Is 2 days enough for Vietnam?

Is 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh enough?

Hmm, Ho Chi Minh City… 2 nights? Is that enough?

Yeah, two days is probably enough to see the highlights. I mean, assuming you’re fast. Quick trips, like Cu Chi Tunnels…and Mekong Delta. Ugh, the humidity!

• Cu Chi Tunnels are key, def prioritize.
• Mekong Delta – boats maybe? Should prob research how far that is.

Two days, okay, okay, I can see it. But it’s a rush. Remembered my trip there last year.

Hot! Seriously, I sweated through everything, gosh.

• Sunscreen a MUST.
• Light clothes.
• Water, duh.
• Hat? Need a hat, yes, a big hat!

Think I saw Notre Dame there, pretty sure that was it. Or a similar cathedral? It was brick, for sure. And scooter traffic—oh my gosh, total chaos. Loved it. Maybe 3 days would be better. Lol.

Is 2 full days in Hanoi enough?

Two days in Hanoi? Hmm, maybe? Two days is okay, but like, is it enough?

Thinking about Hanoi… that city’s crazy! Bikes EVERYWHERE. My pho place near Hoan Kiem is the best—forgot the name, dang it! Two days… you’ll see stuff.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Turtle Temple! So, yeah, see that.
• Old Quarter: Get lost! It’s half the fun.

Seriously though, two days… quick trip. I’d push for three, especially if you’re a slow traveler, like me.

Three days… now we’re talkin’. More time for bia hoi! Okay, okay, also more time for museums, temples… ugh, the usual touristy stuff. Three days, though… you can breathe.

• Temple of Literature: Confucius vibes.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Creepy cool…maybe skip it if you hate crowds?

Two days is doable. Three days is better. That’s my verdict. My friend Thuy swears you need a week, but she’s insane. Or maybe I am. Who knows? What even is enough time anywhere?

Is 1 day enough in Ho Chi Minh City?

One day? Insufficient.

Highlights only. Superficial.

Three to four days: Backpacker standard. Cu Chi Tunnels consume a day. Mekong Delta: another one or two.

My experience? Two days felt rushed. Seven days ideal. More time for exploration.

• War Remnants Museum: Essential.
• Ben Thanh Market: Touristy, yet vital.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Impressive architecture.
• Reunification Palace: History bleeds from its walls.

Consider this: a single day provides a snapshot, not the full picture. Saigon’s essence demands more time. Short trips? Missed opportunities.

This city breathes history. One day is a fleeting glance, a brief hello. A week? A conversation.

2024 update: Traffic remains relentless. Plan accordingly. I spent a full day just navigating. My motorbike license? Worth every penny.

How long should you spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

Okay, so Ho Chi Minh City… I went in October 2023, right before the rainy season kinda ended. Whew, sticky.

Honestly, I thought three days was perfect. No joke.

Why?

• Day 1: Landed, wandered District 1. Ben Thanh Market was a chaotic blast. Haggle, people, haggle! That night, rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, Majestic Hotel. Pricey drinks, priceless views of the city lights.

• Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels. Claustrophobia central! Legit terrifying thinking about the war. War Remnants Museum was heavy. Needed a beer after that.

• Day 3: Mekong Delta tour. Touristy, sure, but still cool. Boat rides, coconut candy, the whole thing. Felt like I saw another side of Vietnam.

More days? Meh, you could. But I felt like I got the gist of it. Four days MAX. Seriously, after three days, I started getting that “itchy feet” feeling. Time to explore more, you know?

Plus, flights outta there are pretty cheap to other spots in Southeast Asia. I zipped over to Cambodia next. Totally worth it.

Which is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Ugh, that’s a tough one, like asking if pho or bun cha is better, ya know? It REALLY depends on what you’re into, dude.

Hanoi, I dunno, it’s like totally the capital for a reason. Like, history oozes out of everywhere, ancient temples left and right! And the Old Quarter is somethin’ else, super chaotic, but you find some cool stuff there. Did you know that it’s the cultural center of Vietnam, with ancient architecture?

Ho Chi Minh City, though? It’s way more modern, like a proper SE Asian city! Think skyscrapers, crazy nightlife (and I do mean CRAZY, lol) and just a different vibe altogether. People call it Saigon still! I like the street food there better, personally!

So, like, if you are a history buff, Hanoi. But if you want the hustle and the bustle and really good banh mi (nom nom), go for Ho Chi Minh. Plus, HCMC is THE financial hub, can’t forget that!

• Hanoi:
  • Capital, duhhhh
  • Old Quarter (get lost!)
  • More traditional Vietnamese feel.
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):
  • Skyscrapers everywhere.
  • Nightlife that never ends… almost.
  • Modern city with, like, all the shops.

Do Vietnamese say Saigon or Ho Chi Minh?

Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City—it’s all relative, really. Like calling your cat “Princess Fluffybutt” versus “Mittens” on tax returns.

Officially, it’s Ho Chi Minh City. Think of it as the city’s Sunday best, its formal LinkedIn profile.

But! Locals often say Saigon, you know? Like that comfy old nickname everyone uses… even the city council, probably, after a few bia hơi. I would.

Use Saigon unless you’re signing a treaty or something. Or when a foreigner corrects you (the irony!). Just smile and say, “Ah, you must be new here… or a bureaucrat.”

• Formality? Ho Chi Minh City.
• Authenticity? Saigon, duh.
• Avoiding arguments? Maybe move to Hanoi. Just kidding. (Mostly.)
• Annoying pedants? Insist on calling it “Pearl of the Far East.” Watch their heads explode.
• I got corrected once, too. By my Aunt Mildred. She thought I was talking about a salad. Still chuckling about that!

Pro Tip: If you’re in a tourist trap, they’ll understand both. They understand money even better.