Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • 10:00 AM: Take a taxi or grab ride to your hotel ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • 11:00 AM: Check-in at [Hotel name], a 3-star hotel in District 1, located in the heart of the city ($25-40 USD per night)

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and take a stroll around the adjacent park
  • 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at [Bánh Mì 37], a popular local eatery serving delicious Vietnamese sandwiches ( approx. $3-5 USD)
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the nearby Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and street food

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [Com Ga 74], a local restaurant serving authentic chicken dishes (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • 8:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City

Things to Know:

  • Vietnamese currency is the Dong (VND), but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for good service.

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the War Remnants Museum ( approx. $1-3 USD per person) to learn about the country’s turbulent past
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War (approx. $5-10 USD per person)
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at [Pho 2000], a popular restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese noodle soup ( approx. $3-5 USD)

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, which showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage
  • 4:30 PM: Explore the nearby Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s literary traditions

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [Nha Trang Seafood], a seafood restaurant serving fresh catches (approx. $15-25 USD per person)
  • 9:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Saigon River, enjoying the city lights and sounds

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the largest indoor market in Ho Chi Minh City, [Coi An Market], selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs ( approx. $10-20 USD per person)
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the nearby [An Dong Plaza], a shopping mall featuring a range of local and international brands

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at [Banh Cuon Thanh Cao], a local eatery serving delicious rice noodle rolls (approx. $3-5 USD)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby [An Dong Night Market], a bustling marketplace selling everything from street food to souvenirs

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [Com Ga 74], a local restaurant serving authentic chicken dishes (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • 9:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City

Day 4: Day Trip to Can Tho

Morning

  • 6:00 AM: Depart for Can Tho (approx. $15-30 USD per person), a charming city located on the Mekong River
  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, where local vendors sell their wares from boats
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the nearby [Binh Thuy Ancient House], a beautiful colonial-era mansion

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at [Com Ga 74], a local restaurant serving authentic chicken dishes (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • 2:00 PM: Take a boat ride through the canals and countryside of Can Tho, enjoying the serene atmosphere

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy dinner at [Nha Trang Seafood], a seafood restaurant serving fresh catches (approx. $15-25 USD per person)
  • 8:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City

Day 5: Beach Day

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Depart for Vung Tau (approx. $20-40 USD per person), a popular beach town located about an hour outside Ho Chi Minh City
  • 10:30 AM: Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Vung Tau, enjoying the sun and sea
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at [Com Ga 74], a local restaurant serving authentic chicken dishes (approx. $10-15 USD per person)

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby [Whale Museum], which showcases the history of whaling in Vietnam
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the nearby [Coastal Promenade], a scenic walkway offering stunning views of the ocean

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy dinner at [Nha Trang Seafood], a seafood restaurant serving fresh catches (approx. $15-25 USD per person)
  • 9:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City

Day 6: Last Day

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • 10:00 AM: Grab a farewell lunch at [Banh Mì 37], a popular local eatery serving delicious Vietnamese sandwiches (approx. $3-5 USD)
  • 11:30 AM: Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport

Tips:

  • Always bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Try to learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, such as “hello” (xin chào), “thank you” (cảm ơn), and “goodbye” (tạm biệt)
  • Don’t drink tap water, and always eat at reputable restaurants or street food stalls