Ho Chi Minh City-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore the City’s History and Culture

Morning:

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the War Remnants Museum, a somber but thought-provoking museum that showcases the effects of the Vietnam War.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the nearby Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, which was the site where North and South Vietnam were reunited in 1975.

Afternoon:

  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Pho 2000, a popular restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese noodle soup.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the bustling streets of District 1, including Nguyen Hue Street, and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Evening:

  • 7:00 PM: Head to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and street food.
  • 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 2: Discover Street Life

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture.
  • 9:30 AM: Take a stroll through the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, another beautiful example of French colonial architecture.

Afternoon:

  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, which offers a wide range of goods and souvenirs.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Vietnam House, a restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Evening:

  • 6:00 PM: Take a Street Food Tour, where you can sample various street foods, including banh mi, spring rolls, and more.
  • 8:00 PM: End the night with dinner at Bep Buon Ma Thuot, a restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 3: Relax by the Water

Morning:

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Cao Dai Temple, a colorful temple that showcases the city’s diverse spiritual heritage.
  • 11:00 AM: Take a stroll along the Saigon River and enjoy the views of the city.

Afternoon:

  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Maison de Vie, a restaurant serving French-Vietnamese cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Relax with a massage or spa treatment at Lotus Spa.

Day 4: Explore the Outskirts

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of these tunnels.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Cu Chi Food Market.

Afternoon:

  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Tan Thuan Industrial Park, which offers a glimpse into the city’s industrial side.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Hoang Van Thu Special Museum, which showcases the history of the city’s aviation industry.

Day 5: Last Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, which offers a comprehensive look at the country’s rich history.
  • 11:30 AM: Take a stroll through the nearby Hoang Van Thu Park, which offers a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city.

Accommodation

There are many great places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, including:

  • Hotel des Arts Saigon: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.
  • The Alcove Library Hotel: A unique hotel that combines a library with a guesthouse.
  • Sofitel Saigon Plaza: A luxurious hotel with modern rooms and a great location.

Transportation

Ho Chi Minh City has a well-developed public transportation system, including:

  • Grab Taxi: A popular ride-hailing app that can take you anywhere in the city.
  • Motorbike taxis: A cheap and efficient way to get around the city.
  • Buses: An affordable option for longer journeys.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
  • Haggle politely: When shopping at markets, it’s customary to haggle over prices, but do so in a respectful manner.
  • Stay hydrated: Ho Chi Minh City can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Other Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds: Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis with crowded streets and markets.
  • Try new foods: Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of delicious street food, so be adventurous and try new dishes!
  • Learn some Vietnamese phrases: While many locals speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn the local language.