Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • Take a taxi or Grab (Vietnamese Uber) to your hotel in District 1 (~30 minutes, ~200,000 VND)
  • Check-in at Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel or similar (~ $40/night)

Afternoon

  • Visit the War Remnants Museum (7 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Da Kao) to learn about Vietnam’s history and the American War
  • Explore the nearby Reunification Palace (135 Nguyen Van Linh St), a historic landmark and former presidential palace

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem (204 Nguyen Trai St, Pham Ngu Lao) - try their famous banh xeo (crispy rice flour pancake)
  • Take a stroll around the bustling Ben Thanh Night Market (Le Loi St, Ben Nghe)

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for chaotic traffic and aggressive motorbike drivers
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you)
  • Download the Grab app for convenient transportation

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Local Markets

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels (~1.5 hours, ~200,000 VND return), a network of tunnels used during the American War
  • Learn about the history and significance of the tunnels with a guided tour

Afternoon

  • Visit the Binh Tay Market (57-59 Phan Van Han St, Binh Thanh) for a taste of local life and shopping
  • Explore the nearby Chinatown (District 5), with its vibrant streets and colorful temples

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious street food dinner at Com Tam Moc (236 Le Thanh Ton St, Ben Nghe) - try their com tam (broken rice)
  • Relax with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Apartment (151/1 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe)

Transportation

  • Book a private car and driver for the Cu Chi Tunnels trip (~1,500,000 VND return)
  • Use Grab or taxis to get around the city

Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta (~2 hours, ~1,200,000 VND return), a region famous for its floating markets and traditional villages
  • Visit the My Tho Market, a bustling hub of local trade and commerce

Afternoon

  • Explore the Vinh Trang Pagoda (60 Nguyen Van Linh St, My Tho), a beautiful Buddhist temple with stunning architecture
  • Take a boat trip along the Mekong River to see traditional villages and floating markets

Evening

  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at The Crab House (137 Nguyen Van Linh St, My Tho) - try their fresh crab dishes
  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for a long day of traveling, with early morning starts and late evening returns
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and villages

Day 4: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum (65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe), showcasing the city’s history and development
  • Explore the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral (1 Nguyen Du St, Ben Nghe), a beautiful French colonial-era church

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Central Post Office (2 Cong Xa Paris St, Ben Nghe), an iconic example of French colonial architecture
  • Visit the Fine Arts Museum (97A Pho Duc Chinh St, Nguyen Thai Binh), featuring Vietnamese art and sculpture

Evening

  • Enjoy a rooftop dinner at The View Rooftop Bar (195-197 Le Thanh Ton St, Ben Nghe) - try their cocktails and snacks
  • Take in the city views and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Tips and Things to Know

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and churches
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or browsing local markets, such as Ben Thanh Market (Le Loi St, Ben Nghe) or An Dong Market (An Duong Vuong St, District 5)
  • Visit the Diamond Plaza (34 Le Duan St, Ben Nghe), a modern shopping mall with international brands

Afternoon

  • Check-out of your hotel and depart for Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • Take a taxi or Grab to the airport (~30 minutes, ~200,000 VND)

Tips and Things to Know

  • Leave some extra time for last-minute shopping or unexpected delays
  • Double-check your flight details and departure procedures before leaving the hotel