Day 2 Itinerary & Highlight Map

Day 2 offers a full day of "shopping, sightseeing, and gourmet food" to fully enjoy Ho Chi Minh City from morning to night!

👉 Click here for Day 1: Half-day itinerary after arrival

• 08:00 ｜ Start your Vietnamese morning at "Cộng Cà Phê"
• 09:00 ｜ Local shopping & fabric hunting at Tan Dinh Market
• 11:00 ｜ Stroll through the Tan Dinh area, exploring stylish shops
• 11:30 ｜ Com Tam lunch at the historic "Cà phê Đỗ-Phủ"
• 13:00 ｜ Custom-made clothing experience at "Usagi" – a one-of-a-kind garment!
• 14:30 ｜ Send a letter to Japan from the Saigon Central Post Office
• 16:00 ｜ Relaxing stroll through the book street
• 16:30 ｜ Explore shops & cafes in a retro apartment building
• 18:30 ｜ Enjoy Ho Chi Minh's night view from a double-decker tour bus
• 19:30 ｜ Dinner at "Laang" forインスタ映え(Instagrammable) creative Vietnamese cuisine
• 21:00 ｜ End the night in Ho Chi Minh at a rooftop bar

Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy city sightseeing! The classic route for shopping and sightseeing

On Day 2, we will introduce a recommended course that allows you to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and gourmet food in a balanced way.

Start your morning at a popular cafe for a taste of Vietnam, then enjoy shopping at a local market, followed by custom-made clothing and a tour of historic sites.
In the evening, admire the night view of Ho Chi Minh City from a double-decker tour bus, and conclude your trip with a delightful dinner and rooftop bar experience.

This is a resident-recommended one-day plan that will make you think, "Ho Chi Minh City is so much fun!"

08:00 ｜ When in Vietnam! Start your day at "Cộng Cà Phê"

One of the charms of traveling in Vietnam is that cafes and restaurants open early in the morning.
If you start your day during the cooler morning hours, you can enjoy popular spots more leisurely.

There are multiple "Cộng Cà Phê" locations in Ho Chi Minh City, but the one directly in front of Tan Dinh Church is recommended for its great view.

Be sure to try their popular "coconut coffee."

⚠️ Resident's tip

・Morning is the best time: This is a popular spot and can get very crowded during the day. Since it also gets hot from noon onwards, it's best to go in the cooler morning when there are fewer people, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the cityscape.

SHOP INFO

Cộng Cà Phê
📍 274 Hai Bà Trưng, Tân Định, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 07:00-23:00
🗺️https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJ9stXRed4vRKVak6

09:00 ｜ Fabric hunting & local shopping at Tan Dinh Market

Tan Dinh Market is known as one of Ho Chi Minh's leading "fabric markets."

With a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials, searching for your favorite piece feels like a treasure hunt. This is a must-visit spot if you're looking for fabric for custom-made clothing.

⚠️ Resident's tip

・Bargaining is essential: Many shops at Tan Dinh Market don't have price tags, so price negotiation is standard. Also, prices are sometimes quoted by omitting three zeros (e.g., "500" for 500,000 VND) in English or Vietnamese, so be careful not to misunderstand.
For example, 500,000 VND might be referred to as "500" in English or Vietnamese.

If you're unsure, it's safest to confirm the price using your iPhone's calculator or similar.

・Check fabric carefully before buying: Some fabrics may have stains or snags. When buying fabric for tailoring, make sure to unfold it and check carefully for any dirt or damage before purchasing. 

10:30 ｜ Souvenir shopping at "A MUỐI" also inside Tan Dinh Market

"A MUỐI" is a very popular nuts and dried fruit specialty store among both residents and tourists in Vietnam!

Since they sell by weight, you can buy just the amount you want, which is a nice perk.
You can also sample the products, so there's no risk of thinking "this isn't what I expected..." after buying!

If you're looking for souvenirs, this is a highly recommended store to visit first.

SHOP INFO

Chợ Tân Định (Tan Dinh Market)
📍 314 - 336 Hai Bà Trưng, Tân Định, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 06:00-18:00
🗺️https://maps.app.goo.gl/xrUbxPJLYNQGaykY9

11:00 ｜ Stroll through the Tan Dinh area, exploring stylish shops

After enjoying shopping at Tan Dinh Market, take a leisurely stroll through the Tan Dinh area.

This area is home to the popular pink church (Tan Dinh Church), a famous tourist spot, as well as stylish apparel shops, general stores, and cafes. Stepping off the main street onto a side alley, you'll discover charming shops that will make you stop and look, which is part of the appeal of exploring this neighborhood.

One place I recommend is "DE PLAGE," located just a short walk from Tan Dinh Church.

This apparel shop, nestled like a hidden gem on a quiet alley, offers items you'll love for years.

From high-quality shirts to beautifully silhouetted bottoms, the designs are simple yet meticulously crafted. It's a place where you can experience the sophisticated atmosphere unique to Vietnamese brands.

Furthermore, this area also has many stylish select shops and cafes, so take your time walking through the interesting alleys and find your favorite places. You'll feel like you're on a treasure hunt as you shop!

SHOP INFO

DE PLAGE
📍 10/2 Đ. Trần Nhật Duật, Tân Định, Hồ Chí Minh, ベトナム
⏰ 10:00-21:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xe73hV7yXL8o8i8d6

11:30 ｜ Com Tam lunch at "Cà phê Đỗ-Phủ," which retains the history of war

This historic building, during the Vietnam War, outwardly operated as a cafe and restaurant, while covertly serving as a base for the Saigon Special Forces of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (also known as the Viet Cong), supported by the North Vietnamese army.

While there are three locations in the city,
the branch we are visiting this time was actually where confidential documents, funds, medicines, and weapons were stored.

What appears to be an ordinary closet was actually an escape route in case of detection by the enemy, allowing visitors to see valuable glimpses of that era up close.

Enjoying Vietnam's soul food, "Cơm tấm," while soaking in the history is a unique experience.
The sweet and savory seasoned pork paired with rice is an irresistible combination and a highly popular Vietnamese dish among Japanese people!

After your meal, be sure to try the Vietnamese coffee brewed individually with a "Phin."

SHOP INFO

Cà phê Đỗ-Phủ
📍 113A Đặng Dung, Tân Định, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 07:00-22:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/DJp8Aii3fTLqVCDB6

13:00 ｜ Custom-made clothing at "Usagi"

Have your favorite fabric, purchased at Tan Dinh Market in the morning, custom-made at "Usagi."
You can communicate in Japanese, so even first-timers can feel at ease.

Showing photos or image references of the clothes you want will make the process very smooth!
Why not create a one-of-a-kind garment as a memento of your trip?

⚠️ Resident's tip

• Check completion time: For express orders, delivery is usually "the evening of the next day (Day 3) or later." Make sure to go for tailoring with ample time.

SHOP INFO

USAGI
📍 44 Hai Bà Trưng, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 09:30-19:30
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/8jNcS67GiKLh6jma7

14:30 ｜ Send a postcard from the Saigon Central Post Office

The beautiful architecture, built during the French colonial period, is also a highlight.

Postcards and souvenirs are also sold inside the Saigon Central Post Office, and you can even send letters to Japan from there.

⚠️ Resident's tip

Bringing your own pen is recommended: The post office provides pens, but the ink often runs out. Bringing your own favorite pen will allow you to write your letters smoothly. 

SHOP INFO

Saigon Central Post Office
📍 02 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 07:30-18:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZoYLfoywft7yF1YHA

16:00 ｜ Book Street

Right next to the Saigon Central Post Office is the charming Book Street.

Lined with bookstores and cafes, it's a relaxing spot to take a break during your stroll through the city.

While the books are primarily in Vietnamese and English, many have stylish designs, making them great souvenirs to remember your trip by!

SHOP INFO

Đường sách Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
📍 2 Đ. Nguyễn Văn Bình, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 08:00-21:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/xhqZHrgoEQTB26AW6

16:30 ｜ Vietnamese specialty?! Shopping & cafe hopping in a retro apartment building

The cafe apartments on Nguyen Hue Street and the apartment building opposite VINCOM CENTER are popular spots that fashion lovers should definitely visit!

Despite their retro exterior, they house a plethora of stylish cafes, general stores, and apparel shops.

From "% Arabica," a coffee shop originating from Kyoto, Japan, to "LIBÉ," a highly popular apparel brand in Vietnam, there are so many intriguing shops!
It's an area that will excite you just by walking through it.

⚠️ Resident's tip

Elevator costs money: When using the elevator, pay the fee to the staff nearby before boarding. If you have time, climbing the stairs one floor at a time and stopping at interesting shops along the way is a unique way to enjoy this retro building. 

SHOP INFO

The Cafe Apartment
📍 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Street, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 08:00-23:00 *Hours vary by shop
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/qvqXWhcfFKBJsdBm8

26 Lý Tự Trọng
📍 26 Lý Tự Trọng, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
⏰ 09:30-21:30 *Hours vary by shop
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/vAtYq5os92yv3xby7

18:30 ｜ "Tour bus" is recommended when it gets dark

As night falls, let's enjoy the Ho Chi Minh City night view from a double-decker open-top tour bus!

Starting from in front of the Opera House, the bus crosses the bridge and travels to the Vinhomes Central Park area for about 45 minutes, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the city's scenery. The Ho Chi Minh City landscape, which shows a completely different face at night, is incredibly romantic.
Spending time feeling the breeze and admiring views you wouldn't see on foot is sure to be a memorable part of your trip.

Buses run every 10-15 minutes, so no reservation is needed.
You can buy tickets at the ticket counter next to the Opera House and board immediately.

⚠️ Resident's tip

Don't forget mosquito repellent: While open-top buses are pleasant with the breeze, mosquitoes can be prevalent at night. It's a good idea to apply mosquito repellent before boarding.

Be careful not to drop your smartphone: When engrossed in the night view, it's easy to drop your smartphone while taking photos or videos. Enjoy the scenery while being very careful not to drop it.

Expect long waits during peak season: It can get crowded later in the evening, so it's recommended to go before dinner.

19:30 ｜ Enjoy creative Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting at "Laang"

Web site: https://laangsaigon.com/ja/

After a day full of sightseeing, enjoy a wonderful dinner to conclude your trip.

"Laang" is a popular Vietnamese restaurant known for its stylish interior, primarily featuring turquoise blue.
It's a space that will make you want to take pictures, further enhancing your travel experience.

Not only is the presentation beautiful, but the food is also authentic. Every dish is artfully plated, ensuring a memorable dinner for your trip.
It's recommended for girls' trips as well as family vacations.

SHOP INFO

Laang SaiGon Central
📍 18 Ngô Văn Năm, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chi Minh
⏰ 07:00-23:00
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sxj8uTcNWxADG9nq6

21:00 ｜ End your Ho Chi Minh night with a toast at "Vertical Sky Bar"

After enjoying dinner, it's time to reminisce about your trip while admiring the Ho Chi Minh night view.

We recommend "Vertical Sky Bar - Liberty Central Saigon Riverside."

This rooftop bar is located in a hotel along the Saigon River and offers a panoramic view of the illuminated Ba Son Bridge, making it a popular night view spot in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoying the pleasant night breeze while gazing at the sparkling Saigon River is the perfect way to end your trip. You can experience a different, more enchanting side of Ho Chi Minh.

There are also covered seats, so you don't have to worry about sudden downpours.
Being able to relax regardless of the weather is another great feature.

⚠️ Resident's tip

Reservations recommended for window seats: Window seats with the best night view are popular, so booking a table in advance is highly recommended.

🗓️ Also check out the itineraries for Day 1 & Day 3!

• 👉 Day 1: Full itinerary from arrival
• 👉 Day 3 (Coming soon!)