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10-Day Vietnam & Phu Quoc from Dubai — 3 Nights Overwater Villa + 6 Nights Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Cruise (Dec 19–28, 2025)

Viewed by 104 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & settle

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 19, 2025

03:55am

International flight: Dubai (DXB) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Direct flight in economy on Emirates or Vietnam Airlines; typical duration ~7h30. Leaves Dubai early morning and arrives in SGN in the afternoon local time. Good to book refundable or flexible fares during holiday period.
USD750, 7h30m

03:00pm

Arrival, immigration & transfer to hotel

Private or metered taxi / pre-booked transfer to downtown hotel (Park Hyatt Saigon or similar 5*). Expect 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
USD30, 45m

04:30pm

Hotel check-in & relax

Check-in at Park Hyatt Saigon or comparable 5* (standard check-in 14:00). Use this time to freshen up and walk nearby (Opera House area).
USD1920, 0h30m

06:00pm

Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Outdoor short sightseeing—open public sites (Notre-Dame exterior always accessible; Post Office open 07:00–19:00). Great for photos and orientation.
USD0, 45m

07:30pm

Dinner — Nhà Hàng Ngon or The Chopsticks Saigon

Traditional Vietnamese set and street-food-style dishes in a cleaned, tourist-friendly setting. Open typically 11:00–22:30; try pho, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 2: City highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 20, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast at Park Hyatt Saigon (usually 06:30–10:30). Good chance to sample local coffee (cà phê sữa đá).
USD0, 1h

09:00am

War Remnants Museum

Powerful museum with photographic exhibitions on the Vietnam War; open 07:30–17:00. Plan 1–2 hours for the main galleries.
USD2, 1h30m

11:00am

Saigon Central Post Office & Notre-Dame (exterior)

Classic colonial architecture and quick photos; both are in the same area and open earlier in the day (Post Office open 07:00–19:00).
USD0, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Pho 2000 or Bún Chả 145 Bùi Viện

Sample the city's best pho or bun cha; casual and quick, normally open 10:00–22:00. Great low-cost, authentic option.
USD7, 1h

02:00pm

Ben Thanh Market & shopping

Explore markets and crafts near the market (Ben Thanh Market open 06:00–19:00). Ideal for souvenirs and local snacks.
USD0, 1h30m

04:00pm

Relax at hotel or rooftop bar

Rest before evening; consider rooftop drinks at Chill Skybar (opens 17:00) to watch sunset over the city.
USD25, 2h

07:30pm

Dinner — Nhà Hàng Ngon or Cuc Gach Quan

A classic Vietnamese dinner spot in the city center; usually open 11:00–22:30 and well-reviewed for local specialties.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 3: Cu Chi tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 21, 2025

06:45am

Pick-up for Cu Chi tunnels half-day tour

Departure from the hotel; Cu Chi tours run 07:00–12:00 for half-day trips. The tunnels are 60–90 minutes from HCMC depending on traffic.
USD45, 1h15m

08:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Historic Viet Cong tunnel network with guided walking sections and displays; open 07:00–17:00 — plan 2–3 hours on-site.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Return & lunch near hotel — Propaganda Bistro

Back in town around midday; Propaganda serves modern Vietnamese cuisine (open 10:30–22:00).
USD18, 1h

02:00pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda or Museum of Vietnamese History

Quiet afternoon cultural stop; pagoda open daily 08:00–17:00 for a 45–60 minute visit.
USD0, 1h

06:30pm

Saigon River dinner cruise (optional)

Evening cruise departs around 19:00 and lasts ~2 hours; offers city skyline views and dinner. Book in advance during holiday season.
USD50, 2h

Day 4: Mekong Delta cruise

Mekong Delta day trip (from HCMC), Vietnam on December 22, 2025

06:30am

Pickup for Mekong Delta day cruise

Coach transfer from HCMC to Mekong Delta pier; most full-day cruises depart 07:00–07:30 and return ~18:00. This is the 'cruise experience' included in the itinerary.
USD85, 1h30m

08:30am

Mekong river cruising, sampan rides & local villages

Boat cruise through the Mekong tributaries, stops at islands for local markets, honey farms, and traditional music; activities usually run 08:30–15:00.
USD0, 6h

01:00pm

Lunch on the cruise or riverside restaurant

Fresh river fish and local specialties included with most packages; verify dietary preferences when booking.
USD15, 1h

05:30pm

Return to HCMC & free evening

Arrive back at hotel around 18:00; evening at leisure — consider rooftop dinner or spa.
USD0, 30m

08:00pm

Dinner — Vietnamese fusion at Secret Garden

Set in a rooftop garden; open 11:00–23:00 and offers traditional cuisine with a view.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 5: Free day & extras

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 23, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast (hotel buffet typically 06:30–10:30). Day open for shopping, spa, or optional activities such as a cooking class (usually 3–4 hours).
USD0, 1h

10:00am

Optional: Vietnamese cooking class or cycling city tour

Half-day classes typically run 09:00–13:00 (cost extra) and include market visits and hands-on cooking.
USD60, 4h

02:00pm

Lunch — Quan An Ngon

Large selection of regional Vietnamese dishes; open 10:30–22:00. Good for sampling central and northern styles.
USD15, 1h

04:00pm

Spa or hotel downtime

Enjoy hotel spa or pool (hotel spa often open 08:00–22:00).
USD60, 2h

07:30pm

Dinner — Gánh Restaurant or The Deck Saigon

The Deck on the river requires reservation; open 11:00–23:00 and ideal for a special evening.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 6: Last city day & transfer prep

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 24, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast & pack for Phu Quoc

Breakfast at the hotel; finalize luggage and check-out time for early next-day transfer to Phu Quoc.
USD0, 1h

09:00am

Morning visit: Fine Arts Museum or Botanical Garden

Relaxed cultural visit; Fine Arts Museum open 08:00–17:00. Good for a quieter local experience before leaving the city.
USD2, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Famous banh mi spot near downtown; perfect quick bite (open 07:00–18:00).
USD4, 30m

03:00pm

Hotel check-in extension (if needed) & relax

Use hotel facilities or arrange late check-out if you prefer; confirm domestic flight details for Dec 25 to Phu Quoc (PQC).
USD0, 2h

07:30pm

Christmas Eve dinner — elegant dining

Book a special dinner at a premium restaurant (e.g., The Deck or a hotel specialty restaurant) — many have festive menus; confirm hours and reservation.
USD60, 2h

Day 7: Fly to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on December 25, 2025

07:00am

Transfer to SGN airport & domestic flight to Phu Quoc (PQC)

Early transfer to Tan Son Nhat International. Typical morning domestic flights depart between 08:30–10:30 and last ~1h10. Arrive PQC midday and transfer to overwater villa resort.
USD120, 1h10m

11:30am

Arrival Phu Quoc & transfer to overwater villa resort

Resort transfer ~20–45 minutes depending on property; overwater villa check-in usually from 14:00 but resorts may offer early access if available.
USD0, 45m

01:00pm

Lunch at resort beach restaurant

Casual beachfront dining; sample seafood and island specialties. Resort restaurants typically open 07:00–22:00.
USD25, 1h

02:30pm

Check-in & villa orientation

Settle into your overwater villa (e.g., Vinpearl or Premier overwater villa product). Enjoy private deck and sea views.
USD1950, 0h30m

04:00pm

Beach time & swim

Relax on the resort's private beach or swim from your villa deck. Pools and beach bars typically open 08:00–19:00 (bars later).
USD0, 2h

07:30pm

Dinner — resort fine dining

Romantic overwater dining or chef’s tasting menu; reserve early for Christmas Day service if required.
USD80, 1h30m

Day 8: Island & snorkeling

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on December 26, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at villa/resort

Breakfast on the deck or resort buffet (most open 07:00–10:30).
USD0, 1h

08:30am

Half-day snorkeling/island-hopping cruise

Join a boat tour to nearby coral reefs (Hon Thom, May Rut areas) — most tours run 08:00–12:00 and provide equipment, snacks, and safety briefings.
USD60, 4h

01:00pm

Lunch — seafood shack or resort

Try fresh grilled seafood or local specialities; open 11:00–15:00 for beachfront shacks.
USD20, 1h

03:00pm

Visit Phu Quoc Night Market (late afternoon prep)

If you want local shopping, night market opens ~17:00–23:00 on the main Long Beach/ Duong Dong area — try local snacks like pepper and fish sauce products.
USD0, 2h

06:00pm

Sunset catamaran cruise (optional)

Sunset cruises depart ~16:00–17:30 and return by 18:30–19:30; they are a lovely romantic option and often include drinks.
USD80, 1h30m

08:00pm

Dinner — night market or resort

If visiting the Night Market, sample grilled seafood and local street foods. Night Market opens ~17:00–23:00.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 9: Relax & island spa

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on December 27, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast & leisurely morning

Enjoy a lazy morning on your villa deck or take part in resort activities (kayak, paddleboard; times generally 08:00–17:00).
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Island exploration — pepper farm or Coi Nguon Pearl Farm

Short cultural visit to learn about island products (most open 08:00–17:00) and to shop for high-quality island pepper and fish sauce.
USD10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a beachside cafe

Casual beachfront lunch; try local specialties and fresh seafood.
USD18, 1h

03:00pm

Spa treatment at resort

Book a 60–90 minute massage or spa package — many resorts operate 09:00–21:00. Perfect to relax before travel home.
USD120, 1h30m

07:30pm

Dinner — private dining or resort restaurant

Enjoy a final dinner in the overwater villa or at the resort’s signature restaurant. Reserve in advance.
USD80, 1h30m

Day 10: Return to Dubai

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

06:00am

Early breakfast & check-out

Early check-out; transfer to Phu Quoc airport (20–45 minutes). Confirm baggage for international connection in SGN.
USD0, 1h

08:30am

Domestic flight: Phu Quoc (PQC) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Flight duration ~1h10. Arrive SGN to clear domestic arrival and transfer to international terminal; allow minimum 2.5–3 hours for international connection during busy season.
USD120, 1h10m

12:00pm

Leisure at SGN (if long connection) — lounge or quick city stop

If you have a longer connection, use a lounge at the airport or short transfer to a nearby restaurant; ensure you allow time for security and boarding.
USD25, 2h

09:30pm

International flight: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Dubai (DXB)

Direct evening flight on Emirates or Vietnam Airlines (typical duration ~7h30). Depending on exact flight time you may arrive Dubai late-night or early next day — check flight selection when booking.
USD750, 7h30m

05:00am

Arrive Dubai (local time)

Arrival time depends on specific flight chosen; this marks the end of the trip. If you prefer to arrive Dubai on Dec 28 local time, select a particular evening SGN→DXB flight that meets that schedule.
USD0, 0h
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