From unique cultural experiences to hidden food gems, this Ho Chi Minh City budget itinerary shows you how to enjoy a fulfilling weekend — under S$200!
Ho Chi Minh City is known for its rich culture, iconic landmarks, and incredible food. While I had never travelled there before personally, all my friends had one common consensus: Ho Chi Minh is best experienced on a budget.
As part of The Travel Intern Bootcamp 2026, I got to prove the theory myself. Instead of sticking to the usual tourist spots, we challenged ourselves to level it up with thrilling waterparks, bustling night markets, cultural gems, and local foodie finds — all packed into a whirlwind 3D2N adventure.
And spoiler alert: it exceeded my expectations.
HCMC Itinerary Budget Breakdown
| Items | Cost (per pax) |
| Accommodation | ~S$82 |
| Transport | ~S$15 |
| Activities | ~S$50 |
| Food | ~S$45 |
| Total | ~S$192 |
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh’s Must-See Attractions
Check in to NiK Hotel Nguyen Trai
During our 3D2N stay, we checked into a lovely boutique hotel called NiK Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of District 1.
We loved how accessible it was to major attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, both just a 10-minute walk away.
The hotel is relatively new (opened in February 2026), and I was pleasantly surprised by how cosy and comfortable the rooms were.
With its lush green wallpaper and warm lighting, it genuinely felt like coming home after long days out exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. The staff were incredibly friendly too, helping us plan our itinerary and recommending nearby spots to visit.
There’s also an option to include a breakfast buffet featuring a spread of local Vietnamese, Asian, and Western cuisine — which I highly recommend if you’ve got a packed schedule ahead.
Cost: From ~S$181/night (2 pax)
Address: 7/9 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Ward, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000
How to get there: 30min Grab ride from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Google Maps)
Saigon Central Post Office
The first stop on our Ho Chi Minh itinerary is the Saigon Central Post Office, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks with its grand cathedral-like atmosphere.
What we really came here for was the experience of sending postcards to anywhere in the world. We bought postcards and stamps from 25,000₫ (~S$1.20), and mailed them home to ourselves.
It felt especially meaningful to write a note to our future selves — knowing that weeks or months later, we’d receive a piece of our trip in the mail and relive those memories all over again.
*Pro-tip: Visit earlier in the day from 9AM to avoid crowds, as the space inside can get quite tight!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: No 2, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 10min bike from NiK Hotel Nguyen Trai (Google Maps)
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
Next, we paid a visit to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, which was located right next to the Saigon Central Post Office.
This charming stretch houses around 20 stores selling books across a range of genres. Most titles are in Vietnamese, though you’ll find some English options too.
Beyond books, there are souvenir stalls, arts and crafts, caricature artists, and cosy open-air cafés. If you’re lucky, you might even catch buskers playing local tunes.
We arrived at around 3PM, and unfortunately, it was drizzling, which made it troublesome to walk around. Nonetheless, the quaint streets were still great for taking photos.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 5min walk from Saigon Central Post Office (Google Maps)
The Cafe Apartments
The Café Apartments is a popular nine-storey apartment building along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, home to stylish cafés and boutique shops. From the exterior, it looks like an aesthetic spot, with a colourful array of signboards showcasing the trendy businesses inside.
Drinks here are pricier than typical local cafés, and it costs 5,000 VND (~S$0.20) to take the lift up. Since we already visited this place during our last visit, we skipped going inside and just admired it from the outside.
See which cafes we visited in our Ho Chi Minh City cafe guide!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 5min walk from Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (Google Maps)
Phở Việt Nam
Let’s be pho real. Few things beat slurping a hearty bowl of pho along the streets of Vietnam.
Phở Việt Nam came highly recommended by my Singaporean friends, so we knew we had to try it.
We ordered the Pho Bo Ga from 120,000₫ (~S$5.30), which contained beef shank, oxtail, and ribs. The broth was light yet flavourful, the meat tender, and the fresh herbs elevated the entire bowl. Don’t forget to zing it up with the lime wedges on the side!
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: 14 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 8min bike from The Cafe Apartments (Google Maps)
Kocha Matcha Spot
What better way to end the day than with a 2L matcha latte at Kocha Matcha Spot? Each oversized 2L glass costs 399,000đ (~S$20) and is perfect for sharing for our group of four girls. Ambience-wise, we loved the traditional Japanese-style seating area, which created a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It was definitely a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring the city.
*Pro-tip: Each branch only serves a limited number of the 2L matcha lattes daily, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day if you want to secure one.
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 10PM
Address: 382 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 5, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 6min bike from Phở Việt Nam (Google Maps)
Day 2: Go Adventurous in Ho Chi Minh City
Bánh Mì 24
We started off Day 2 with breakfast at Bánh Mì 24, and let me just say, this was no ordinary bánh mì experience.
This roadside stall looks completely unassuming, but it completely blew us away. My teammate Kai Xin even said it “changed her perception of bánh mì” — and man oh man, I whole-heartedly agree.
We got their most famous dish, Bánh Mì Thit for 25,000₫ (~S$1), and every bite was packed with flavour and texture. The baguette was lightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and generously stuffed with assorted cold-cut meats, savoury pork, pickled carrots, daikon, and creamy mayonnaise.
Opening hours: 5 AM – 9:30 PM
Address: 68B Trần Nhân Tôn, Phường 2, Quận 10, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 15min car ride from Banh Xeo 46A (Google Maps)
Dam Sen Waterpark
If you’re craving some wild and wet fun, Dam Sen Water Park is absolutely worth a visit. It’s a favourite among both locals and tourists, especially during the hot summer months.
Honestly, we didn’t expect a water park to be such a highlight, but it ended up being one of the most fun and memorable parts of our Ho Chi Minh City trip.
If you are a thrill-junkie like me, I’d recommend heading straight for the Kamikaze water slide, a 19m-high dual-lane slide that sends you plummeting down at lightning speed. Trust us when we say it’s filled with laughter, chaos, and a lot of screaming!
Alternatively, if you prefer something more chill, head to the Wave Pool, a fan favourite where you’ll get tossed around when the big waves hit!
Entrance Fee: 200,000₫/pax (~S$9.50)
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
How to get there: 25min car ride from Bánh Mì 24 (Google Maps)
Banh Xeo 46A
After getting your dose of adrenaline at the water park, head to Bánh Xèo 46A for lunch about a 25-minute drive away.
This legendary eatery started as a humble food stall, and has since grown into a crowd favourite among both locals and tourists. Their Vietnamese signature crêpes have even earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which says a lot about the quality and value they offer.
We ordered their iconic bánh xèo, crispy Vietnamese fried pancakes generously stuffed with mung beans, bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp. The exterior was perfectly crispy, while the inside was savoury, juicy, and incredibly satisfying.
For the price of 180,000₫ (~S$9), the extra-large portion was huge and extremely filling, so we genuinely felt like we got our money’s worth. Pair it with fresh herbs and dip it in their sweet chili fish sauce, and it’s a seriously addictive combination.
Opening hours: 10AM – 2PM, 4PM – 9PM
Address: 46 Dinh Cong Trang Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
How to get there: 30min car ride from Dam Sen Waterpark (Google Maps)
42 Tôn Thất Thiệp
Is it really a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary if we don’t squeeze in some shopping?
We discovered 42 Tôn Thất Thiệp Apartment on TikTok, a lesser-known shopping apartment packed with Vietnamese local brands.
Inside, you’ll find boutique shops selling everything from vintage clothing and statement accessories, to unique bags and shoes. It’s incredibly tempting to spend hours browsing, especially since many of the designs are exclusive to Vietnam and not something you’d find back home.
Our girls managed to snag dresses from popular local brands like She by Shj for ~S$20, which is honestly such great value for the quality and design.
Opening hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Address: 42 Ton That Thiep, Ben Nghe, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 13min bike ride from Banh Xeo 46A (Google Maps)
Bò Né Bà Nũi
We ended off Day 2 at Bò Né Bà Nũi, a breakfast spot that’s gone viral on TikTok — and for good reason.
They’re famous for their sizzling beef steak breakfasts served on hot plates, complete with fried eggs, pâté, sausage, and crusty Vietnamese baguette on the side.
For 78,000₫ (~S$4.50), it was exactly the hearty fuel we needed before a full day of activities. We loved that the beef was juicy, the egg yolk was runny, and the pâté added a rich, indulgent layer of flavour that tied everything together.
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 3min walk from Tôn Thất Thiệp Apartment (Google Maps)
Day 3: Cultural and Leisure Activities in Ho Chi Minh
Locals highly recommended Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) as one of the most culturally vibrant areas in the city.
I was genuinely surprised to learn that Saigon is home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest Chinese communities too! So we dedicated our morning to exploring this historic district, and it turned out to be an interesting tour of heritage, architecture, and local life.
Binh Tay Market
Our first stop was Binh Tay Market, one of the oldest and most iconic markets in Ho Chi Minh City, built over a century ago.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with rows of bustling stalls selling everything, from dried goods and spices to clothing and traditional Vietnamese items like conical hats.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the local street food. We highly recommend the Crab Noodles from Stall 17, Bánh Canh Cua Châu Lan (120,000₫ ,~S$6), which came with a thick, rich broth, sweet crab meat, and vermicelli noodles. It was comforting, flavourful, and perfect for a mid-morning meal.
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
Address: No. 57 A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 20min bike ride from NiK Hotel Nguyen Trai (Google Maps)
Thiên Hậu Pagoda
Next, we visited one of the most iconic attractions in Chợ Lớn, Thiên Hậu Pagoda.
Built in 1760, this revered Chinese temple is dedicated to Thiên Hậu, the sea goddess believed to protect sailors and fishermen. With such a long and rich history, it felt almost surreal walking through its halls.
The temple’s rustic interiors, intricate carvings, and hanging incense coils created a serene and spiritual atmosphere. We also found many great spots for photography — just be mindful and respectful of worshippers who are there to pray and prepare offerings.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 5:30PM
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 5, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 8min bike ride from Binh Tay Market (Google Maps)
St Francis Xavier Church
Just a short 5-minute bike ride from Thien Hau Pagoda is St Francis Xavier Church, the first Catholic Church in Ho Chi Minh City built in 1902 for the local Chinese community.
What we loved most about it was its unique architecture, which boasts a beautiful mix of Chinese and European Gothic styles, making it visually distinct from other churches we’ve seen.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7 AM – 12 PM, 2 – 6 PM, 7 – 9 PM
Address: 25 Đ. Học Lạc, Phường 14, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
How to get there: 5min bike ride from Thien Hau Pagoda (Google Maps)
Leisure Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
After a morning of culture, we spent the rest of Day 3 enjoying some personal leisure activities before heading to the airport. Feel free to tailor this part of your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary based on your interests.
Option 1: Human Claw Machine at AimBox
Honestly, this was one of the wildest experiences of the entire trip, and one I’ll definitely be bragging about back in Singapore.
Located at Vincom Plaza, AimBox lets you become the “claw.” For just 125,000₫ (~S$7.80), you’ll strap into a harness and be lowered into a pit filled with prizes, and physically grab items yourself. You can take home whatever you manage to get — including snacks and mystery capsules that contain points, which can be redeemed for small to big trinkets!
*Pro-tip: Ask the staff to control the crane. My boss insisted on controlling mine, and let’s just say he had too much fun suspending me mid-air for way longer than necessary…
Cost: From 125,000₫/pax (~S$7.80)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 10PM
Address: 3C 3 Tháng 2, Phường 10, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 12min bike from St Francis Xavier Church (Google Maps)
Option 2: Wellness Activities at Golden Lotus World & Jjimjilbang Spa
Vietnam is well-known for its affordable wellness experiences. So if you’re feeling tired after days of exploring, we recommend visiting Golden Lotus World & Jjimjilbang Spa, which offers massages, body scrubs, and sauna rooms.
But the best amenity here is the free karaoke rooms included in their packages! You can easily spend a whole afternoon here just to relax, detox, and sing your heart out.
Opening hours: 9AM – 12AM
Address: 16A Street No. 10, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
How to get there: 30min bike ride from St Francis Xavier Church (Google Maps)
Option 3: Cafe Visit
Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of aesthetic cafés, but one that completely stole my heart was Tiệm của Gỗ Ghibli, a Studio Ghibli-inspired café.
Whether you’re a fan of My Neighbor Totoro or not, this place feels like stepping into a whimsical animated world. Totoro is painted across the walls, and you can even take photos with a life-sized No-Face statue inside the café.
There’s also a piano inside the store to jam to your favourite Studio Ghibli music (or any tune you want).
I was pleasantly surprised by their lovely variety of coffees, teas, and pastries including basque cheesecake — all affordably priced between 25,000₫ to 50,000₫ (~S$1.50–S$3).
Check out some of the other unique Ho Chi Minh City cafes we visited during our visit!
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: Hẻm 29 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
How to get there: 10min bike ride from St Francis Xavier Church (Google Maps)
Read also: 7 Ho Chi Minh City Cafes That’s More Than Just Coffee – 2L Matcha, Fish Sauce Ice Cream & More
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
GrabCar and GrabBike are the most affordable and convenient ways to get around.
I was initially skeptical about riding a motorbike for safety reasons, but I was pleased to know that most drivers are extremely skilled at navigating the streets. For short distances, I’d say it’s definitely worth trying, especially by how it significantly cuts travel time due to the city’s congested traffic.
Safety-wise, you just have to hold on tight and make sure your helmet is properly secured!
If you prefer walking, good news: Ho Chi Minh City is generally walkable, especially around District 1. Just stay calm when crossing roads, walk steadily, and let the bikes flow around you.
Planning your budget Ho Chi Minh City 3D2N trip
I’ll be honest. I used to avoid Ho Chi Minh City because of the insane traffic and my assumption that it wasn’t “that exciting.”
But these three days completely changed my mind.
For less than S$200, I got to taste pretty pho-nomenal food, experience their rich culture, and had loads of fun shopping various boutique stores. I even conquered my fear of taking bike rides in Vietnam, which turned out to be one of the most unforgettable parts of the experience.
I would absolutely love to return next time with my friends — and by then, I’d get to proudly show them just how exciting and affordable Ho Chi Minh City can be.
Before you head to Ho Chi Minh City, consider pre-booking popular activities such as Vietnamese Traditional Ao Dai Rental Service or the Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour. Many well-known spots can get crowded, and without a reservation, you may end up waiting in long queues.
*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook activities for use later, up to 3x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!
At the same time, don’t hesitate to explore streetside food stalls. These local gems often serve some of the most delicious dishes in Ho Chi Minh City at very affordable prices.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly travel inspiration, check out these guides and itineraries:
– 8D Thailand Itinerary — Road Trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin Under S$900
– JB Day Trip Itinerary — What to Do, Eat, and Shop Under S$65
– 7D Japan Itinerary Under S$1.3k — Osaka and Other Epic Cities in the Kansai Region
