Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of District 1
- Morning: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
- Transportation: Taxi or Grab ride to your hotel
- Accommodation: Check-in at Hotel des Arts Saigon in District 1, a vibrant and bustling area with many restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Places to Visit:
- War Remnants Museum (9am-5pm): A museum showcasing the history of the Vietnam War and its impact on the country.
- Reunification Palace: The former residence of President Nguyen Van Thieu, now a museum that offers insight into the lives of South Vietnamese leaders.
- Where to Eat:
- Pho 24 (10am-10pm): A popular street food restaurant serving delicious pho (noodle soup).
- Banh Mi 37 (7am-7pm): Try a classic Vietnamese sandwich at this famous bakery.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Local Markets
- Transportation: Taxi or Grab ride to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Places to Visit:
- Cu Chi Tunnels: A network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, watch a video about the history, and even fire an AK-47.
- Local Markets: Visit the Ben Thanh Market (7am-6pm) or the An Dong Market (8am-6pm) for a taste of local culture and shopping.
- Where to Eat:
- Com Tam Ba Vang (7am-3pm): Try some delicious Vietnamese street food, such as com tam (broken rice).
- Café Central (8am-10pm): Enjoy a coffee or snack in this trendy café.
Day 3: Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
- Places to Visit:
- Notre Dame Cathedral: A beautiful Catholic cathedral that dates back to the French colonial era.
- Central Post Office: A stunning example of French architecture, now a working post office.
- Where to Eat:
- Madam Nhu Café (8am-10pm): Enjoy some Vietnamese coffee and pastries in this cozy café.
- Bánh Mì 25 (7am-3pm): Try another delicious banh mi sandwich.
Day 4: Museum of Vietnamese History
- Places to Visit:
- Museum of Vietnamese History: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Where to Eat:
- Sarom Restaurant (11am-10pm): Enjoy some traditional Vietnamese cuisine for lunch or dinner.
- Café Sua Da (8am-10pm): Try some strong coffee and enjoy the views of District 1.
Day 5: Day Trip to Can Tho
- Transportation: Take a morning bus or taxi to Can Tho, about 2 hours away.
- Places to Visit:
- Can Tho Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Can Tho.
- Cai Rang Floating Market: Explore the bustling floating market where locals sell fresh produce.
- Where to Eat:
- Pho 79 (10am-10pm): Enjoy some delicious pho for lunch or dinner.
Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife
- Places to Visit:
- Vincom Center: A massive shopping mall with many stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Walk Street: Explore the vibrant nightlife of District 1, including bars, clubs, and street performers.
- Where to Eat:
- Pizza 4P’s (11am-10pm): Enjoy some delicious pizza for dinner.
- Café Central (8am-10pm): End your night with a coffee or snack.
Day 7: Last Day in Ho Chi Minh City
- Transportation: Taxi or Grab ride back to the airport
- Places to Visit:
- Last-minute shopping: Pick up any souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
- Where to Eat:
- Pho 24 (10am-10pm): Enjoy one last meal at this popular street food restaurant.
Tips and Reminders
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, churches, or other places of worship.
- Be mindful of your belongings: Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas.
- Try to learn some Vietnamese phrases: “Xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) go a long way!
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Other Things to Know
- Weather: Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency, although US dollars are also accepted.