Begin at Independence Palace, where preserved meeting rooms, vintage maps, and underground command bunkers offer insight into defining moments of Vietnam’s modern history. Take time to explore the grounds and rooftop helipad.

Continue to the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon for a photo stop. The red-brick façade and twin bell towers remain one of the city’s most recognizable colonial-era landmarks.

Enjoy a café stop inside The Café Apartments, a former residential building now home to eclectic coffee shops and boutiques.

Then stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, exploring the blend of modern, traditional, and trendy stores. Unique cafes and fashion boutiques can be found here, as well as shops with a range of traditional Vietnamese items.

In case of inclement weather, limit your stroll and extend your cafe stop instead.

Spend the afternoon at the War Remnants Museum, where photographs, military equipment, and personal accounts provide perspective on the Vietnam War. Use discretion when choosing which exhibits to visit, as some displays may be intense.

Optional add-on: Aftewards, visit Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu

As night falls, head to Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from textiles and handicrafts to fresh produce and street snacks. Here you might be able to bargain your way to a good deal on traditional Vietnamese clothing, handicrafts, or art, as well as coffee beans or Vietnamese coffee filters (phin).

Conclude your day at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House with the AO Show, a dynamic performance that blends acrobatics, bamboo stagecraft, and live music into a contemporary expression of Vietnamese culture.

If you'd rather not see the AO Show, wrap up your day with a guided street food tour that starts at Ben Thanh Market to sample southern Vietnamese dishes while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.