Ho Chi Minh City 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can take a taxi or pre-booked car service to your hotel. Recommended areas to stay: District 1, Pham Ngu Lao Street and Bui Vien Street for backpackers, and District 3 for mid-range travelers.
  • Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.
  • **Lunch at Phở 2000 (246 Tran Phu Street). A popular spot to try the iconic Vietnamese dish, Phở (noodle soup).
  • Afternoon: Visit Ben Thanh Market to explore local goods, food, and get a feel for the city.
  • Evening: Stroll around Dong Khoi Street, visit landmarks like the Rusty Iron Vest (Cu Chi Tank), and enjoy dinner at Quán Ngon (160 Pasteur Street) offering various Vietnamese dishes.

Day 2: Historical & Cultural Sites

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, both providing insight into Vietnam’s history during the Vietnam War.
  • **Lunch at An Nem (178C Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street) featuring fresh Vietnamese seafood in a casual setting.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
  • Evening: Visit the bustling Bui Vien Street for nightlife, food, and socializing with fellow travelers.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta

  • Morning: Take a day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s recommended to book this tour in advance through your hotel or a trusted local agency.
  • Lunch will be provided during the Cu Chi Tunnels tour.
  • Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and rest. Alternatively, take an optional evening tour of the BEN Thanh Night Market or Bui Vien Street.

Day 4: Museums & Modern Saigon

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
  • **Lunch at Banh Xeo 46A (46A Pho Le Thanh Ton) for crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes.
  • Afternoon: Check out Vincom Center (72 Le Thanh Ton Street), the Bitexco Financial Tower, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
  • Evening: Dine at An Bakery (148 Nguyen Van Cu Street) for a unique French-Vietnamese fusion experience.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • Free time to explore any remaining sights, shop, or relax before departure.
  • Check out of your hotel and head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!