How to spend 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City over upcoming holidays, packed and fun

Under the Labor Code, public employees are entitled to one day off for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and two days for the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday.

In 2026, the Hung Kings holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, coincides with Sunday, April 26. Workers will receive a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27, resulting in a three-day break from April 25 to April 27.

For the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday, the two official days off fall on Thursday and Friday. Combined with the weekend, workers will have a four-day break from April 30 to May 3.

For visitors choosing Ho Chi Minh City as a holiday destination, a two-day itinerary is enough to keep the schedule packed while still feeling exciting and worthwhile.

Day 1: Dive into the city’s vibrant core

Morning:

From 6:00 to 7:30 am, the day can begin with the classic ca phe bet experience, or drinking coffee while sitting on the ground at the 30/4 Park near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

It is an ideal spot to sip coffee, admire one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks, and snap a few photos.

Street breakfast options like banh mi or sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves are also easy to find nearby.

Just a short walk away is Saigon Central Post Office, perfect for a quick visit and photos.

Also within walking distance is Reunification Palace, a key historical site.

The complex features an underground bunker system, reception halls, and rooftop spaces, and is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. A visit until around 10:00 am allows time to explore further stops.

If time permits, nearby attractions include Nguyen Van Binh Book Street or Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Midday:

Lunch can be enjoyed with local specialties or at restaurants inside nearby shopping malls to escape the heat.

Around 1:00 pm, continue to Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and photos, before heading back to the hotel for a short rest and outfit change.

Afternoon:

From 2:00 pm, choose between several museums in the city center, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum at 65 Ly Tu Trong Street in Saigon Ward, Vietnam History Museum at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem in Saigon Ward, or the War Remnants Museum at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in Xuan Hoa Ward.

By around 3:30 pm, head to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to see the People’s Committee headquarters, the Ho Chi Minh statue, and feed the pigeons that often gather in the area.

Nearby, Bach Dang Wharf Park offers views of the Saigon River. Those interested in the water bus should consider booking tickets in advance due to high demand.

Around 5:00 pm, head to the area near Landmark 81 skyscraper in Thanh My Tay Ward for sunset views, kite flying, or light refreshments.

For a glimpse of the city’s modern side, the metro line, especially around An Phu area, offers a fresh, urban perspective.

By 6:15 pm, return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening.

Evening:

From 7:00 pm, dinner options include local favorites such as com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), hu tieu noodles, or bot chien (fried rice flour cubes).

Around 7:45 pm, head to the Ba Son Bridge area for panoramic river views, or to the Saigon riverfront park to snap photos of the skyline, including Bitexco Financial Tower.

Later, return to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street for snacks like banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper), banh trang tron (rice paper salad), or fried fish balls in the evening breeze from Saigon River.

By 9:30 pm, a visit to Bui Vien Walking Street offers a taste of the city’s nightlife.

The day can end with a quick stop at a convenience store for snacks before heading back to the hotel.

Day 2: A seaside escape to Vung Tau 

On the second day, tourists can head to Vung Tau, now part of Ho Chi Minh City, by limousine bus for a quick coastal getaway.

Morning:

Arrive around 7:30 am (depending on departure time) and stop by the famous bougainvillea gate on Mac Thanh Dam Street for photos.

Later breakfast options include hu tieu muc (squid noodle soup), banh canh cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), or banh mi chao (Vietnamese breakfast on skillet, served with bread).

At 8:15 am, visit Bach Dinh (White Palace or Villa Blanche) at 6 Tran Phu Street, followed by Vung Tau Lighthouse at the Front Beach at around 9:00 am for sweeping coastal views.

By 10:00 am, stop at the popular alley at 107–109 Tran Phu, which is known for its old-world charm, weathered facades, and a sloping path leading toward the sea, then relax at a seaside café.

A light snack such as banh khot (Vung Tau-style sizzling mini pancakes) can be enjoyed before a visit to Vi Ba Mountain around 11:30 am.

Afternoon:

Have lunch around noon, then check in to a hotel or homestay and rest until mid-afternoon.

Around 2:45 pm, visit Xom Luoi Market on Nguyen Cong Tru Street to explore a wide selection of fresh seafood.

By 3:30 pm, head to Back Beach in Vung Tau, near the Thuy Van slope, to take a boat to Hon Ba Island.

On the 14th and 15th days of the lunar month, which fall on April 30 and May 1 this year, the receding tide reveals a roughly 200-meter stone path connecting the island to the mainland, creating a distinctive experience in the coastal city.

By 5:00 pm, continue to Nghinh Phong Cape, about 200 meters away, for sunset views or a swim.

Evening:

Enjoy fresh seafood or the local specialty of lau ca duoi (stingray hotpot) for dinner around 6:00 pm, then take a stroll near Tam Thang Tower before returning to rest.

Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up Vung Tau’s famous banh bong lan trung muoi (salted egg sponge cake) as a souvenir.