Ho Chi Minh City in 5 Days: A Perfect Mix

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most populous and dynamic city in Vietnam. It offers a fascinating blend of colonial heritage, war history, local culture and modern development. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s landmarks, museums and markets, sampling its delicious cuisine and street food, enjoying its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, or experiencing its natural beauty and adventure, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. In this itinerary, we will show you how to spend 5 amazing days in Ho Chi Minh City, covering the best attractions, restaurants and shows in the city. You will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, two of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Ho Chi Minh City!

Day 1: Explore the city’s colonial heritage and war history

• Start your day with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the president of South Vietnam until 1975, when it was captured by North Vietnamese troops. You can see the original furniture, equipment and vehicles used by the president and his staff, as well as the bunker where he took refuge during the war
• Next, head to the nearby War Remnants Museum, which displays exhibits and artifacts related to the Vietnam War and its consequences. You can see photographs, weapons, vehicles, prisons and memorials that document the atrocities and suffering of the Vietnamese people. The museum is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and a testament to the resilience of the nation
• For lunch, enjoy some delicious pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, at one of the many street stalls or restaurants in the city. You can choose from different types of meat, such as beef, chicken or pork, and add herbs, bean sprouts and lime juice to your liking.
• In the afternoon, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture that dates back to 1880. The cathedral is made of red bricks imported from Marseille and features two bell towers, stained glass windows and a statue of the Virgin Mary
• Across from the cathedral, you can admire the Saigon Central Post Office, another impressive building designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1891. The post office has a grand facade, a spacious interior and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. You can also send a postcard or buy some souvenirs from the shops inside
• End your day with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, live music and entertainment, and a buffet of Vietnamese and international dishes

Day 2: Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta

• After breakfast, join a full-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, two of the most popular attractions near Ho Chi Minh City. You can book this tour online or through your hotel or a travel agency.
• The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground passages that were used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the war. You can explore some of the tunnels, see how they were constructed and equipped, and learn about the life and tactics of the fighters. You can also try shooting some of the weapons used in the war at a nearby firing range (optional)
• The Mekong Delta is a vast region of rice paddies, fruit orchards, canals and islands that lies at the mouth of the Mekong River. You can take a boat ride along the waterways, visit local villages and markets, sample some tropical fruits and coconut candy, and enjoy a traditional lunch at a riverside restaurant

Day 3: Experience the local culture and cuisine

• Start your day with a visit to the Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. You can find everything from fresh produce, seafood and spices to clothes, handicrafts and souvenirs. You can also try some local snacks and dishes at the food stalls inside
• Next, join a cooking class where you can learn how to make some authentic Vietnamese dishes with a professional chef. You can choose from different menus and cuisines, such as northern, southern or vegetarian. You will also visit a wet market to buy fresh ingredients for your recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy your own creations with your classmates
• In the afternoon, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and sacred temples in Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda was built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants and is dedicated to various Taoist and Buddhist deities. You can see intricate carvings, statues, altars and paintings that depict scenes from mythology and folklore
• For dinner, join a street food tour by motorbike where you can taste some of the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City with a local guide. You will ride on the back of a scooter through different districts and neighborhoods, stopping at various food stalls and vendors along the way. You will sample dishes such as banh mi (sandwich), banh xeo (crispy pancake), bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and che (sweet dessert soup)

Day 4: Enjoy some nature and adventure

• After breakfast, take a day trip to Can Gio, a coastal district that is home to a mangrove forest, a monkey island, a crocodile farm and a beach. You can book this tour online or through your hotel or a travel agency.
• The mangrove forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers an area of over 75,000 hectares. You can take a boat ride through the forest, see various birds and animals, and learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts.
• The monkey island is a sanctuary for over 1,000 monkeys that live freely in the forest. You can watch them play, feed them bananas and peanuts, and take photos with them. Be careful not to touch them or provoke them, as they can be aggressive.
• The crocodile farm is a place where you can see hundreds of crocodiles of different sizes and species. You can also watch a crocodile feeding show, where brave staff members feed live chickens to the hungry reptiles.
• The beach is a relaxing spot where you can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball or rent a jet ski. You can also enjoy some seafood and drinks at the nearby restaurants and bars.

Day 5: Shop till you drop and catch a show

• Start your day with some shopping at the Vincom Center, one of the largest and most modern shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City. You can find a variety of local and international brands, as well as a cinema, a food court, a bowling alley and an ice skating rink
• Next, visit the Saigon Opera House, a magnificent building that was built in 1897 by French architects. The opera house hosts various performances of opera, ballet, musicals and concerts throughout the year. You can check the schedule and book your tickets online or at the box office
• For lunch, enjoy some banh khot, a specialty of Ho Chi Minh City that consists of mini rice pancakes topped with shrimp, pork, green onion and coconut milk. You can dip them in fish sauce and wrap them in lettuce leaves for extra flavor.
• In the afternoon, visit the Fine Arts Museum, which showcases the works of Vietnamese artists from different periods and styles. You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerware and folk art that reflect the history and culture of Vietnam
• End your day with a spectacular show at the AO Show, which combines acrobatics, dance, music and visual effects to tell stories about Vietnam’s rural and urban life. The show is performed at the Saigon Opera House by a talented cast of artists and musicians. You can book your tickets online or at the box office