Ultimate 5-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary Staying at Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 – October 2-7, 2025

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Day 1: Arrival & District 1 Intro

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 2, 2025

12:55PM

Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Complete immigration, customs formalities, and currency exchange at Tan Son Nhat International Airport upon arrival.
VND0, 1h0m

1:55PM

Transfer to accommodation

Grab or taxi transfer to your hotel at 185/10 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 for check-in and freshening up.
VND150000 (approx.), 30m

2:30PM

Explore Pham Ngu Lao and Ben Thanh Market

Walk around Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Street to experience the vibrant vibe, then head to Ben Thanh Market to explore local goods and snacks. The market typically closes by 6:00PM.
VND0, 3h30m

6:00PM

Dinner near Ben Thanh Market

Dine at Pho Hoa Pasteur, an iconic Vietnamese restaurant close to Ben Thanh Market serving delicious pho and local dishes open until 10:00PM.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:30PM

Evening at Bui Vien Walking Street

Experience the bustling nightlife at Bui Vien Street, just a short walk from your hotel. Perfect for street food, drinks, and people watching. Many venues open late night.
Variable, 2h0m
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Day 2: Cu Chi & Riverside

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 3, 2025

7:30AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Embark on a guided half-day morning tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War history and explore underground tunnels. Tour lasts around 5-6 hours including transport.
USD25, 5h30m

1:00PM

Return and Relax

Return to District 1 and rest after the Cu Chi excursion.
VND0, 2h0m

3:00PM

Leisurely Saigon River Walk

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon stroll along the Saigon River waterfront, taking in the views and street performers. Ideal from 3:00PM to sunset.
VND0, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant

Dine at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a peaceful atmosphere and great city views.
VND270000, 1h30m

8:00PM

Rooftop Bar Visit

Visit Chill Skybar or EON51 for cocktails and panoramic city views to end your evening in style. Bars open until late.
Variable, 2h0m
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Day 3: Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 4, 2025

7:00AM

Full-Day Mekong Delta Excursion

Take a full-day guided tour through the Mekong Delta including boat rides, village visits, fruit tastings, and authentic local lunch. Tour duration approx. 10 hours.
USD40-50, 10h0m

5:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive back to District 1 to relax or explore as desired after your day trip.
VND0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Casual Dinner at L'Usine

Enjoy a casual dinner at L'Usine on Le Loi Street, offering a trendy atmosphere and a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Landmarks & Culinary

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 5, 2025

9:30AM

Mass at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Attend morning mass at the historic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. Despite renovations, you can also appreciate its exterior architecture.
Free, 1h0m

10:45AM

Visit Central Post Office

Explore the grand Central Post Office nearby, an elegant French colonial building worth photographing and exploring.
Free, 40m

11:30AM

Tour Reunification Palace

Visit the historic Reunification Palace to learn about Vietnam’s modern history. Open 7:30AM to 4:00PM.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cafe Apartment

Head to 42 Nguyễn Huệ and enjoy lunch in one of the many themed cafes inside this unique apartment building, savoring Vietnamese or international dishes.
VND150000, 1h30m

2:30PM

Coffee Break at Anhouse Saigon

Relax with coffee or a light snack at Anhouse Saigon, a cozy cafe known for excellent drinks and ambiance.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:30PM

Explore Dong Khoi Street

Walk through Dong Khoi Street, enjoying upscale boutiques, galleries, and historic architecture for window shopping and souvenir hunting.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò - Nguyễn Trung Trực

Taste authentic Vietnamese grilled pork noodles at this popular local eatery close to Ben Thanh, perfect for a flavorful and hearty dinner.
VND60000, 1h0m
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Day 5: History & Arts

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 6, 2025

9:00AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum in District 3 (opens 7:30AM-6:00PM) for a profound and impactful experience regarding Vietnam’s history.
VND40000, 2h30m

11:45AM

Dong Khoi & Opera House

Explore Dong Khoi for more galleries and shops, then admire the stunning exterior of the Saigon Opera House, a landmark of colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

2:00PM

Last-Minute Shopping or Revisit Spots

Use the afternoon for any last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit your favorite spots in District 1.
Variable, 2h0m

6:00PM

Final Dinner in District 1

Try Cuc Gach Quan, a highly recommended restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 7, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast near hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Lela Coffee Roastery near your accommodation, with great coffee and pastries.
VND70000, 1h0m

8:30AM

Final packing and hotel check-out

Prepare and pack your belongings, complete check-out from your hotel.
VND0, 1h0m

10:00AM

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Take a grab or taxi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport allowing sufficient time for check-in and security.
VND150000, 30m

10:30AM

Check-in, Security, Immigration

Complete airport procedures and proceed to the departure lounge for your flight.
VND0, 2h55m

1:25PM

Departure Flight

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City, concluding your great Vietnam trip.
Variable, N/A
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed