Ho Chi Minh City 5 Day Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Take a taxi or bus (VND 10,000 - 20,000) to your hotel in District 1.
  • Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum (VND 15,000) to learn about Vietnam’s history and the impact of the war.
  • Evening: Explore the Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace with local food, souvenirs, and street performers. Try some street food at Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai or Com Tam Mieu Nhoc.
  • Stay: Consider staying at Hotel des Arts Saigon or Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel, both located in the heart of District 1.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels (VND 90,000), a network of underground tunnels used during the war. Book a guided tour to explore the tunnels.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the Reunification Palace (VND 40,000), the former presidential palace of South Vietnam.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre (VND 100,000).
  • Eat: Head to Cuc Gach Quan, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 3: Local Life and Street Food

  • Morning: Visit the Binh Tay Market, a local marketplace in Chinatown.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Saigon River and explore the ** Nguyen Hue Street**, a popular walking street lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Try some popular street food at Xoai Xanh or Bánh Khot 14 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi.
  • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and heat, and don’t forget to try some fresh coconut water!

Day 4: Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta (VND 800,000 - 1,200,000), a scenic region known for its floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
  • Afternoon: Visit a local coconut candy factory or take a boat ride along the Mekong River.
  • Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy dinner at The Refinery, a popular restaurant serving international cuisine.

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring local markets like An Dong Market.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the nearby Central Post Office, both iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Evening: Depart for the airport and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid year-round. Bring sunscreen, hats, and light clothing.
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange currency at banks or withdraw from ATMs.
  • Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but many locals speak English.
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing and traffic safety.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Vinasun Taxi or Mai Linh Taxi are reliable options. Approximate cost: VND 10,000 - 20,000 per ride.
  • Bus: Public buses are available, but not recommended for tourists due to language barriers.
  • Motorbike: Rent a motorbike (VND 100,000 - 200,000 per day) or take a guided motorbike tour.

Tips

  • Bargain at markets and shops.
  • Try local transportation like cyclos or motorbikes.
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas.