Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 50 travelers

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City: A 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's independence. Explore the War Remnants Museum in the afternoon to learn about the country's history. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and indulge in delicious street food.

  • Reunification Palace: Cost estimate - 20,000 VND; Time spent - 2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND; Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - Evening stroll
Saturday, September 2: Exploring the Historic District

Begin your day by visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a magnificent French colonial landmark. Explore the nearby Central Post Office, known for its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, delve into the history of the city at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. End your day with a visit to the lively Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local souvenirs.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 30 minutes
  • Central Post Office: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 30 minutes
  • Ho Chi Minh City Museum: Cost estimate - 15,000 VND; Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 3: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta

Embark on an exciting day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels and learn about the resilience of the Vietnamese people. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the waterways and experience the local way of life.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Cost estimate - 110,000 VND; Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Mekong Delta Tour: Cost estimate - 500,000 VND; Time spent - Full day
Monday, September 4: Cholon - The Chinatown

Explore Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown. Start your day by visiting the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Wander through the lively Binh Tay Market and taste the delicious local street food. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, housing a rich collection of artifacts. End your day with a relaxing walk at Tao Dan Park.

  • Thien Hau Temple: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 1 hour
  • Binh Tay Market: Cost estimate - Free (for exploration); Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Museum of Vietnamese History: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND; Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Tao Dan Park: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - Evening stroll
Tuesday, September 5: Art and Culture

Indulge in Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant art and culture scene. Start your day by visiting the Fine Arts Museum, showcasing a collection of Vietnamese and international artworks. Explore the contemporary art galleries in the city, such as Galerie Quynh and Craig Thomas Gallery. In the afternoon, watch a traditional Water Puppet Show and immerse yourself in this unique art form.

  • Fine Arts Museum: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND; Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Contemporary Art Galleries: Cost estimate - Free (for exploration); Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Cost estimate - 200,000 VND; Time spent - 1 hour
Wednesday, September 6: Day Trip to the Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels

Embark on a day trip to the Cao Dai Temple, located in Tay Ninh Province. Witness the unique religious ceremonies of the Cao Dai religion, a fascinating fusion of different faiths. Afterward, continue the journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War.

  • Cao Dai Temple: Cost estimate - 200,000 VND; Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Cost estimate - 110,000 VND; Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, September 7: Day of Relaxation

Spend a day relaxing and enjoying the city at your own pace. Take a stroll along the Saigon River and enjoy the scenic views. Visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. Indulge in a spa treatment or try Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant. End your day by watching the sunset from a rooftop bar.

  • Saigon River: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - Morning or evening stroll
  • Giac Lam Pagoda: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 1 hour
  • Spa Treatment or Local Restaurant: Cost estimate - Varies; Time spent - Flexible
  • Rooftop Bar: Cost estimate - Varies; Time spent - Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When exploring Ho Chi Minh City, don't miss the chance to visit some hidden gems and experience the city like a local. Discover the vibrant street art scene in the neighborhoods of District 2 and District 5. Explore the narrow alleys of the backstreets and find local markets, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese street food. Join a motorbike tour to explore the city's hidden gems and see the bustling streets from a different perspective.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version