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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

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

Day 3: Experience the local culture and cuisine

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