Solo Travel / Solo Travel in Vietnam/ Ho Chi Minh City

How To Spend 24 Hours In Ho Chi Minh City

TLDR: Spend 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, known for its bustling streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant food scene. Ideal for solo travelers, the city offers a mix of cultural experiences, shopping, and culinary delights in a fast-paced urban setting.

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Highlight

Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace to dive into Vietnam’s historical past.
Explore Ben Thanh Market for local crafts, street food, and fresh produce.
Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the heart of the city’s social life.
Sample Vietnamese classics like pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese iced coffee at local eateries.

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a dynamic city with a population of over 9 million people. The city serves as Vietnam’s economic hub and is rich in history, offering a vibrant mix of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers. District 1 is the city’s tourist heart, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office.

For solo travelers, Ho Chi Minh City offers an exciting blend of historical landmarks, street food, and a lively nightlife scene. The city’s easy-to-navigate districts and welcoming locals make it an ideal destination for solo exploration.

Where to Sleep In Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Budget travelers can stay at The Common Room Project, a stylish hostel located in District 5, known for its social atmosphere and rooftop bar. Another budget-friendly option is The Hideout Hostel Saigon in District 1, offering great amenities and a central location close to bars and cafes.

For a more upscale experience, Caravelle Saigon is a five-star hotel in District 1 that offers luxury rooms, a rooftop bar, and excellent views of the city.

Getting to and From Ho Chi Minh City

By Plane:

The main airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), located about 6 kilometers from District 1. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, with frequent connections to major cities in Asia, Europe, and beyond.

By Bus or Train:

If traveling from nearby cities such as Da Nang or Nha Trang, the Saigon Railway Station is a central hub for train travel, while long-distance buses are a common option for budget travelers.

Travel Tip: Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is very walkable, but for exploring other districts or going longer distances, Grab (similar to Uber) is the most convenient way to get around the city.

Nearest Airport and Popular Connections

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the busiest airport in Vietnam, offering direct flights to cities in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, and Australia. Popular connections include flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, as well as long-haul flights from Paris, Sydney, and San Francisco.

Estimated Flight Costs:

From Southeast Asia: Around €50 to €150 for a return flight (Bangkok, Singapore).
From Europe: Around €400 to €700 for a return flight (Paris, London).
From the USA: Around €600 to €1,200 for a return flight (San Francisco, New York).
From Australia: Around €300 to €600 for a return flight (Sydney, Melbourne).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The best time to visit is during the dry season when temperatures are warm but comfortable, ranging between 25°C and 33°C. The rainy season sees heavy but short-lived downpours, with lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower travel costs making it an attractive time for some visitors.

Meeting Fellow Travelers

Ho Chi Minh City offers many ways for solo travelers to meet others:

Hostel Social Events: Many hostels, like The Hideout Hostel Saigon, host events like pub crawls, walking tours, and communal dinners, offering a great way to socialize with fellow travelers.
Café Culture: Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its coffee culture. Head to spots like The Workshop Coffee or L’Usine for a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet other solo travelers and locals alike.
Street Food Tours: Join one of the many guided street food tours offered around the city. Not only will you get to taste the best local dishes, but it’s also a great way to connect with others in the group.
Walking Tours: Free walking tours around District 1 and other popular areas are perfect for meeting like-minded explorers while learning about the city’s history.

Testimonials from Fellow Travelers

Emily, 26, from Australia:
“Ho Chi Minh City blew me away! I loved wandering through Ben Thanh Market and trying all the street food. I stayed at a hostel in District 1 and met some incredible people during the walking tour we took together. The city has so much energy—perfect for solo travelers!”

Max, 24, from Germany:
“My favorite part of Ho Chi Minh City was the War Remnants Museum. It’s heavy but so important to understand the country’s history. Afterward, I went for some pho and Vietnamese coffee at a local spot. The hostel vibe was super social, and I ended up making friends with a group from my dorm!”

Budgeting for 24 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation:

Hostels: The Hideout Hostel Saigon offers beds from €10 to €20.
Hotels: Caravelle Saigon ranges from €100 to €250 per night.

Transportation:

Grab rides around the city typically cost €2 to €5, and scooter rentals are around €5 to €10 per day.

Food and Drink:

Breakfast: €2 to €5 for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast like banh mi or pho.
Lunch and Dinner: €5 to €15 for meals at local eateries, €20 to €40 for upscale dining.

Attractions / Entertainment:

Entry fees to attractions like the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace range from €2 to €5.
A night out on Nguyen Hue Walking Street or at a rooftop bar typically costs around €10 to €20.

Miscellaneous:

Budget €10 to €20 for additional expenses like souvenirs or a Vietnamese iced coffee at a café.

Total Estimated Budget: A day in Ho Chi Minh City typically ranges from €50 to €150, offering a mix of history, local cuisine, and cultural exploration.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, one of the most famous markets in Vietnam, located in District 1. This bustling market is perfect for grabbing breakfast, such as a banh mi or a bowl of pho from a street vendor. Spend some time exploring the market’s wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to local handicrafts. Afterward, take a short walk to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a pedestrianized area that’s great for a relaxed morning stroll, offering views of the Saigon River and the modern skyline.

Next, head to the War Remnants Museum to dive deep into the history of Vietnam’s struggles during the war. The exhibits are powerful and thought-provoking, providing valuable insight into the impact of the Vietnam War. The museum takes about two hours to explore, and the nearby Reunification Palace is a short walk away. At the palace, learn about the significance of this historic site, where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975.

Lunch

For lunch, stop by a local spot and try bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), another Vietnamese specialty. Some of the best places to try it are tucked away in the small alleyways of District 1, where you can dine alongside locals for a truly authentic experience. Meals typically range from €5 to €15 depending on the venue.

After lunch, take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, known for its colonial architecture and stylish boutiques. This area is a great mix of old and new, where you can window-shop or simply enjoy the bustling street atmosphere. For something quieter, visit one of the nearby cafés to enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee or egg coffee, a must-try for coffee enthusiasts visiting the city.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take a ride out to the famous Jade Emperor Pagoda, a stunning Taoist temple known for its intricate carvings and atmospheric setting. After exploring the temple, consider heading to Saigon Central Post Office, an iconic French colonial building, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, located right next door.

If time allows, head to Thao Dien, a neighborhood in District 2 known for its trendy cafés and riverside dining. Here, you can grab a refreshing drink or snack while enjoying the views of the Saigon River.

Evening

As the sun begins to set, return to District 1 for a memorable dinner at one of the many rooftop bars or restaurants that offer panoramic views of the city. Try upscale Vietnamese cuisine or international dishes while enjoying the vibrant nightlife below. Popular spots like The View Rooftop Bar offer excellent food and an unbeatable ambiance.

After dinner, take a walk along Bui Vien Street, the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife. The street is filled with bars, live music, and energetic crowds, perfect for meeting fellow travelers and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife. Drinks are affordable, and many places stay open late into the night, offering everything from quiet cocktail lounges to lively nightclubs.

Departure Morning

On your departure morning, enjoy a final breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café. If time permits, take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or visit a nearby park to reflect on your time in Ho Chi Minh City before heading to the airport or your next destination.

Where Next?

After exploring Ho Chi Minh City, consider visiting nearby destinations like the Cu Chi Tunnels, known for their historical significance, or Mekong Delta, famous for its floating markets and river life. For more travel ideas and local insights, visit Saigoneer or check out our ’24-hour guides’ series on the Hostelworld app to plan your next adventure in Vietnam.