Ho Chi Minh City-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • Take a taxi or grab ride to your hotel ( approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Check-in at Hotel Nikko Saigon (or similar) in the heart of District 1
  • Spend some time freshening up and getting settled

Afternoon

  • Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral (0.5 km from hotel)
    • Admire the beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens
    • Take a short walk around the nearby streets to get a feel for the city
  • Head to Ben Thanh Market (1 km from cathedral) for some street food and shopping
    • Try some local snacks like banh mi, bun cha, or coconut ice cream
    • Browse through the stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Blue Butterfly (0.5 km from market), a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Explore the lively streets of District 1, take in the sights and sounds, and soak up the atmosphere

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the War Remnants Museum (3 km from hotel)
    • Learn about the history of Vietnam’s wars, including the American War
    • See a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories
  • Head to the Reunification Palace (4 km from museum), a former presidential palace
    • Explore the grounds, gardens, and interior of the palace
    • Learn about the history of Vietnam’s reunification

Afternoon

  • Visit the Cao Dai Temple (5 km from palace)
    • Learn about the unique spiritual practices of the Cao Dai people
    • See a colorful display of art, architecture, and ritual
  • Enjoy lunch at Anan Restaurant (0.5 km from temple), serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine

Evening

  • Take a stroll along the Saigon River (1 km from restaurant)
    • Admire the city views and take in the atmosphere
    • Consider taking a sunset cruise or dinner on a boat (optional)

Day 3: Food and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Cuisine Vietnam Cooking School (4 km from hotel) for a cooking class
    • Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo, goi cuon, or bun cha
    • Enjoy the fruits of your labor over lunch
  • Head to Dong Xuan Market (5 km from school), a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood
    • Browse through the stalls and get a feel for the local food scene

Afternoon

  • Visit the Binh Tay Market (6 km from Dong Xuan) in Chinatown
    • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Chinatown
    • Try some street food, souvenirs, or shop for clothes and accessories

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Maison 102 (0.5 km from Binh Tay), a French-Vietnamese restaurant
    • Savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a French twist
    • Relax in the cozy atmosphere of this elegant restaurant

Day 4: Temples and Parks

Morning

  • Visit the Tao Dan Park (3 km from hotel)
    • Explore the beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths
    • See the tranquil Tao Dan Pagoda and its surrounding complex
  • Head to the Temple of Literature (5 km from park), a historic temple dedicated to Confucius
    • Learn about Vietnamese history and culture through artifacts and exhibits
    • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History (6 km from temple)
    • Explore the museum’s collection of art, artifacts, and historical relics
    • Learn about the country’s rich history and cultural heritage

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Hanoi House (0.5 km from museum), a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine
    • Relax in the elegant atmosphere and enjoy the views of the surrounding gardens

Day 5: Beach Day

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Vung Tau Beach (1 hour drive from hotel)
    • Relax on the beach, swim, or try some water sports
    • Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or food stalls
  • Consider visiting the nearby Museum of Vung Tau for some local history and culture

Afternoon

  • Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s markets, shops, and cafes
    • Browse through the souvenirs, clothing, and accessories on sale
    • Try some local snacks or drinks at one of the food stalls or restaurants

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Lam Viet Restaurant (0.5 km from beach), a cozy spot serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine
    • Savor the flavors of Vietnam’s street food in a relaxed atmosphere

Day 6: Night Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Night Market (1 km from hotel) for some evening shopping and entertainment
    • Browse through the stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories
    • Try some local snacks or drinks at one of the food stalls

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby streets and alleys to see more street performers, vendors, and locals
    • Get a feel for the city’s night life and culture
    • Enjoy some coffee or dessert at one of the cafes or bakeries in the area

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Pho 2000 (0.5 km from night market), a popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine
    • Try their famous pho, a delicious noodle soup dish
    • Relax in the cozy atmosphere and enjoy the views of the surrounding streets

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or last-minute items at one of the local markets
  • Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (30-40 minutes drive from hotel) for your departure flight

Tips and Reminders

  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and night markets
  • Respect local customs, traditions, and laws
  • Try some local foods and drinks, but be sure to choose reputable vendors or restaurants
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash; use credit cards or ATMs instead
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

Transportation

  • Use taxis (such as Vinasun or Mai Linh) or ride-sharing services like Grab for transportation around the city
  • Consider using public transportation, such as buses or metro lines, to get around more affordably
  • Rent a motorbike or scooter if you prefer to explore the city on your own

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Nikko Saigon (or similar) in the heart of District 1 for convenient access to many attractions and amenities
  • Consider staying at other hotels, guesthouses, or hostels in different areas of the city if you prefer more affordable options or a local feel

Food and Drink

  • Try some local street food, such as banh mi, bun cha, or coconut ice cream, for delicious and affordable meals
  • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants like The Blue Butterfly, Anan Restaurant, or Lam Viet Restaurant for a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage
  • Relax with a coffee or dessert at one of the cafes or bakeries in the area, such as Hanoi House or Pho 2000

Other

  • Visit the Vietnam Tourist Information Office (1 km from hotel) for helpful advice and assistance on planning your trip
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for easy access to maps, apps, and online resources while exploring the city