A Long Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is on the fast track to becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most popular cities. With its rich and complex history, tourists have long since visited Ho Chi Minh City to deepen their understanding of the Vietnam War, which wreaked havoc on the country for decades. However, in more recent years, HCMC has become a tech hub and has been increasingly drawing in foreign investment and overseas talent. The city is rapidly changing but ties to its past remain strong. A trip to HCMC promises a window into the past and a glimpse into Southeast Asia’s future. Many visitors will travel around Vietnam over the span of their trip but we recommend dedicating a minimum of 3-4 days to HCMC alone. There’s a lot of ground to cover and you won’t want to leave once you get there. 

Places to See

War Remnants Museum

Address: Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

A trip to HCMC would be incomplete without visiting the War Remnants Museum. While the history of the Vietnam War is well-documented in history books the world over, this museum sheds light on the Vietnamese perspective and on-the-ground realities for civilians at the time. There are a number of exhibitions showcasing different aspects of the war, ranging from anti-war efforts abroad to photographs and videos that show viewers the effects of agent orange. Some of the displays are graphic and difficult to view but museums like this are doing crucial preservation work in the hopes that history doesn’t repeat itself.

Ca Phe Do Phu: Coffee with a Side of History

Address: 113A Đặng Dung, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Accidentally stumbling upon Cafe Phe Do Phu is like stumbling upon an authentic speakeasy. To the unassuming passerby this might just look like a vintage-core, hip cafe but the beneath the floorboards there’s a bunker and artillery room that reveal the house’s past life. Turns out, the owner of the house was a Viet Cong sympathizer and the house was used as a secret Viet Cong meeting location, supplies-stop, and safe haven. There are a number of escape routes and tunnels throughout the cafe in case they were ever discovered. Today, visitors can enjoy the cafe’s good coffee and food, and also explore the house’s historical past.

Independence Palace / Reunification Hall

Address: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This national relic is like a time capsule for Vietnamese history dating back to the arrival of French naval forces in 1858, who built the residence (known then as Norodom Palace) for the Governor-General of Indochina. The Palace survived multiple changes of hands throughout the World Wars. Fast forward to 1975, the palace became the last target of the Vietnamese Liberation Army and was where the conference for national reunification was held, ending 30 years of war.

Saigon Central Post Office

Address: 02 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

A visit to the Saigon Central Post Office is perfect for any architecture aficionado. Constructed during the French occupation of Vietnam in the late 19th Century, the design of the post office captures the French influence of the times. 

Notre Dame

Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture and a symbol of the city's rich history. With its soaring spires and intricate stained glass windows, Notre Dame is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or architecture. Take a stroll through the surrounding park, snap photos of the majestic facade, or step inside to experience the grandeur of the interior. 

Where to Eat

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, where street food is a way of life. With its bustling markets and lively street scenes, a delicious meal is never too far away. However, there are a few unique spots worth highlighting below.

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

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Address: 26 Đ. Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Street food in HCMC is some of the best in the world. Vendors often specialize in dishes like pho, bun cha, or in this case- Banh Mi. The line at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is a testament to its popularity among locals and tourists alike, though luckily it moves quickly. There’s something so magical about their pate that they even sell jars of it alone. 

Quan Bui

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Address: 19 Ngô Văn Năm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

For an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine, Quan Bui restaurant is a must-visit. Their traditional dishes are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and their cozy atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends. Quan Bui’s menu brings attention to some lesser-known Vietnamese dishes beyond Pho and other street food classics. 

Sushi Kappo Kiyota

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Address: 53 Pham Viet Chanh Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

There is quite a large Japanese expat community in HCMC attributed to the fact that major Japanese brands have established manufacturing operations in Vietnam. There are a number of well-regarded Japanese restaurants around the city but Sushi Kappo Kiyota is our top pick given its location in the trendy Pham Viet Thanh neighborhood, which makes it easy to stroll down the street to some of the bars featured below. 

Where to Drink

Legato

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Address: 126 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

This whiskey bar is situated in the trendy Pham Viet Thanh neighborhood and features a wide array of whiskeys to choose from as well as other classic cocktails. Regular patrons can store their favorite bottles at the bar in dedicated lockers. Legatto also hosts live music shows regularly so check their social media for the latest happenings. 

Pasteur Street Brewing Co.

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Address: 144 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

For beer enthusiasts, Pasteur Street Brewing Co. is the ultimate destination. Their craft beers are brewed on-site, and the industrial-chic setting is perfect for a casual night out.

Birdy

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Address: 80 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Bar hopping in HCMC is best in the laid-back Phạm Viết Chánh neighborhood. The streets are filled with all types of bars from shisha bars to whiskey bars but Birdy is a favorite for many due to its great cocktail selection. 

Okkio Cafes

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Address: 110 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Address: 1 Hẻm 41 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

The one cafe we had to include in this list is Okkio. Okkio has multiple locations and the coffee is great at all of them but we recommend the ones located in Duy Tân and Thảo Điền for their unique decor. The retro interiors will make you feel like you’re in a Wong Kar Wai film.

Alto

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Address: 80 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

While Alto’s main draw is its vinyl collection, its food and cocktails are also worth coming for. The cozy bar is the perfect place for a date.

Where to Sleep

The Myst

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Address: 6-8 Hồ Huấn Nghiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

This upscale hotel boasts stunning views of the city, top-notch amenities, and an unbeatable location in the heart of HCMC. The rooms combine remnants of old Saigon with modern design, making it unique among HCMC’s top hotels.