Detroit → Seattle → Saigon Trip Itinerary

Day 1: December 21 – Arrival & Seattle Overview

Morning: Arrive at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport and transfer to your downtown hotel. After checking in, enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel’s café.

Afternoon: Stroll to Pike Place Market to sample fresh seafood and browse local crafts. The bustling atmosphere offers great photo opportunities.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to the Seattle Great Wheel, catching sunset views over Elliott Bay. Finish with dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Day 2: December 22 – Seattle Exploration

Morning: Begin with a visit to the iconic Space Needle, taking the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition, marveling at vibrant glass installations and the garden's seasonal displays.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the historic Ballard neighborhood, known for its lively pubs and fresh seafood, followed by a stroll through the neighborhood’s waterfront promenade.

Day 3: December 23 – Travel to Saigon

Morning: Check out of the hotel and head to Seattle‑Tacoma Airport for your international flight.

Afternoon: In‑flight meal service and relaxation on the trans‑Pacific route, with optional entertainment and reading.

Evening: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, transfer to your Ho Chi Minh City hotel, and unwind after a long journey.

Day 4: December 24 – Saigon Historical District

Morning: Visit the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral and take photos of its neo‑Romanesque façade.

Afternoon: Wander through the War Remnants Museum, gaining insight into Vietnam's recent history through poignant exhibits.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese pho, followed by a leisurely stroll around Nguyen Hue Walking Street for night‑market snacks.

Day 5: December 25 – Christmas in Saigon

Morning: Enjoy a festive brunch at the hotel, then head to Ben Thanh Market to sample holiday treats and shop for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Saigon Central Post Office and its ornate architecture, perfect for a short cultural pause.

Evening: Celebrate Christmas with a special dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline, enjoying festive music and a festive toast.

Day 6: December 26 – Cultural Sites

Morning: Visit the historic Reunification Palace, touring its rooms and learning about the end of the Vietnam War.

Afternoon: Wander the leafy streets of the **Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden**, a tranquil escape within the bustling city.

Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the Saigon River, with dinner and views of illuminated landmarks such as the **Bitexco Financial Tower**.

Day 7: December 27 – Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for a guided day trip to the **Mekong Delta**, cruising on traditional sampan boats.

Afternoon: Explore floating markets, taste tropical fruits, and learn about local agriculture at a family-run orchard.

Evening: Return to Saigon for a relaxed dinner, reflecting on the day’s scenic river vistas.

Day 8: December 28 – Culinary Tour

Morning: Take a guided **Vietnamese street food tour** visiting local stalls for bánh mì, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee.

Afternoon: Participate in a cooking class at a traditional kitchen, learning to prepare classic dishes like **gỏi cuốn**.

Evening: Enjoy a night‑time stroll through **Bui Vien Street**, known for its vibrant nightlife and rooftop bars.

Day 9: December 29 – Shopping & Nightlife

Morning: Shop for silk and handicrafts at **Saigon Square** and nearby boutiques.

Afternoon: Visit the contemporary **Saigon Opera House** and its surrounding colonial‑style architecture.

Evening: Experience the lively **Bui Vien Night Market**, sampling grilled seafood while enjoying live music.

Day 10: December 30 – Relax & Spa

Morning: Relax with a traditional Vietnamese **massage** at a reputable spa, rejuvenating after days of sightseeing.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk in **Tao Đàn Park**, a peaceful green space perfect for a brief meditation.

Evening: Dine at a high‑end restaurant offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors.

Day 11: December 31 – New Year's Eve Celebration

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning exploring the **Saigon Riverfront** and its modern skyline.

Afternoon: Visit **Saigon Skydeck** for panoramic views, prepping for the evening festivities.

Evening: Join the **New Year's Eve** celebration at **Nguyen Hue Walking Street**, enjoying fireworks, live music, and a countdown celebration.

Day 12: January 1 – Rest & Depart

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local café and take a final walk through **Bui Vien Street**.

Afternoon: Pack and check out of the hotel, leaving luggage for later transport.

Evening: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, preparing for your return flight to Detroit.

Day 13: January 2 – Return to Detroit

Morning: Depart Saigon on a comfortable flight, with in‑flight meals and entertainment.

Afternoon: Arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport; proceed through customs and collect luggage.

Evening: Transfer home or to your next destination, reflecting on the trip's highlights.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Pike Market – 2 hrs, $25 (per adult) – Total: $125
• Space Needle – 1.5 hrs, $30 (per adult) – Total: $150
• Chihuly Garden & Glass – 2 hrs, $28 (per adult) – Total: $140
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 1 hr, $0 (free entry)
• War Remnants Museum – 2 hrs, $5 (per adult) – Total: $25
• Ben Thanh Market – 2.5 hrs, $10 (per adult) – Total: $50
• Reunification Palace – 2 hrs, $7 (per adult) – Total: $35
• Mekong Delta Day Trip – 8 hrs, $45 (per adult) – Total: $225
• Cooking Class – 3 hrs, $45 (per adult) – Total: $225
• Saigon Skydeck – 1 hr, $15 (per adult) – Total: $75
• New Year's Eve Celebration – 4 hrs, $20 (per adult) – Total: $100
• Miscellaneous Meals & Transport – $40 per day per adult × 13 days = $2,600
• Total Estimated Cost for 5 Adults: $6,315

Tips

For a longer stay, consider adding a day‑trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or a beach excursion to Vũng Tàu, both offering unique cultural insights. If you need to shorten the trip, you can combine the historic sites of Day 4 and Day 5 into a single day, reducing the overall itinerary by one day and saving on accommodation and meals.