Ho Chi Minh City-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic church built in the late 19th century. Take a stroll around the surrounding park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Head to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the history of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The museum features a collection of exhibits, photographs, and personal stories from the war.
  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Grab lunch at Pho 2000, a popular restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese noodle soup. Try their signature dish, Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup).
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Ben Thanh Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest market. You can find everything from souvenirs to clothing to fresh produce.
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Banh Mi 37, a local restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese street food. Try their famous Banh Mi sandwich, made with crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, and various meats.

Where to Stay

  • The Legend Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Hotel Nikko Saigon: A 5-star hotel featuring modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views of the city.

Things to Know

  • Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
  • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices.
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing and scams in crowded areas.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Hire a taxi from the airport to your hotel for around 200,000 VND (8 USD).
  • Motorbike Taxi: Try a motorbike taxi for a fun and affordable way to get around the city. Make sure to agree on the price before you start.
  • Walking: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s streets by walking. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and experience local life.

Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
  • Bargain at Markets: Haggling is a normal part of buying souvenirs in markets.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Day 2: Explore the Water

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of this secret hideout.
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Head to the Can Gio Island for a fun day at the beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Saigon River, a scenic river that runs through Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat ride and enjoy the views of the city skyline.

Where to Eat

  • The Deck: A riverside restaurant serving delicious seafood and international cuisine.
  • Secret Garden: A hidden garden cafe offering healthy snacks and refreshing drinks.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, with high temperatures throughout the year. Be prepared for rain showers during the monsoon season (June to September).
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist areas.

Day 3: Explore the Night

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Visit the Sky Bar at AB Tower, a rooftop bar offering stunning views of Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a cocktail and take in the city lights.
  • 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Head to the Ben Nghe Market for a night market experience. You can find everything from souvenirs to snacks to street food.

Where to Stay

  • The Chill Sky Garden: A boutique hotel featuring modern rooms and a rooftop garden.
  • Hotel Continental Saigon: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Things to Know

  • Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but you may encounter some language barriers at night markets or street food stalls.
  • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Make sure to have some cash on hand for night market purchases.

Day 4: Explore the Countryside

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Mekong Delta, a scenic region located near Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat ride and explore the floating markets, villages, and mangrove forests.
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Where to Eat

  • The Mekong Restaurant: A riverside restaurant serving delicious seafood and international cuisine.
  • Cuisine Village: A local restaurant offering healthy snacks and refreshing drinks.

Things to Know

  • Language: English is not widely spoken in rural areas, so make sure to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
  • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Make sure to have some cash on hand for purchases at night markets or street food stalls.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City!