Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

This itinerary offers a mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. Feel free to customize it based on your interests!

Accommodation:

  • Budget: The Common Room, Backpackers Hostel Saigon, Vietnam Backpackers
  • Mid-range: Park Hyatt Saigon (featured in the movie “The Quiet American”), Hotel des Arts Saigon, The Reverie Saigon
  • Luxury: Caravelle Saigon, The Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Park Hyatt Saigon

Day 1: Arrival and Historical Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Take a taxi or Grab car to your hotel. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and explore the area around your accommodation.

    • Things to know:

      • Visa: Check if you need a visa for Vietnam based on your nationality. You can apply for an e-visa online before arriving, or get a visa on arrival (VOA) if eligible.
      • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Exchange some money at the airport or in the city for local purchases.

  • Afternoon/Evening:

    • Visit the War Remnants Museum - A sobering look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of the war’s impact on Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.
    • Explore the Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace, a historical landmark with ties to the end of the Vietnam War.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

  • Morning: Wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a great place to experience the local culture and find souvenirs and traditional Vietnamese goods.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war.

    • Things to do:
      • Transportation: Hire a motorbike taxi (GrabBike is a good option) or take a bus tour to experience the tunnels and the ingenuity of the Viet Cong.
      • Food tip: Enjoy a delicious and affordable Vietnamese lunch at Pho 2000 near the War Remnants Museum.

  • Evening: Savor authentic street food for dinner in District 1, the heart of the city, at one of the many food stalls or restaurants.

Day 3: City Exploration and Cuisine

  • Morning: Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and its impressive Gothic architecture, a historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Afternoon: Discover the history and culture of Vietnam through the vibrant street scenes and bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious and authentic Vietnamese dinner at a local eatery, experiencing the city’s nightlife afterwards.

  • Day 4: Day Trip to Mekong Delta

    • Things to do:

      • Take a boat trip along the canals of the Mekong Delta.
      • Visit a floating market, like the Cai Rang Floating Market, for a unique cultural experience and fresh produce.
      • Explore local villages and see how traditional Vietnamese crafts are made.

    • Food tip:

      • Enjoy some fresh fruit while you’re at the floating market!

  • Day 5: Departure

    • Things to know:

      • Visa: Check your visa duration and ensure you have enough time left for your planned departure.
      • Currency: Exchange any remaining foreign currency for Vietnamese Dong (VND) before leaving the country.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa in District 1, then say goodbye to the city with a final bowl of Pho 2000, known for its delicious and authentic Vietnamese food.

Things to consider:

  • Accommodation: Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you are traveling during peak season.

  • Food:

    • Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: This is a popular choice for your last day in Saigon as it’s known for its fresh and flavorful banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and local delicacies.

Transportation:

  • Motorbike Taxi: A fun and convenient way to get around, especially for shorter distances. It’s a great way to experience the city like a local, but be sure to negotiate the price before starting your ride.
  • Taxi: Grab (similar to Uber) is widely used in Ho Chi Minh City.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Motorbike Taxi: Prices are usually around $2-3 for a short ride within District 1.
  • Motorbike taxi: A great option for longer journeys and exploring the city’s outskirts, but make sure to use a reputable company and to negotiate the price or use the meter before starting your journey.

Things to do:

  • Explore the city by motorbike: Rent a motorbike and experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City’s streets.
  • Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a guided tour of the tunnels for a safe and informative experience.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

Transportation:

  • Motorbike: It’s cheap and convenient, but be careful as traffic can be chaotic
  • Taxi/Grab: Use the app to ensure a safe and affordable ride
  • Reputable Services: Use a reputable company for motorbike taxis and be aware of scams
  • Food Safety: Be cautious with street food, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.

Food:

  • Bus tours: Choose stalls that are busy and look clean.

Transportation:

  • Grab: A reliable and affordable transportation option in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Download the Grab app: This will help you find a safe and reliable driver.

Things to know:

Day 1: Exploring History

  • Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War from a different perspective.
  • Enjoy the Cu Chi Tunnels experience, but be aware of your own comfort level with tight spaces and potentially strenuous activities if you’re exploring them on your own.

Day 2: Immersed in Saigon

  • Explore the Cu Chi Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a great place to see some of Vietnam’s wildlife up close.
  • Bargain for souvenirs: You can often find unique and affordable souvenirs at the markets.
  • Enjoy the local food scene:

Day 3: Immerse yourself in history and culture:

  • Try the street food: The Saigon market is a must-visit for the authentic experience.

Food and Drinks:

  • Traditional Vietnamese restaurants: Enjoy a delicious and affordable bowl of Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) while learning about the history of the Vietnam War.
  • Explore the Cu Chi tunnels:

Day 3: Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Grab: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, but be sure to book a reputable tour operator or use the Grab app for safe and reliable transportation, as it’s not always easy to navigate independently.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Day 3: A Taste of Vietnam

The Reunification Palace is a popular spot in Ho Chi Minh City for exploring history and experiencing the local culture. Be sure to try the food at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market (not the same as the “main” market, but there are stalls nearby)

Enjoy the variety:

  • Banh Mi: Grab a quick bite from a street vendor
  • Coffee: Sip on a traditional Vietnamese coffee while enjoying the bustling atmosphere.

Remember to:

  • Drink responsibly: Be mindful of your surroundings and don’t drink too much alcohol, as it can impair your judgment and make you more susceptible to theft or scams.**

Enjoy the Experience:

  • Enjoy the city’s vibrant energy: Take a break from the historical sites and visit a local bar.
  • Embrace the culture:
  • Explore the local markets: You’ll find fresh, delicious food at a fraction of the cost.

Food is an important part of the Vietnamese experience:

  • Enjoy the diversity:

**

Remember:**

This is just a suggestion.

You can adjust this itinerary to fit your interests and schedule.**

For example:

  • Day 3:
    • You could visit the Cu Chi Wildlife Sanctuary first, then explore the city’s nightlife and enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
    • Don’t forget to consider the weather:

Enjoy the food scene:

  • Try the fresh fruit:
  • Enjoy the street food:
  • Visit a local market:

Cultural Immersion:

  • Experience Vietnamese cuisine:

Have fun in your 5-day trip!