Gather the girls! It’s time for a weekend of pampering, retail therapy, and coffee stops in Ho Chi Minh City 💅✨
I’d easily classify myself as an island gal, often favoring the calm of coastal getaways over the buzz of the city. When the idea of a girls’ trip to Ho Chi Minh City first came up, I was honestly a little skeptical.
Going from the fast-paced energy of Singapore to the even busier streets of Southern Vietnam… how could this be fun?
But I went along anyway with my three friends — Trini, Suhada, and Brina — and it quickly turned into a trip filled with good food and lots of pampering.
So if you’re also planning a trip with your girlies, here’s a 3D2N itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation: KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition
We checked into KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition, a 4-star hotel located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
It is close to many iconic attractions — just a 4-minute walk to the Saigon Opera House, and a 10-minute walk to the Saigon Central Post Office.
The KiN Suite was extremely spacious, with a mini-living room, a bathtub, and a comfortable king bed to rest and unwind.
This hotel also boasts a rooftop bar and pool overlooking the bustling city. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend it to anyone coming to Ho Chi Minh City.
Cost: From ~S$156/night (2 pax)
Address: 11A Thi Sách, phường Sài Gòn, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 25min drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Google Maps)
Day 1: Beauty and Wellness
Ho Chi Minh City is known for their affordable beauty services and treatments, perfect to indulge in a little makeover and self-care before exploring the city.
Just Lash
First, we got our lashes and brows done at Just Lash Ho Chi Minh. They offer a wide range of lash styles — from wispy and anime-inspired sets, to the trendy wet look.
As it was our first time getting them done, we were slightly nervous. Thankfully, the technicians were incredibly gentle and attentive, constantly checking in to make sure we were comfortable and pain-free.
The lashes felt slightly dramatic at first, but we quickly got used to it. The whole experience — lash extensions, eyebrow waxing and tinting — lasted about 2 hours and cost 750,000đ (~S$37).
Cost: From 350,000đ/pax (~S$17) for eyelash extensions
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
Address: 212B/4 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 00700, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min bike ride from KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition (Google Maps)
LACY BEAUTY
Next, we got our nails done at LACY BEAUTY. Since I’m not really one for getting my nails done, I sat this one out.
They have a wide variety of colours and designs you could choose from. Trini showed them a reference photo of the Disney-themed nails she wanted, and they were able to follow it closely.
This set of nails cost her 700,000đ (~S$35). Definitely worth it for the detailed nail art! Do note that a booking is required — we did it via Instagram — and only cash is accepted.
Cost: From 270,000đ/pax (~S$13.50) for nail art service
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
Address: 233/3 Võ Thị Sáu, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min bike ride from Just Lash (Google Maps)
Bò Né Bà Nũi
We had dinner at Bò Né Bà Nũi, which serves bò né, a popular Vietnamese dish consisting of sizzling eggs and beef served on a hot plate. On top of these, we added pâté and sausage for the full experience.
It came with a crispy bánh mì baguette, which soaked up the runny yolk and rich sauce to give each bite a soft crunch. The beef slices were tender and flavourful, too!
Opening hours: 7AM – 10:30PM
Address: 94 Nguyễn Thái Bình, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 14min bike ride from LACY BEAUTY (Google Maps)
Norah Spa
Photo Credit: Norah Spa via Facebook
Just a short walk from Bò Né Bà Nũi is Norah Spa, which offers a wide variety of relaxation services and treatments.
Beyond your regular massage, they have hot stone massages, aroma Swedish massages, and even a range of skincare and hair wash treatments available. It’s really affordable, from just ~S$11 for a 35-minute massage — a great way to end a day of self-care!
Cost: From 220,000đ/pax (~S$11)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 11PM
Address: 114 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, Street, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 3min walk from Bò Né Bà Nũi (Google Maps)
Day 2: Photoshoot and Cafe
Bánh Mì Chấm Hung Tubes – Hai Bà Trưng
Our second day started with a hearty breakfast at Bánh Mì Chấm Hung Tubes.
On top of bánh mì sandwiches, they are most famously known for their bánh mì cham — bread served with dipping braised pork sauce, and other ingredients. In Vietnamese fashion, we enjoyed this warm hearty breakfast on tiny yellow stools along the alleyway.
Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM
Address: 284 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 15min bike ride from KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition (Google Maps)
Hello Áo Dài
A short walk from our breakfast spot, we arrived at Hello Áo Dài. The shop carries áo dàis (traditional Vietnamese dresses) of various colours and designs. I chose a beautiful purple áo dài, and Suhada picked a striking red one.
While it was comfortable around the waist, I felt it was tight around the chest and neck, as sizing in Vietnam runs smaller.
The shop offers guided tours around the city, but we opted for just the 6-hour rental instead, and planned our own photoshoot.
Accessory rental is also available for items such as bags and shoes, at an additional charge. They were kind enough to lend us one nón lá (a Vietnamese traditional hat) free of charge, elevating our photoshoot.
*Pro-tip: We booked this experience via Klook to secure our timeslot.
Cost: From ~S$15/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 6PM
Address: 250 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 3min walk from Bánh Mì Chấm Hung Tubes – Hai Bà Trưng (Google Maps)
Tân Định Parish Church
Right outside was the striking pink Tân Định Parish Church, beautiful for photos in the traditional áo dài.
We did not enter the church as we noticed the main entrance was closed. However, sources online state that it’s closed every day from 12PM to 2PM.
Visitors can enter from the side entrance, but the church has recently been disallowing people from entering. Only Catholics are now accepted inside, to participate in the Holy Mass and other events.
Opening hours: 8AM – 11AM, 2PM – 5PM (Mon – Fri)
Address: 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 1min walk from Hello Áo Dài (Google Maps)
Saigon Central Post Office
From there, we took a GrabBike to the Saigon Central Post Office, known for its French architecture, and for being one of Southeast Asia’s oldest functioning post offices. We snapped photos in front of the iconic yellow building with its grand arched windows.
*Pro-tip: If you are riding a bike with your áo dài on, ensure that it does not get caught in the exhaust at the back of the bike.
Inside the post office, there are shops selling souvenirs and postcards, with some featuring both Ho Chi Minh City and other parts of Vietnam. We wrote one back to Singapore to remember our trip together!
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 6PM (Mon – Sat), 8AM – 5PM (Sun)
Address: 02 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 7min bike ride from Tân Định Church (Google Maps)
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
Since Ho Chi Minh City Book Street was located conveniently beside the Saigon Central Post Office, we decided to go check it out.
As the name suggests, this street is filled with books, though most of them were in Vietnamese. We didn’t grab any, but we couldn’t resist a little photoshoot, pretending we were serious intellectuals.
After, we headed back to return our áo dàis.
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: 2 Đ. Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 2min walk from Saigon Central Post Office (Google Maps)
Lạc Café
We were starting to get hungry, so we headed to Lạc Café for some food and drinks. When we arrived, we realised the cafe was beautifully decorated with an old-school Ho Chi Minh City charm.
We regretted not taking photos in our áo dài there, especially after seeing many locals doing photoshoots here — away from the crowds.
We enjoyed our strawberry tea, coconut matcha, milk coffee, and bánh mì with pâté on plastic stools by the alleyway.
Opening hours: 6AM – 6:30PM
Address: 208/1 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 100000, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min bike ride from Hello Áo Dài (Google Maps)
Kocha Matcha
After a day of photos, we cooled down with this gigantic 2L cup of matcha latte at Kocha Matcha Spot. This was priced at 399,000đ (~S$20), perfect for sharing amongst us four girls. Despite its size, the matcha latte was not diluted, but had a rich umami taste.
*Pro-tip: They only serve a limited number of 2L matcha lattes a day, and you can check in with them via Instagram on whether they are still available!
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 10PM
Address: 47/3 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
How to get there: 7min walk from Lạc Café (Google Maps)
Read also: 7 Ho Chi Minh City Cafes That’s More Than Just Coffee – 2L Matcha, Fish Sauce Ice Cream & More
Bánh Xèo 46A
For dinner, we made our way to Bánh Xèo 46A, a spot well-known for its iconic Vietnamese crêpes. At just 180,000₫ (~S$9), the bánh xèo comes generously filled with mung beans, bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp.
Crispy on the outside and packed with flavour inside, it’s easy to see why this local favourite has earned a place on the Michelin Guide.
Opening hours: 10AM – 1:50PM, 4PM – 8:50PM
Address: 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 11min walk from Kocha Matcha Spot (Google Maps)
Day 3: Shopping
Ho Chi Minh City is a shopping heaven for us girlies. The last day of our girls’ trip was all about stuffing that luggage full of clothes and shoes before we had to go home.
Clothing Apartment
We started off our shopping spree at the Clothing Apartment, an old building with many boutique stores and local clothing brands. They offer a wide variety of styles, from edgy streetwear and vintage clothing, to more feminine blouses and skirts.
Many shoppers even come with an empty luggage because there is something for everyone here! Suhada purchased a beautiful purple dress, while Brina copped a pair of jeans and a leather bag.
*Pro-tip: Walk straight through the rows of parked motorcycles, and you will find another staircase leading you to another block filled with more stores. Be sure not to miss this as there are no signages leading there.
Opening hours: Varies per store
Address: 34 Đ. Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 760000, Vietnam
How to get there: 5min ride from KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition (Google Maps)
The New Playground
Located at Basement 1 of Vincom Centre, this is the second outlet of The New Playground.
Compared to the first outlet located across the street, this new outlet is air-conditioned and modernised. Similar to Clothing Apartment, it features items from multiple brands.
And while I did not purchase anything here, it was still enjoyable to window shop.
Opening hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Address: 72 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 10min walk from Clothing Apartment (Google Maps)
Bun Cha Hanoi 26
For lunch, we had Bun Cha Hanoi 26. The highlight was the classic bún chả set, which comes with rice noodles, a basket of fresh veggies, and charred grilled pork with a strong wok hei taste.
At first, we were slightly confused on how to eat this dish, as all the ingredients came separately.
Upon observing other locals eat, we learnt — dip small portions of rice vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs into the warm, savory-sweet fish sauce broth and eat!
This was hands down my favourite meal in Ho Chi Minh City. The balance of sweet, savoury, and a little sour was incredibly refreshing, with every bite feeling light, yet packed with flavour.
Opening hours: 8AM – 8:30PM
Address: 8A/9C2 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How to get there: 7min walk from The New Playground (Google Maps)
11 Garmentory
11 Garmentory is a curated multi-brand space for Vietnamese local fashion. There are two floors filled with racks of clothing from different brands such as Moná, NGAOS, and Whenever Atelier.
It’s a popular spot among both locals and tourists, with long queues for the changing rooms and checkout counter, even on a weekday afternoon.
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Address: 117B Nguyễn Đình Chính, Phường 15, Phú Nhuận, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
How to get there: 19min bike ride from Bun Cha Hanoi 26 (Google Maps)
Bonus: Next Level Cocktails & Consoles
Got extra time in Ho Chi Minh City?
Take your friendship to the next level at Next Level — Cocktails & Consoles. We had a blast sipping cocktails while playing different board and console games.
Our favourite was definitely Pico Park on the Nintendo Switch — a teamwork game that quickly turned into a screaming match. Chaotic but hilarious!
Opening hours: 5:30PM – 1:30AM (Sun – Thu), 5:30PM – 2AM (Fri – Sat)
Address: 20 Hẻm, 233 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
How to get there: 19min bike ride from 11 Garmentory (Google Maps)
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Our primary mode of transportation was GrabBike.
Even though sharing the cost of a car would be cheaper, we found them to be more convenient as they were they were able to weave in and out of traffic to get us to our destination quicker. We mainly used GrabCar for getting to and from the the airport, and during late nights.
How to get the group chat out of the trip
Even as an island gal at heart, I found myself loving the city’s cafe culture, affordable beauty spots, and the simple joy of wandering its lively streets with my friends. What stood out to me most was definitely the food — every meal felt so fresh, especially with the generous portions of vegetables.
More than anything, it was the time spent together that made this Ho Chi Minh City girls’ trip so special. It was a wonderful first experience in Vietnam, and I can’t wait to explore more parts of the country with the girlies!
Now that you’ve gotten the trip out of the group chat, how can you ensure that friendship stays after the trip? We definitely had our moments of tension on trip because we were spending a lot of time together, making decisions constantly, and dealing with fatigue. Here’s what we did to keep the vibes good and drama free.
1) Don’t overpack the itinerary: We found allocating more time for each activity and leaving breathing room in the schedule helpful as we didn’t feel rushed and could properly enjoy each place. We allocated about 1.5 hours for cafes, and 2 hours for each shopping spot.
2) Accept that everyone has different interests: It’s okay to split up sometimes. I am not one who enjoys getting my nails done, and spent the time exploring around the area and enjoying a coffee at a cafe instead.
3) Don’t sweat over the small things: During our trip, we visited another hair spa that did not live up to our expectations. Instead of dwelling over it, we quickly moved on. Delays, wrong turns, or bad meals are bound to happen. Treat them as part of the adventure rather than a problem.
Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Check out these guides and itineraries from other parts of Vietnam:
– 3D2N Phu Quoc Itinerary — A Pristine Beach Retreat in Southern Vietnam’s Hidden “Pearl Island”
– 3D2N Da Lat Itinerary — A Magical Alpine Adventure in Southern Vietnam
– 5-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary — Off The Beaten Path In Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An
What are some of your favourite activities for a girls’ trip? Let us know in the comments below!
