This one-day itinerary focuses on key locations that reflect the historical development, architecture, and everyday urban life of Ho Chi Minh City. All sites are located in central districts, allowing visitors to explore the city efficiently within a single day.

INITERARY

Morning

• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office (08:00 – 09:00)
• Independence Palace (09:15 – 10:45)
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts (11:00 – 12:00)

Noon

• Local Saigon Cuisine (12:15 – 13:30)

Afternoon

• Ben Thanh Market (13:45 – 15:00)
• 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building – café exploration (15:15 – 17:00)

Evening

• Saigon-style dinner (18:00 – 19:30)
• Bui Vien Street (19:30 – 22:00)

1. Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Built between 1877 and 1880, Notre Dame Cathedral is constructed from red bricks imported from France, which have retained their original color over time.
The Central Post Office, designed by French architect Villedieu, features hand-drawn maps of Saigon dating back to the late 19th century, offering insight into the city’s colonial-era urban planning.

2. Independence Palace

Completed in 1966, the Independence Palace was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, combining modernist architecture with Eastern feng shui principles.
The interior preserves original meeting rooms, underground bunkers, and wartime communication facilities, making it one of the most important historical landmarks in the city.

3. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Originally the residence of a wealthy Chinese merchant in the early 20th century, the building showcases a blend of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements, visible in its rooflines, balconies, and decorative details.

4. Local Saigon Lunch

Com tam originated among Saigon’s working class and features broken rice served with grilled pork and simple side dishes.
Bun thit nuong and banh mi clearly reflect the fusion of Vietnamese culinary traditions and French influence, making them ideal choices for a midday meal.

5. Ben Thanh Market

Built in 1912, Ben Thanh Market served as Saigon’s main commercial center during the French colonial period.
Its layout is organized by product categories, representing the traditional structure of southern Vietnamese markets.

6. 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building

Constructed in the 1960s, this building originally housed civil servants and military families.
Today, many apartments have been converted into cafés while still retaining shared corridors and staircases, offering a glimpse into both past and present urban life.

7. Saigon-Style Dinner

Evening meals often feature casual local dishes such as District 4 seafood, pha lau, or hu tieu.
These foods are closely tied to the city’s street culture and everyday lifestyle.

8. Bui Vien Street

The area developed rapidly in the 1990s alongside the growth of international backpacker tourism.
Bui Vien Street represents Ho Chi Minh City’s energetic nightlife and its open, multicultural character.

This itinerary offers a layered perspective on Ho Chi Minh City by combining history, architecture, and daily life, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city within just one day.

PBJP Travel specializes in designing private tours for families & small groups from 1 to 50 guests. Private car service with pick-up and drop-off in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Service:

• ・4~50-seat car in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
• ・Guide living and working in the local country.
• ・Visa
• ・Book hotel upon request
• ・Book entertainment tickets
• ・Restaurant consultation, reservation