weekend trips from ho chi minh

15 Incredible Weekend Getaways from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon and HCMC) is a vibrant destination to visit for a day or 3 days . As the most populated city in South Vietnam , you can’t go wrong with exploring the variety of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City from restaurants, cafes, nightlife activities , and fun attractions to visit . If you stay in Ho Chi Minh for 5+ days or even live here, it’s refreshing to leave the city for a weekend trip. 

With the convenient transportation options and within a few hours, you could be relaxing on the beach, enjoying paradise on an island , exploring nature and waterfalls , hiking , or wandering through an off-the-beaten-path destination . 

Here are the top 15 places to visit for weekend getaways from Ho Chi Minh City. The list is organized by distance with the starting location in Ben Thanh Market in District 1. We’ve visited most of these destinations as we’ve lived here for over 3 years so you’ll get insider tips on what to do at these locations and how to get there . Some destinations require a short plane ride. 

It’s recommended to stay a minimum of 3+ days at each of these destinations to explore the location’s attractions, yet you can also stay for 2 days if pressed for time. 

If you don’t have the time to spend the weekend in another area of Vietnam, check out some of these Ho Chi Minh City day trips instead. You can still have a new experience with a mini escape from the city. 

Now, let’s start planning a short Ho Chi Minh City weekend break!

Click on the links to jump to certain areas of this post:

• Tips on Planning a Weekend Trip from HCMC
• Map of the Places to Visit

Weekend Destinations to South Vietnam

Weekend destinations to central vietnam, weekend destinations to north vietnam, read more: top reasons to visit vietnam .

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How to Plan Weekend Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

A weekend is going to fly by quickly! Here are some tips on things to consider when planning your weekend break and how to maximize your weekend. 

• Think about how you’ll travel to your destination. Your mode of transportation will determine when you’ll need to leave HCMC. If you’re visiting other areas of Vietnam such as North or Central Vietnam, then you’ll need to take a short domestic flight. Otherwise, you can consider hiring a driver or taking an overnight train or bus, so you can potentially sleep in the middle of the night. Check out our Vietnam transportation guide here. 
• Take a paid time off day (PTO) on Monday or Friday. Then, you can have a full 3-days for travels and sightseeing. 
• Or, leave late Friday or early Saturday. If you can’t take an extra day off and only have two days for the trip, an option could be to leave Ho Chi Minh City around 11:00pm on Friday or after midnight on Saturday. This would be helpful for the overnight bus and trains. 
• Determine the transportation once you arrive at your destination . You’ll most likely use a combination of Grab ride-hailing (if available), taxis, or motorbikes. Don’t forget to download important Vietnam travel apps .
• Pre-plan the activities that you’ll do . We’re planners so we like to have some ideas on what to do once we arrive at the destination. This will lessen the stress levels. While you don’t need to have a full schedule planned, at least have 1-2 activities that you want to see per day. 
• Have travel insurance. You never know what may happen during your weekend trip, such as needing medical attention. Don’t forget to bring any documentation with you.
• Relax and have fun! Two or three days for a short weekend break from Ho Chi Minh City should be your time to destress and have new experiences. Enjoy your time away!

Map of Places to Visit on Weekends from Ho Chi Minh

Click on the map to see a larger view of the places to visit for a weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Credit: Map data: Google

South Vietnam has some of the best places to visit for 2-3 days and some places aren’t too far from Ho Chi Minh. Whether you’re looking for the beaches or the mountains, feel free to choose any of these short getaways.

1. Vung Tau

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 86-102 kilometers (53-63 miles)

Vung Tau ( Vũng Tàu in Vietnamese) is a popular weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the closest place to relax on the beaches for days. Some of the popular beaches include Bai Sau Beach (Back Beach) and Bai Dau Beach (Mulberry Beach). Feel free to go beach hopping by renting a motorbike .

Other attractions to visit are the Big and Little Mountain. Big Mountain is the iconic mountain that you’ll see while riding the ferry from Ho Chi Minh. You can go on an adventurous hike up Big Mountain . Also, you can take the cable car to the peak of the mountain which has the Ho May Park theme park and hotel . There are some incredible views of Vung Tau from the summit.

The Little Mountain has several attractions to visit such as the Statue of Christ. It’s a slightly shorter version of the Rio de Janeiro version. There is also a lighthouse on Little Mountain which requires a short hike from the statue. 

You can also take a slight detour and hike Dinh Mountain in Ba Ria-Vung Tau area.

If you prefer a tour option for this Vung Tau 2-day trip, check out this option with departure from HCMC.

How to Get to Vung Tau from HCMC: The most convenient way is to hire a driver or take a limousine van to go from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau. You can also ride a motorbike there from Ho Chi Minh. Expect to take 2-2.5 hours one-way. 

Vung Tau is a fantastic weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City to explore sights and beaches. Photo credit: AlexGukBO via Depositphotos.com

2. Ho Tram 

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 108 kilometers (67 miles)

Want to experience a gorgeous beach area that is only a couple of hours away from Ho Chi Minh City? Head to Ho Tram ( Hồ Tràm )! This area is an hour away from Vung Tau, so you could combine both places for a weekend trip. 

This small beach town is popular as a weekend getaway due to the numerous beautiful resorts and boutique accommodations along the oceanfront . You can hang out along the beach and just relax for a few days. 

Popular resorts include Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort , Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort , and Carmelina Beach Resort . Minera Hot Springs is nearby these resort places and is recommended to relax at the hot springs. 

How to Get to Ho Tram from HCMC: Many of the boutique resorts offer transportation. Otherwise, you can hire a limousine van or ride a motorbike to get there. Expect to take 2 hours one-way to get there. 

3. Mekong Delta 

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City:  85 kilometers (53 miles) to Ben Tre, 200-220 kilometers (124-137 miles) to Can Tho

The Mekong Delta is the perfect weekend travel destination from Ho Chi Minh City. Since the Mekong Delta stretches over 15,600 square miles, there are many areas to choose from. Head to Ben Tre, Long An, Soc Trang, Can Tho, My Tho, An Giang , and other provinces. It’s an opportunity to see a different lifestyle while many locals rely on the Mekong River for transportation and water for making products. 

Book a fun multi-day Mekong Delta tours here:

3 Days Tour of Mekong Delta

Visit My Tho, Can Tho, and Ben Tre in 2 Days

Cycle through Mekong Delta in 2 Days

Overnight trip to Ben Tre

While Ben Tre is a popular day trip from HCMC, we recommend Can Tho for a long weekend trip . As the third-largest city in Vietnam, it doesn’t feel as crowded or frenetic as Ho Chi Minh City. 

Can Tho ( Cần Thơ ) is famous for the Cai Rang Floating Market where you get the chance to ride a sampan boat to see fruits and vegetables sold on boats . During the tour, you stop by a rice noodle factory and coconut candy shop and may eat a hot bowl of hu tieu ( hủ tiếu ) noodle soup on the boat! 

On Can Tho mainland, there are also many temples and pagodas to visit and night markets to try street food. We love the grilled rice paper ( bánh tráng nướng ) snack.

Check out our Can Tho guide on helpful travel tips. 

While you can visit Can Tho on your own (which is what we did and highly recommend), you may consider taking one of these Can Tho tours.

2 Days Mekong Delta and Can Tho Tour

Private Cai Rang Floating Market Tour

Private Can Tho Motorbike Countryside Tour

How to Get to Can Tho from HCMC: Take a 3-4 hour sleeper bus to Can Tho and take a taxi to the main Can Tho area. Motorbiking is also another way to get there but it’ll be a long ride. 

Visit the active Cai Rang Floating Market when visiting Can Tho on a weekend.

4. Cat Tien National Park

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City : 150-180 kilometers (93-112 miles)

Want to go on nature hikes and spend some time outdoors ? Cat Tien National Park ( Vườn Quốc Gia Cát Tiên ) is the best place for you! It’s an opportunity to explore the outdoors with short hikes, hug a tree, see wildlife, and enjoy the greenery and trees. You’ll love the fresh air here!

Top attractions include wandering around the forest area to see the tall Tung Trees and the Uncle Dong Tree, walking through the Botanic Garden, and seeing animals roaming around during the night safari. A unique way to experience the park is to stay overnight at the park’s campgrounds. 

If you want to go on any special tours such as seeing wild gibbons at sunrise, hiking to Crocodile Lake, or visiting the Ta Lai ethnic village by boat, ask your accommodations to arrange. 

Check out what to do in Cat Tien National Park in 2 days here. 

Otherwise, consider taking this 2 days National Park tour which includes round-trip transportation to/from Ho Chi Minh.  

How to Get to Cat Tien National Park from HCMC: Take a 5+ hour small bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in Binh Thanh District to Cat Tien National Park. You can also take a sleeper bus from Futa Bus or Thanh Buoi to a stopping point in Dong Nai and then take a taxi to the National Park. You can also drive a motorbike but it’ll be a long ride. 

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 200 kilometers (124 miles)

Bao Loc ( Bảo Lộc ) is not on the typical weekend excursion from Ho Chi Minh City, yet it’s a small city in the Central Highlands. This hidden gem of an area is well-known for the tea so the iced tea that you recently drank is most likely from here. It’s a pretty area since the hillside is covered with tea plantations. 

Bao Loc’s local attractions are outside of the city center so you’ll need to have some form of transportation to travel. Some fun things to do in Bao Loc include visiting Dambri Tourist Area to see Dambri Waterfalls, hang out at Dambri’s theme park, and visit the Linh Quy Phap Ap Pagoda to see the sunrise. 

If you have extra time, visit the neighboring city, Dalat. More information is below. Or you can do a quick detour to Bao Loc on your way back from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh.

How to Get to Bao Loc from HCMC: It’s recommended to hire a driver since it can take 4+ hours one-way to get to Bao Loc. Sleeper buses and limousine buses are also available and stop by Bao Loc. 

Visit Dambri Waterfall during your weekend excursion to Bao Loc.

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 206 kilometers (128 miles)

Visiting Mui Ne ( Mũi Né ) is an easy escape from Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the city of Phan Thiet ( Phan Thiết ), Mui Ne is a small beach town where you can relax or go on adventures . There are tons of resorts along the oceanside to hang out at the private beaches and get some sunshine. Or, you can learn how to kitesurf as the winds are consistent here. 

The popular and touristy thing to do in Mui Ne is to take a Jeep tour and visit the sand dunes. Head to the white dunes and red dunes where you can see the sunrise or sunset, walk through a “fairy stream” and see a small waterfall, and see the hustle and bustle of a fishing village (It’s active in the morning).  Book a Jeep Tour here.

Since Mui Ne receives seafood every day, head to one of the seafood restaurants along the oceanside and enjoy the daily catch of fish and shellfish. 

If you want to escape Mui Ne to go on a hike, check out Ta Cu Mountain . It’s only one hour away from Mui Ne. Plus, you can see the largest reclining Buddha statue in Southeast Asia!

How to Get to Mui Ne from HCMC: Take either a train ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet and then take a 30-minute taxi to Mui Ne, or a 5-hour sleeper bus.  

7. Con Dao Islands

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 236 kilometers (147 miles)

Con Dao Islands ( Côn Đảo ) is our little secret as a weekend destination away from Ho Chi Minh. The largest island is Con Son and is surrounded by 15 smaller islands along the archipelago. Con Son is super quiet and not touristy compared to the big sister island, Phu Quoc. 

One of the best things to do in Con Dao is to visit the clean beaches and relax. After visiting beaches and various islands in Vietnam, this island has the best beaches that we’ve seen . The sands are clean and the ocean water is bright turquoise. A splurging experience is to stay overnight at the fancy resort, Six Senses , and enjoy the private clean beaches and spa amenities. 

A unique experience is to learn about the history of the island as it was a former prison for 113 years. Explore the prison sites, see the “tiger cases” for yourself, and visit the museum for more details. It’s a humbling experience to see the sites yet provides more learnings about what the country went through during the dark times.

How to Get to Con Dao Islands from HCMC: The fastest way is to take a 1-hour domestic flight to Con Dao Airport on Con Son Island (airport code: VCS). Otherwise, you can take a 4+ hour one-way ferry from Vung Tau . 

Con Dao has dreamy beaches to explore on your next visit.

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 300-370 kilometers (186-230 miles)

Dalat ( Đà Lạt ), located in the Central Highlands, is one of our favorite places to visit in Vietnam. Some people may say that the city is boring, yet we love the vibe. 

With the cooler weather and tons of outdoor adventures, this area is great for adventurer travelers . Head to some of the most beautiful waterfalls to visit in Asia , such as Elephant Waterfall, Prenn Waterfall, Pongour Waterfall, Tam Tham Waterfa l l , and more. Check out this waterfall tour option . You can even go canyoning from Datanla Waterfall !

Hikers will enjoy the challenge of cycling and hiking Langbiang Mountain . An easier way is to take the Jeep up to the summit.

Dalat is known to produce fresh fruits and vegetables so stop by the Night Market area to buy some or go on a gardens day tour . Also, you can go cafe hopping to try as many coffee shops here.

You can also wander around to see the French-inspired architecture. Or visit the quirky Crazy House for an avant-garde look. 

Read our Dalat 3 days itinerary for more travel tips .

How to Get to Dalat from HCMC: The fastest way is to take a 1-hour domestic flight to Dalat Airport (airport code: DLI) and take a bus or private car to Dalat City. The cheaper option is to take a 6-hour overnight sleeper bus. 

9. Phu Quoc Island

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 400 kilometers (249 miles)

Two to three days on Phu Quoc Island ( Phú Quốc ) is a good amount of time for those who want to hang out on the beaches or resorts and do some sightseeing . 

Some of the unique places to visit on Phu Quoc Island include visiting a pepper farm, see how fish sauce is made, go snorkeling off several islands, and take Vietnam’s longest cable car to Hon Thom Island. Phu Quoc has a museum that describes the island’s prison history during the 1950s. 

The main city area has a night market to try crepes, rolled ice cream, snacks, and street food. Otherwise, you can eat fresh seafood and hot noodle soup with thicker noodles ( bánh canh ) on the island. 

Read how to spend 2 days on Phu Quoc Island here. 

How to Get to Phu Quoc from HCMC: Take a 1-hour domestic flight to Phu Quoc International Airport (airport code: PQC) and take a taxi to your accommodation. 

Phu Quoc has some incredible snorkeling adventures to do on your weekend trip here.

10. Nha Trang

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 420-460 kilometers (261-285 miles)

Nha Trang is one place that we’ve been to a few times for weekend trips. It’s a beach town with over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of beaches and a popular spot for Chinese and Russian tourists. If you just want to hang out at the beach for the day, rent a lawn chair and veg out at the easy to access and most popular beach, Nha Trang Beach. 

Or, head to the Hon Tam Island for a more private-island vibe and also has beaches and water activities. It’s a short boat ride away from the mainland. 

For more relaxation activities, visit a mud bath . Nha Trang is popular for mud baths and hot mineral springs. The popular choices are – 100 Egg , Thap Ba Hot Spring , and I-Resort. We suggest I-Resort as it’s a beautiful place. If you can splurge, get a private bungalow so you can enjoy privacy. Your skin will be super soft and silky after the experience! 

If you want to visit a theme park, head to VinWonders Nha Trang . It’s a fun place for children and families to see animals, go on children-friendly rides, wander through gorgeous gardens, and also swim in the water park (included in admission). 

Check out our 3 days Nha Trang itinerary here. 

How to Get to Nha Trang from HCMC: Take a 9-hour overnight train to Nha Trang or a 1 hour 15 minutes flight to Cam Ranh Airport (airport code: CXR) and take a bus or taxi to Nha Trang City.

Central Vietnam is an ideal spot to spend a couple of days exploring the landscape, historical landmarks, and beaches. 

11. Quy Nhon

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 630 kilometers (391 miles)

Quy Nhon ( Quy Nhơn/Qui Nhơn) is another coastal town that is often overlooked on a Vietnam itinerary. This city has plenty of exciting attractions to visit and explore for a few days. 

A trip to Quy Nhon would not be complete without visiting the accessible Quy Nhon Beach. Head there early morning to see the sunrise and watch locals exercise or in the afternoon and see everyone play in the ocean. 

A cleaner beach area is Ky Co which you can get to by motorbike or go on a day tour which also includes a snorkeling session. The waters are so blue and clear here!

One of the coolest things to do in Quy Nhon is to check out the historic Cham towers . These towers were built by the Cham people in the 2nd to 15th century. The architecture is similar to what you would see in Cambodia’s Angkor Wat . Twin Towers is in the center of town while the Banh It Tower requires a motorbike ride outside of the main city. 

Quy Nhon also has some cute cafes and shops to hang out and reprieve yourself from the humidity. 

How to Get to Quy Nhon from HCMC: Take a 1 hour 10 minutes domestic flight to Phu Cat Airport (airport code: UIH) and take a 1-hour taxi to go to the main Quy Nhon area. 

Check out the Twin Towers when visiting Quy Nhon.

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 950 kilometers (590 miles)

Danang ( Đà Nẵng ) is worth the visit for a weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City. As a popular destination in Central Vietnam and the fifth-largest city in the country, visitors and locals head to this city to relax on the beaches and soak in the sunshine . Danang has an impressive 35 kilometers (11.2 miles) of beaches so head to either My Khe or Non Nuoc to start your relaxation.  

For those who prefer the mountains, there are plenty of beautiful mountain ranges . See the incredible views from Son Tra Peninsula’s Linh Ung Pagoda. Or walk up Marble Mountain to see a panoramic view of the area and also the other four mountains. Each of the mountains is named after the elements – water, metal, earth, fire, and wood. 

A fun escape is to check out the theme parks such as Ba Na Hills to see the photogenic Golden Hands Bridge or Danang Wonders for thrill rides. They’re children-friendly too!

If you have extra time, spend the day or half-day at Hoi An ( Hội An ). It’s only 30-40 minutes south of Danang. Recognized as one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites , it’s a popular getaway spot to explore the Ancient Old Town, wander through the cobblestone roads, and see the lanterns light up in the evenings. 

Read what to do in Danang in 3 days here. 

How to Get to Danang from HCMC: Take a 1 hour 20 minutes domestic flight to Danang (airport code: DAD). It’ll be the fastest way to get there. 

13. Phong Nha

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 1,250 kilometers (777 miles)

Need to go on an outdoor adventure? Head to Phong Nha right now! It’s home to the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park which has over 500+ limestone caves to explore . 

The two must-visit caves are Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave as they’re impressive in size and have cool stalactites and stalagmites. Phong Nha Cave is easy to get to as you take a boat ride from the center of town. Paradise Cave is located in the National Park loop so a motorbike or a tour is required to get here. 

A unique opportunity is to spend half a day to a full day cycling or motorbiking through the rural area of Bong Lai Valley . It’s a quiet area and has mostly farmlands, yet, stop by the original Pub with Cold Beer for some delicious food (with really large portions!) and drinks. 

If you have more time, you can extend a trip to visit Hang En Cave , the third-largest cave in the world. Or go big and see the Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave. You’ll want to return to Phong Nha to go on more adventures!

Check out this Phong Nha itinerary for more ideas. 

How to Get to Phong Nha from HCMC: Take a 1-hour 35 minutes flight to Dong Hoi (airport code: VDH) and then take a 30-50 minute taxi ride to Phong Nha Town.  

Phong Nha Cave is a major highlight during your weekend in Phong Nha.

14. Ly Son Island

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 573 kilometers 

Ly Son Island ( Đảo Lý Sơn ) is a gorgeous place in Vietnam that hasn’t been overpopulated by foreign tourists yet. It’s a quiet and small island and is known for growing garlic and onions. The garlic and onions are smaller and have a milder flavor than the conventional ones as they’re grown in volcanic sand.   

Rent a motorbike and visit sites such as Mount Thoi Loi to see the beautiful cliffside ocean view, go snorkeling around Cau Cave and An Binh/Be Island, and visit the natural lava arch, To Vo Gate, at sunset. 

Don’t forget to try the fresh seafood when you’re here. You can have the daily catch prepared any way you’d like. 

This Ly Son Island guide has everything you need to know about your visit.

How to Get to Ly Son Island from HCMC: Take a domestic 1 hour 25 minutes flight to Chu Lai International Airport (airport code: VCL). Afterward, hire a taxi or driver to go to Sa Ky Port and then take a speedboat to the island. 

You will need to have the speedboat tickets purchased ahead of time as the boat only goes to the island several times a day. It’s recommended to have a local or a friend who knows Vietnamese to help book the tickets. 

North Vietnam is a fantastic spot to explore for a few days. You can easily spend the time in the capital, Hanoi ( Hà Nội ), or go to beautiful areas such as Ninh Binh ( Ninh B ình ). It’s been a few years since we’ve visited these two areas thoroughly so we’ll add to this post at a later time. 

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles)

Once a sleeper town, Sapa ( Sa Pa ) is now a bustling area where tourists go trekking , visit ethnic villages, and awe at the stunning landscape of the rice terraces . The town itself is pretty small with restaurants and cafes, so you’ll need to take day trips. 

Sapa has so many treks to the nearby ethnic villages of Cat Cat, Lao Chai, for a day trip or overnight stay. It’s a fun and healthy way to meet locals and also get to wander through the various ethnic villages. You’ll need to have hiking boots since the rice fields are muddy. More information is in our Sapa trekking tips here .

Another cool place to visit is the Fansipan summit , the highest point in Vietnam at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Take the cable car from Sapa Town to reach the summit in 20 minutes. 

If you prefer to get some rest, visit one of these amazing resorts that overlook the rice terraces and mountains. These places are highly recommended by Expats: Topas Ecolodge , Topas Riverside Lodge , and Sapa Clay House .

Read what to do in Sapa in 3 days here. 

How to Get to Sapa from HCMC: Take a 2-hour flight to Hanoi International Airport (airport code: HAN) and then take a limousine van to Sapa. You can request a pick-up from the airport. Or, you can stay overnight in Hanoi and then depart the next morning between 6:30-7:00am by bus or limousine van. It’ll be a tight schedule as the transportation from Hanoi to Sapa is 5-6 hours one way.

Sapa is a gorgeous place to visit during an extended weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh.

Whew! There are a lot of destinations to visit in Vietnam for a short trip! Since you have so many places to choose from, you can easily go on short trips from Ho Chi Minh City every week. Don’t forget to add in some relaxation time so you don’t get burned out from traveling.  

Which of these places do you want to visit? If you have further questions, ask a question in the comment section below.

Refer to this post later and save it to your Vietnam Pinterest board.

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

9 Delicious Burgers Places in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam + Vegetarian & Vegan Options

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The 8 BEST Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Make the most of your time in southern Vietnam with this list of the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City!

With a population of over 8 million, Ho Chi Minh City is a hectic and busy city. 

There are heaps of things to do within the over-touristed District 1 alone.

But it’s when you take time to escape the city center that you truly start to experience Vietnam.

READ MORE: Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide to spending 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City .

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Mekong Delta

How to get to cai be floating market, how to get to the cu chi tunnels, how to get to can gio biosphere reserve, how to get to vung tau, how to get to cao dai temple, how to get to ben tre, how to get to ba den mountain, the best day trips from ho chi minh city.

From untouched natural beauty to cultural experiences and solemn, historical sites, we’ll run you through our list of the top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. 

You won’t want to miss these day trips from Ho Chi Minh, so keep reading!

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

1) Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is among the most popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

When you visit Ho Chi Minh City, a day (or two) in the Mekong Delta should definitely be on your itinerary. 

Within a short, 4-hour bus ride you can escape the city, reaching local villages, homes, and floating markets.

Book your tour for this here , and use the code “ NOMADS10 ” to get $10 off.

The Mekong River itself runs through 7 countries, including China, Myanmar, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. 

The Mekong Delta is the mouth of the river, where it splits into hundreds of smaller channels that connect with the ocean.

This area is colloquially called the ‘rice bowl’ of the country, thanks mainly to its incredibly fertile soils. 

You will get the opportunity to observe and participate in the local way of life here as you float along the interconnecting rivers and walk through the forest.

You can take a boat ride through the rivers where you’ll get to purchase locally-made products, fresh fruit, and souvenirs. 

Stopping to make coconut candy at the factory in Ben Tre is a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The easiest way to get here from Ho Chi Minh by far is to book a tour .  A good tour is great as it will include the bus ride to the Mekong Delta, as well as take you to the sites along the way.  

If you’re confident on a motorbike, then renting a scooter is another convenient option – just be conscious that you may want to take a boat ride along the rivers. 

Obviously, this would mean leaving your bike behind.

The cheapest way is to take a public bus for about 120,000 VND.  If you’re a brave, budget-conscious backpacker, then this would be the right choice for you. 

Bear in mind, I’ve heard from other travellers that day trips on these buses can be terrifying so it’s not for the faint of heart.

2) Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Rang in Can Tho is the most popular floating market and one of the top day trips from Ho Chi Minh.

However, if time doesn’t allow you the opportunity to visit Cai Rang, Cai Be in Tien Giang province is another equally impressive floating market in Southern Vietnam.

Although smaller, you can still take a boat along the canals to explore the floating markets of Cai Be. 

Visit stalls selling local wares, souvenirs, and food, such as fresh fruit and typical South Vietnamese cuisine.

It can also be enjoyable to people watch as our boat floats on by, watching the locals operate their floating shops and sell their products.

Aside from the floating markets, consider exploring the village, either by kayak, boat, or bicycle. 

This is also a great place to take a cooking class and taste the local dishes.

For budget-travellers, you can take a 2.5-hour bus ride to Cai Be from Ho Chi Minh city center. Once there, it is easy enough to find your own way around.

Alternatively, a tour is another great option ( use the code “ NOMAD10 ” to get $10 off). Day tours are also a good way to see all the sights in just one day. 

As with the Mekong Delta (and any other tours in Vietnam), do your research and choose the right tour for your day trip.

3) Cu Chi Tunnels

Another of the popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels .

These are an elaborate network of tunnels that interconnects points all over North and South Vietnam. 

These tunnels were used by the Communist, Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.

The tunnels are tiny, designed to barely fit the small-statured Vietnamese soldiers – and not the larger, American ones.

These tunnels were instrumental in the North’s pushback against the US and the South, making them a very important part of the history of the Vietnam War. 

The Cu Chi Tunnels, in particular, are a small section of the tunnels found throughout the Ho Chi Minh City region.

You can easily take a half-day or full-day outing to the Cu Chi Tunnels . 

On your day trip, you will get the opportunity to crawl through some of the tunnels – these tunnels have been intentionally widened for tourists to actually fit.  

You’ll get to envision, to a small extent, what it was like for the Viet Cong soldiers who had to live and fight from within these tunnels.

They have also set up exhibits displaying some of the lethal traps built by the Vietnamese to maim and kill the American soldiers. 

These traps were particularly brutal as they were mostly designed to mortally injure – rather than quickly kill – those who were caught.  This was part of a fear tactic that also contributed to their victory.  

Interestingly, these traps contributed to 11% of all American deaths during the war.

Finally, you will also have the option to shoot some guns, including AK-47s and guns used during the war.  We didn’t feel the need to do this when we were there, but we heard the cost to do so was exorbitant.

The cheapest way is by public bus to Ben Duoc.  This will take about 3 hours in total but will cost just a few dollars.  

Taxi or GRAB are options for those short on time and with funds to spend but will cost you about $50-60 USD.

Again, if you have a scooter and are confident riding in Vietnam then you will have no problem driving yourself to the Cu Chi Tunnels!

4) Can Gio Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO-recognised site, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is a large ecological conservation reserve for mangrove forests. 

Here you will get to see a wide variety of mangroves and animal species.

Sure, it sounds a bit weird, but we can’t recommend spending a day here enough. 

Obviously, it’s your chance to check out Vietnam’s nature up close from just outside Ho Chi Minh City – but on top of this, there are also a bunch of cool things to do here.

The nearby Tang Bong Tower is a 25-meter high tower that you can climb to find panoramic views over the entire forest. 

Visit Giant Bat Lagoon on a rowboat and feed crocodiles at a crocodile reserve.  

Monkey Island (40,000 VND) in Can Gio is also a great place to visit, but keep an eye on your belongings as the monkeys here run rampant and they’ll certainly take what they can. 

Rung Sac Guerilla Base (35,000 VND + canoe ride) is also located here and is a great spot to visit to learn more about Vietnam’s history and their clever war strategies.  

You won’t need to take a tour here.  Either book a taxi or take a public bus from Ben Thanh Market to Binh Kanh Ferry Station. 

Then take the 90 bus to Can Thanh and get off at Lam Vien Can Gio.

READ MORE: Enjoy 33 of the best things to do in Vietnam !

5) Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a fun beach destination with just a 2-hour ferry ride, and thus one of the shorter day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. 

It is known amongst locals as one of the popular weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. But we’d recommend tourists take the trip on a weekday to avoid some of the local crowds.

If you’re wanting to escape the busy city and soak up some of the tropical sun, then Vung Tau is the place for you. 

Bãi Sau is the nicest beach here, so consider making your way here to avoid some of the crowds and to get away from the buildings.  

Aside from relaxing on the beaches, there is a 105-ft statue of Jesus and a lighthouse on top of Núi Nhỏ mountain that is well worth visiting if you’re into photography. 

Other impressive landmarks also include the White Palace, Whale Temple, and Buddhist Pagodas.

Take a 2-hour ferry or a 2.5-hour bus ride.  The bus is just 80,000 VND making it a very affordable day out.  

6) Cao Dai Temple

Caodaism is a religion that fuses together beliefs from Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. 

It is a monotheistic religion founded in South Vietnam in 1926, making it relatively young.

The Cao Dai Temple was built in 1955 and incorporates both French and Chinese-influenced architecture. 

The layout is based on a Christian cathedral with aisles and altars.

However, statues of Mohammad, Julius Caesar, Jesus Christ, and Buddha can all be found at Cao Dai Temple.

The allure of this temple is, particularly, its uniqueness. 

Although spectacular in its own way, you won’t find a temple like this anywhere else in the world, which is why you should definitely make a trip to Cao Dai Temple!

Take the 702 bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Tây Ninh. This will take just 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, there are tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels which include this temple or consider taking a GRAB.

Ben Tre, located in the Mekong Delta, is famous for its coconuts. 

As a result, the locals here mostly work in the coconut industry, creating coconut products including coconut candy.

In fact, many of the local women work in small factories where they boil and stir cauldrons of sticky coconut candy, before pouring it out and slicing it into delicious treats. 

You will definitely want to visit one of these factories when in Ben Tre.

You have two options when visiting Ben Tre. 

Firstly, if you have time and you are visiting the Mekong Delta on one of many day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, consider adding a stop in Ben Tre to experience the local culture, picturesque village, and try the coconut candy. 

Otherwise, Ben Tre makes a great destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

It is a great spot to book boat rides through the Mekong Delta and to stroll around. 

This village hasn’t quite been hit with tourism like the other My Tho and Tra Vinh.

Buses run frequently from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre.  The bus takes roughly 2 hours each way, making it quite a convenient day trip.  

If you don’t wish to bus, you could take a taxi (which would be pretty expensive), hire a motorbike, or book a tour.

8) Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain)

Ba Den, or the Black Virgin Mountain is a volcano located in Tay Ninh province, a 3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

Ba Den Mountain, famous for its beautiful scenery and mythological tales, is the tallest peak in Southern Vietnam. 

Despite its title, it isn’t actually that tall – just shy of 1,000m.

This is good news for day-hikers, as you can summit the top and return within a day – or about 5 hours to be precise.

If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll be able to complete the entire Black Virgin Mountain trek in a day. 

Bear in mind, it involves climbing through lush forests, with often steep and rocky sections. 

Less experienced hikers can opt to take the gondola up to Ba Den Temple about a third of the way up.

The views at both the temple and the top are well worth the effort.  Thanks to its difficulty, you are unlikely to encounter many tourists here, so if you’re tired of bumping into tourists then this could be your respite.

Driving or riding a scooter is the best way to get to Ba Den Mountain.  You’ll get to ride through farmer’s fields and pass friendly locals in small towns.  

Getting there via public transport will be a bit more difficult.  You’ll need to get a bus from Ben Thanh to An Suong bus station, then catch a minibus to Tay Ninh station. 

From here, you’ll need to find a taxi to take you to Ba Den Mountain. With few tourists venturing here, finding one may be difficult.

Some tour companies in Ho Chi Minh City offer tours to Ba Den, this would be your most reliable option aside from riding a scooter.

Those are our 8 favorite day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

Of course, there are other awesome day trips you can take if you have the time.

Cat Tien National Park is another popular one. It is about 150km north of the city. Here at the vast nature reserve of Cat Tien National Park, you can explore the tropical lowland forest, visit botanical gardens, and see ancient trees.

Another popular day trip is Tan Lap Floating Village. This eco-tourism site is located in a dense forest that you can explore by foot or by boat.

Tan Lap Floating Village is about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s not as easily accessible as the other floating markets we mentioned earlier.

But either way, there are so many awesome things to see in this area of Vietnam and we hope this article inspired you to see them all!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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10 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

10 ho chi minh city day trips for a socially distanced getaway.

Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City (widely known as Saigon), to anywhere in the south of Vietnam, the city is the heart and soul of Vietnam and planning day trips and excursions are just part of what you will have as a joy of traveling to Vietnam. It’s a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. This is a city that churns, ferments, bubbles and fumes. The streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, are a jumble of street markets, shops, pavement cafes, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. It’s impossible not to be infected by its exhilarating vibe.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, weather-wise is the dry season between December and April, when the humidity is more manageable. The crowds start getting heavy around November and stay through March. The Tet Festival in late January or early February is an exciting, if extremely hectic, time to visit. Being only 10.5° above the equator and between 5 and 10m (16-35ft) above sea level, Ho Chi Minh City is almost a template for tropical weather. Temperatures rarely vary from about 30°C (86°F); however, the seven- or eight-month wet season can certainly make things wet, sweaty and generally uncomfortable. Heavy downpours can last for days on end, although the city is largely spared the devastation of typhoons that hit the northern areas of the country. The driest time is between December and April, when the humidity is mercifully down below 60%. Anyway, this is Saigon and is still loved by millions of travelers and expats.

1. Mekong Delta

Adventure day trips from Ho Chi Minh city to Mekong Delta , here is Vietnam’s ‘rice basket’, the Mekong Delta is a watery landscape of green fields and sleepy villages, everywhere crisscrossed by the brown canals and rivulets fed by the mighty Mekong River. And, in fact, it is one of the very popular day trip and overnight stay options from Ho Chi Minh City. Its inhabitants – stereotyped as friendly and easygoing – have long toiled on the life-sustaining river, with their labours marked by the same cycles governing the waterways. The delta, which yields enough rice to feed the country with a sizable surplus, was formed by sediment deposited by the Mekong. The process continues today, with silt deposits extending the shoreline by as much as 80m per year. The river is so large that it has two daily tides. Lush with rice paddies and fish farms, this delta plain also nourishes the cultivation of sugarcane, fruit, coconut and shrimp. Although the area is primarily rural, it is one of the most densely populated regions in Vietnam and nearly every hectare is intensively farmed.

My Tho, the quiet capital city of Tien Giang province, is the traditional gateway to the Mekong delta, owing to its proximity to HCMC. Visitors on a whirlwind Vietnam tour often take a day trip here to catch a glimpse of the famous river. In order to visit floating markets, however, you’ll need to continue on to Can Tho. The town itself is an important market town, and its quaint but busy waterfront is easily explored on foot. My Tho was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan for political reasons. The Chinese have virtually all gone now, having been driven out in the late 1970s when their property was seized by the government. The economy is based on tourism, fishing and the cultivation of rice, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, longans and citrus fruit. Click here to learn more about Fruits in Vietnam you must try.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

The town of Cu Chi is a district of greater HCMC and has a population of about 200, 000 (it had about 80, 000 residents during the American War). At first glance there is little evidence here to indicate the intense fighting, bombing and destruction that occurred in Cu Chi during the war. To see what went on, you have to dig deeper – underground. The tunnel network of Cu Chi became legendary during the 1960s for its role in facilitating Viet Cong (VC) control of a large rural area only 30km to 40km from HCMC. At its height the tunnel system stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border; in the district of Cu Chi alone there were more than 250km of tunnels. The network, parts of which was several storeys deep, included innumerable trap doors, constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

Getting there & around Cu Chi

Cu Chi district covers a large area, parts of which are as close as 30km to central HCMC. The Cu Chi War History Museum is closest to the city, while the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnels are about 50km and 70km, respectively, from central HCMC by highway. There’s a back road that reduces the distance significantly, though it means driving on bumpy dirt roads. Hiring a taxi in HCMC and driving out to Cu Chi is not all that expensive, especially if the cost is shared by several people. The easiest way to do this is to stop by one of the budget travel cafés in Pham Ngu Lao and arrange a car, or see if you can flag a taxi in that neighbourhood with a driver who will agree to charge you for driving time only. A visit to the Cu Chi tunnel complex can easily be combined with a stop at the headquarters of the Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. A taxi for an all-day excursion to both should cost about US$45. The buses going to Tay Ninh pass though Cu Chi, but getting from the town of Cu Chi to the tunnels by public transport is impossible – it’s 15km, so you’ll have to hire a motorbike from Tay Ninh (around US$6 return).

3. Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh

Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh town, the capital of Tay Ninh province, serves as the headquarters of one of Vietnam’s most interesting indigenous religions, Cao Daism. The Cao Dai Great Temple at the sect’s Holy See is one of the most striking structures in all of Asia. Built between 1933 and 1955, the temple is a rococo extravaganza combining the conflicting architectural idiosyncrasies of a French church, a Chinese pagoda, Hong Kong’s Tiger Balm Gardens and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Tay Ninh province, northwest of HCMC, is bordered by Cambodia on three sides. The area’s dominant geographic feature is Nui Ba Den (Black Lady Mountain), which towers above the surrounding plains. Tay Ninh province’s eastern border is formed by the Saigon River. The Vam Co River flows from Cambodia through the western part of the province.

Tay Ninh is on Hwy 22 (Quoc Lo 22), 96km from HCMC. (The road passes through Trang Bang, the place where the famous photograph of a severely burnt young girl, screaming and running, was taken by a journalist during a US napalm attack) There are several Cao Dai temples along Hwy 22, including one (which was under construction in 1975) that was heavily damaged by the VC. An easy way to get to Tay Ninh is by chartered taxi, perhaps on a day trip that includes a stop in Cu Chi. An all-day return trip from HCMC to both should cost about US$45. There are buses from HCMC to Tay Ninh that leave from the Tay Ninh bus station (Ben Xe Tay Ninh) in Tan Binh district and Mien Tay bus station in An Lac.

4. Nui Ba Den; Black Virgin Mountain

Fifteen kilometres northeast of Tay Ninh, Nui Ba Den (Black Lady Mountain; admission adult/child 8000/4000d) rises 850m above the rice paddies, corn, cassava (manioc) and rubber plantations of the surrounding countryside. Over the centuries Nui Ba Den has served as a shrine for various peoples of the area, including the Khmer, Chams, Vietnamese and Chinese, and there are several interesting cave temples on the mountain. The summits of Nui Ba Den are much cooler than the rest of Tay Ninh province, most of which is only a few dozen metres above sea level. Nui Ba Den was used as a staging area by both the Viet Minh and the VC, and was the scene of fierce fighting during the French and American Wars. At one time there was a US Army firebase and relay station at the summit, which was later, ironically, defoliated and heavily bombed by US aircraft. Because of Ba Den mountain’s popularity by locals and tourists, we advice to visit during the weekdays.

To get to the black virgin mountain from Ho Chi Minh City, you first need tp get to Tay Nihn, then change to Nui Den area. Taxis, Grab and tours are the options.

5. Vinh Long, Cai Be & Can Tho Floating Market

A bit more chaotic than other Mekong towns of its size, Vinh Long has noisy, motorbike-filled streets, though its riverfront (and its several restaurants) make for a pleasant escape from the mayhem. Despite the lack of in-town attractions, Vinh Long is the gateway to river islands and some worthwhile sites, including the Cai Be floating market, orchards and homestays – which can be a highlight of a Mekong journey. Vinh Long is the capital of Vinh Long province and situated about midway between My Tho and Can Tho.

The largest city in the Mekong, Can Tho is a buzzing town with a lively waterfront and a colourful mix of narrow back streets and wide boulevards that make for some rewarding exploration – especially after a few days spent in the wilds. As the political, economic, cultural and transportation centre of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho hums with activity; while its access to nearby floating markets make it a major draw for tourists, who come here to boat along the myriad canals and rivers leading out of town.

Frequent buses go between Vinh Long and HCMC (three hours), which leave HCMC from Cholon bus station in District 5, and from Mien Tay bus station. You can also get to Vinh Long by bus from Can Tho , My Tho, Tra Vinh, Chau Doc and other points on the Mekong Delta. Vinh Long’s bus station is conveniently located smack bang in the middle of town. Vinh Long is just off Hwy 1, 66km from My Tho, 33km from Can Tho and 136km from HCMC. For Can Tho, There are buses leaving HCMC from Mien Tay bus station (five hours). Express minibuses make the same trip in about the same time. The main bus station in Can Tho is about a kilometre north of town at the intersection of Ð Nguyen Trai and Ð Tran Phu. There is another short-haul bus depot about 300m south of the intersection of Ð 30 Thang 4 and Ð Mau Than, which is good for getting to Soc Trang and the Phung Hiep floating market.

6. Vũng Tàu

Popular beach escape as a day trip from Saigon. Vung Tau drones with bass-thumping action on the weekends as visitors from HCMC motor into town; weekdays, however, are blissfully dead. Vung Tau’s beaches are easily reached from HCMC, making them a favourite of that city’s residents since French colonists first began coming here around 1890. Known under the French as Cap St Jacques – so-named by Portuguese mariners in honour of their patron saint – Vung Tau is a commercialised beach resort on a peninsula jutting into the South China Sea, about 128km southeast of HCMC (via Bien Hoa). The business of oil-drilling here means the azure horizon is marred by frequent oil tankers, and the population flecked with joy-seeking expats.

From Mien Dong bus station in HCMC, air-con minibuses (25, 000d, two hours, 128km) leave for Vung Tau throughout the day until around 4.30pm. From Vung Tau’s bus station (192A Ð Nam Ky Khoi Nghia) to Mulberry Beach or Back Beach, a xe om should cost around 10, 000d. Should convenience outweigh cost, catch a Petro Express hydrofoil (HCMC 08-821 0650, Vung Tau 816 308) to Vung Tau (120, 000d, 90 minutes) at Bach Dang jetty in HCMC. Boats leave roughly two hours starting at 6.30am, but check in HCMC for the latest schedule. In Vung Tau the boat leaves from Cau Da pier, opposite the Hai Au Hotel.

7. Ho Coc Beach

Another weekend getaway and a very popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City , keep heading along the coastal road, another 12km or so from Ho Tram, and you’ll arrive at the remote and beautiful Ho Coc Beach. Golden sands backed by dunes and clear waters, along with the lack of development, make it a draw – particularly on weekdays, when you’ll have the beach largely to yourself. As elsewhere along the coast, weekends bring crowds of Vietnamese tourists. The area around the beach is part of an 11, 000-hectare rainforest that was designated a nature reserve in 1975. Most of the larger wildlife was exterminated or else relocated for safety reasons (most of the elephants were sent to Thailand), but plenty of birds and monkeys can be spotted in the forest. Guides for the walking trails can be hired for about 50, 000d a day. Inquire at Hang Duong Ho Coc.

There’s no public transport out here, but some of the budget cafés in HCMC offer appealing day and overnight trips to Ho Coc. Saigon Tourist (08-829 8914; www.saigontourist.net; 49 Ð Le Thanh Ton, HCMC) puts together trips to Ho Coc that include a visit to Binh Chau Hot Springs Resort. This also makes for a good (but very long) day trip on a motorbike – which you can also hire in Vung Tau. The new road is in decent shape, and it’s a particularly magical ride past sand dunes with lovely ocean views on certain stretches of the road between Ho Tram and Ho Coc.

8. Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve

Notable for its mangrove forest, Can Gio is a low palm-fringed island some 25km southeast of HCMC. The island, which is at the intersection between the Saigon River and the sea, was created by silt washing downstream. It’s hard-packed mud rather than sandy beach, so attracts few visitors and the area remains entirely undeveloped. The principal attraction here – and it’s a minor one – is Can Gio mangrove forest (Lam Vien Can Gio; 874 3069; fax 874 3068; admission 15, 000d). Formed by sediment deposits from the Dong Nai and Long Tau Rivers, this forest sounds impressive on paper: its 75, 000 hectares contains a high degree of biodiversity with more than 200 species of fauna and 50 species of flora. Infrastructure, however, is lacking, and only mangrove enthusiasts will truly enjoy the trip out. There is also the Can Gio Museum, which has displays on the wildlife of the forest, along with exhibits relating to local war history; the park also has a monkey sanctuary, home to at least a hundred simians. Admission to the Can Gio mangrove forest also covers the museum.

Can Gio is about 60km southeast of central HCMC, and the fastest way to make the journey is by car or motorbike (about two hours). There’s a ferry crossing (motorbike/car 2000/10, 000d) 15km from HCMC at Binh Khanh (Cat Lai), a former US naval base. The road is paved all the way from HCMC to Can Gio. Once you get past the ferry, there is little traffic and the sides of the road are lined with mangrove forests.

9. Tan Lap Floating Village

Considering a day trip Tan to Lap Floating Village from Ho Chi Minh City and find yourself in an ecotourism area filled with scenic beauty. The area is inhabitant and it is only open to visitors, once in the floating village, take a boat trip to cross the magical water-lilies and enjoy the quite atmosphere. What to visit on Tan Lap floating village? If you love photography and appreciate the ecotourism, this is a place to be from Saigon. To get to the area, you need an admission tiket of 50,000 VND which is actually a pass to boat trip, the boat-man will lead the boat and guide you through the floating village.

Getting there & away: From central Saigon, take a public transport from Cholon Station and or from Long An, with the trip taking almost 4 hours. If you are driving your own vehicle and or going by motorbike, then, the way is more pleasant and it takes only 2 hours.

10. Cat Tien National Park

One of the outstanding gems of the region, the 72, 000-hectare  Cat Tien National Park comprises an amazingly biodiverse region of lowland tropical rain forest. The hiking, mountain biking and bird-watching are easily the best in Southern Vietnam. Always call ahead for reservations as the park can accommodate only a limited number of visitors. In the 2nd century AD the Cat Tien area was a religious centre of the Funan empire, and ancient Oc-Eo cultural relics have been discovered in the park. Cat Tien was hit hard by defoliants during the American War, but the large old-growth trees survived and the smaller plants have recovered. Just as importantly, the wildlife has made a comeback and in 2001 Unesco added Cat Tien National Park to its list of biosphere reserves. Since then, infrastructure has improved markedly with decent overnight options. It’s worth spending at least two full days here, if possible.

Whichever way you come, you’ll be dropped off at the park office, 100m before the ferry across the Dong Nai River to park headquarters. Buy your entrance ticket from the park office, which will include the price of the ferry crossing. The most common approach to the park is from Hwy 20, which connects Dalat with HCMC. To reach the park, follow the narrow 24km road, which branches west from Hwy 20 at Talai Junction (Nga Ban Talai), 125km north of HCMC and 175km south of Dalat. The road to the park is signposted at the junction, and with your own wheels getting there shouldn’t be a hassle. By bus, take any Dalat-bound service (35, 000d, four hours) and tell the driver to let you off at Vuon Quoc Gia Cat Tien. From this junction, you can hire a motorbike (they’re always around) to take you the remaining 25km to the park (around 40, 000d).

Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia: How long does it take from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia? To answer such a questions and even more, there are frequent daily bused departing Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon to Phnom Penh city, Capital of Cambodia. Traveling time excluding the border and check-point formalities takes something between 6 to 8 hours. Many tourist consider a day trip to Cambodia from Saigon as part of the visa run, so, if you do the same, think about it as there are pretty much a lot of things to discover in Cambodia.Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It’s a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. This is a city that churns, ferments, bubbles and fumes. The streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, are a jumble of street markets, shops, pavement cafes, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. It’s impossible not to be infected by its exhilarating vibe.

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7 Best Weekend Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Mar 26, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Vung Tau – Coastal Charms and Historic Marvels

3. mekong delta, 4. phu quoc island, 6. cat tien national park, 7. cu chi tunnels.

If you want to explore beyond Ho Chi Minh City, consider the top 7 best weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh below for new and exciting experiences in southern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City stands as a bustling metropolis, pulsating with energy and culture. Amidst its labyrinthine streets and dynamic neighborhoods lies a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Yet, just beyond the city limits, a world of enchanting destinations awaits, each offering a unique escape from the urban hustle. These top 7 weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City promise an unforgettable journey into the diverse landscapes and experiences of southern Vietnam.

Top 7 exciting weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Vung Tau is a favorite destination for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Just a two-hour drive from the city, Vung Tau is the closest weekend getaway by the seaside near Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its golden beaches, fresh seafood, and historic landmarks, Vung Tau beckons travelers seeking a quick escape from the urban hustle.

Here, there are several famous beaches including Front Beach and Back Beach. Front Beach is conveniently located and easily accessible, but Back Beach is truly the hidden gem of this place.

Other attractions in Vung Tau include Big Mountain and Small Mountain. You can trek up to the summit of Big Mountain or visit the 105-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ on top of Small Mountain and explore the charming lighthouse.

How to Get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers can go to Vung Tau by personal means such as motorbike, car, or taxi, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Taking a bus to Vung Tau will save costs for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City but take longer approximately 2.5 hours. Additionally, travelers can take a ferry to admire the summit of Big Mountain, with a total travel time of 2 hours.

For those craving adventures and natural beauty, Mui Ne is the ultimate weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Located about four hours away by road, Mui Ne is a small coastal town, that is renowned for its dramatic sand dunes, windswept beaches, and vibrant fishing village.

Weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne allow you to explore the beauty of both red and white sand dunes, where you can try sandboarding or simply admire the spectacular scenery. Adventure-seeking tourists can experience dune exploration by Jeep.

Travelers can admire the stunning red sunset over the sand dunes, and head to Fairy Stream to admire the beauty of prominent red sandstone formations. Don’t forget to visit the bustling fishing village, where you can witness local fishermen going about their daily lives and sample fresh seafood straight from the ocean.

How to get to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers take the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, then can choose 2 options: take a taxi to Mui Ne (it will take about 30 minutes of travel) or take a sleeper bus (it will take about 5 hours of travel).

The Mekong Delta is the perfect weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can choose to visit provinces such as Long An, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Soc Trang, An Giang, … This will be an exciting trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the natural landscape of rivers and waterways.

Begin your adventure with a leisurely river cruise along the meandering waterways, immersing yourself in the timeless rhythms of delta life. Delve deeper into the delta’s cultural heritage with visits to traditional villages like Ben Tre and My Tho.

No trip to the Mekong Delta is complete without a visit to its vibrant floating markets, such as Cai Rang or Can Tho. Here, wooden boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and other goods converge to create a bustling marketplace on the water.

For a truly immersive experience, tourists could consider staying in a local homestay or eco-lodge. Here, the visitors will have the opportunity to immerse in village life, participating in traditional activities like rice planting and fishing. It will be a memorable weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City experience in the Mekong Delta.

How to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

The cheapest way to get to the Mekong Delta is by bus, priced at 120,000 VND per ticket. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you can rent a motorbike and travel on your own. Another option to make your weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh easier is to choose a tour package and relax in the Mekong Delta.

For travelers seeking a fantastic island getaway, Phu Quoc Island is an unmissable choice. Here, travelers can relax in luxury hotels, and 5-star resorts, or enjoy the crystal-clear waters and endless stretches of white sandy beaches.

Travelers can also explore other interesting sites such as fish sauce-making villages, pepper farms, snorkeling to admire coral reefs with a breathing tube, or taking a cable car to Hon Thom Island.

When visiting Phu Quoc, tourists must try the fresh seafood dishes. The island’s cuisine is diverse and especially delicious, different from the dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get to Phu Quoc Island from Ho Chi Minh City

Tourists only have one way to fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc International Airport and travel to accommodation in Phu Quoc by taxi.

As a weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat offers a myriad of experiences to rejuvenate the soul and ignite the senses. Dalat is a favorite destination for young people because it has a cool climate, colorful flower gardens and Dalat-style cafes.

For hikers, trekking through the pine-scented forests of Langbiang Mountain offers breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. For adventurers, canyoning down the cascading waters of the Datanla Waterfall promises an exhilarating experience amidst nature’s wonders.

The architectural works of Dalat are no less attractive than the nature here. Bao Dai Palace was built in French style and Hang Nga Palace was designed by a Vietnamese architect.

You can experience the specialty dishes in Dalat, especially dishes made from fresh fruits, visit the night market to enjoy the food, and go to cafes to take many beautiful photos during this trip.

How to get to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City

Tourists have 2 ways to travel to Dalat for these weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Take a domestic flight to Dalat airport in about 1 hour or choose a more economical way to travel by bus or private car to Dalat.

Cat Tien National Park getaways are weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh for those who are passionate about hiking. Adventure awaits around every corner in Cat Tien National Park, with a network of hiking trails and waterways waiting to be explored.

Top attractions include strolling around the Botanical Garden and seeing various animals, as well as strolling in the woodland region to observe tall Uncle Dong and Tung trees. Spending the night in the park’s campground is a unique opportunity to explore the area.

How to get to Cat Tien National Park from Ho Chi Minh City

Taking the bus from Mien Dong Bus Station to Cat Tien National Park takes about 5 hours. You can also catch a sleeper bus to Dong Nai and then take a taxi to the National Park. Motorbikes will be the last choice because the travel distance is quite long.

The most mentioned location in the suburbs of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, is perfect for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh. The Cu Chi Tunnels served as a vital lifeline for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, allowing them to evade enemy detection and move supplies and troops undetected. Explore the complex network of tunnels that stretch for miles beneath the surface, visitors will be amazed by the ingenuity of their design.

For visitors seeking to learn more about Vietnam’s history and the Vietnam War, the visit to Cu Chi tunnels helped gain a new perspective on the war and its impact on Vietnamese society, from the resilience of the Vietnamese people to the challenges of post-war reconstruction and reconciliation.

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City

The least expensive way to get to Ben Duoc is by public transportation. It will only set you back a few dollars and take about three hours to complete. If you’re short on time but not short on cash, you can use GRAB or hail a cab. But you’ll have to pay between $50 and $60 USD for it. You won’t have any problems traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels if you own a scooter and are accustomed to riding in Vietnam.

Learn more about cu chi tunnels through Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels – Comprehensive Guide to The “Underground City”

With an array of captivating destinations just a short distance away, Ho Chi Minh City serves as the perfect launchpad for memorable weekend getaways. Whether you’re craving beach bliss, cultural immersion, or nature escapades, these top 7 weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City promise to satisfy every traveler’s wanderlust. Start planning your next adventure today!

Are you looking for a reputable and top-quality travel company in Vietnam? Asia Encounter will be your trusted partner for unforgettable Southeast Asia tours. Discover more exciting destinations and tailor-made experiences with Asia Encounter today. We will accompany you on your tailor-made journey to explore Southeast Asia!

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Floating markets, chic beaches, mangrove forests and more day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Feb 24, 2022 • 7 min read

A boat drifts through a Mekong coconut plantation © Cuongvnd / Getty Images

Ho Chi Minh City  (aka Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest city, where you could easily spend two wonderful days slurping down amazing noodle soups and walking on 100-year-old tiles laid down during French colonial times.

But Ho Chi Minh City is also the gateway to southern Vietnam , with its vast Mekong Delta , quaint floating markets, historic wartime sites and pristine nature reserves. Here’s a list of the best five day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. 

Get a taste of the Vietnamese countryside at Ben Tre and My Tho

Why go: If you don’t have time to overnight deep in the Mekong Delta, these two sister cities just two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City provide a glimpse into rural countryside living.

What to see: Ben Tre , the so-called Coconut Capital of Vietnam, is just opposite the river from the more developed city of My Tho . Both make for a quaint getaway where you can take in fruit orchards, cottage industries and surprisingly rural villages just off the main highway.

The four inhabited river islands between Ben Tre and My Tho are home to bee farms, coconut candy factories, and scenic orchards where you can sample tropical fruit while being serenaded by Vietnamese folk singers. The Vietnamese government has established eco-resorts in the area, complete with horse-pulled carts that take visitors from attraction to attraction. 

What to eat and drink: Ben Tre makes everything coconut, from coconut wood souvenirs to chewy coconut candy. Watch as the workers stretch and mold the sweet little squares and take some home as a sweet memento. Also try the hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho , a noodle soup specialty of My Tho, with chewy rice noodles topped with shrimp, pork, pork offal and heaps of fresh vegetables.

How to get there: If you’re confident on a motorbike, head 2 hours due south of Ho Chi Minh City. With your own motorbike, you’re free to veer off onto the many small paths leading to village markets and authentic countryside scenes completely devoid of tourists. Otherwise, join the better-off locals on private air-conditioned buses and mini-vans for the two-hour, US$4 road trip to Ben Tre where you can arrange a boat and guide to visit the islands. Easier still are day trips bookable from Saigon for as little as US$11, including lunch. 

You might also like: Perfect weekend in Ho Chi Minh City 

Shop the old-fashioned way at Cai Be’s floating markets

Why go: Vietnam’s floating markets are fast disappearing due to better road infrastructure and cheaper transport options. While smaller than the more well-known floating market just outside of Can Tho, the Cai Be floating market is the closest one to Ho Chi Minh City, taking just about 2 hours to reach. 

What to see: The floating market is a throwback to when most trade and transport was conducted on the waterways – a safer, cheaper, faster option than road travel since almost every home by the water had its own canoe. The Cai Be floating market is comprised of 2 dozen or so barges, each with distinctive painted eyes (said to bring the boats safely home) and long poles with produce hung high up to announce what’s for sale. 

Expect a kaleidoscope of colors and a flurry of activity, especially early in the morning, when smaller boats buy fruits, vegetables, rice and other products of the Delta for re-sale at land-based markets while still smaller boats service the larger ones with breakfast noodles and drinks. You can hire tourist boats from Cai Be for a trip around the floating market while smaller canoes ferry passengers on scenic cruises through narrow waterways lined on both sides by water palms. 

Where to eat and drink: Le Longanier Restaurant is a beautiful lunch spot in an Indochine-style mansion serving up elegant versions of Mekong Delta favorites, including deep-fried elephant-ear fish rolled up in rice paper.

How to get there: The Hai Duyen shuttle departs from Saigon’s District 5 for US$5. It's a 2.5-hour drive to Cai Be where you can negotiate your own boat to take you out to the floating market. If you’d rather leave the hassle to someone else, budget-friendly day tours are plentiful and easy to book from Saigon’s backpacker area (Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao Streets) or for those with a little more cash to flash, a private day cruise offers the ultimate in comfort.

You might also like: Top free things to do in Ho Chin Minh City 

Lie out in style at Vung Tau’s beaches and hotels

Why go: Known as Cap Saint-Jacques when it was a beach playground frequented by French colonists, modern-day Vung Tau is the closest ocean beach to Saigon. 

What to see: While its long list of attractions includes a Giant Jesus (larger than the one in Rio), a turn-of-the-century lighthouse and a cable car–accessed amusement park, the main reason to hit up Vung Tau for the day is to laze around on its handful of respectable city beaches.

While most are fronted by seafood restaurants with beach chairs for customers (double-check your bill as some have been known to overcharge), lay out in style at the Beach Club at the Imperial Hotel . Modeled after Roman baths with an infinity pool and loads of sun loungers, the complex can be accessed with a day pass that will set you back only US$12.

If you’re looking for quieter beaches, Ho Tram is an up-and-coming destination about 40 km (25 miles) east of Vung Tau where there are a handful of resorts ranging from glitzy mega hotels with world-class golf courses and casinos to the very rustic River Ray Estates . At the latter, you can practically have the whole stretch of beach to yourself on a weekday or relax poolside for just a US$3 entrance fee. 

Where to eat and drink: The covered Hoa Bien night seafood market is located just behind the Imperial Hotel; choose your own live seafood and have it cooked to order.

How to get there: Both the US$11 fast boat and US$5  mini-van take about 2 hours. The mini-van will drop you off at a centrally-located Vung Tau hotel. Once you’re in the city, taxis are plentiful to explore the sights. Toan Thang minivans ply the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Tram.

You might also like: A guide to Ho Chi Minh City's street food 

Explore the wartime tunnels of Cu Chi

Why go: Built over a period of 25 years by Northern Vietnamese forces, the 250 km (155 miles) of underground tunnels at Cu Chi are an engineering marvel and a wartime site of historical importance.

What to see: If you’ve ever wondered how Vietnamese farmers were able to defeat one of the most powerful military powers in history, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is in order. Visitors can descend steep steps down into dark, narrow passages leading to underground bunkers, living quarters and even a hospital which allowed the Northern Vietnamese to mount surprise attacks, then seemingly vanish into thin air. 

How to get there: There are two sections open to visitors, Ben Dinh (closer and more-visited) and Ben Duoc (where more of the locals go). Both are accessible by public bus #13 from the September 23 Park near Saigon’s backpacker quarter to the Cu Chi Bus Station, and then #63 to Ben Dinh or #79 to Ben Duoc for just over US$1.

The trip will take about 3 hours. Or book a half-day tour to visit just the tunnels or add on the Cao Dai Holy See , a colorful temple dedicated to Vietnam’s homegrown religion of Caodaisim – once described by Graham Greene as the “Walt Disney Fantasia of the East”.

Paddle through mangrove forests in Can Gio

Why go: Exchange the urban jungle for a much greener one in the Unesco-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. 

What to see: Functioning as the “green lungs” of the region, this vast area of wetlands, salt marshes and mangroves just 2.5 hours south of Ho Chi Minh City is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including king cobras, saltwater crocodiles and fishing cats, along with 130 or so bird species. Cruise the bat lagoon in a rowboat or climb up a 25m-high observation tower to look for birds over the treetops. 

How to get there: From the September 23 Park, take the public bus #75 and hop off at the Vam Sat Ecopark. The trip takes just over two hours and costs about US$1. There’s also the option to take a luxury speedboat trip right from the Saigon riverside. The boat ride there is almost as interesting as the destination, as you pass stilt houses, barges laden down with produce and rustic scenes of life on the river, with a stop to visit a small town wet market.

This article was originally published in December 2018. It was last updated in February 2022.

This article was first published June 2019 and updated February 2022

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Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh City: Six Nearby Destinations

Like most major cities in the world, it’s good for the soul to have the opportunity to escape Ho Chi Minh City from time to time. Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of rejuvenating destinations that make for an ideal day trip from Vietnam’s sprawling metropolis. Some are just a bus ride away on the city’s main expressway, providing ample opportunity for even the most last minute escapist to leave for a nearby, day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: chudu24.comThis picturesque beach town rests 113 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and traveling there takes about 2-3 hours depending on your mode of transportation. It’s best to travel here during the week to avoid sizeable crowds. Generally speaking, Ho tram does a better job than Vung Tau in upkeep, and is perhaps one of the cleanest beaches to visit when making a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

The primary beach spans about 10 kilometers and has seen a fair amount of development as of late. The Grand Ho Tram is perhaps the most notable resort in the area, and there are serious plans to initiate significant expansion in the very near future.

If you like the outdoors then Ho Tram is a great place to go camping and reconnect with mother nature. Book a tent for the night or bring your own. There are more places like this popping up, and it’s not hard to find yourself a private little slice of beach all to yourself.

Camping/Beach huts

River Ray Estates : If you have your own tent you can camp here for VND 90,000. Keep in mind there are no tents available for rent, so you need to bring one with you.

Source: thanhlyhangtot.com Saigon Container : You can choose to camp in the woods or just a few meters away from the beach. Throw down a few bucks and this thatched beachside hut is yours. I stayed here myself and absolutely loved it.

Visit Ho Coc beach

Slightly north from Ho Tram beach one can find Ho Coc , a mildly unpopulated u-shaped beach lined with golden sand overlooking unsullied forest. Scattered about the shoreline you can discover a fair amount of seaside shacks and makeshift seafood restaurants dishing up impressively fresh local fares.

Where to eat

Ven Ven Hotel : This is a wonderful restaurant along the coast. If having a proper meal in a gorgeous natural setting is up your alley then give it a go.

Ho Tram BBQ Restaurant : It’s just five minutes from The Grand Ho Tram and is easily accessible by taxi. Expect well presented, mouthwatering BBQ, seafood, fried rice and much more. Each table features its own grilling station and Vietnamese and Chinese style barbeque are in order. This establishment provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy both local and international cuisine on your day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Scorpion Island

Source: calummacgregorhendersonHop on your motorbike and drive until you reach the river bank. From there, enjoy the experience of the river ferry (VND 4,000 per bike) which will tow your motorbike across the waterway.This is a really unique experience as travelers remain sitting on the motorbike as it’s lugged across the intimidating murky water.

Just one hour or two hours after your departure from Ho Chi Minh City, you will find yourself in another world, far from the bustling likes of the city. After the ferry has reached the port, the landscape pops with lush greenery, rice paddies and winding dirt roads amidst bamboo village huts making for an idyllic natural scene. Scorpion Island or Bo Cap Vang lies 63 kilometers southeast of the city.

Entrance fee to the island is VND 100,000.

Note that it’s best to start your day trip from Ho Chi Minh City early as the park closes at 5 PM sharp.

The zipline is perhaps the best activity to engage in if you’re not afraid of heights. Climb the wooden platform, grab ahold and let her rip. Although the height of the platform is not marked, I would estimate it’s about 3-4 meters tall, so it’s nothing too intense, although caution should be taken into consideration.

The inflated blob

Source: tigitmotorbikes.comFrom time to time, you can find an inflated blob at the end of the zipline. I’ve visited twice and it was not there the during my second visit, so I’m not 100% sure if it is always in use. Once you release from the zipline onto the blob, you will be thrown into the air making way for an entertaining plummet into the lukewarm waters of the river. It’s loads of fun.

Canoes are available for rent on the premises for VND 50,000. Go alone or paddle away with a friend to explore the picturesque scenery along the banks of the river. Enjoy your time reconnecting with nature, but be sure to watch out for nearby swimmers.

Fishing is a great way to spend an afternoon on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. On Scorpion Island, you can rent a rod and try to reel in that big one. If you’re lucky enough to catch something nice, feel free to cook it up on site. Small, portable BBQs can be rented for a few bucks.

Scorpion Island is not a village. It’s a small plot of land utilized for outdoor recreational activities. Therefore, it is suggested you pack your own picnic. If you don’t feel like lugging around heavy coolers, you can order food from the small restaurant on site. However, the food is not that impressive, and in my opinion, a bit overpriced for the quality.

Can Gio (Monkey Island)

Source: 123rf.comCan Gio is also referred to as Monkey Island and rests about 75 kilometers southeast of central Vietnam, making it a one of the most convenient day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. It is most accessible by a speedboat which can take around one hour. Traveling by car or motorbike could take 2-3 hours. However, be warned that the area is laden with monkeys scurrying about so if you aren’t into the whole primate thing, this might not be your cup of tea.

Can Gio is a listed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its impressive plethora of biodiversity, containing over 200 species of wildlife and 150 varieties of indigenous vegetation, laid out over 757.4 square meters. It’s well known for its extensive mangrove forests, and serenely rests where the Saigon river meets the sea.

Reconnect with mother nature

Can Gio boasts some of the best natural scenery found in close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, so if you get all fired up about nature, pack your bags and hop on the next speedboat. The wetland abounds with monkeys, crocodiles and an assortment of exotic, colorful birds. There is much to see.

Can Giuoc Market

Welcome to the gateway of the Mekong Delta. Can Giuoc Market is a lively scene on the banks of the Saigon river. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the rich Mekong culture as the local community goes about buying and selling their goods. Get your cameras ready because there are loads of captivating images to capture.

Giant Bat Lagoon

This is a place to get your row boat on. Kick back and enjoy a ride through the tropical forest before you begin your trek through this prolific mangrove jungle.

Vam Sat Eco Park

Source: excursionvietnam.comIf you’re brave, you can feed fish to the crocodiles on the reserve or try your hand at crab fishing. We also highly recommend heading off to Bat Swamp where you can witness the remarkable flying foxes in their natural habitat.

Getting to Vam Sat Eco Park takes about three hours by car or motorbike. If you opt for a full tour package as seen below, you’re looking at a 7-8 hour day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

It’s probably best to just eat lunch with your tour as the restaurant scene in the region is most certainly lacking. Currently, there is not much information about proper restaurants on Monkey Island. We suggest finding a packed restaurant and ordering whatever the locals are eating. They know best, and a full restaurant is always an indicator of good grub.

Mekong Delta (Can Tho)

Source: shoesyourpath.comCan Tho is the centriole of the Mekong Delta and one of the biggest cities therein. Can Tho is 171 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and traveling there will take about three hours. For many years, it has served as the principal economic and cultural hub for much of the Mekong region, and has grown to become a reasonably large town awash with numerous restaurants, hotels, tourist sites and bars.

In fact, the nightlife along the banks has become quite famous. As the sun fades over the riverside it transforms into a visual treat as the illuminating neon lights reflect an uncanny and charming Mekong Delta vantage.

Phong Dien Floating Market

It’s 32 kilometers from the Can Tho pier and renting a boat for a tour will cost you roughly USD $25. Here you can witness timeless boat to boat trade of snacks, exotic fruits, food and much more. The best part about this market is it’s not fully adapted to tourism yet and still retains much of its authentic formula. At this market you will encounter the locals going about their business, chatting from boat to boat, selling, buying, laughing and doing what they do best.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang is quite similar to Phong Dien market but makes for a shorter journey as it’s a mere 16 kilometers from the dock. As you traverse the canals leading into the market area, visitors can take in the pleasurable scenery and get a glimpse of local life along and atop the waterways.

Although it’s still referred to as the old market, it has recently been relocated further north to the central market, making way for a more tourist-friendly shopping scene. Customers can peruse a selection of more upmarket good such as clothes, souvenirs and artisanal lacquerware. If you want some gifts to take home, this could be your spot. If you want authentic, handmade goods it might be advisable to skip this one.

Tay Do Night Market

Street food. Street food. Street food. If you’re a foodie visiting Can Tho, be sure to add the Tay Do Night Market to your itinerary. Name it and they have it. From fried tofu to skewers, seafood and the best of Can Tho’s local fare, everything is to be had.

And the buck doesn’t stop there as the market is home to a range of other goods, and renowned for its rich culture as well as being one of the most famous markets in all of Vietnam. It’s not to be missed on your day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Bang Lang Stork Garden

Source: vietnamtravelblog.infoThis 20,000 square meter garden plot, just 53 kilometers from Can Tho City is a little slice of paradise for the avid birdwatcher. Bang Lang is host to thousands of beautifully colored storks of many varieties including the ibis , cattle egret , striated heron and painted stork . The best time to visit the garden is around 5 PM when the slew of birds can be seen darting across the skies as they return to their nests. Also included on the premises is a three meter tall observation deck, allowing for picture-perfect panoramas

This temple is well impressive as it rests unperturbed, majestically overlooking the placid Can Tho river. It was built in the 19th century as a sacred ground of which to worship Kuang Kung , a Chinese deity referred to as the ‘god of business’. It’s perhaps one of the most notable religious sites in the region.

What to eat

Magenta plant sticky rice cake (banh tet la cam).

This rice cake is native to the region and is steamed using the magenta plant in order to give the snack its attractive purple hue. Other ingredients include coconut milk, meat and salted duck eggs, before being wrapped up in the magenta plant leaf. It’s chewy. It’s salty and slightly sweet. Try it.

Cai Rang Grilled Rolls (Nem nuong Cai Rang)

If you’re a meat eater this one should most certainly be on your list. Unlike many meat-based dishes in Vietnam, the fat is removed from the pork making for a lean and tender bite. After the cuts have been selected, the pork is mashed and rolled into a ball before being slid onto bamboo skewers which are grilled over charcoal. You can eat it right off the stick or use the meat for a Vietnamese style roll. Take some sauteed vermicelli, scallions and chives and roll it up in a crispy piece of lettuce. I call it a Viet-ritto.

Vietnamese Noodles in Coconut Cream (Banh tam bi)

Most often eaten for breakfast, this southern staple consists of rice and thick tapioca noodles mixed with an assortment of herbs and pork which is then doused with a rich coconut dressing. The dish is then steamed inside a charcoal oven and served with fish sauce, bean sprouts, pickled veggies and cilantro. It’s cheap, it’s simple and makes for a marvelous breakfast on your day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

We believe in giving it to you straight up, and we must admit that although Vung Tau makes for a nice getaway from the madness of the city, it’s not the cleanest beach by any means. That being said, it’s still a quiet coastal town and offers visitors the chance to just escape the city and take it easy. It’s 95 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and you can get there around two hours or so via bus or car.

Source: vietnamholidays.proIf you don’t like crowded beaches it’s best to visit this area during the week. Once the weekend rolls around the daytrippers pack in like sardines. You can rent a chair and an umbrella for VND 50k per day. The best part about this section of the beach is the convenience. There are loads of refreshment stands and food carts scattered about providing easy access to cheap food and cold beer.

Front Beach

Front beach is not much different from back beach other than it’s less crowded. It’s a decent place to take a stroll and dig your feet into the 10 kilometer stretch of sand.

Ho May Park

Source: YouTube/StoneIceThis park requires a scenic cable car ride to the top of the mountain on which it resides. There are an array of activities to enjoy in the park including a zipline, a sand playground, bumper cars, a 5D cinema and a sweet water park. There is much to do for both youngsters and adults, and makes for a great way to spend your day.

Jesus Christ Statue

Source: vietnam-s-travellance.comIt towers over Vung Tau City as it’s perched on top of a mountain. The statue stands at 36 meters tall, and closely resembles Brazil’s ‘Christ the Redeemer’. Taking the 810 step trek to the top taking gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and majesty of the South China Sea beneath. There is no entrance fee, but a strict dress code is enforced requiring guests to remove their shoes. Knees and shoulders must also be covered.

Vung Tau Lighthouse

Source: baomoi.comErected nearly one hundred years ago in 1907 by the French, a visit here provides a sweeping 360 degree viewpoint. During your ascent to the top, you can enjoy a few local snacks like Vietnamese yogurt (sua chua) and an assortment of cheap pastries.

Vung Tau is not renowned for its restaurant scene, as most people prefer to partake in family style beachside picnics. There are loads of food stands directly on the sand. You can order what you want and they will bring it right to you. And while you’re there, dig into the Vung Tau food scene and try some of our recommended fare as seen below. It’s half the fun.

Mai fish salad: Goi ca mai

The fish is first marinated in vinegar, garlic, chili and lemon, and then mixed with a peanut powder. The salad is then served with fresh veggies and rolled up in rice paper. After rolled, it’s best to dip your roll into a special sauce made with garlic, minced chili, vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, lemon, crushed peanuts and shrimp sauce.

Sawfish hot pot: Lau ca duoi

This hot pot is eaten with sawfish, banana, spinach, a spicy fish sauce and vermicelli. The broth of the soup can be done many different ways according to taste, but essentially it’s made with herbs bamboo shoots, river leaf and tamarind.

Vung Tau pancakes: Banh xeo Vung Tau

The Vung Tau or Long Hai pancake has a unique recipe compared to other versions. Ingredients include rice flour, shrimp, bean sprouts and pork. What makes it unique is the special crust made with chicken eggs and filled with onions and mushrooms.

Oyster Porridge: Chao Hau

It’s pretty simple and straightforward. Rice porridge with oysters. Go get yourself some. It makes for a fantastic breakfast.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Source: getyourguide.comThe Cu Chi tunnels are one of the easiest day trips from Ho Chi Minh City in regards to travel time. Just an hour and half out, the historical site is located a mere 43 kilometers north of the inner city limits. The location maintains much historical significance and is an immense network of tunnels utilized by the Viet Cong military during the TET Offensive and Vietnam War. Although there are endless tunnels across the country that were employed for defensive tactics, this particular matrix connected Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi district, and were a key strategic component against opposing forces. This particular channel of tunnels cuts its way underground all the way to the Cambodian border and covers roughly 250 kilometers.

You can opt for a half day or full day trip setting off from Ho Chi MInh City. A tour to the tunnels provides visitors the opportunity to explore the extremely narrow underground burrows, and some packages will take you to a nearby Cao Dai temple as well; a bizarre but fascinating religious sect which worships the ‘Divine Eye’ and combines the beliefs of many different theological ideals. If you’re into history and learning more about the Vietnam War, this is a place you must surely visit.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Day trips from ho chi minh city.

• Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho
• Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta
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1. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

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3. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - Luxury Tour from HCM City

4. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine

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The Best Weekend Get-Aways From Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is one hell of a city, but it’s hectic, so you need to escape and get away from this rat race of a city. Ho Chi Minh has many great places outside of the city, such as the Vietnamese Peninsula or the Mekong Delta. In Vietnam, you have some beautiful options for a weekend away.

If you work all week in the city, you probably deserve a break from the crazy traffic and the general noise. Ho Chi Minh is all go go go, so I’d always advise getting away from the city and getting into nature! You’ve got loads of options, so there’s no excuses.

Here’s my list of activities to do outside Ho Chi Minh city

Vung Tau is a great weekend escape and just 53 miles from Ho Chi Minh. If your after a beach break, this is your closest place with beaches like Bai Sau Beach. This is also a great place to rent a motorbike and explore.

You also have other activities such as the big and little mountain. If you want an adventure, you could go for a hike and reach the summit of the mountains. You can also get the cable cart up the hill from Ho May Park theme park and hotel. The views are simply stunning, so if you have a good camera, take advantage.

From up the mountain, you can see the statue of Christ, which isn’t as big as the one in Rio De Janeiro but is still a good size. You can also see a lighthouse which is pretty cool to check out.

Their are many ways to reach Vang Tau. You can hire a limousine depending on your budget? My advice is to get private transport comfier and better.

Ho Chi Minh City: 86-102 kilometers (53-63 miles)

Cat Tien National Park

You can’t beat a National Park, especially if your living in Ho Chi Minh, and Cat Tien is only 3 hours away. The National Park has a lot of wildlife and is well preserved by government protection agencies. You can find sun bears, elephants, monkeys, and loads of bird species. Their are many ways to discover this National Park, whether it’s on foot or by car. If you can find a nice hotel around the area, and this is the kind of place you want to relax.

Ho Tram has a beautiful beach area and is only a couple of hours away. The beach is a further hour away from Vung Tau, so technically, both destinations can be ticked off.

The town is set for a weekend away and has quirky places to stay with boutique hotels and guest houses. Your sole purpose of visiting Ho Tram will be to chill and nothing else. Some other popular resorts include Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort, and Carmelina Beach Resort which have Hot Springs and fantastic hospitality.

Again the best way to travel to Ho Tram is by private car or limo, whatever you want to do? Another option is to rent a motorbike and make an adventure out of it.

From Ho Chi Minh 159 kilometers (98 miles)

Stu’s Explorer Club – Two-day weekend activity

Stu’s Explorer club had to make the list for all you adventure junkies out their! This gives you an alternative to relaxing and gets you into nature and camping under the stars. You’ll be taken into the jungle for a hike with activities like swimming and camping, eating home-cooked Vietnamese meals.

You will also go to Dong Nai forest where you can hire a motorbike or get a private car and admire its beauty. In the jungle, you will stay overnight in a relaxing atmosphere, as Stu does an excellent setup and looks after you. He even offers you Leach-free socks. So what more could you want?

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From Ho Chi Minh City: 108 kilometers (67 miles)

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is huge, and it makes sense to visit the 15,600 square miles area with options to choose from. When you leave Ho Chi Minh city, you enter a tribal world where their culture is indigenous, and you see this on the Mekong.

You have a few options on the delta, such as Ben Tre or Can Tho, for your weekend trip. Can Tho is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and isn’t as intense as Ho Chi Minh, and has a chilled vibe.

In Can Tho you have an outstanding floating market, and you can ride a boat and be in the middle of trading.  Also on the market, you’ll be able to get some food such as a nice noodle soup or some grilled meats. While you’re on the mainland, you have loads of temples and markets selling street food with many delicious snacks.

I think while you’re on the Mekong Delta, you should consider getting a guided tour, as you find plenty down there for relatively low prices with food included.

If you decide to travel to Can Tho you can take a 3/4 hour bus or get a taxi, but that costs a bit. Others rent motorbikes, but that can be a bit uncomfortable depending on how adventurous you are?

From Ho Chi Minh City:  85 kilometers (53 miles) to Ben Tre, 200-220 kilometers (124-137 miles) to Can Tho

Victoria Cruises

If you want to travel to Mekong Delta in style, you can get a luxury cruise from Victoria cruises. I’d recommend doing this as it’s nice, peaceful and well-organized.

Upon the cruise, you will be offered delicious food, cycling along the River, and visiting remote villages, and the best thing is it’s all taken care of.

If you’d like to find out more about Victoria cruises, please click here

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48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City

Top Things to Do

Best Temples and Pagodas

Top Museums

Exploring Pham Ngu Lao

Guide to the War Remnants Museum

Where to Shop

Best Restaurants

Foods to Try

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Neighborhoods

Guide to Public Transportation

Tan Son Nhat Airport Guide

The 8 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

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The Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) isn’t just great for its museums and other must-see sights . You can’t stop by Saigon without going on a day trip to nearby attractions around Southern Vietnam.

There’s a wide variety of activities to choose from, all within four hours’ drive from the city. Whether you want to explore the Viet Cong experience at Cu Chi Tunnels, hike to towering heights at Black Virgin Mountain, or take a slow boat ride through the Mekong Delta, you’ll find an activity suited to your tastes and exertion levels.

Pick through the list below and plan your next excursion out of Vietnam’s southern gateway!

Cu Chi Tunnels: Dive Into Vietnam War History

This formerly extensive network of tunnels in the South Vietnamese countryside is a shadow of its former self, but the few remaining boltholes of Cu Chi do a great job of recapturing the dangers of the Vietnam War era.

In its heyday, the Cu Chi tunnels extended past the Cambodian border, creating a hidden supply line that sustained the Viet Cong (Communists) and helped them execute attacks like the Tet Offensive.

Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels can relive the Viet Cong soldiers’ daily slog by going through the remaining tunnels and trying to fit in a tunnel entrance. Other immersive experiences include a diorama presentation, exhibits of relics left over from the war, and a firing range.

Getting there: Book a package tour from Ho Chi Minh City, or take public bus 79 which stops near the Ben Duoc entrance. Entrance fee is 110,000 dong ($4.70).  

Can Gio Biosphere Reserve: Marvel at a UNESCO-Recognized Wetland

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One of Vietnam’s few UNESCO-recognized nature reserves  , Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is just 25 miles south of Ho Chi Minh City. To best explore the area, hop on a tourist boat to navigate this wetland's almost endless mangrove forest and meet its exotic residents: giant bats and snapping crocodiles in a half-wild state.

For a unique simian experience, stop by Monkey Island and enjoy close encounters with the feral monkeys that walk around the town square. (Try not to get your valuables stolen; these monkeys have quick fingers.)

Getting there: Ride the 20 bus from Ho Chi Minh City / 23/9 Park and disembark at Binh Khanh Ferry at Nha Be. Fare costs 5,000 dong ($0.22).  

My Tho and Ben Tre: Explore Market Towns Around the Mekong Delta

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Two towns around the Mekong Delta are often seen on the same trip, given their close distance to one another.

The bustling market town of My Tho was founded by Chinese refugees in the late 17 th century. As it’s one of the first stops for Mekong Delta tourists from Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is a popular embarkation point for Mekong Delta tours that visit riverside houses, towns, and workshops. The sprawling Minh Trang Buddhist temple is a must-see in My Tho.

A few miles south of My Tho lies Ben Tre, a more rustic town known for its coconut candy trade. It’s another embarkation point for Mekong Delta tours, but it’s just as popular for its coconut candy factories, which you can visit to sample the sweet treats!

Getting there: Regular bus services from Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Tay bus station make the hour-long drive to My Tho, some 37 miles south of the city.  

Cao Dai Holy See: Learn About a Uniquely Vietnamese Religion

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The Cao Dai religion is uniquely Vietnamese, with a syncretic belief system that draws from both East and West. (Elements like yin and yang draw from Chinese theology; the belief in a supreme being and Heaven and Hell comes from Christianity.)

The Cao Dai Temple (“Holy See”) in Tay Ninh is the perfect embodiment of this blended belief system, with elements borrowed from Taoist temples and Catholic churches. The dragon-entwined pillars reach up to sky-blue ceilings painted with clouds, as white-clad acolytes worship on the floor facing the Divine Eye at the very end of the Hall.

Worship services take place every six hours. Visitors must wear modest clothes (covering knees and shoulders) and take off shoes before entering; they may then watch the services from the galleries.

Getting there: Located in Long Than village in Tay Ninh (some 50 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City), the Temple can be reached on the 702 bus from the city; it takes about two hours to arrive.  

Can Tho: Browse Largest Floating Market in the Mekong Delta

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The Mekong Delta’s biggest city offers a well-developed canal network; impressive colonial infrastructure; and the largest floating market in the area, Cai Rang.

You’ll find plenty to do away from the river, including visits to the Can Tho Museum, the Binh Thuy Ancient House, and Wat Pitukhosarangsay. The riverfront promenade surrounding Ninh Kieu Pier is awesome to see any time of day, with a Night Market, riverside park, and boat trips up and down the waterways.

Early in the morning, stop by the Cai Rang floating market to take in the picturesque view and watch the boat vendors throw fruits to each other. You can buy stuff here, but you won’t exactly get your money’s worth.

Getting there: Futa Bus covers the 105-mile distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho in four hours; tickets cost 110,000 dong ($4.75), inclusive of shuttle service to and from the main bus terminal.  

Black Virgin Mountain: Hike to the Highest Peak in Southern Vietnam

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The highest peak in Southern Vietnam (at 3,268 feet high), Black Virgin Mountain is an extinct volcano that serves up adventure to both hikers and sightseers.

A cable-car goes most of the way up the mountain, where tourists disembark at an area full of pagodas for local worship. A further two-hour hike up to the summit is possible from this point for more active travelers; the way there is composed of dirt paths interrupted by the occasional boulder.

Getting there: Black Virgin Mountain is located in Tay Ninh Province. It's about a two-hour drive northwest of Ho Chi Minh City; taking an organized tour is the easiest way to get there, hiring a motorbike is the second-easiest. The cable-car ride costs 85,000 dong ($3.60) one-way.  

Vung Tau: Spend a Day at the Beach

This laid-back little beach town is a favorite weekend getaway for Ho Chi Minh City residents. Sure, Vung Tau’s Back Beach and Ho Coc Beach may not be as glitzy as Vietnam’s other beaches , but the destination’s humble charm is a selling point all by itself.

Visitors to Vung Tau can enjoy the beaches first, then head to other attractions nearby like the Binh Chau Hot Springs and the hundred-foot statue of Jesus towering over the city at Nui Nho (“Small Mountain”). Vung Tau seafood is fresh, rustic and good; it’s best enjoyed at Ganh Hao Restaurant , a long-standing local favorite.

Getting there: Take the bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City direct to Vung Tau, or take the fast ferry by transport provider Greenlines DP .

Cat Tien National Park: Try to Spot Endangered Animals

Sam Sherratt ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

North of Ho Chi Minh City, this massive nature reserve sprawls over 277 square miles of lowland tropical forest. Cat Tien was combined from three separate national parks due to the discovery of Javan rhinoceroses in the area; in addition to rhinos, the park harbors other endangered animals as well, among them gibbons, crocodiles, sambar deer, and leopards.

Views of these animals are hard to come by if you hike the local trails, but you can also visit an ape rehabilitation center and a crocodile breeding area to see the park’s large vertebrates at a safe distance. Other local activities include biking trails, boat trips on Crocodile Lake, and encounters with tribal communities like the Stieng and Chau Ma peoples.

Getting there: Cat Tien takes four hours to get to by car from Ho Chi Minh City. Consider staying overnight at one of the lodges located in the forest.  

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. "Can Gio Mangrove."

Travel Itinerary: What to Do and See With Eight Days in Vietnam

The Top 13 Things to Do in Vung Tau, Vietnam

The 14 Best Beaches in Vietnam

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City Guide: Planning Your Trip

Where to Shop in Ho Chi Minh City

The 7 Best Temples and Pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The 12 Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Ho Chi Minh City

8 Foods to Try in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels - Vietnam War Memorial Near Saigon

War Remnants Museum: a Must-See Vietnam War Memorial in Saigon

The 7 Best Parks in Ho Chi Minh City

48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City: The Ultimate Itinerary

Celebrate Tet Like a Local in Vietnam

The Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

• Ho Chi Minh City

22 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

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Where the sun never stops shining, and with the Mekong Delta on its doorstep and pristine Vietnamese beachscapes along its coastline, the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City will leave your ( cà phê sữa đá ) cups overflowing!

Beyond Saigon’s perimeters (and 24 districts), a wild world of wonder awaits … Picture drifting along jungle canals, through groves of coconut trees and passing by local villages.

Do your shopping the local way: at a (famous) floating market, then stop off to scout the surrounding town for a cultural overload of temples, museums and workshops.

Get in your TLSea at the beaches or venture to nearby islands like Phu Quoc instead! Ride quad bikes down sand dunes or try SUPing on calm oceans.

Explore biosphere reserves, heck, even other countries!

Fun fact: the cuisine in Southern Vietnam differs vastly from the North. Taste dishes typical to the river or seaside locales, visit a rice paper-making factory or ones where you learn how noodles are made and pick your own fruits at an orchard.

Vietnam is the type of country where anything is possible. For something extraordinary, rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and explore the landscapes like a true adventurer!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

1 – Pretend to be a “tunnel rat” at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels

Jump deep inside the Vietnam War rabbit hole, or in this case, trenches, at Cu Chi Tunnels — one of the most globally recognized wartime sites in the country!

Spanning a network of more than 250 kilometers of dug-out underground tunnels, the building of this unique defensive and attack system began circa the First Indochina War (1945 to 1954).

As the war against America broke out, the Viet Cong (southern Vietnam’s army) extended the tunnels around the Cu Chi region, creating hideouts, transport routes and clever traps, and was also where the Communist base camp was set.

Today, one of the most exciting things you can do is explore this strategic system by entering the tunnels yourselves!

Parts of the underground network can only be investigated with an assisted guide, some requiring a real tight squeeze to pass through — it makes you think just how agile these soldiers were!

Arrive at the historical site the ordinary route, or add an extra 15 minutes and boat along the Saigon River to get here (super authentic) with a speedboat tour !

Travel time: 1h15mins

• Cu Chi Tunnels day trips

2 – Jungle boat cruise along the Mekong Delta

Southeast Asia’s longest river is waiting on your Saigon doorstep, and it’s kind of a crime to visit this part of Vietnam and not visit the famous Mekong Delta.

As one of Vietnam’s most authentic adventures, floating down the jungle river in a traditional wooden Vietnamese canoe is unparalleled!

Flowing through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand (with its source in China), a long stretch of this courses through Vietnam, and the largest of the Delta is here in the south.

Mekong Delta boat tours from Ho Chi Minh City are the best way to experience the river, stopping off at floating markets, local riverside villages, farms and plantations. Or, swap travel modes and go kayaking through the mangrove-y marsh landscapes instead.

From Phnom Phen, the river extends roughly 270 kilometers across Southern Vietnam, and multi day trips from Ho Chi Minh City are every bit worth it! With so much to see and do in the Mekong Delta, you won’t be disappointed with extra time to explore.

• Discover its unique fauna and flora.
• Sample classic Mekong cuisine, for example, cá kho tộ (braised and caramelized catfish).
• Visit the famous floating market in Mỹ Tho (as well as the town’s orchards and pagodas), one in Cái Bè and another in Cần Thơ.
• Appreciate Khmer culture in Sóc Trăng.
• Taste longan and rambutan fruit from Thoi Son Island.
• Enjoy Sa Dec community’s lush floating gardens.

Travel time: 3h19mins

• Mekong Delta day trips

3 – Order a ‘floating coffee’ at the Cai Be Floating Market

It goes without saying that Asia is home to some of the world’s top floating markets and towns, just like Cai Be Floating Market along the Mekong.

Fascinatingly, half of the residents in Cai Be live on land; the others set up homes on the water! It’s pretty mesmerizing to witness this unique way of life.

Its daily floating market draws in whopping crowds, eager to catch a glimpse of locals selling all sorts from their boats and barges, and with the opportunity to do your own round of shopping!

Pick up goods ranging from piles of fresh produce (like pomelo and tangerines) to handicrafts to local delicacies, or keep your eyes peeled for vendors selling noodle dishes or even ca phe noi , i.e., floating coffee!

Operating since the 17th century, the best time to visit the market scene is between early morning and noon.

Other cool sites and scenery to check out in the Cái Bè District include the craft village and the Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village.

Travel time: 2h5mins

• Cai Be Floating Market day trips

4 – Spot crocodiles and eat… jellyfish at Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO listed for its plethora of aquatic and plant species that thrive in a mangrove environment, the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve is heaven for nature enthusiasts!

Peaceful and tranquil, feel worlds away floating through marshy canals, passing unique natural formations. The wildlife sanctuary is home to saltwater crocodiles and is a hotspot for birdwatching — look out for the spot-billed pelican!

Tropical ferns and dinosaur-like flora teem over your head on either side of the Vam Sat Forest’s riverbanks, creating beautiful photography moments!

Paddle over to Monkey Island , where its residents are … monkeys! Or, learn more about reptile species at Hoa Ca Crocodile Farm.

Witness locals about their daily business: fishing, working in the saltpans or oaring their way through the jungle-esque wetlands!

Good to know: the biosphere reserve is in the coastal Cần Giờ district. Other activities in the area include:

• Feasting on fresh local seafood. (Don’t be surprised to find jellyfish on some menus!)
• Visiting Sac Forest Guerrilla Base.
• Hanging out at Can Gio Beach.
• Experiencing the local markets (Hai Duong Market and Can Gio Market).

Travel time: 2h16mins

• Can Gio Reserve day trips

Travel tip: For an afternoon of trekking, motorbiking and boating, check out the best Monkey Island day trips .  

5 – Go beach-hopping around Vung Tau

What’s one of the things that sets the north and south of Vietnam apart? Why, the beaches, of course!

(While you will find a handful of beach-y destinations near the North — hello, Halong — the most pristine and visitor-friendly are considered in the South!)

Coastal-driven Vung Tau is home to a string of pretty beaches and water sports!

Crescent moon-shaped Front Beach is the town’s main beach, with lush mountains as a background and a slew of sleepy fishing boats mooring along its shores. Not so great for swimming, it’s popular with locals for beach BBQs and chills.

Back Beach (Thuy Van Beach) is much better suited for swimming, and its beachfront is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas to rent.

Boasting shallow waters, quiet Doi Nhai Beach is great for kite surfing and SUPing. All along the shores of Thuy Tien Beach locals sell the freshest seafood, gathered just hours before. Where the river meets the ocean, escape the crowds at Suoi O Beach!

More options? There’s also Ho Tram Beach, Bai Dau, Phuoc Hai Beach and Chi Linh Beach.

Travel time: 2.5 hours

• Vung Tau day trips

6 – Look for the Illuminati eye around the Cao Dai Temple

Ever heard of the Cao Dai faith? Originating in Vietnam, Caodaism is interestingly the amalgamation of multiple religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Catholicism and Vietnamese folklore.

Established only in 1927 in Tay Ninh , the Cao Dai Temple in its originating area is a beautiful example (and celebration) of this faith!

Stepping inside the colorfully ornate space, it’s a perfect introduction to the faith’s core principles, with the belief that all religions share similar teachings.

Constructed between 1933 and 1955, this religious complex is one of the most intriguing around.

From the outside, you wouldn’t assume it’s a temple (looking more like the front of an extravagant theater). You soon realize the borrowed elements across religions, for example, in the architecture of the building.

Once inside, there are tall pink pillars with dragons encircling them, a painted cloud ceiling, statues of Buddha, Brahma (the Hindu god) and Jesus, followers dressed in all-white cloaks and the Illuminati’s ‘Eye of Providence’ — cult vibes, anyone? ( Just kidding !)

Travel time: 2 hours

• Cao Dai Temple day trips

7 – This time, sample claypot coffee at Cai Rang Floating Market

Ladies and gents, introducing the Mekong’s largest shopping locale on water: the Cai Rang Floating Market (in Can Tho).

There are two ways to get here: drive to the floating market and join one of the boats offering tours around the trading port, or sail in via boat ride from Can Tho (about 40 minutes).

Back in the day, this was the only transport route in the area, and even though there are now tarred roads in town, the buzzing local atmosphere retains all of its original charm.

On weekends, the sounds of traditional Vietnamese songs fill the air as bands of musicians waft by.

Shop for keepsakes made from bamboo leaves, coconut candy, fish sauce and wholesale-priced produce like watermelon, pineapple, durian, mangosteen, grapefruit and star apples.

Foodies especially love this floating market! Try cơm tấm (a broken rice dish) and bún riêu (a tomato-based noodle soup made with crab and shrimp).

Travel time: 2h49mins

• Cai Rang Floating Market day trips

8 – Quad bike around the dunes in Mui Ne

Ever tried stir-fry iguana? While herpetologists may wince at the idea, this is the local delicacy in Mũi Né! If you’re not the most adventurous eater, stick to its fresh seafood offerings — which this coastal town is famous for!

Now a popular beachfront resort destination, most things to do and see are centered around the ocean!

Love your outdoor activities? Try your hand at windsurfing and kitesurfing (Mui Ne has ideal wind conditions), or go sand surfing down its famous Whitesand Dunes (quad biking is available here, too) or the Redsand Dunes.

Enjoy a seafood lunch around the harbor, or for something out of the ordinary, visit a nước mắm (fish sauce) factory — if you have the nose for it.

Feel like you’re in a fantasy movie walking down Mui Ne’s Fairy Stream; have fun in the sun at its Bai Rang, Ganh and Suoi Nuoc Beaches.

Just over 3.5 hours away, it’s worth your while to check out nearby Phan Thiet. Don’t miss Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, 18th century Van Thuy Tu Temple and The Prince’s Castle.

Travel time: 3h49mins

• Mui Ne day trips

9 – Thailand in Vietnam? Boat over to Phu Quoc Island

Ditch the Big City vibes and motorbike madness and catch a boat ride over to tropical paradise, i.e., Phu Quoc Island.

Straddling Cambodia’s coastline in the Gulf of Thailand, this Vietnamese island is the epitome of a quintessential Southeast Asia destination – cue the swaying coconut trees, glass-like bays and powdery white soft sands!

As part of the Phú Quốc National Park, the things to do in Phu Quoc win hearts over with natural beauty.

Hike through jungles and mountains, chase the Suoi Tranh Waterfall, go island-hopping, discover underwater paradise when scuba diving (and get PADI-certified here), and snorkel around Phu Quoc Coral Mountain.

A fantastic way to kick off this day trip is riding the longest cable car in the world from its Sun World Hon Thom amusement park!

There are tons of beaches around to explore; or for something a little different, visit the Phu Quoc Prison (Coconut Tree Prison) for an eye-opening moment, the Pepper Farm or one of the fish sauce factories.

Travel time: 2 to 3 hours via the ferry

• Phu Quoc day trips

10 – Drift between lotuses at the Tan Lap Floating Village

You may have heard of sea gypsies, but have you ever met a riparian before, i.e., someone who builds their home on the river?

Welcome to Tan Lap Floating Village, a dedicated eco-tourism area where visitors can immerse themselves in local living, particularly from the folk who call the Mekong their home.

Drone masters, the bird’s eye views of the village are pretty mesmerizing. Built in the middle of a wetland, a boardwalk boundary leads you to the center of the attraction, where a set of traditional houses are (now a tourist rest zone).

Surrounded by blooming lotus flowers and giant lilies, canoeing through the scene is surreal.

Follow the walkway leading to a Melaleuca forest (a plant from the Myrtle family), but we suggest continuing by row boat! Inside the forest is an Observation Tower for spectacular snapshots over the whole area!

Tan Lap Floating Village is in the Long An province.

Travel time: 2h20mins

11 – Go loco for the coco in Ben Tre

Ever bought coconut water from your local supermarket back home and checked to see where it’s from? There’s a good chance it’s from Vietnam (the world’s second-highest exporter after Thailand)!

Home to the largest and most well-known coconut plantation in the country, Ben Tre is known as the “coconut capital,” and a lot of the exported water comes from here!

Rent a bike and cruise through countryside roads with coco palms lining the sides, passing by farming plantations, fruit orchards and local smiling faces.

Situated in the Mekong province, of course, cruising through the wetland canals is a must. Choose between the Lang Be Tourist Area and the Con Quy Tourist Area. Many boat tours pitstop at a coconut candy-manufacturing workshop and you can learn how to make the candies yourself, tastings included!

Sample fruits from Cai Mon Orchard Village and frolic between floral fields at Cho Lach Ornamental Flower Village.

Cultural sites to add to the itinerary include Van Phuoc Pagoda, La Ma Church, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum and Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village.

Travel time: 1h56mins

• Ben Tre day trips

12 – Take the cable car up to Ba Den Mountain

Thousands flock to Ba Den Mountain (the tallest mountain in the South) to catch the cable car up to its peak, and where an extravaganza of spiritual grandeur awaits you…

Towering over the landscape is the 36-meter-tall statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, and when the morning clouds hang extra low, the only thing you can see is her head peering out.

SunWorld has taken over the area, making it easier to navigate the pagodas, religious attractions and hikes.

You have two options: the Van Son Cable Car route transports you to Ba Den Mountain’s peak at an elevation of 986 meters, or the Hang Pagoda Cable Car route takes you to the Hang Pagoda complex.

Alternatively, trek up Black Virgin Mountain, and there are a few trail options, each ranging in difficulty, for example, the challenging 6.6-kilometer Electricity Pole Line trail. En route, drink in the vistas from numerous viewpoints.

Also at the base of Ba Den are a bunch of renowned pagodas, such as Ba Tay Ninh Pagoda, Hang Pagoda and the Linh Son Hoa Dong Pagoda.

Travel time: 2h6mins

• Ba Den Mountain day trips

13 – From biking to trekking to chasing waterfalls, discover Cat Tien National Park

While the north of Vietnam is renowned as a motorbike-tripping mecca, there’s plenty of opportunity around the south for an adventurous drive! Take the UNESCO-listed Cat Tien National Park as one example; well-favored by bikers… but also hikers!

Spread across three provinces, this natural biosphere has plenty to offer, and is home to a unique ecosystem not typically found in Vietnam.

See how many of the 1,655 plants and 1,730 animal species you can spot, and mingle with locals at some of the traditional villages inside the park, for example, at Lai Ethnic Village.

The Cat Tien Gibbon Loop and Ta Lai Longhouse – Bat Cave Loop are popular walking trails, as well as the pathways around Crocodile Lake.

Get educated at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Bear Rescue Center and visit Ben Cu Waterfall.

Travel time: 3.5 hours

• Cat Tien National Park day trips

14 – Experience two countries in one day at Phnom Penh

It’s pretty wild to think that you’re able to visit two Southeast Asian countries in one day! If the allure of the Cambodian capital has won you over, consider a day trip to Phnom Penh for a taste of Khmer culture!

We recommend leaving extra early in the morning so you reach the “Pearl of Asia” mid-morning, allowing you enough time to experience the very best of the things to do in Phnom Penh !

Garnering the nickname thanks to its bounty of early 20th century colonial French architecture, sightsee beauties like the Central Post Office and the Central Market.

Head down to the waterfront and explore the Royal Palace (built in 1866), and there are restaurants, bars and craft breweries here, too.

Deep dive into local culture chronicling different eras at places like the National Museum, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and SOSORO Museum, and if you’ve got the chutzpah for it, the infamous (and eye-opening) Killing Fields are unmissable.

Travel time: 4h51mins

• Phnom Penh day trips

15 – Feel completely transported from city life at Buu Long Tourist Area

Fun Vietnam trivia: dedicated tourist and eco-tourism areas are very common, designed with travelers and curious visitors in mind, celebrating or replicating local lifestyles.

In a part of Bien Hoa where ancient temples and pagodas have been conserved is the Khu du lịch Bửu Long (Buu Long Tourist Area).

Gardens, caves, lakes, rivers and mountains weave in between the site, with various attractions and recreational zones.

The perfect Instagram moment awaits you in the Son Nu Area presenting plenty of photo ops like swings, water mills and a stairway to heaven.

Travel to the Antarctic inside Snow Paradise (reaching temperatures of -15 °Celscius); cross the Long An Lake and Nghinh Xuan Bridge to 8,000 orchids on Orchid Island. Boat ride through the mountainscape of the Long Son Peninsula where the “Great Wall” and a 19-meter golden Bodhisattva statue wait!

Cruise around on swan-pedal boats; there are kids’ playgrounds and Vietnamese restaurants to enjoy.

Travel time: 1h9min

16 – Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture at Bình Quới Tourist Village

Sail in between gigantic lily pads, passing beneath streams of cute little bridges and bamboo bungalows built on stilts with groves of coconut trees at the Bình Quới Tourist Village.

Feast on mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine that’s quintessential Southern-style cooking, watch a cultural show or join in the outdoor activities — and festivities.

Honoring local traditions, folk tales and culture, the tourist village is divided into three sections.

Binh Quoi 1 is where the floating restaurant is, as well as the workshops (like sculpting and musical programs).

Play a round of tennis and go swimming or canoeing in Binh Quoi 2. Binh Quoi 3 has the most rustic vibes out of the three tourist areas here, and this is the section set up around the river.

Don’t miss out on the traditional entertainment and the cultural show centers on the storyline of a classic Vietnamese wedding and its rituals and dances.

17 – Make a splash beneath the multi-tiered Giang Dien Waterfall

With five cascades, one gigantic “natural pool” and all the feels of a picturesque countryside setting, Giang Dien Waterfall offers the ultimate reprieve from the city heat — and bustle! Believe it or not, this fall is man-made!

Surprisingly, it’s not as busy as you might expect, but that just leaves more open space for you to enjoy — much appreciated when swimming and playing beneath the 20-meter waterfall.

Another ecotourism site, the things to do around the waterfall revolve around Mother Nature.

Cycle or take a stroll around the park, go fishing or hang out on the grassy greens.

Bring your own lunch, there are local restaurants to serve your appetite, or there are on-site BBQ facilities, which is very common in public spaces in the country.

P.S. Life jackets are available to rent and take caution when climbing the slippery boulders.

18 – See a spiritual masterpiece: Vinh Trang Pagoda

For the spiritually inclined, the special Vinh Trang Pagoda (in Mỹ Hóa near Mỹ Tho) is calling your name!

Discover three awe-inspiring landmarks within the complex grounds: the ornate Vĩnh Tràng Temple, the joyful, smiling big belly Budai statue (the name for the Chinese monk Qici, also referred to as Maitreya Buddha), and a huge Reclining Buddha.

The original temple was built by 1850, refurbished in 1895 and then renovated once more in 1907 after much of it was destroyed in a monsoon storm.

One thing has remained: its architectural magnificence, employing many rare and precious materials for its construction.

First, enter through the three-arched Tam Quan gate (dating to 1933) — it’s a perfect opportunity to admire classical Vietnamese Buddhist design.

Around the main temple, the garden is an Eden of bonsai trees, where 18 wooden arahants statues and other impressive religious figurines decorate the grounds. Other standout features include the 18-meter-tall Amitabha Buddha and a seven-story swooping tower.

Travel time: 2h10mins

19 – Have fun at the theme parks!

Take your pick from the theme parks near Saigon, either on land or centered around water!

Suoi Tien Theme Park is probably the most impressive and closest to your classic amusement park vibes, dubbed a “Vietnamese Disneyland.” The special twist? It’s all Buddha-themed!

Meet mermaids and race your friends down the slides at Dam Sen Water Park . There are four pools here, including a wave pool!

Ride rollercoasters, feel the thrills ziplining, meet cute animals at the petting zoo, travel to outer space in the UFO Film 7D theater, go rock climbing and battle your friends on water zorb balls at Ho May Park !

Or, if you’ve decided to journey over to Phu Quoc for the day, step into a world of animals where the only mammals enclosed are you at the free-roaming Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc .

Travel time:

• Suoi Tien Theme Park – 50 minutes
• Dam Sen Water Park – 23 minutes
• Ho May Park – 2h47mins
• Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – 3 hours

20 – Relax and unwind in tranquil Hồ Cốc

Ocean Babies, peaceful and charming Hồ Cốc is a wonderful destination to spend your day feasting on fresh seafood, working on your tan, kayaking or even surfing.

If you’ve visited places like subtropical Durban in South Africa or closer to home in Vietnam’s Hoi An, the beachscape here is very similar, with its cobalt teal blue colored ocean and yellow sands!

The bays remain relatively chilled, but with certain conditions, there are some small waves — fun for novice surfers. Otherwise, SUPing and sea kayaking are the water sports of choice.

As one can imagine, the seafood from Hồ Cốc is amazing and fresh off the boats. Must-try dishes are mai fish salad ( gỏi cá mai ) and stingray hotpot ( lẩu cá đuối )!

Something unique that may tickle your fancy: Minera Hot Springs resort park! A short drive from the city, rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters, with 30 different baths and pools, as well as a spa and hot and cold sauna treatments.

Travel time: 2h58mins

21 – Foodies, learn about local cuisine and Vietnamese ingredients in Can Tho

Can Tho is usually on radars because the notable Cai Rang Floating Market is right around the corner, but there’s much more to this Mekong Delta city!

An interesting destination for food lovers, explore a 200-year-old rice-paper-making village, Thuan Hung, drop by a rice noodle factory or treat your sweet tooths at a coconut candy factory.

Stroll through one of the many fruit orchards, like Vam Xang, My Khanh Orchard or Rach Ke, picking and sampling fresh jackfruit, guavas, rambutans, dragon fruit, mangosteens, longans and the stinky durian.

With its positioning along the Hau River, freshwater fish and shrimp are used a lot in the local cuisine of this area. You have to try bánh cống (fried shrimp cakes).

Unlike the rest of the towns, villages and cities on the Mekong, Cần Thơ is considered a metropolitan hub and has quite a “modern” feel compared to other destinations.

Travel time: 2h47mins

22 – Escape the heat and swim at Thủy Châu Ecotourism

Escape the heave of tourists and mainstream activities and spend the day cooling off and picnicking alongside the river rock pools at Thủy Châu Ecotourism .

This area is very popular with locals, and the weekends are abuzz with residents searching to escape the Saigon heat! You won’t spot many Westerners around, but that’s the beauty of a country like Vietnam (not overrun like Thailand or Indo)!

An artificial attraction, the man-made eco-park sports a river section doubling as a natural pool, and a massive fountain in the middle shoots water spurts (which kids especially love).

There’s also another water play area, and the Thuy Chau swimming pool is split into two sections: one for adults and the shallower pool for children.

Pack a picnic and chill out on the riverside, or follow the paths leading through the surrounding woodland.

Travel time: 1h2min

Final thoughts

As you can see, there’s so much more to discover beyond Saigon’s perimeters, from the Mekong to the coastlines! Enjoy a head start with our list of best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City!

Or, if you’ve only got a day or so in town, check out some of the epic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City .

Planning on heading North next? The capital city is absolutely magical, with plenty of things to do in Hanoi completely different from its southern half! Or, if you’re considering venturing out of Vietnam next, here are some of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia , from Lombok to Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur.

Have you visited Ho Chi Minh City before? What were some of your favorite travel moments? Share with us in the comments; we love to hear from our readers.

As always, happy travels!

Home » Travel Guides » Vietnam » 15 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

15 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly known as Saigon – and still colloquially known as such by most locals – Ho Chi Minh City is the largest in Vietnam , once serving as its capital and now remaining the modern day cultural, religious and political hub for most visitors.

Here, you can learn about everything from the war and the diverse religious backgrounds of Vietnam to the lifestyles of the average contemporary Vietnamese citizen. The city is truly alive and bustling with history and culture.

This can get overwhelming, so a great option is to take day trips to other areas in South Vietnam. The region is packed with natural beauty thanks to the Mekong Delta, Southern Highlands, and lush forests.

You can also discover more rural cultures or take a peek into Vietnam’s French colonial past.

These are the 15 best day trips you can take from Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are a great place to learn more about the Vietnamese side of the war that took place in the ‘60s. Cu Chi was a highly bombed area, and what was once a vibrant town is now mostly rice paddies and fields.

To survive, the people of Cu Chi built a network of underground tunnels which you can still visit to this day. You will need to take a historic tour to understand the area better, but these are definitely worth it and well-priced.

Ben Duoc is the most famous tunnel; however, Ben Dinh is great if you are looking for somewhere a little less touristy.

2. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta region is both culturally vibrant and naturally beautiful. The world famous river begins in this region before stretching throughout South East Asia.

There are rice and coconut farms throughout the region to learn more about rural Vietnamese life, and excellent boat tours that cruise along the river and its canals.

There are also floating markets in towns located along the river delta, with Cai Be being the most famous. The town also has some great places to listen to local folk music and the market itself is full of wonderful local produce.

3. Cao Dai Temple

In the nearby town of Tay Ninh, you will find Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is the religion of the temple and is very unique to the region.

It is a sect of Buddhism, however, draws heavily from Christian and Confucian beliefs, making it an interesting religion to learn more about. You can visit a real ceremony if you make sure to be there at around noon, and learn more about the symbolism of the Left Eye of God.

The beautiful temple has unique Caodaist architecture and is a delight for any photographer or anyone looking to explore a culture that is not as well-known across the world.

4. Black Virgin Mountain

Known locally as Ba Den Mountain, this mountain is in a very historically and culturally important region and is great for hiking.

Hiking maps with details of the trails available can be picked up from tourist offices in Ho Chi Minh and in nearby Tay Ninh. Once at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the neighboring rice paddies and historic villages.

If you are looking for a more relaxing trip, take a cable car up the mountain. This is quite slow and shaky, but generally safe; it is an enjoyable experience if you can stomach the jolty movements.

5. Vam Sat Mangrove Forest

Vam Sat Mangrove Forest contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of Can Gio Biosphere.

This area of outstanding natural beauty is located just on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh. Previously destroyed by the Vietnam War, the beautiful mangroves have since regrown and are a haven for nature lovers and photographers looking for a unique spot in the world.

The area also has many traditional fishing villages, and you can guide your own boat through the waterways or go with a guided tour. There is a cool Bat Lagoon, which you can row into to explore the different bat habitats.

6. Vung Tau Beach

Vung Tau is a very popular day trip option from Ho Chi Minh City and it is easy to see why.

The picturesque cape is lined with a beautiful beach, with Big Mountain overlooking the area and adding to the breathtaking scenery. On the opposite side of the beach is Small Mountain, a popular hiking option for travelers who are not accustomed to larger hills.

There are some interesting traditional Vietnamese sailing options for you to enjoy from the beach, or you can simply choose to relax in this little spot away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh.

7. Nha Trang

Nha Trang is another gorgeous seaside destination only a short traveling distance from Ho Chi Minh City.

It is flanked with beautiful mountain ranges and the gorgeous coastline will delight hikers, photographers and regular tourists alike. Arguably the most famous seaside town in the country, Nha Trang is a popular area for scuba diving and there are facilities to cater to all levels across the town.

The beach is nice, though not as spectacular as others in the region. However, it is a good place to soak up local culture and sample some of Vietnam’s finest street food.

8. Long Tan

Long Tan is a popular site to learn all about the war – especially for tourists from Australia and New Zealand.

One of the largest ANZAC led battles in the Vietnam War took here; you can learn all about the efforts made by both nations during the major conflict. The Long Tan Memorial Cross is a popular site commemorating all the fallen soldiers from the conflict.

Take a tour of the old Australian army barracks and wander along the former battlefield, which has been somewhat preserved – unlike many others in Vietnam.

9. Ho Coc Beach

Though Vietnam is not usually thought of as a beach destination – especially when compared to Thailand and the Philippines – there are some very secluded surprises dotted along the coast that can be more rewarding than the busier tourist beaches nearby.

Ho Coc is a five-kilometer long beach that sees a lot less tourist traffic than many others – even in Vietnam – and still benefits from golden sand and crystal blue seas.

If you are looking to minimize crowd sizes, we suggest coming during the week where there’s every chance you will have the beach to yourself.

10. Tay Ninh

Located in the south of Vietnam, many people ignore Tay Ninh whilst on their way to the Black Virgin Mountain or Cao Dai Temple, but the town itself has many cultural delights to merit a day trip of its own.

You can visit the Long Hoa market to check out local clothing, food, and other trinkets. Be sure to bring your best bargaining skills with you, as the locals love it.

The local delicacy, banh canh trang bang, is a variety of noodles which is turned into other dishes such as griddle cakes and soups. Simply sitting at one of the many restaurants will give you a good feel for local culture.

11. Suoi Truc

Suoi Truc is not very well known to tourists but is definitely a hotspot for local Vietnamese residents.

The area is located in a lush, secluded forest with many man-made hiking trails that have formed naturally from decades of human foot traffic. Once you are deep in the forest, you will find beautiful waterfalls and rock pools.

You can bathe under the waterfalls and swim in the somewhat warm waters of the pools. It is much quieter during the week, however, if this is your first visit, we suggest going when it is busier so you don’t get lost.

12. Can Tho

Can Tho is the largest town located in the Mekong Delta region and is perfect for soaking up some unique Vietnamese culture without the tourist traps of Ho Chi Minh to distract you.

The Quang Duc Pagoda is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. It is well worth a visit to learn more about the religion and come face to face with monks.

The Xuan Khanh quarter of the city is famous as a great market area and a place where the youth of Can Tho unwind – particularly students from the local university.

Dalat is located in the Southern Highlands of Vietnam and is a popular place to get away from the stifling heat of Ho Chi Minh City. Once a popular resort for French officials, it is still an interesting place to check out some colonial architecture. It is known colloquially as Vietnam’s Paris for this reason.

There are three colonial-era palaces that have been well maintained where you can learn all about how the powerful French colonists lived whilst in Vietnam. Enjoy the surrounding natural treats with hiking, canyoning and cable car options allowing people of all abilities to take in the views.

14. Ben Tre

For the more adventurous traveler, Ben Tre is a Mekong Delta town that is not frequently visited by tourists.

As a result, the few that do venture in this direction are treated to an incredibly warm welcome. Enjoy peaceful boat rides down the Mekong with locals who will be more than happy to show you around.

The town is known in Vietnam for its coconut production; watch this happening all across the streets of the town. Everything from coconut oil and coconut milk to furniture made from coconut shells can be found in Ben Tre.

15. Rach Gia

Located on the southern coast in the Mekong Delta region, Rach Gia is another town that does not see many tourists. Locals here can also be very friendly with the few who do come.

If you decide to spend your day in the town itself, you will be treated to some of the most authentic restaurants in this part of the country – and great Vietnamese hospitality. If you arrive early, you can also take the hydrofoil boat to Phu Quoc, which is a bit more popular with tourists and has some great natural attractions.

15 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City:

• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Mekong Delta
• Cao Dai Temple
• Black Virgin Mountain
• Vam Sat Mangrove Forest
• Vung Tau Beach
• Ho Coc Beach

5 Best Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City , or Saigon , it is ideal for exploring southern Vietnam . From Saigon, you can reach other attractions easily with buses or ferries .

What are the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)?

Here are some ideas for a perfect weekend getaway from Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnel

Located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City,  Cu Chi tunnel makes a perfect day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to its location.

As the Vietnamese soldiers used this underground tunnel network during the Vietnam War , the Cu Chi tunnel has significant historical value. It is a symbol of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

How to get there

Cu Chi tunnel is accessible by car or boat on the Saigon River .

It takes approximately 1.5 hours by car from Saigon to Cu Chi, and it costs around $70 for a vehicle.

However, the easiest and best way to visit the Cu Chi tunnel is by an organized tour, which costs only $12 per person, including transportation and guide.

Although Vung Tau is not as famous as Mui Ne , this beach destination is an easy getaway from the busy Saigon.

With only a 2.5-hour drive, you can relax on the sandy beach with the warm sun, trekking to the lighthouse, or have fun at Ho May park .

Vung Tau is also an excellent base to visit the beach nearby, Ho Tram.

Several buses depart daily from Saigon to Vung Tau , starting at $4 (100,000 VND). You can also rent a private transfer from Saigon for a round trip at $81.

Another way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau is by ferry. Greenlines DP offers excellent service at $11 per person, and the travel time is approximately 2 hours.

How about exploring the beauty of Southern Vietnam with a day trip to My Tho ?

Start your day early and hop on a bus tour or scooter to My Tho – a land with the river culture of the Mekong Delta region.

Within 2 hours, the bus will take you to My Tho from Saigon. There, you can enjoy the boat ride cruising along the river or visiting the coconut factory (family business) and trying honey tea with fresh fruits while listening to music.

If you decide to go by scooter, you can follow Highway 1A from Saigon to Thoi Son islet and buy a tour to visit the island and surroundings.

However, I recommend taking the one-day Mekong tour because it is, in fact, cheaper than traveling on your own. The tour includes transportation, a guide, and a lunch.

If you have more than one day, consider taking a 2-day-trip Mekong tour , with a visit to the floating market – an interesting culture of Mekong Delta.

Another day trip that you can take from Ho Chi Minh is Can Gio – a coastal suburban district located southeast.

Located 50km away from the center of Saigon, Can Gio has long been a favorite tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays.

Visiting Can Gio , you can explore the Vam Sat mangrove forest, play with the monkeys at Monkey island (Lam Vien ecotourism center), or try fresh oysters and seafood at Hang Duong market.

Thach An island is another great place to visit in Can Gio. Visiting Thanh An Island, you can enjoy a peaceful and calm atmosphere, different from the bustling Saigon.

If you’d like to experience the life of salt villagers, you can visit Thieng Lieng village, a small town with less than 200 households.

Virgin Mountain

With a height of 868m, Virgin mountain, or Ba Den mountain, in Tay Ninh is the roof of Southern Vietnam.

One of the must-visit spots on the Virgin mountain is Virgin Pagoda .

To get to the pagoda, you can hike or take a cable car or a slide. The slide system has two routes: the upline is about 1,190 m long, and the downline is about 1,700 m long.

It takes about 1 hour to hike up to Virgin pagoda and approximately half a day if you decide to continue hiking to the top of the mountain.

When to hike?

Daytime : Hike from morning or early afternoon, prepare a tent to sleep overnight, and get up early to catch the dawn.

At night : Although climbing at night will be more difficult and dangerous but less effort than daytime, you will be able to catch dawn and see the clouds around 4 am to 5 am on the top of the mountain.

You can climb the Virgin mountain all year round. However, if possible, avoid the rainy months from August to November because the roads will be more difficult.

What to bring when hiking?

• Hiking shoes
• Drinking water: Minimum 2l
• Dried food: instant noodles, candy
• Lightweight T-shirt, pants, jacket, and hat
• Individual raincoat
• General medical supplies, mosquito repellent
• Lightweight backpack with a tight belt

Which one is your favorite day trip on this list? Feel free to share below.

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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The 8 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is a maze of chaotic madness – a concrete metropolis of vast scope and vitality. But it can be too much at times, so let’s have a look at the best day trips for you to escape Saigon.

1. ba den mountain.

Hiking Trail, Shrine

This dead volcano, also known as Black Virgin Mountain, has the best views in all of southern Vietnam. The mountain carries significant religious meaning to the people in the area, and there’s even a myth about a girl who killed herself here. The drive takes about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City . You can hike the mountain or take the easy route and opt for the cable car instead.

2. Can Gio Mangrove Forest

The Cần Giờ (pronounce cun yuh ) Mangrove Forest is a Unesco biosphere reserve 40km (25mi) south of Ho Chi Minh City that features a unique wetlands ecosystem and a number of rare plant and animal species, including saltwater crocodiles and many kinds of migratory birds. It’s possible to get to this area on your own, but we recommends you go with a trusted tour company to get the most out of your excursion.

3. Cu Chi Tunnels

Memorial, Museum

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5. Cai Be Floating Market

6. cat tien national park.

Natural Feature, Park

If you’re really looking to get into nature, then Cat Tien National Park is for you. The park has various types of old growth forests and some fascinating wildlife – gibbons, sambar deer, wild boars, black-shanked doucs and even crocodiles. However, the drive does take nearly four hours, so you might want to consider making it a two-day journey. It’s doable in one, but eight hours on the road really detracts from the experience.

Market, Natural Feature

Most tour companies highlight tours to Mỹ Tho, but those are pre-packaged excursions where giant tour buses bring hundreds of tourists to the same spots day after day. It’s cookie-cutter travel. Bến Tre, on the other hand, is less developed and more authentic. The town is famous for its coconut candy, and you can visit the factories where they make this treat – also the farms where they collect the coconuts. Furthermore, it’s easy to arrange a sampan ride through lush river canopies just as you see on every travel brochure about the Mekong .

8. Cao Dai Temple

Buddhist Temple, Building, Cathedral, Church, Mosque

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Weekend Breaks in Ho Chi Minh City

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While the city offers its residents a range of activities, a weekend escape may be necessary from time to time to regain a sense of calmness and clarity, away from the stresses of city living. 

There are several destinations close to Ho Chi Minh City that provide an easy three-day weekend trip, such as the towns of the Mekong Delta or the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc. For those with more time on their hands, Vietnam’s central and northern areas also boast popular travel spots.

Mui Ne is a coastal beach town in southeastern Vietnam, just over 125 miles (200 km) from Ho Chi Minh City.

With a driving distance of about five hours, Mui Ne is famous for its wind and kite surfing, and is a practical weekend getaway for those craving the ocean and some outdoor activity. Aside from the fine beaches, Mui Ne is equally popular for its sand dunes located about six miles (10 km) from the main resort strip.

Many expats travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne by bus. Tickets can be bought at any of the travel agencies in the Pham Ngu Lao area of Ho Chi Minh City. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne typically leave in the mornings or evenings. Private taxis or vans can also be hired for the trip and, while this will cost much more, it will take less time.

Mekong Delta Villages

The Mekong Delta stretches throughout southern Vietnam and includes several travel destinations offering an experience that is a world away from city life. Can Tho, My Tho, Vinh Long and Ben Tre are some of the villages in the Delta region that attract both tourists travelling through Vietnam and city residents.

The Mekong Delta is a biological treasure trove and an agricultural gold mine. It is famous for its maze of rivers and canals with floating markets and villages inhabited by warm and friendly people.

Life here revolves around the river and activities for travellers are centred around these floating markets. Make sure to sign up for an early morning market tour to explore these river towns.

The Mekong Delta Villages offer both hostel and mid-range accommodation, along with homestays that provide a more local, Vietnamese experience.

Travel to these Delta villages can be done through bus tours. Tour operators offer full-day trips along with two to three-night stays. Buses leave from Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the desired village, often including stops to browse wet markets and tour some of the local factories. Many travellers, however, prefer the do-it-yourself style and hop on a motorbike or rent a car for a road trip. Travel times range from two to four hours, depending on the town of choice.

Those searching for a beach getaway need look no further than Phu Quoc, a tropical island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

This island offers some of the most beautiful beach scenery in Vietnam and some of the best seafood. Scuba diving, snorkelling, exploring the island on a motorbike, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views are the top activities on Phu Quoc.

Somewhat new on the grid for travellers, Phu Quoc embodies Thailand’s beaches, pre-development. While it is still quite an undeveloped island, this is guaranteed to change in the coming years due to extensive development plans, including rebuilding the island's city centre, a new international airport, a casino and highway construction.

November to April is the best time to visit the island to avoid monsoon season and high humidity. Phu Quoc can be easily accessed by plane from Ho Chi Minh City’s airport. It takes under an hour to fly there, and several airlines such as VietJetAir and Vietnam Airlines offer multiple daily flights.

Da Lat is located about 185 miles (300 kilometres) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is a popular spot for the Vietnamese and has increasingly become a favourite among holidaymakers, too.

Surrounded by mountains and hills, Da Lat is an easy escape from the heat and humidity of the city with fresh air and cool temperatures.

Da Lat has plenty to offer those seeking an active weekend trip. Some of the best hiking, mountain biking and canyon exploring in Vietnam can be found in this area, as well as world-class golfing.

The best way to travel to Da Lat from the city is by bus, with numerous departure times throughout the day. The trip takes about seven hours. By plane, it's just a short hour's hop to get to Da Lat.

Further reading

►Check out the Lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh City  page for a list of the city's best attractions

Expat Interviews "Going to malls, parks, swimming pools and doing outdoor activities are the main things you can do if you have kids in Vietnam. Some locations such as Mekong Delta (countryside), Ho Tram (coastal city) or Dalat (mountain area) are not that far from HCMC. These destinations can be chosen for a weekend away outside the chaotic city."  Learn more about the lifestyle in HCMC in our  interview  with French expat Guillaume. 

Are you an expat living in Ho Chi Minh City?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Ho Chi Minh City. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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Weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City

• Phu Quoc / Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap / Kampot

For any of these trips, you could visit just the first or second destination if you want to do less driving and spend more time in the area.

Trip idea #1: Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc → Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City

Total driving time for this trip is about 11 hours of driving.

Trip idea #2: Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap → Kampot → Ho Chi Minh City

Total driving time for this trip is about 17 hours of driving.

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Where to go on day and weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City

August 30, 2024

Ho Chi Minh City is a huge, vibrant, steaming metropolis, where, whatever your interests, you can find something that appeals to and entertains you.

You can have too much of a good thing, of course. Sometimes, you just need to escape the heat, hustle and bustle of the city and experience a change of pace.

Fortunately, for Saigonese residents, there’s plenty of options to get out of the city on day and overnight trips. All of which offer the chance to see some quintessentially Vietnamese sights and one of a kind experiences.

Best for: Beach vibes, home comforts and convenient travel.

One of the most popular day, or overnight trips from Saigon is to Vung Tau. At weekends and on public holidays, the city’s population swells as hotels are booked up with people flooding in, mostly from Ho Chi Minh City, to enjoy a day trip to the seaside. 

What to do in Vung Tau

The beach here can be a little busy, but it is a nice place to spend a few hours relaxing, particularly if you are visiting on a weekday. Aside from the sand, there are options to go walking in the hills, with great views of the coast. Or, if hiking in the heat isn’t your thing, there is Vung Tau Lighthouse, which offers some of the best views in the city, with the added bonus that there is a road leading straight to it. If you’re looking to escape the heat, the Upside Down House has so many photo-ops for any Instagram story. 

What to eat in Vung Tau

The seafood is a must-try and the night market, if you’re here overnight, just off the beach, is the place to try some local specialties. Afterwards, you can wander along the seafront and find the best bar or coffee shop and watch the waves until late into the night.

How to get to Vung Tau

One of the best things about Vung Tau is how easy it is to get there. Buses run from locations across Saigon and take around two and a half hours. To save a little time, and enjoy a more scenic journey, there is also a ferry which travels right from the heart of Ho Chi Minh along the Saigon river. Beware though, it can get a little choppy in bad weather!

Best for: Nightlife, landscapes and resorts.

A little further along the coast from Vung Tau is the town of Mui Ne. It is a destination that mixes nature, relaxation and tradition. 

What to do in Mui Ne

The beach here is lined with resorts and you can choose to simply do nothing except for enjoying the sun and sea. The beaches here are much less crowded than those in Vung Tau, and there are also many more to discover. But, if you do want to venture out, there are plenty of things to do.

The sand dunes of Mui Ne are famous across Vietnam. The whole of this region is peppered with dunes, the most famous being the Red Dunes, close to town, and the larger White Dunes, which are about half an hour’s drive away.

Mui Ne’s Nightlife

In the evening, the town’s main road comes to life. There are numerous good restaurants and lively bars including Joe’s Cafe, playing live music late into the night, every night.

How to get to Mui Ne

Mui Ne is about four hours from Saigon by bus. If you opt to go overnight, you can arrive early enough in the morning to watch the town’s fishermen bringing in their catch from night fishing.

Ba Den Mountain

Best for: Hiking, great views and nature.

Saigon sits next to the Mekong Delta, a terrain that is as uniformly flat as it is possible to be. Hills are hard to come by here. Ba Den Mountain is the one exception. 

What to do at Ba Den Mountain

About two and a half hours’ drive north of Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den mountain offers various hiking trails up to the 998m peak. The hike offers lookout points all along the route, the most famous of which is Turtle Head Rock, which juts out from the mountain and offers the perfect “edge-of-the-world” picture. Don’t miss the chance to try the fruits grown on the slopes of the mountain itself, sold at stalls all along the route. There is also a cable car that travels up the mountain, if hiking isn’t your thing.

How to get to Ba Den Mountain and where to stay

This could be done as a day trip with a really early start. Or to stay overnight there are options for camping and glamping on nearby Dau Tieng Lake, a great way to stay amongst beautiful nature, particularly if you are travelling in a group. Buses travel from Ho Chi Minh City, or travel by motorbike.

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A Weekend in Ho Chi Minh

04 Mar A Weekend in Ho Chi Minh

Welcome to ho chi minh.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly  known as  Saigon , is located in Southern Vietnam. It is an exciting, bustling city with the best humble street food, f amous for its  Pho  (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup) and pork rolls.  Also, a westernized and cosmopolitan town with glitzy shopping malls, fancy rooftop bars, and pulsating nightlife.

We travelled in September as a planned girl’s weekend trips from ho chi minh. It was sweltering, humid and rainy at the time, but we were prepared for that. Travelling as three girls, we did find it safe to travel, and we had so much fun.

How To Get There

Air : The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main airport in Ho Chi Minh City and serves both domestic and international flights. Many airlines operate flights to Ho Chi Minh City from major cities worldwide.

Train : Ho Chi Minh City is connected to several cities in Vietnam by rail. There are two main railway stations in Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Railway Station and Bien Hoa Railway Station.

Bus : Several bus companies operate buses to Ho Chi Minh City from various cities in Vietnam. The main bus station in Ho Chi Minh City is Mien Dong Bus Station.

Car or Motorbike : Ho Chi Minh City can be accessed by road from other cities in Vietnam. However, driving in Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets.

Boat : Ho Chi Minh City is located on the Saigon River, and several companies offer river cruises to Ho Chi Minh City from other cities in Vietnam.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is quite a big city, but it is ok to walk around the centre. Buses are your cheapest option for getting around, but please do your research on the bus routes and when hailing a bus, ensure it stops for you!

Other options are taxis and motorbike taxis. As living in Vietnam is relatively low, taxis are inexpensive but use trusted companies like Uber or Grab.

Language & Helpful Phrases in Vietnamese

• Hello = Xin chào
• Thank you = Cám ơn
• Where is = ở đâu
• Bathroom = Phòng tắm
• How much? = Bao nhiêu?
• Too expensive = Quá đắt

Where To Stay

Accommodation varies from person to person. We opted to stay at the Sofitel Hotel, Saigon Plaza , on our weekend trip as it was a matter of safety and comfort for us three girls travelling alone.

Luxury Hotels

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

A luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, located near the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace.  

Mid-Range Hotels

Fusion Suites Saigon

A modern mid-range hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, located near the Ben Thanh Market and featuring views of the city skyline. It offers a rooftop pool and spa services. 

Budget Hotels

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

A modern budget-friendly hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, offering views of the Saigon River and located near the Bitexco Financial Tower and the Saigon Skydeck.  

Click Here for more accommodation options

Where To Eat

Local food is cheap and delicious anywhere in Vietnam, mainly consisting of vegetables and noodle soups with seafood or meat and rice. Some of our favourites:

• Pho : Vietnamese noodle soup
• Goi Cuon / Nem Ran:  Summer Rolls / Fried Spring Rolls
• Banh Bot Loc:  Shrimp-stuffed tapioca dumplings
• Banh Xeo:  Crepe Wrap
• Bánh mì baguette sandwich:  Tasty street food
• Banh Mi : Baguettes

Ben Thanh Market:  This bustling market in the heart of Saigon is a great place to sample a variety of Vietnamese street food, including banh mi, Pho, and fresh seafood.

Nha Hang Saigon Cafe: Located in the city centre of Ho Chi Minh City specialising in traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as pho and banh xeo. It has a cosy, vintage atmosphere.

Quan Ut Ut: A barbecue restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City District 1. It is a popular spot for casual dining, specialising in smoked meats and craft beers.

Secret Garden Restaurant: A hidden gem in a rooftop garden in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Follow Our 3-Day Weekend Itinerary

Places of interest, ~ day 1 ~ around the city, saigon central post office (buu dien).

Start by visiting the Saigon Central Post Office. It is, in fact, a tourist attraction and one you must see during your Ho Chi Minh city holiday. This building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century, and it serves as the oldest functional government building. It is hard to miss the giant clock with 1886-1891 inscribed at the entrance. The exterior is a bright and elegant colonial building decked out light yellow and green.

The inner decor perfectly matches the exterior architecture. You are instantly drawn to the dome roof and a significant portrait of President Ho Chi Minh in the centre as you walk in. The whole feel takes you into a time warp back to the turn of the 20th century, even showcasing wooden phone booths.

Notre Dame Cathedral Of Saigon

Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gò n , Basilica of Saigon, is officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception. It was built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists and is the most impressive cathedral located in Vietnam. This cathedral is the central religious centre for Vietnam’s catholic community.  Book tickets here .

Reunification Palace

Formerly known as the Independence Palace , this was the residence and office of the President of South Vietnam during the war. Historically, this was when the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, when tanks crashed through the palace gates, symbolizing the fall of Saigon.  Now a museum with the interior left intact from the 1960s. You can head down into the basement tunnels to experience a bomb shelter and war room. Book tour here .

War Remnants Museum

It is worth going to the War Remnants Museum for the history buffs, to give you an in-depth look at weapons and war machines used by the US forces. There are also many graphics giving you a brutal picture of what war was like back then.  Book tickets here .

Ben Than Market

If you love shopping, Ben Thanh Market is one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh . Local produce, food, souvenirs, handbags, and clothes are sold in over 3,000 stalls across the marketplace and it’s here where you can   practice your haggling skills! Ben Thanh Market is also a famous night market that opens until midnight. You are sure to find many bargains!

~ Day 2 ~ History & Culture

Jade emperor pagoda - ngọc hoàng pagoda.

One of the most nostalgic shrines in Ho Chi Minh is the  Tortoise Pagoda, a place of worship for both Taoists and Buddhists. Built-in 1909 in honour of the Jade Emperor (King of Heaven), it is unique and free to enter. There are many statues and an intense smell of incense with beautiful paintings & carvings throughout. Book tour here .

Tân Định Church

In 1876,  Tân Định Church, a  Roman Catholic church formerly named the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was built in 1876, comprising a mix of Gothic and Renaissance features painted in bright pink. You can’t miss it. 

Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda

Located approximately 20 minutes away from Ben Thanh market, this is the first pagoda in Vietnam to be built in Vietnamese traditional architecture style but with concrete. Construction work of this pagoda commenced in 1964 and finished in 1971. The pagoda is divided into three main sections: the Shanman gate (three-archway gate), the Grand Hall, and the surrounding towers. A beautiful serene place to visit.

Giac Lam Pagoda

Dating back to 1744,  Giac Lam Pagoda is  the oldest temple in the city. Its seven-story stupa is set inside wonderfully peaceful gardens, making it unique. While it is a Buddhist shrine, it also incorporates elements of Taoism. Book tour here .

Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is one long street lined with bars, eateries, pubs, go-go bars, hostels and souvenir shops. At night it comes alive.  With cheap drinks and meals, you can go, have a drink on a plastic chair and watch the street buzz to life as the night goes on. Great vibe!

If you are still feeling energetic after shopping, head to one of the many rooftop bars for some fantastic views of Ho Chi Minh’s skyline .

~ Day 3 ~ Beyond the City

Cu chi tunnels.

Curious about the Vietnam War? 

We made a day trip to the famed Cu Chi Tunnels located to the city’s north. It gave us a good insight into the Vietnam War how people survived and used the tunnels to fight against the better equipped Americans!

The Viet Cong soldiers built these tunnels to help fight the US forces. It was very much a maze of narrow tunnels, and not only for combat but also as living spaces and supply routes.

Today the Cu Chi Tunnels is an open-air museum, where you can learn about their use during the war. Displays show you how the Viet Cong soldiers made the network of tunnels and the types of traps they used on unsuspecting soldiers.  Book tickets here .

If you are game, you can experience going down into a tunnel and walking through it, like I did! 

Vinh Tràng Temple

On our way to Mekong Delta, we stopped at  Vinh Tràng Chúa , also known as  Vinh Tràng Temple,  a beautiful, exquisite temple featuring three enormous Buddha statues. A truly blissful place.  Book tickets here .

Standing Buddha represents Amitabha Buddha, symbolizing bliss and compassion. 

Laughing Buddha symbolizes happiness and good luck for good fortune around the world. 

Sleeping Buddha represents Gautama Buddha before entering  Parinirvana , not death, but perfect rest.

Mekong Delta

Enjoy a local river cruise, a vast network of rivers and islands that awaits the Mekong Delta in the South of Saigon. Experience the rural atmosphere and local culture while appreciating the natural surroundings.  Relaxing along the Mekong River is the perfect way to end a three day weekend in Ho Chi Minh.  Book tickets here .

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How to spend a long weekend in ho chi minh city.

Traveling in Ho Chi Minh City can be one of the most exciting experiences in your life. Ho Chi Minh is a vibrant, busy city with many dynamic cultures. You may discover this city’s extraordinary beauty and unique style from your journey.

How to Get to and around Ho Chi Minh City

If you plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City, it is better to find  low-cost flights . Particularly, airlines such as Jetstar Pacific, Vietjet Air, and Air Asia offer great flight deals when you hunt tickets in advance. If possible, sign up for email alerts from these airline websites to get deal alerts.

Cruising on a motorbike is the best way to travel once you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, we recommend you book private tours with local guides, especially if you are new to the city, to save time planning and enjoy a stress-free local experience.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury hotels.

Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of luxury hotels from which you can choose. Most of these hotels provide the most exceptional services and the best location in the central city. Prices can range from $50 to $85 per night. Some top hotels are New World Saigon, InterContinental Saigon, M Gallery, Nikko Hotel, Park Hyatt, Le Meridiem, Reverie, and Caravelle Saigon.

Budget hotels

You can stay at small hotels and hostels if you travel on a budget. Most of these are situated in Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, and Bui Vien Street, otherwise known as the “ backpackers’ area ” of Ho Chi Minh City. Prices can range from $15 to $30 per night.

Dorm rooms/homestays

An even better budgeted choice is a bed in an air-conditioned dorm room in a hostel. It costs just from $6 to $10 for each bed here. This kind of room is similar to the one in the university dormitory. You will have a chance to meet and stay with backpackers from many countries who are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. However, the most notable downside to staying in this area is the loud music and crowd noise from the nearby bars that come to life at night, especially on weekends.

Find the most suitable stay in Ho Chi Minh for you:

A Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

• Banh Mi for breakfast (USD 0,5 – 2/piece)
• Shopping in Ben Thanh Market – remember to bargain!
• Lunch at Ben Thanh Foodcourt(USD 0,5 – 2/dish)
• Take a Walk at Nguyen Hue Boulevard – visit the Nguyen Hue apartment
• Dinner at the Cocochin Foodcourt (USD 5 – 15/dish)
• Grab a drink at Bui Vien Walking Street (USD 5 – 10/drink)

Just checked in to your accommodation and feeling hungry? Why not try a Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette), a popular breakfast among the locals and one of the best street foods in the world? Check out famous stores like Banh Mi Nhu Lan (64 Ham Nghi, District 1) or Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1) for a taste of this delicious treat. After that, you can explore the city by walking around Ben Thanh Market to shop for local goods and souvenirs.

For lunch, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes inside the Ben Thanh Market Foodcourt , where they offer everything from noodles, rice, to fresh fruits and desserts. In the evening, take a leisure walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street for a look into Ho Chi Minh City’s fast-paced, metropolitan lifestyle.

After dinner, walk around Bui Vien Street to enjoy an authentic Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) nightlife style. There are plenty of bars and pubs located on this street. Check out some of the most popular nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh City for more details.

• Pho (beef noodle soup) for breakfast (USD 2 for a heart-warming bowl of goodness)
• Have some Vietnamese coffee (USD 0.5 – 1/cup)
• Visit attractions in District 1: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office,… (USD 2/entrance ticket)
• Visit the War Remnants Museum in District 3 (USD 2/entrance ticket)

Unlike the often busy and crowded weekday atmosphere, weekends in Ho Chi Minh City start slowly and leisurely. The locals often spend their weekend mornings enjoying a hearty bowl of Pho and a cup of Vietnamese coffee to start the day. You can enjoy a delicious bowl of Pho at Pho Quynh (323 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, opens 24 hours) or Pho Hung (241 Nguyen Trai, District 1, opens from 6 AM). To learn more about breakfast and lunch options, check out our guide to Ho Chi Minh’s two-day itineraries .

Must-see attractions

A must-visit location for all tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City is District 1, where many of the city’s attractions are located, from historical destinations and landmarks to galleries and museums. One of the places where you can start your adventure is the Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace). Within walking distance from the Palace are the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office. The Notre Dame Cathedral has been closed since 2017 for renovation, so you can see it outside or go in during mass hours. The Saigon Central Post Office is open from morning to early evening for you to admire the French architecture in the city and buy some postcards and stamps to send home.

After visiting these locations, you can also check out the War Remnants Museum, where many valuable historical artifacts and evidence of Vietnamese war history are preserved and exhibited.

• Com Tam (broken rice) for breakfast (USD 2/dish)
• A day tour to Cu Chi Tunnel (more details here )

Tour duration: 6 hours Traveling time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Starting a new day in Ho Chi Minh City with a plate of Com Tam (Broken Rice) is a habit of most locals in the south. Com Tam is known as an iconic dish of Ho Chi Minh City. Com Tam Cali (32 Nguyen Trai, District 1) and Com Tam Moc (85 Ly Tu Trong) open early in the morning (around 7 AM). On the other hand, Com Tam Thuan Kieu (26 Ton That Tung, District 1, from 10 AM) is more familiar with the locals and still has high quality and quick service. Locals also enjoy Broken Rice from street vendors because it is cheaper and could be just as delicious. However, the food hygiene of these stalls is not ensured.

Bun Bo Hue or Hu Tieu Nam Vang is another choice if you prefer to eat something with soup. Quynh Nam Vang Noodle Soup (A65 Nguyen Trai, District 1, 24 hours) is one of the most recommended stores in the central district to enjoy this tasty dish. You may also want to look at other options in our three-day itineraries in Ho Chi Minh City guide .

A good way to spend your Sunday is going on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City , and the most favorite place is the Cu Chi Tunnels. The prominent historical site is where many military campaigns occurred during the Vietnam War and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of Vietnam. We recommend you book a guided Cu Chi Tunnels tour because while the entrance ticket to the Tunnels sometimes includes a guide, the groups are usually very crowded, making it harder to follow. The tour usually takes about 6 hours, so we recommend you set off early in the morning

Summary of How to Spend a Long Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City is a good choice for your long weekend if you do not know what to do on your day off. There are plenty of things to enjoy, like eating delicious Vietnamese food, shopping, sightseeing, and riding on the back of a motorcycle.

Check out the best camera for your Vietnam trip

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Weekend in Ho Chi Minh Itinerary for 2024

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Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam and the second most populated city in Southeast Asia. Although there is plenty to see in the city itself, many tourists use Ho Chi Minh as a jumping off point – flying into the city and exploring only a couple days before traveling north to places like Hoi An, Ha Long Bay or Hanoi. Although I agree it’s not necessary to spend a ton of time in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s definitely worth a short visit. Keep reading for my weekend in Ho Chi Minh itinerary!

Full disclosure: I actually spent much longer than a weekend in Ho Chi Minh…almost nine days to be exact. Since I was still recovering from an infected cut on my foot, I used most of my time in Ho Chi Minh to work from cafes, recover and try as many new Vietnamese dishes as possible! (Which is why there are so many restaurants on this list). As far as museums and tourist activities go, I fit everything I wanted to do in a single weekend.

For more tips on traveling solo to Southeast Asia, visit my  Asia Travel Guides .

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My Ho Chi Minh Itinerary

Visit the war remnants museum.

If you Google, “things to do in Ho Chi Minh City,” chances are the first thing that will come up on every single blog or tourism site is a visit to the War Remnants Museum.

The War Remnants museum was first opened in 1975 under the name “The Exhibition House for the Crimes of America and Its Puppet Government.” It houses 20,000 artifacts, documents, films and photos from The Vietnam War or, as it is known in Vietnam, “The War of American Aggression.”

Although the museum is very well-done and should absolutely be on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary, keep in mind that it is an extremely sobering experience. The wing about American war crimes against civilians and the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese children is particularly grave.

Opening Hours:  Daily from 7:30 – 5:00PM Entrance Fee:  40,000 VND per person

Tour the Independence Palace

Construction of the Independence or Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City started in 1868 and finished in 1871. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, many French Governer-Generals used it as both an official residence and workplace.

During the Vietnam War, the Independence Palace served as the residence and office of the President of Southern Vietnam, Nguyen Van Thieu. The palace was recognized as a National Cultural and Historical Relic in 1976. Today, it is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s top tourist attractions.

Located around the corner from the War Remnants Museum, a tour of the Independence Palace should definitely be part of your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. With tickets priced at less than $3…there’s no excuse not to visit!

Opening Hours:  Daily from 8:00 – 4:30PM Entrance Fee:  65,000 VND per person

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

If you have a half-day to kill in Vietnam, make sure the Cu Chi Tunnels make their way onto your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Although the tour takes seven hours, which is a pretty big chunk of your weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll learn some seriously interesting history about Vietnam and the daily life of the Viet Cong soldiers.

In order to stand a chance against the better-supplied American soldiers, Vietnamese communist fighters (the Viet Cong) used the best resource at their disposal: camouflage. Throughout the war, they dug thousands of miles of tunnels in the area northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels had many functions including housing troops; transporting supplies, weapons and communications; laying booby traps and executing surprise attacks against their enemies.

Although many times I prefer doing it myself to organized excursions, the Cu Chi Tunnels is one tour I would recommend taking. For $19, it’s a steal. You can book a Cu Chi Tunnels tour on Viator here .

Take in the Views from the Bitexco Financial Tower

The first thing I do in any city is look for the best views in town. In Ho Chi Minh, this means a visit to the Bitexco Financial Tower.

A ticket up the 68 floors of the Bitexco Tower to the Skydeck will set you back 200,000 Dong ($8.50). At the top, you’ll be rewarded with some seriously amazing view of Ho Chi Minh City. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the EON Heli Skybar is currently closed.

Eat Snails on Vinh Khanh Street

Two of my favorite words are “cheap” and “seafood” – even better when they’re put together! Vinh Khanh Street is a famous street where you can find delicious and affordable street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Specifically, it’s known for fresh seafood and snails!

Since I find everything that lives under the sea absolutely delicious, I had to go check it out. I feasted on chili crab (oh my god whatever you do don’t touch your face), grilled octopus and snails in butter sauce. It was actually one of the most expensive meals I had in Vietnam (around 700,000 dong or $30), but it was also one of the tastiest.

For an incredibly detailed guide to eating seafood in Ho Chi Minh, check out Will Fly For Food’s blog post on Vinh Khanh Street.

Saigon Central Post Office

Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous post office is the Saigon Central Post Office that was constructed when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina in the 19th century. Full disclosure, I went here only to add it to my blog post. If you’re into really architecture you might want to add a trip to the post office to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary…but if not it’s probably something you can skip.

Notre Dame Cathedral

I was laughing when I got a look at the Notre Dame Cathedral. This photo was taken on May 28th, 2022. Hopefully when you visit there will be a little more historical cathedral and a little less scaffolding.

This cathedral was designed and built by French colonists in the late 19th century and looks absolutely stunning in the Google pictures…not so much in person currently.

Opening Hours : Daily from 8:00 – 11:00AM and 2:00 – 4:00PM (once it reopens) Entrance Fee : Free

Ho Chi Minh’s Craft Brewery Scene

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ho Chi Minh actually has quite the bustling craft brewery scene! If you love trying some local brews, make sure to hit up these happening spots around town.

Pasteur Street Brewery

Pasteur Street has a couple locations around Ho Chi Minh, all serving tons of delicious craft beers on tap! I sought refuge on a rainy afternoon in their Xuong Bia Taproom and enjoyed a delicious Jasmine IPA and Nitro Irish Stout. Seriously, how cute is this baby beer?

Winking Seal Brewery

Another great find in Ho Chi Minh’s brewery scene, Winking Seal has the cutest logo of them all. This tiny brewery is so tucked away you might just miss it, but it’s definitely worth a visit because they serve some seriously delicious beer.

Heart of Darkness

I have a love/hate relationship with the Heart of Darkness brewery. On one hand, I enjoyed it so much that I spent two full nights there working on my laptop. On the other hand…I’m 80% sure the burger I ordered gave me food poisoning.

Great atmosphere, delicious beer…maybe just eat dinner somewhere else?

Ho Chi Minh Coffee Scene

It’s not just beer! Ho Chi Minh City is also known for their hipster coffee scene. Vietnamese take their coffee seriously…and you’re sure to enjoy a lot of delicious coffees around the city.

The Workshop Coffee

The Workshop Coffee is serves delicious coffee in a very trendy environment…but fuck it’s hard to find. I walked past it the first time and ended up spending most of the day in the wrong coffee shop! Look for a small entrance that looks like private parking and then walk up a few flights of stairs to find it.

Ben Thanh Street Food & Shopping Market

Looking through my notes for this blog post, I had one thing written about Ben Thanh Market…”stressful as FUCK.” I stand by this initial assessment.

Ben Thanh is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s also an extremely high-stress shopping environment. Imagine rows and rows of vendors selling street food, jewelry, souvenirs, handbags, cloth and more…and all of them are yelling at you to buy something. In the end, I stopped at a food stand for a few fresh spring rolls and then noped the hell out of there.

If you have more patience for constant heckling, then Banh Thanh Market might be the shopping experience for you.

Restaurants to Add to Your Ho Chi Minh Itinerary

All right, let’s get to the part we know you all care about the most – where to find the best Vietnamese food in the city. If you want to eat some insanely tasty and 100% authentic Vietnamese cuisine, add these places to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

*I’ve included links to the locations on Google Maps, since many of these street food stalls can be difficult to find.

Disclaimer About Vietnamese Cuisine

If you weren’t already aware…people still eat dogs in Vietnam. Speaking with some locals, I got the impression that it’s becoming less common, especially among the younger generation. However, as of 2022, dog is definitely still a part of Vietnamese cuisine.

If you present as an obvious tourist, I believe it’s unlikely that you would be served dog without specifically asking for it or seeking it out. However, if the thought of eating dog absolutely horrifies you (like it does for me) make sure to avoid ordering anything called “ Thit Cho .”

Oc Oanh Seafood Snail Restaurant

Remember earlier in this blog post when I mentioned eating snails on Vinh Khanh Street? Oc Oanh was the restaurant that served aforementioned snails!

A meal at Oc Oanh Seafood Restaurant is less of a meal and more of an experience. The space is piled high with fresh seafood and you’ll observe chefs grilling octopus right in front of you, heaps of snails in baskets and fresh fish and seafood swimming around in tanks. You might pay more than you normally do for a meal in Vietnam, but it doesn’t get much fresher than this.

Banh Mi Bay Ho

Before I traveled to Vietnam, I thought there was no such thing as a bad banh mi. Let me be the first to tell you…not all banh mis are created equal. That means, when you get a really good one, it stands out.

Banh Mi Bay Ho served some excellent banh mis. In terms of the traditional recipe*, this was my favorite banh mi in Vietnam. The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside and there was the perfect amount of pate, pork, veggies and fresh coriander filling.

*I had a few banh mis I liked more, but they were spin-offs of the traditional Vietnamese banh mi. Although I did have an amazing banh mi when I visited Hoi An as a solo traveler .

Speaking of non-traditional banh mis, Phuc Hai is a banh mi stand not to be missed on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Where most banh mis are filled with grilled pork, Phuc Hai fills their banh mis with crispy pork belly. I can’t even describe the deliciousness that crunch adds to this traditional Vietnamese sandwich.

Unfortunately an absolute downpour ruined my photo opp with the Phuc Hai sandwich cart…so I had to take an impromptu shot in my hotel room.

If you ask any HCMC local where to find the best pho, they’ll give you one answer – Pho Le . There used to be two locations, but unfortunately the one in the city center closed (I’m assuming due to COVID).

Although it’s a bit of a journey on a Grab bike, it’s definitely worth the trip. I decided on the pho with filet mignon and meatballs for 85.000 dong ($3.65). It was absolutely delicious, although I didn’t really care for the texture of the meatballs.

Mien Ga Ky Dong

Alongside Pho Le, Mien Ga Ky Dong is another well-known spot for pho in Ho Chi Minh City. The interior of this traditional Vietnamese street food stand is enormous, honestly it gave me cafeteria vibes with the rows and rows of tables and all the stainless steel.

Although the pho from Mien Ga Ky Dong was delicious and it’s definitely worth a visit, I wouldn’t say it was my absolute favorite pho I had in Vietnam. They were out of beef (which is very odd for a pho restaurant) and the ratio of chicken to noodles was a bit off. However, the flavor itself was mouthwateringly delicious!

Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao

Do I know exactly what it is? Nope. Was it delicious? Hell yes.

This was the common theme of me trying restaurants in Vietnam. Bun Thit Nuong consists of rice noodles, fried spring rolls, meat (which I believe was pork), fresh herbs and lettuce. There is a communal bucket of some sort of broth or sauce which you are supposed to add to the bowl of noodles and combine all the ingredients.

It’s incredibly tasty and, like most street food in Vietnam, very affordable.

I visited Co Lieng in the hopes of trying the Bo La Lot that JB & Renée of Will Fly For Food Travel Blog raved about in their Saigon Restaurants blog post . Their blog is incredibly detailed and this is where I got the inspiration for a lot of the restaurants that I tried in Ho Chi Minh City!

Bo La Lot is beef grilled in betel leaves served with rice paper, lettuce, veggies and dipping sauce. It’s essentially a deconstructed spring roll that you roll yourself before eating. Although I’m 99% sure I pointed to the right thing on the menu, I received something else entirely (pictured below).

I did still get to try the seasoned beef grilled in leaves, but it was served over rice noodles and fresh veggies. Whatever it was, it was still delicious and I left full and happy!

Ca Phe Do Phu

Ca Phe Do Phu is notorious for being one of the best spots in the city for com tam suon nuong, or “broken rice.” I asked for my meal “with the works.” This included a fried egg, pork skin and stuffing as well as rice and pork chop.

Although the meal was very filling and tasty, broken rice is not one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes. Vietnamese cuisine is usually very flavorful and I find this dish to be a little bland.

However Ca Phe Do Phu is more than just broken rice and coffee. The site actually used to be the house of a Viet Cong supporter and played a big part in the Vietnam War. There’s even an underground bunker beneath a trap door!

Bun Rieu Ganh

I stumbled upon Bun Rieu Ganh on a happy accident as it was located down the street from my hotel. When I say “stumbled” I mean literally – I still have a hole in my foot. I had tried a lot of Vietnamese food at this point, but Bun Rieu was unfamiliar to me so I was excited to try it.

The broth was extremely flavorful and I really enjoyed the pork sausage and tofu in the soup. Although I tried the dark purple shape that translated to “blood,” I decided that part wasn’t for me. It’s served with a side of shredded banana flower, sprouts and greens. However, the rest of the meal was very tasty and I would 100% order it again!

Hopefully, this blog post gave you plenty of inspiration for activities and tasty restaurants to add to your weekend in Ho Chi Minh itinerary. If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy the related posts below. And don’t forget to follow along for the adventure on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps !

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Madison Krigbaum is the founder and sole contributor of Madison's Footsteps – a solo female travel blog started in 2017 with a focus on destinations in Honduras, Italy, and Thailand. Since her study abroad semester in Rome, Madison has traveled to 31 countries, many of which she visited as a solo traveler. She lived in Roatan, Honduras for one year, Thailand for three months, and spent over two years in Italy (in Florence and Rome). She just returned from three months in Lisbon, Portugal and is considering heading back to Central America next!

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