Only have one day in Saigon? The top sights are fairly close together in the centre. Here's an itinerary that covers them without wearing you out.

Morning: history

Independence Palace — modernist architecture in green gardens, linked to many key historical events. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Notre-Dame Cathedral — the red-brick French cathedral that symbolises the city. It may be under restoration, in which case you can only photograph it from outside.
Central Post Office — right next door, built in the late 19th century, with a vaulted roof and classic interior. Send a postcard home.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street — a small street of bookshops and quiet cafés in the heart of the city.
War Remnants Museum — photos and artefacts from the war that help you understand Vietnam's history.

Lunch: Saigon classics

Try com tam (broken rice), pho, banh mi or hu tieu noodle soup — Saigon's everyday favourites.

Cholon — Saigon's Chinatown, with the historic Thien Hau Temple and its hanging incense coils, plus bustling Binh Tay Market.
Ben Thanh Market — the city's iconic market for souvenirs and local goods (remember to bargain).

Stroll Nguyen Hue walking street, see the City Hall lit up, then head to a rooftop café or the Saigon riverside.

It's hot: bring water, a hat and sunscreen; in the rainy season (roughly May – November) expect afternoon showers.
Dress respectfully at Independence Palace and pagodas.
Traffic is heavy and parking scarce — a private car with a driver gets you around quickly without parking worries.

Book Minh Hy Travel's Saigon city tour, or spend the morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels.