After arriving and dropping your bags, start your first morning with a relaxed coffee at [The Workshop Coffee](https://www.facebook.com/theworkshopcoffeevn) to acclimatise and people-watch in the stylish Đa Kao area, then stroll to Tự Do Street (Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai) for an easy introduction to local street art and independent galleries. Finish with a light Vietnamese brunch at Cộng Cà Phê and a walk through the leafy lanes toward Bến Thành Market perimeter stalls to spot handicrafts and small ceramics shops - a gentle, atmospheric entry into the city before deeper art and market hunts on Day 2.
Head east to the riverside for a leisurely walk along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, then relax with a cool drink and rooftop views at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar to watch the late-afternoon light on the skyline. Continue into the nearby historic colonial quarter to browse boutique ceramics and homewares at Võ Văn Tần Artisan Alley and pop into Thảo Ceramic Studio for a quick demo or to reserve a spot in a pottery class later in the trip.
As dusk falls, head to the leafy Thảo Điền area for a relaxed riverside dinner at The Deck Saigon, then wander the nearby streets to discover small galleries and boutique ceramic shops such as Gallery S that stay open later. Finish with cocktails and a live-music set at Shri Restaurant & Lounge overlooking the river, a gentle, atmospheric end to your arrival day that sets the tone for deeper art and ceramics hunts from tomorrow.
Begin the day with a leisurely café sketching session at [The Old Compass Cafe](https://www.facebook.com/TheOldCompassCafe), then wander to VinGallery to soak up contemporary Vietnamese painting and meet a curator for tips on emerging local artists. Continue to [Galerie Quynh](https://www.galeriequynh.com/) for a thought-provoking exhibition and pop into The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre for dynamic installations and a short guided tour of their studio spaces - a focused, walkable start that builds on yesterday's market finds and primes you for ceramics shopping later in the week.
After a morning of galleries, drift toward the leafy Saigon River edge and browse independent design shops and creative collectives around Nguyễn Thái Học Street, stopping at Sàn Art's pop-up shop for limited-edition prints and to chat with a curator about local ceramic-collaboration projects. Continue to Chakra Studio for a hands-on ceramics glazing demo and then sip iced trà sữa on the terrace at [The Library Café](https://www.facebook.com/thelibrarycafesaigon) while planning an evening visit to smaller artist-run spaces nearby.
As dusk falls, wander to Bùi Viện's creative alleys for a lively street-art stroll, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at L'Usine Le Loi where regularly rotating exhibitions and pop-up craft stalls complement the café-bistro vibe. After dinner, head to Zero Station for late-night experimental performances or an independent film screening, and finish with cocktails at the intimate rooftop bar EON51 to admire the glittering skyline and reflect on the day's discoveries.
Start with a hands-on pottery session at Saigon Pottery Workshop where a local master guides you through wheel throwing and basic glazing techniques, then browse nearby kiln outlets for studio seconds and unique tiles. After the class, wander to Lacquer & Clay Collective to inspect small-batch ceramic homewares and commission a custom piece, finishing with a tasty bánh mì and egg coffee at the family-run café inside Phúc Long Ceramic Courtyard to compare notes and plan any afternoon studio follow-ups.
Wander the bustling lanes of Chợ Lớn to hunt for kiln bargains and handcrafted pieces at Lò Gốm An Đông Ceramic Market, then slip into Hằng Pottery Studio for an intimate glazing workshop where you can finish a small bowl to take home. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed tea and ceramics talk at Quán Gốm Trà House, a tiny riverside café-gallery that showcases local artisans and offers contacts for bespoke commissions.
As the sun cools, wander to Nhà Gốm Café for a relaxed potter's-talk over jasmine tea while admiring rotating shelves of contemporary ceramic art, then head to Riverside Makerspace for an evening hand-building session where local artisans demonstrate traditional slip-decoration techniques you can try. Finish the night with a casual dinner and gallery-swap at Warehouse 62, a converted industrial space hosting pop-up ceramic markets and small artist-run exhibitions - a lively way to compare finds from the day's markets and arrange any bespoke commissions for pick-up later in the trip.
Begin with a fragrant street-food breakfast at Chợ Bình Tây (Binh Tay Market), then weave through nearby alleys hunting kiln outlets and traditional ceramic stalls specializing in glaze finishes and altar ware. From there, stop at Gốm Sài Gòn Studio for a curated show-and-tell with the resident potter and a short demo on traditional red clay techniques before sipping a cooling jasmine tea at the atmospheric Quán Cổ Gốm courtyard - a tactile, market-driven morning that builds on your earlier workshops and primes you for commissioning custom pieces this afternoon.
After a morning of market browsing and demonstrations, head deeper into Chợ Lớn to explore Hải Phòng Ceramic Alley, where family-run kilns sell glazed planters and altar ware at wholesale prices and you can negotiate for bulk or custom glazing. Continue with a visit to Bờ Kè Riverside Workshops to watch slip-trailed decorations being applied to large pots, then settle in at [Cà Phê Gốm Riverside](https://www.facebook.com/cafegomriverside) for an informal Q&A with a local ceramist about sourcing, packing and arranging later pickup - a practical, hands-on afternoon that sets you up to commission or consolidate purchases before evening logistics.
As night falls, wander the lantern-lit lanes to discover small, family-run galleries such as Nội Thất Gốm Gallery, where curated displays of contemporary tableware sit alongside heirloom porcelain, then join an intimate evening demo at Ms. Lan's Kiln Studio to watch traditional firing techniques and try a quick hand-building exercise. Finish with a riverside supper at Bến Bình Tây Riverside Café, enjoying a plate of cơm tấm while swapping notes with local makers and arranging pick-up or shipping for your favourite ceramic finds.
Ease into the day with a curated browse at [Craig Thomas Gallery](https://www.google.com/search?q=Craig+Thomas+Gallery+Ho+Chi+Minh%2C+May+31st+to+June+13th.++Enjoy+shopping+for+art%2C+ceramics.+Spending+time+on+river+mix+of+countryside+and+city.+Accom+budget+%2480-90+per+night+%0A+official+site) to see contemporary Vietnamese sculptures and discuss commissioning a small piece, then stroll to nearby Hanoi Ceramic House Saigon for a focused look at designer tableware and options for custom glazes and sizes. Finish with a consultative visit to The Craft House Saigon where you can meet a maker to draft a commission brief, review material swatches, and arrange studio pickup or shipment - a practical, design-forward morning that builds on your earlier gallery and ceramics discoveries.
Stroll through District 3 to visit [Dong Phong Art Space](https://www.facebook.com/dongphongartspace) for emerging painters and to discuss commissioning a mid-size canvas, then pop into [The Art House Saigon](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Art+House+Saigon+Ho+Chi+Minh%2C+May+31st+to+June+13th.++Enjoy+shopping+for+art%2C+ceramics.+Spending+time+on+river+mix+of+countryside+and+city.+Accom+budget+%2480-90+per+night+%0A+official+site) to review portfolio samples and arrange a timeline for a bespoke piece. Finish with a consultative visit to Khai Silk & Atelier where you can sample mixed-media prints, confirm framing options, and organise local pickup or safe shipping-perfectly linking this afternoon's sourcing to the morning's commission planning.
As twilight falls, enjoy a relaxed curator-led viewing at SMB Art Gallery to see newly commissioned works and discuss framing and transport options, then stroll to [The Observatory Café & Gallery](https://www.facebook.com/observatoryvn) for dessert and an informal meet-and-greet with a local sculptor to finalise a small commission. Finish the night with riverside cocktails at L Usine Riverside Bar, where makers and gallery owners often mingle-perfect for confirming pick-up dates, arranging packing, or booking a studio follow-up for your chosen pieces.
Begin with a relaxed hands-on session at L'Art Pottery Studio, where a local ceramicist leads a two-hour wheel-throwing and glazing primer tailored to beginners, then wander next door to Maison de Céramique to compare small-batch tableware and place any custom glaze orders. Afterward, stroll through the nearby lanes to discover curated homewares at Little Clay Shop and bargain-hunt for studio seconds at District 4 Ceramic Collective-a practical, playful morning that builds on your earlier workshops and leaves time to organise commissions or shipping for pieces you love.
Ease into the afternoon with a focused glazing masterclass at Thao & Son Ceramic Atelier, where you'll experiment with local ash and celadon glazes and discuss firing schedules with the studio owner. Afterward, wander the nearby creative strip to hunt for unique pieces at District 3 Handicraft Row and pop into Paper Clay Collective to compare small-batch homewares, confirm any commission details, and arrange local pickup or shipping-neatly tying this session to your morning wheel-throwing and previous market finds.
As the light softens, head to Saigon Craft Beer Garden for a casual early-evening mingle with local makers and roaming pop-up stalls selling small ceramic pieces and glazed trinkets. Afterward, wander to Night Market Galleria near the river to hunt for finished studio seconds and handcrafted homewares, then finish with a relaxed riverside dinner at [Café Riverside Studio](https://www.facebook.com/caferiversidestudio) where resident artists often stay late - a low-key chance to confirm commissions, arrange last-minute shipping, and swap contact details with potters you met earlier in the day.
Start your final morning with a focused browse of contemporary ceramics and small sculptures at [Gallery 293](https://gallery293.com/), where gallery staff can arrange last-minute framing or courier quotes, then wander to nearby The Vesta Craft Market to pick up affordable display stands, packing materials, and small décor pieces from local makers. Finish with a relaxed coffee and inventory check at [Rooftop Bean & Studio Café](https://www.facebook.com/rooftopbean), where you can photograph purchases against natural light, label pieces for shipping, and confirm collection times with any artists before the afternoon's final packing and hotel drop-off.
Spend the afternoon consolidating final finds with a targeted browse of boutique makers at Mai Handicraft Studio where you can negotiate shipping for larger ceramics, then hop to Reactory Design House to compare contemporary homewares and pick up protective packing supplies recommended by staff. Finish with a quick visit to Post & Parcel Saigon to weigh and label pieces for courier quotes, and enjoy a late tea at [Café Mộc Workshop](https://www.facebook.com/cafemocworkshop) while confirming pick-up times with artists - a practical, low-stress close to your collecting phase before evening packing.
As twilight deepens, stroll through Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai's Makers Lane to visit late-opening studios where independent ceramists display last-minute one-off pieces and small sculptures, then drop into The Hidden Loft Gallery for a curator-led peek at freshly arrived works you can still commission on short notice. Finish with a relaxed riverside supper and packing check at Riverside Atelier Café, where staff can help source foam wrap and arrange a same-day courier for any larger items you need shipped before tomorrow's departure.
Start the morning with a focused hunt for final ceramics and art at [Saigon Vintage Market](https://www.facebook.com/saigonvintagemarket), where vendors sell careful studio seconds and boxed small-wares ideal for travel, then pop into [Mầm Art & Design](https://www.facebook.com/mamartdesign) to pick up lightweight prints and discuss courier options for larger pieces. Finish with a practical stop at [Ho Chi Minh Packing & Ship](https://www.facebook.com/hcmpackingandship) to source foam wrap and custom crates while enjoying a late brunch at the attached café Mộc & Grain - a tidy, hands-on morning that consolidates commissions from earlier days and ensures everything is ready for packing and airport transfer.
After your morning packing, head to Saigon Square 3 to hunt lightweight textiles, framed prints and last-minute decorative ceramics from independent sellers, then stroll to An Lam Ceramic Atelier for a quick consultation about crating any fragile pieces and to collect small commissioned items. Finish the afternoon with a calming tea and final invoice/packing check at [The Hidden Courtyard Café](https://www.facebook.com/thehiddencourtyardcafe), where the owner can recommend a trusted same-day courier and help label fragile boxes before you return to the hotel to consolidate luggage.
As the city cools, enjoy a relaxed last-evening hunt at Nguyen Hue Night Market for final small ceramics, lacquer souvenirs and boxed prints, then drift to Saigon Opera House area to browse boutique gift shops showcasing curated local art and compact homewares. Finish with a comforting riverside dinner at Cục Gạch Quán where you can confirm courier pickups, double-check fragile packing with staff recommendations, and toast the trip over a final giúp (Vietnamese dessert) before your departure preparations.
Ease into the day with a slow riverside stroll and coffee at [L'Usine Riverside Café](https://lusinespace.com/), then join a short guided walking tour of the Colonial Quarter that includes a stop at Công Viên Bastille for relaxed people-watching and local street art spotting. Later, board a daytime sightseeing boat from Nhà Rồng Wharf for a gentle 90-minute river cruise upriver to see riverside life and floating markets from the water before returning in time to rest and prepare for tonight's dinner cruise.
Drift into the afternoon with a slow cycle along the riverbank, pausing to browse artisan stalls and lightweight prints at Saigon Riverside Art Market, then sip a refreshing coconut drink at [Bến Nghé Café & Terrace](https://www.facebook.com/benghecafe) while watching longtail boats glide by. Follow this with a relaxed visit to Thảo Điền Makers' Row to meet a local ceramicist for a quick glazing demonstration and to arrange any evening pickup or shipping for pieces you've chosen-an unhurried lead-in to tonight's river dinner that ties city galleries and riverside craft together.
As twilight settles, take an early-evening aperitif cruise from Bạch Đằng Pier on a smaller wooden yacht that threads past illuminated riverside warehouses and quiet local jetties, then disembark to explore the atmospheric open-air craft stalls at Hải Lưu Riverside Night Arcade where makers sell small ceramics and hand-painted prints. Finish with a leisurely dinner aboard a traditional sampan-style dinner boat booked through Mekong Moon Cruises, enjoying a set menu of Mekong specialties while a local guitarist plays soft Vietnamese lullabies as the city lights slide by.
Catch an early speedboat from My Tho Pier to glide through the Mekong's distributaries, then disembark at Cồn Lân (Lân Islet) to cycle shady village paths past fruit orchards and stop at a family-run coconut candy workshop for a hands-on tasting and demonstration. Continue to Vinh Trang Riverside Market to browse woven mats, hand-painted pottery and floating produce stalls, chatting with makers about traditional glazing methods and arranging shipments for any fragile finds - a lively, tactile morning that builds naturally from your Saigon studio visits into authentic riverside sourcing.
After the island cycling, take a short boat ride to Cồn Phụng (Phoenix Islet) to browse riverside workshops where artisans hand-press coconut husk fibres and shape rustic pottery - watch a live demonstration of traditional kiln loading and ask about local glazing recipes. Then drift to Cái Bè Floating Market's quieter outer channels to photograph colourfully laden sampans, negotiate for small lacquered trays and hand-painted bowls from family traders, and finish with chilled sugarcane juice at Bến Cái Bè Riverside Café while arranging any river-to-city shipping for fragile pieces.
As the light softens, pause at Bến Tre Riverside Promenade for a cooling fresh-sugarcane mocktail and watch local fisherfolk bring in their catch, then wander stalls selling hand-painted pottery and woven fruit baskets at Hòa Nghĩa Evening Market where families trade small decorative bowls and lacquered trinkets. Finish with a riverside supper of grilled river prawns and caramelized fish at Nhà Hàng Sông Xanh, followed by a short twilight boat ride to Làng Nghệ Thuật Cù Lao to meet village ceramists, inspect their kiln-fired planters, and arrange any pickup or shipment back to Ho Chi Minh.
Set out at first light on a private wooden longboat from Vàm Nao Ferry Pier, winding through narrow canals to spot kingfishers and stilt houses, then disembark at Bình Thủy Village for a guided walk through family-run orchards and a hands-on lesson in traditional basket weaving with local artisans. Afterwards, pedal quiet village lanes to An Phú Pottery House to watch slip-trailed decorations being applied to garden pots and try a quick hand-building exercise before returning to the boat with fresh coconut water and riverbank snacks.
After your village walk, hop aboard a shallow-hulled boat to glide past fruit orchards toward Cồn Sơn Craft Quay, where you'll disembark to visit family-run workshops shaping terracotta planters and hand-painted ceramics; watch a demonstration of traditional salt-glaze firing and try your hand at stamping a small souvenir tile. Continue to Vườn Trái Cây Riverside for a leisurely tasting of seasonal fruits under a thatch pavilion while local artisans show lacquered-wood inlay techniques and offer to pack or arrange river-to-city shipping for fragile purchases, linking your morning craft experiences with practical sourcing and transport plans.
As dusk falls, glide to Bình Minh Riverside Homestay where you'll be welcomed with a family-style dinner of caramelized fish and river prawns, followed by a hands-on dessert workshop learning to make local chè under your host's guidance. After dinner, take a short guided night-boat to Lạch Rừng Jetty to watch fireflies flicker over the mangroves and stop at a riverside stall for honey-tipped tea while chatting with village elders about traditional kiln schedules and arranging early-morning pickups for any commissioned ceramics.
After returning from the Mekong, ease back into city life with a relaxed breakfast and people-watching at [The Vintage Emporium Café](https://www.facebook.com/vintageemporiumcafe), then wander the leafy lanes toward Saigon Outcast for a rotating weekend craft fair where local ceramicists and printmakers sell small, travel-friendly pieces. Finish the morning with a focused stop at [Kilo Studio & Shop](https://www.facebook.com/Kilostudio.shop) to compare lightweight commissioned prints and check shipping options, followed by a short detour to Cắt May Workshop Café for a quick consult with a maker about crating any fragile items you brought from the delta.
Stroll through the creative lanes of Nguyễn Huệ Creative Hub to browse rotating pop-up stalls featuring local ceramicists, then head to Kafé Runam for a late-afternoon tasting flight of single-origin Vietnamese coffee while you photograph and price any delta finds. Finish with a relaxed visit to [Maison de L'Artisan](https://www.facebook.com/maisondelartisan) to try on lightweight ceramic jewellery and pick up silk-wrapped prints for easy packing, while staff advise on domestic courier options to consolidate your purchases before evening activities.
As the city cools, wander to Bến Thành Alley Galleries for intimate after-hours viewings of small-format canvases and hand-painted postcards, then duck into Nguyễn Huệ Book & Printshop for limited-run artist prints and lightweight zines ideal for travel. Finish with a riverside tasting menu at Saigon Atelier Bistro, where a chef-maker collaboration pairs locally sourced Mekong produce with ceramics from recent studio friends and you can confirm final shipping or collection times with gallery contacts over dessert.
If you need one last local experience, catch an early shuttle to Bình Quới Tourist Village for a peaceful riverside walk through tropical gardens and a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at their pavilion-style restaurant, then join a short morning boat from Bình Quới Jetty to the nearby floating workshops where artisans shape lacquered trays and small terracotta pieces. After the boat ride, return to the city for a relaxed studio visit at Studio Mộc Blue, a compact atelier that specialises in lightweight celadon and will let you inspect kiln-fired tiles, arrange last-minute glazing tweaks, or organise same-day courier packing-perfect for consolidating any delayed commissions or river finds before departure.
Take a relaxed riverside transfer to Bạch Đằng Pier and board a small private launch to the lesser-known artisan quay at Cát Lái Craft Wharf, where family workshops demonstrate slip-trailing and offer short glazing touch-ups you can schedule on the spot. Afterwards, return to the city for a late-afternoon visit to The Glasshouse Atelier for a guided walkthrough of their kiln room and a chance to select lightweight studio seconds, followed by tea and packing advice at Hidden Vessel Café, which specialises in shipping fragile ceramics internationally.
If you stayed in the city, glide into the evening with a sunset riverside aperitif at The Lighthouse Bar & Terrace, then stroll to [Annam Gallery & Workshop](https://www.annamgallery.com/) for a late viewing of small-format ceramics and artisanal lacquer pieces while chatting with the on-site curator about expedited shipping. If you chose extra river time, board a small private sampan from Cần Giờ Jetty for a calm twilight cruise into mangrove channels, disembark at Rừng Sác Riverside Lodge for a family-style seafood supper, and browse a pop-up of village ceramists displaying recently fired planters and hand-painted bowls.
Savour a final, easy Saigon morning with a leisurely breakfast at The Vintage Tea Room, where you can pack fragile ceramics using the café's paper supplies and photograph your favourite pieces in soft morning light. After checking out, arrange a timed pickup with Saigon Fragile Logistics to crate larger items, then take a short detour to Tan Son Nhat Artisanal Post to buy extra foam wrap and confirm international shipping before your airport transfer-practical, calm tasks that close the loop on your art-and-ceramics hunt and ensure smooth transit home.
Spend a calm, last-afternoon pause at The Refinery Saigon for a light lunch and final paperwork-staff there are happy to help you photograph and inventory fragile pieces before transit. Afterward, drop by Ho Chi Minh City Packing & Crating to supervise crating of larger ceramics and collect pre-paid courier labels, then enjoy a final riverside stroll and iced coffee at Bạch Đằng Riverside Promenade while waiting for your scheduled airport transfer, giving a relaxed, organised finish to your art-and-ceramics journey.
Before your transfer, enjoy a calm final evening of reflection at The Deck House Café where you can pack small fragile pieces using their complimentary packing paper and photograph favourites under warm lamps, then stroll to Bến Nhà Rồng Riverside Park for a last look at the river at sunset and a quiet moment to confirm courier pickup times with any remaining vendors. If time permits, stop for a light, comforting dinner of pho and jasmine tea at Nhà Hàng Bến Cảng Bistro, where staff will help you double-check fragile-box labels and ensure larger crates are ready for the morning airport handover.