Are you considering coming to Vietnam or planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)? Awesome choice! Life gets busy, and travel can be expensive. Still, this energetic Vietnamese city in the country's southern half is perfect for budget-friendly explorers.

Whether you're squeezing in a quick getaway or finally checking Vietnam off your bucket list, Saigon (as the locals still call it) has something for everyone.

Love history? Walk through the Independence Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum, or explore hidden wartime tunnels. A foodie? The street food here is at the next level—think hot bowls of pho, crispy banh mi, and sweet Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.

Want to soak in the culture? Wander through Ben Thanh Market, check out rooftop bars with skyline views, or take a day trip to the Mekong Delta.

The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune to experience it all. Ho Chi Minh City is as wallet-friendly as it is exciting, from cheap eats to free attractions, ride-hailing apps, and budget hotels. Ready to explore like a local? Let's dive in!

Getting around: how to navigate Ho Chi Minh like a pro

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh is... let’s just say an adventure of its own. The streets are flooded with motorbikes, and crossing the road can feel like an extreme sport. But don’t worry! Here’s how to get around without losing your sanity:

  • Ride-hailing apps: "Grab" and "Be" are your best friends. They’re cheap, reliable, and save you from the headache of negotiating taxi fares.

  • Taxis: stick to "Vinasun" or "Mai Linh" to avoid scams. Always check the meter!

  • Public buses: super cheap but a bit tricky if you don’t speak Vietnamese.

  • Walking: if you’re staying in the city centre, walking is a great option. Just be bold when crossing streets—locals won’t run you over (hopefully).

Eat like a local: must-try street food & cheap eats

Forget fancy restaurants—Vietnamese street food is where it’s at! Here’s what to look for:

  • Pho (beef noodle soup) – The king of Vietnamese dishes. Try it at Pho Hoa Pasteur for an authentic experience.

  • Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) – A crispy French baguette filled with meat, pickled veggies, and pâté. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is legendary.

  • Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork) – A cheap and delicious meal that’s found all over the city. Bun Thit Nuong (Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork) – Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.

  • Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) – Strong, sweet, and absolutely addictive! Hu Tieu (Pork and Seafood Noodle Soup) – A tasty alternative to pho, often served with a mix of meats and fresh herbs.

  • Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) – Light, healthy, and dipped in peanut sauce, these are the perfect snack. Bo La Lot (Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves) – A street food favorite that packs a punch of smoky, herby flavor.

  • Xoi (sticky rice) – A budget-friendly meal or snack, often topped with savory meats or sweet coconut and mung beans.

Budget tip: Food stalls and local restaurants (quán ăn) are always cheaper than touristy spots. Follow the locals—they know where the good stuff is!

Hidden gems: explore Ho Chi Minh off the beaten path

Want to escape the tourist crowds? Check out these underrated spots:

1. Cholon area (Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown)

This district is packed with stunning Chinese temples, bustling markets, and delicious dim sum. Thien Hau Temple is a must-visit!

2. Cafe apartments on Nguyen Hue Street

This old apartment building has been turned into a hipster paradise, with hidden cafés, bookstores, and boutique shops.

3. Rooftop bars without the price tag

Skip the expensive bars and check out The View Rooftop Bar or Broma Not a Bar. They offer great drinks and great views and are way more budget-friendly.

4. Saigon waterbus

Want a cheap river cruise? Hop on the Saigon Waterbus for just a few Vietnamese dong and enjoy a peaceful ride through the city.

5. District 2’s hidden cafés

Away from the chaos of the city, District 2 has cozy cafés with riverside views. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

6. Ho Thi Ky flower market

A colorful and fragrant escape from the busy streets, this market is a photographer’s dream and a great place to see a different side of the city.

7. Ba Chieu market

If Ben Thanh Market is too touristy, try this local market for fresh produce, cheap clothes, and a more authentic vibe.

8. Artinus 3D art museum

A quirky, interactive museum where you can take fun optical illusion photos—great for a unique travel album!

36 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City on a Vespa or Grab

So, you’ve got just 36 hours in Saigon, and you want to see, eat, and do as much as possible—without getting stuck in traffic for hours. No worries!

Whether you’re zooming around on a classic Vespa (hello, vintage vibes) or hopping on a Grab (because, let’s be real, riding in Saigon traffic is not for the faint-hearted), this itinerary is packed with history, culture, street food, and rooftop drinks.

Let’s ride!

Day 1: from coffee to culture to nightlife

7:30 AM – Wake up & fuel up like a local

First things first: Vietnamese coffee! Head to Cafe Vy in the city centre and order a ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk). It’s sweet, strong, and will wake you up faster than crossing a Saigon street during rush hour.

Feeling fancy? Check out The Note Coffee—a cute little café where visitors leave handwritten notes all over the walls.

8:30 AM – A history buff’s dream at the Independence Palace

Hop on your Vespa or book a Grab and cruise to the Independence Palace. This place is a time capsule of South Vietnam’s political history, complete with war rooms, 1960s furniture, and an eerie underground bunker. History buffs, you’ll love it. Others? Just pretend you’re in a spy movie.

10:00 AM – War Remnants Museum: not for the faint-hearted

Brace yourself—this museum hits hard. It tells the Vietnam War (or, as locals call it, the American War) story through chilling photos and artifacts. It’s intense but important.

11:30 AM – Snack attack at Ben Thanh Market

Time for food! Zoom over to Ben Thanh Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh fruits to knock-off designer bags. But the real star? The food stalls! Grab a hot bowl of pho or banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes) and eat like a champ.

1:00 PM – Notre Dame Cathedral & central post office

These French-colonial beauties are right next to each other. Snap a pic of the Notre Dame Cathedral (even if it’s under renovation, it’s still iconic), then pop into the Central Post Office—yes, it’s actually worth visiting. Send a postcard if you’re feeling old-school.

2:00 PM – Vespa ride through Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown)

Cruise over to Cholon Area, Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown, where you’ll find stunning Chinese temples, traditional medicine shops, and street markets that feel like a time warp. Make a quick stop at Thien Hau Temple, a hidden gem dedicated to the sea goddess.

4:00 PM – Check-in & chill at a rooftop bar

Beat the heat at Chill Skybar or Broma Not a Bar. Order a drink, take in the skyline, and remind yourself that life is good.

6:30 PM – Street food dinner at Nguyen Van Chiem Street

Forget expensive restaurants—this is where the real magic happens. Grab some bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli), bo la lot (grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves), and whatever looks delicious.

8:30 PM – Bui Vien Street: the madness begins

Welcome to Bui Vien Street, aka backpacker heaven (or chaos central, depending on how you see it). Order a 10,000 VND (cheap!) beer, sit on a tiny plastic stool, and watch the world go by. Street performances, loud music, and questionable dance moves—this place has it all.

11:00 PM – Late-Night banh mi & Vespa ride

Before heading back, grab a legendary banh mi from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa—arguably the best sandwich in the city. Then take a slow ride through the quiet, late-night streets of Minh City (yes, it’s peaceful after midnight!).

Day 2: hidden gems & day trips

7:30 AM – Breakfast at a local com tam spot

Rise and shine! Start your morning with com tam suon nuong (broken rice with grilled pork) at a local spot like Com Tam Ba Ghien. It's a hearty breakfast that costs less than your morning coffee back home.

9:00 AM – Quick hidden gems tour

Before heading out for a day trip, check out a couple of lesser-known gems:

  • Cafe apartments on Nguyen Hue – A whole building filled with quirky coffee shops and boutiques.

  • Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – A colorful escape from the city noise.

  • Saigon waterbus – A budget-friendly boat ride for some chill river views.

10:30 AM – Mekong delta day trip

Hop on a Vespa or Grab and head towards the Mekong Delta for a half-day tour. You’ll get to ride a boat, visit floating markets, and see how locals live along the river. Plus, the coconut candy factories are a sweet bonus.

3:00 PM – Back to Ho Chi Minh: last-minute shopping

Got some energy left? Swing by Ben Thanh Market (again!) for souvenirs or hit up Vincom Center for air-conditioned shopping therapy.

5:00 PM – One last coffee before you go

Before you check in for your flight, grab one last Vietnamese iced coffee. If you haven’t had enough caffeine yet, you’re doing it wrong.

6:00 PM – Goodbye, Saigon!

And just like that, your crazy 36-hour Ho Chi Minh City adventure is over. Whether you rode a Vespa like a local or Grabb-ed your way through the chaos, you’ve eaten, explored, and experienced the city in all its glory.

Final tips for your Vespa or Grab adventure:

  • Download a ride-hailing app (Grab or Gojek) before you arrive—it’s a lifesaver. If you rent a Vespa, make sure you know how to handle chaotic traffic. If not, let a local drive while you enjoy the ride.

  • Bargain at markets, but do it with a smile.

  • Street food is life—skip fancy restaurants unless you really want to splurge.

  • Always carry cash (Vietnamese dong)—not everywhere takes cards.

Enjoy Ho Chi Minh like a local!

Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting, chaotic, and unforgettable place. Whether you’re sipping on condensed milk coffee, bargaining at Ben Thanh Market, or exploring historical sites, this city has something for everyone—even on a tight budget. So grab your backpack, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with Saigon.