VIETNAM
How to make the most of 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh
y first encounter with Vietnam was nothing like I had imagined. Ho Chi Minh City welcomed me with an unexpected mix of contrasts, where skyscrapers and modern city life coexist with age-old customs, colourful street corners and a rhythm entirely of their own. It was an intriguing first glimpse into a country I was about to discover.
Ho Chi Minh City is a place that hits you with a little bit of everything.
Ho Chi Minh City is a place that hits you with a little bit of everything: chaotic streets, fascinating history, French colonial architecture, hidden cafés and some of the best street food in Vietnam. I spent two days exploring this buzzing metropolis, discovering its contrasts one neighbourhood at a time.
I travelled solo but as a part of an organised group, and we stayed at Orchids Saigon Hotel. It was a great base to kick things off, thanks to its central location and proximity to most of the main sights, meaning we could explore much of the city without having to walk too far.
If you’re short on time, here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City!
The Book Street
Tucked away in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is a charming pedestrian street dedicated to books and literature. Lined with independent bookshops, colourful displays, cosy reading corners and little cafés, it offers a quieter escape from the city’s busy streets. Even if you’re not looking to buy a book, it’s a lovely spot to wander around and soak up a different side of the city.
Saigon Central Post Office
Right across from Notre-Dame Cathedral (which was covered in scaffoldings during my visit), the Saigon Central Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognisable landmarks. Built during the French colonial period and completed in 1891, its striking yellow façade, arched windows and grand interior make it feel more like a historic railway station than a post office. Step inside to admire its beautiful architecture, vintage details and old-fashioned charm – and perhaps send a postcard home.
You can also browse a selection of coins and vintage stamps, or have some fun at the photobooth. As this was my first time travelling solo on a long-haul trip, the latter was a lovely way to mark the occasion.
The Café Apartment
One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most interesting spots, the Cafe Apartment is one of those places that may not be an official landmark or monument but has appeared on your social media feed so many times that it almost feels surreal to finally see it in person.
It’s a nine-storey former residential building that has been transformed into a collection of independent cafés, restaurants, boutiques and creative spaces. Each floor has something different to discover, with quirky interiors and balconies overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
There is a small elevator fee of around 3,000 VND per person (sometimes redeemable at participating cafés), or you can take the stairs.
I headed to Saigon Ơi Café, where I finally ticked Vietnamese egg coffee off my bucket list! Its rich, creamy texture and distinctive taste make it quite different from your usual coffee, so it’s definitely one to add to your list when visiting Saigon.
War Remnants Museum
A museum that offers a sobering look at one of the darkest chapters in Vietnam’s history: the Vietnam War. Through photographs, military equipment, personal accounts and historical exhibits, it documents the devastating impact of the conflict on the country and its people.
Among its most memorable displays is the famous black-and-white photograph of the young girl running from a napalm attack, known as Napalm Girl, which became one of the most iconic images of the war. It’s a powerful and sometimes difficult visit, but an important one if you want to better understand Vietnam’s past.
Ben Nghe Street Food Market
If there’s one place to experience Saigon’s street-food scene under one roof, Ben Nghe Street Food Market is a great stop. This lively indoor market brings together a variety of food stalls serving Vietnamese favourites alongside international dishes, making it easy to sample a little bit of everything. From local snacks and fresh juices to sweet treats, it’s a fun and casual spot to grab a bite, especially if you’re still figuring out what to try in Vietnam!
I also had my first taste of authentic Vietnamese phở here, and the lively atmosphere made the experience even better. There’s something special about enjoying a steaming bowl of noodles surrounded by the buzz of a local food market!
Ho Chi Minh City was an unexpected introduction to Vietnam, one that gave me a little taste of everything the country has to offer. Between its fascinating history, buzzing streets, hidden cafés and unforgettable food, the city managed to surprise me at every turn.