[2026] Locals Recommend! Ho Chi Minh City 3-Night, 4-Day Sightseeing Itinerary | Day 1: From Arrival to Enjoyment
Hello, this is Hazuki from ít ít Việt Nam.
Many of you might be planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City this summer, right?
"I want to efficiently visit all the classic spots on my first trip to Ho Chi Minh City!"
"I have limited time, but I definitely don't want to miss anything!"
For those of you, I've created the ultimate 4-day, 3-night sightseeing itinerary that my Japanese friends absolutely raved about when I guided them!
This time, I'll thoroughly explain the 【Day 1】 plan, which starts from the afternoon of your arrival, allowing you to enjoy the condensed charm of Ho Chi Minh City without overdoing it, yet with a touch of luxury.
Day 1 Time Schedule & Map of Highlights
On your first day, while recovering from travel fatigue, you'll embark on a night plan to fully enjoy shopping, classic cuisine, and a luxurious spa!
- 15:00 ｜ Exchange money at HÀ TÂM Jewelry for the best rates
- 16:00 ｜ Enjoy luxury and safe shopping at Takashimaya & Saigon Square
- 17:30 ｜ Indulge in exquisite Vietnamese cuisine at Michelin-listed "Nhà Tú" for dinner
- 19:00 ｜ Relax at "THE COCOA PROJECT" for a hidden night café
- 20:00 ｜ Completely reset your travel fatigue with a choice of luxurious spa treatments
First Day: Enjoy Shopping, Dining, and Spa!
15:00 ｜ First Stop! Exchange Money for Your Travel Funds at "HÀ TÂM Jewelry"
After checking into your hotel and dropping off your luggage, it's time to head out and get some funds for your Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing!
"HÀ TÂM Jewelry," located right in front of Ben Thanh Market, is a super famous spot among residents for its excellent exchange rates, with people often saying, "If you need to exchange money, go here!" Getting Vietnamese Dong early on your first day will allow you to enjoy street food and shopping without worry.
⚠️ Tips from a local resident:
- Beware of heatstroke: The shop is open-air and can get very crowded depending on the time of day. It's so hot you'll instantly break a sweat, so don't forget to hydrate!
- Theft prevention: After exchanging your money, make sure to count it carefully, then immediately put it deep inside your wallet or bag! This is a very crowded area, so staying vigilant is a golden rule for traveling in Ho Chi Minh City.
SHOP INFO
HÀ TÂM Jewelry
📍 2 Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 08:00-19:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/o5JXMyxejyB22cPk6
16:00 ｜ Walk to Takashimaya & Saigon Square for Shopping
Once you've exchanged your money, head straight to these two major shopping spots, just a short walk away! The key is to enjoy two completely different shopping experiences.
Southeast Asia's Cutting Edge! Cool and Clean "Takashimaya (Saigon Centre)"
After a long flight, the air-conditioned Takashimaya is a welcome relief.
Here, you'll find a concentrated collection of stylish Vietnamese cafes and cutting-edge apparel brands, making it perfect for your first day of sightseeing. Getting used to calculating Vietnamese Dong and understanding the general price range here will give you peace of mind later on!
And for travelers, the most grateful thing is the "spotlessly clean restrooms of Japanese department store quality"!
Keep this in mind as a valuable and reliable spot during your city strolls.
Treasure Hunt! "Saigon Square" Brimming with Local Energy
Right across from Takashimaya is Saigon Square, which offers a completely different, very local vibe.
While it has a strong image of selling counterfeit goods, it's actually a paradise where cute Vietnamese trinkets and hidden gem souvenirs are packed into every corner. Since it's not as sprawling as Ben Thanh Market, you can easily look around without getting lost, which is another charm!
⚠️ Tips from a local resident:
- Bargaining is key at Saigon Square! Most items don't have price tags, so if you think something is "a bit expensive," enjoy your first haggling experience in Vietnam.
- Protect your valuables: Both establishments are very busy with tourists. Hold hands with your children to avoid getting separated, and carry your backpack in front of you to prevent pickpocketing.
SHOP INFO
Takashimaya
📍 92 - 94 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 09:00-21:30
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/1j8VG8i6mLBiXb7Y8
Sài Gòn Square
📍 77 - 89 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 09:00-21:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/HyLEFqJUxUqLUbYdA
17:30 | Indulge in a moving Vietnamese dinner at Michelin-listed "Nhà Tú"
As dinner time approaches and your appetite grows, head to "Nhà Tú," a hidden gem tucked away in an alley.
This is a restaurant that has even been featured in the Michelin Guide! While it offers a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere, it also retains a comforting local warmth. Everything on the menu is exquisite, but my personal recommendation is the "Oyster Hotpot," with its intensely condensed flavors. This renowned restaurant is sure to add a dramatic touch to your first night of travel.
⚠️ Tips from a local resident:
- Reservations are practically essential: This is an incredibly popular restaurant that attracts fans from all over the world, so booking a table in advance is definitely recommended.
- Be careful when getting in and out of taxis: The alley in front of the restaurant is quite narrow, and taxis might not be able to reach the entrance. Get off on the main street (Võ Văn Tần street) and enjoy a short, exciting 1-minute walk down the alley.
SHOP INFO
Nhà Tú
📍 129/4 Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 11:00-23:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/VYuoWJbfSMFT4Z1LA
19:00 | Night Cafe at THE COCOA PROJECT, a chocolate specialty store
After dinner, enjoy a leisurely cafe time at a chocolate specialty store.
You can enjoy desserts with fragrant hot chocolate or coffee.
The store also sells chocolates perfect for souvenirs, so be sure to check them out.
⚠️ Tips from a local resident:
- The air conditioning can be quite strong, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket.
SHOP INFO
THE COCOA PROJECT
📍 143 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Xuân Hòa, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 08:00-22:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/pPsVjD1yE5HYvSMk9
20:00 | Reset your travel fatigue at "Noir. Spa"
After traveling and walking around all day, you must be tired.
One of Vietnam's charms is that you can enjoy authentic spa treatments at more reasonable prices than in Japan.
We recommend unwinding at a spa to cap off your first day of travel.
Noir.spa is a popular spa where visually impaired therapists provide treatments.
You can choose the room's brightness before your treatment, offering a unique experience specific to this spa.
Also popular is the herbal bath from the Red Dao people in Northern Vietnam.
It's highly recommended for those who want to relax and rejuvenate from travel fatigue.
⚠️ Tips from a local resident:
- As it's a popular spot, advance reservations are recommended. You can easily book via Instagram or Facebook.
SHOP INFO
📍 178B Hai Bà Trưng, Tân Định, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 10:00-21:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/A6cPkFVBJzvpvw176
📌 Day 1 Summary: "Travel Itinerary" Checklist for On-Site Use
We've compiled the route for enjoying Ho Chi Minh City 120% from day one without overdoing it, along with tips from a local resident, into a single "itinerary" sheet! Once you arrive, scroll through this screen and check it as you go.
| Time | Spot | On-site tip |
| 15:00 | HÀ TÂM Jewelry | After exchanging money, put large sums deep in your bag, out of sight! Don't forget to hydrate. |
| 16:00 | Takashimaya / Saigon Square | For clean restrooms, go to Takashimaya. Enjoy bargaining at Saigon Square! |
| 17:30 | Nhà Tú (Dinner) | Very popular, reservations essential. Taxis drop off on the main street, 1-minute walk. |
| 19:00 | THE COCOA PROJECT | Air conditioning can be strong. A light cardigan is recommended. |
| 20:00 | Noir. Spa | No walk-ins! Book in advance (via social media, etc.) for the herbal bath & spa. |
Make sure to fully recover from your travel fatigue and prepare for tomorrow's "Day 2 plan!"
📸 On your city walk, please stop by "ít ít Việt Nam"!
Our store, ít ít Việt Nam, is actually just a 7-minute walk from Takashimaya, which was featured in the Day 1 itinerary.
At our store, you'll find carefully selected goods that you won't find anywhere else, as well as unique upcycled accessories created by beautifully transforming traditional Vietnamese "Song Be Pottery."
You can enjoy a treasure hunt in our cool, air-conditioned store, so please drop by during your shopping or city walk!
ít ít Việt Nam Physical Store Information 📍
Ho Chi Minh City Store: Right by Ben Thanh Market!
-
📍3rd floor, 14 Đ. Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
→Google Map
⏰10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶2 minutes walk from Ben Thanh Market
💳Cash/Credit Card accepted
Hoi An Store: Conveniently located during your Old Town stroll
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📍567 Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
→Google Map
⏰10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶Approximately 10 minutes walk from Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An
💳Cash/Credit Card accepted
- See the latest items on Instagram
Here's the Day 2 Course! "From Custom Orders to Night Views! Ho Chi Minh Full Experience Route"
After fully recovering from travel fatigue on Day 1, Day 2 is an action-packed plan to fully experience the city of Ho Chi Minh!
- Starting with "Cộng Cà Phê" in the morning, market strolls & a personalized custom-made experience at "Usagi"👗
- Visiting iconic photo spots that you absolutely can't miss, such as the Central Post Office and retro cafe apartments📸
- A night view drive on a double-decker sightseeing bus, followed by a modern Vietnamese dinner & rooftop bar🍸
The 【Day 2 Model Itinerary】 is packed with sights and delicious food from morning to night. We've detailed it in the article below. Please continue reading to finalize your travel plans!
👉 【2026】Ho Chi Minh 4-day, 3-night Itinerary created by a local resident! See Day 2 here
