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, and be considerate of worshippers. Return to District 1 for dinner at Quan Nha, then enjoy a cocktail at Tamarind Hidden Cocktail Bar.
Day 3 | Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
- District 1 → Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Dinh site
Travel from Ben Thanh by day tour or pre-booked car. The Ben Dinh site is open daily from 07:00–17:00. Admission for foreign adults is 135,000 VND. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. If the narrow tunnel sections feel uncomfortable, focus on the exhibits above ground.
- Cu Chi Tunnels → District 1
Return to District 1 by pre-booked car. Have dinner at Lua Dai Viet Restaurant, then listen to live music at Amber Lounge.
Day 4 | Saigon Central Post Office and the airport
- Accommodation in District 1 → Saigon Central Post Office
The post office is within walking distance of major sights in District 1. Admire its arched ceiling and maps, then grab a quick lunch at Ut Thuong Banh Mi in District 1.
- Saigon Central Post Office → Tan Son Nhat Airport
A GrabCar takes about 20–60 minutes, with an estimated fare of 120,000–280,000 VND. If taking the bus, Bus 109 connects the terminal at September 23 Park with the airport; it costs 15,000 VND, and the stated travel time is 20 minutes. Bus 152 goes via Ben Thanh to the airport and is listed as free from July to December 2026.
3 Nights, 4 Days B: Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)
Binh Tay Market 0 VND + Thien Hau Temple 0 VND + Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Dinh site 135,000 VND + Bus 1 round trip to Cho Lon 14,000 VND = total 149,000 VND.
- Included: free entry to Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple, admission to the Cu Chi Tunnels at Ben Dinh, and round-trip Bus 1 fare
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, airport transfers, and the cost of a pre-booked car or tour to and from Cu Chi
FAQ
Which 3-night, 4-day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary should you choose, A or B?
Choose Plan A for historic sights, the Saigon River, and the Mekong Delta; choose Plan B for Cho Lon’s markets and temples and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
How long does it take to get from the airport to District 1, and what should I take?
The drive takes about 20–60 minutes. Estimated GrabCar fares are 120,000–280,000 VND, and buses 109 and 152 are also available.
Does the total admission cost for this itinerary include meals and accommodation?
No. The total is based on the listed admission fees and transport or tour costs. Accommodation, meals, and flights are extra.
Official sources & check dates
- Grab from Ho Chi Minh Airport: pickup points and District 1 fares · 2026-10-28
- Bus 109 to the Saigon bus station: price and times · 2026-10-28
- ANA: Tan Son Nhat International Airport — Travel Information · 2026-10-28
- Miễn phí vé xe buýt phát huy hiệu quả, lượng khách tăng hơn 30% · 2026-10-28
- Independence Palace — Hours of operation and ticket price · 2026-10-28
- War Remnants Museum official site · 2026-10-28
- Saigon WaterBus — Water Bus · 2026-10-28
- Saigon WaterBus 공식 홈페이지 · 2026-10-28
- Day-tripping in the Mekong Delta — Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Contact and visitor information – Independence Palace · 2026-10-28
- War Remnants Museum — Terms and Conditions · 2026-10-28
- Nhà thờ Chính tòa Đức Bà Sài Gòn – official site · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral emerges after nearly a decade of restoration · 2026-10-28
- Central Post Office in Saigon – Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Mekong Delta Tours: day tour products and inclusions · 2026-10-28
- Day Tour Prices from Ho Chi Minh City · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Waterbus online booking and travel time · 2026-10-28
- Plan your trip – Ho Chi Minh City Tourism official website · 2026-10-28
- Ben Thanh Market official site · 2026-10-28
- Mekong Delta Day Trip From Saigon: Tour or Bus · 2026-10-28
- Bình Tây Market guide: hours, how to get there, what to eat and whether it is worth it · 2026-10-28
- Địa đạo Củ Chi — GoVietnam · 2026-10-28
- Bến Đình or Bến Dược? Which Cu Chi Tunnels Trip to Book · 2026-10-28
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Ho Chi Minh City Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Binh Tay Market · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Thien Hau Temple · 2026-10-28
- Miếu Bà Thiên Hậu Chợ Lớn · 2026-10-28
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, tickets and how to go · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Cu Chi Tunnels · 2026-10-28
- Cu Chi Tunnels Visitor Guide: Bến Đình and Bến Dược · 2026-10-28
Site updated: 2026-10-28