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9-Night Vietnam: 6 Nights Ho Chi Minh City + 3 Nights Overwater Villa in Phu Quoc (Includes Mekong Cruise) — Dec 19–28, 2025

Viewed by 106 travelers

Day 1: Fly & Arrive

Dubai, UAE > Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 19, 2025

6:00am

Airport transfer — Dubai

Private taxi or ride to DXB for international flight check-in; leave 3 hours before flight for a smooth departure.
CURRENCY40, 1h0m

9:00am

International flight: DXB → SGN

Overnight/long-haul economy flight from Dubai to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). Flights typically take ~6.5–7.5 hours; arrival same-day local time. (Example timing: depart early morning DXB, arrive afternoon SGN).
CURRENCY650, 7h30m

15:00

Airport arrival & transfer to hotel

Private or metered transfer (approx. 30–45 min depending on traffic) to your 4-star hotel in central District 1; early check-in if available (standard check-in 14:00).
CURRENCY35, 45m

16:30

Check-in + unwind

Settle into your hotel (6 nights in Ho Chi Minh City) and rest after the flight. Use hotel facilities or take a short walk to get oriented.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

18:30

Dinner recommendation: Cuc Gach Quan (District 1)

Popular Vietnamese restaurant with traditional décor; great introduction to Southern Vietnamese home-style dishes. Open 11:00–22:00.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m

20:30

Optional evening: Saigon River Dinner Cruise

Board a 2- to 2.5-hour dinner cruise on the Saigon River for skyline views and live music — a gentle intro cruise if you prefer a short cruise experience on arrival day. Book in advance; boarding typically 19:00–20:00.
CURRENCY60, 2h30m

Day 2: City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast at the hotel to fuel a day of sightseeing; hotels typically open breakfast 6:30–10:00.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

9:00am

War Remnants Museum

Important and moving museum covering the Vietnam War; recommended to allow at least 1.5–2 hours. Open 07:30–17:00.
CURRENCY2, 2h0m

11:30am

Reunification (Independence) Palace

Iconic 1960s building of historical importance showing preserved presidential rooms and war-era artifacts. Open 07:30–16:00.
CURRENCY2, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch recommendation: Bún Chả 145 Bùi Viện

Try classic Vietnamese noodle dishes (pho, bun cha) in a popular local spot near District 1; open 10:00–22:00.
CURRENCY6, 1h0m

14:00

Shopping & strolling: Ben Thanh Market

Browse souvenirs, local produce, and street food in the famous market; open 06:00–18:00 (night market opens later).
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

16:00

Coffee break at The Workshop Coffee

Specialty coffee and rooftop views — great for people-watching and planning the evening.
CURRENCY4, 45m

19:00

Dinner recommendation: Namo Tuscan Grill or local rooftop (e.g., Chill Skybar)

For a nicer evening, enjoy rooftop views and modern Vietnamese/continental choices; many rooftop venues open till late (check dress code).
CURRENCY35, 2h0m

Day 3: Cu Chi or Free Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour or a relaxed start if you choose to stay local.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00am

Optional: Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour

Explore the historic underground tunnel network used during the war (open 08:00–17:00). Tours depart early and return by early afternoon; allow 4–5 hours including transfers.
CURRENCY60, 5h0m

13:00

Lunch recommendation: Propaganda Bistro

Modern Vietnamese dishes with artful plating; good for sampling classics with a contemporary twist, open 10:00–22:00.
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

15:00

Afternoon: Công viên Tao Đàn or Saigon Opera House photo stop

Relax at the park or admire colonial architecture and take photos of the Opera House and nearby Nguyen Hue walking street.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

18:30

Dinner recommendation: Secret Garden Rooftop

Traditional Vietnamese food served in a charming rooftop garden setting; a calm spot to end the day.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

Day 4: Mekong Delta Cruise

Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City on December 22, 2025

6:30am

Pickup for Mekong Delta full-day cruise

Coach pick-up from your hotel (pre-booked tour) for a day cruise on the Mekong — boat rides, island visits, local workshops, and riverside lunch; standard departure ~7:00. Check meeting time with provider.
CURRENCY120, 12h0m

8:30am

Boat cruise & island visits

Navigate small canals, visit villages, taste local specialties, and walk orchard paths — ideal for experiencing rural southern Vietnam.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

13:00

Included lunch on the cruise

Riverside or on-boat lunch featuring Mekong fish and local produce; most full-day cruises include a meal.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

18:30

Return to Ho Chi Minh City & dinner

Arrive back in the city; dinner suggestion nearby hotel: Pizza 4P's District 1 for a reliable, well-reviewed meal after a long day.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

Day 5: Free Day & Markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and use the morning for extra rest or a spa treatment at the hotel (spa opening times vary, typically 09:00 onward).
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Museum of Vietnamese History or shopping at Saigon Square

Choose a slower cultural stop or areas for boutique shopping; museums generally open 08:00–17:00, shopping centers until late evening.
CURRENCY5, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch recommendation: Pho Hoa

Classic pho spot (open 06:00–21:00) to sample Vietnam's famous noodle soup in authentic surroundings.
CURRENCY6, 1h0m

15:00

Evening flight prep & free time

Pack and get ready for upcoming Phu Quoc leg (you remain in HCMC for one more night before flying the next day). Enjoy a rooftop cocktail or watch the city from Nguyen Hue walking street.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

19:30

Dinner recommendation: L’Usine Cafe

Trendy cafe and restaurant with fusion menu; nice for a relaxed evening in District 1.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

Day 6: Final HCMC Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed Christmas Eve breakfast (many hotels offer special holiday menus—book ahead if needed).
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning: Street food/coffee crawl

Explore local street vendors, try bánh mì, cà phê sữa đá and fresh fruit stalls; best mornings 07:00–11:00.
CURRENCY10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch recommendation: Secret House or local Vietnamese fare

Sample southern Vietnamese specialties and light dishes near your hotel.
CURRENCY12, 1h0m

15:00

Evening prep for Phu Quoc — check flight times

Confirm domestic flight SGN → PQC for tomorrow (flight time ~1h10). Pack light for island stay and bring swimwear, reef shoes, and sunscreen.
CURRENCY0, 30m

19:00

Dinner recommendation: Gạo (Rice) Vietnamese restaurant

Contemporary Vietnamese with regional dishes — open late (check holiday hours).
CURRENCY25, 1h30m

Day 7: Fly to Phu Quoc

Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on December 25, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast & hotel check-out

Have breakfast and complete check-out; arrange hotel transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for domestic flight to Phu Quoc.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Domestic flight: SGN → PQC

Flight from Tan Son Nhat to Phu Quoc (approx. 1h10). Flights run frequently; arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport mid-morning.
CURRENCY120, 1h10m

11:00am

Transfer to overwater villa resort & check-in

Resort transfer (speedboat or car+boat depending on resort). Standard overwater villa check-in times are ~14:00; early arrival possible with arrangements. Enjoy resort welcome amenities on arrival.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch recommendation: Resort beachfront restaurant

Light lunch with seafood and tropical salads; most resort restaurants operate from 11:00–22:00.
CURRENCY30, 1h0m

15:00

Relax in the overwater villa

Enjoy your private villa, plunge pool (if included), over-water decking and snorkel right off the villa; resort spa and pools typically open 08:00–20:00.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

19:00

Christmas dinner (or special holiday menu)

Many luxury Phu Quoc resorts run special holiday dinners — pre-book to secure a beachfront or overwater-table experience.
CURRENCY80, 2h0m

Day 8: Island & Snorkel Cruise

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at resort

Hearty breakfast with tropical fruits to prepare for a full day on the water; resort breakfasts typically 07:00–10:30.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:30am

Full-day An Thoi Islands snorkeling cruise

A day cruise visits coral reefs and small islands south of Phu Quoc with snorkeling stops, swimming, and a beach BBQ lunch; typically runs 08:00–16:00. Book a small-group boat for best experience.
CURRENCY80, 8h0m

5:30pm

Return to resort & sunset

Relax on your villa deck for the sunset with cocktails — ideal overwater sunset views.
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner recommendation: Crab House or resort fine dining

Phu Quoc specialty seafood (grilled crab, pepper crab), or enjoy the resort’s fine-dining menu. Most restaurants open 11:00–22:00; check seasonal hours.
CURRENCY50, 1h30m

Day 9: Relax & Spa

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on December 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at villa

Leisurely breakfast delivered or at the beachfront restaurant; enjoy views and a relaxed start.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

10:00am

Resort spa treatment / beach time

Book a spa package (couples or solo) or spend the morning kayaking and snorkeling around the villa; spa hours typically 09:00–20:00.
CURRENCY120, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch recommendation: Local fish shack or in-resort grill

Sample fresh catch-of-the-day prepared in typical island style; many beach shacks open 11:00–16:00, resorts serve all day.
CURRENCY25, 1h0m

16:00

Leisure: Pool, villa deck, sunset photos

Spend the late afternoon relaxing and taking photos — over-water villas are ideal for golden-hour photography.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

19:30

Special farewell dinner on the water

Reserve a private or beachfront table for a last-night celebration; many resorts offer curated tasting menus in the evenings.
CURRENCY100, 2h0m

Day 10: Return Home

Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City → Dubai on December 28, 2025

6:00am

Early check-out & transfer to PQC airport

Check out and take the scheduled transfer to Phu Quoc International Airport; typical transfer times vary by resort (allow 45–90 minutes).
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

9:00am

Domestic flight: PQC → SGN

Flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1h10). Connect to international flight to Dubai. Ensure at least 2–3 hours for international connections.
CURRENCY120, 1h10m

12:30pm

International flight: SGN → DXB

Return flight to Dubai; flight duration ~6.5–7.5 hours. Arrival in Dubai same day/evening depending on schedule and time zones.
CURRENCY0, 7h30m

22:30

Arrival & transfer home — Dubai

Clear immigration and transfer home or to onward transport. Trip concludes.
CURRENCY40, 1h0m
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