Family-friendly 4-day Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Day 1: War Remnants Museum
    From Tan Son Nhat International Airport: 30 minutes (7.6 km)

    The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and families. It displays the Vietnam War from a unique perspective offering a factual overview of the brutal war, including rare photographs, bombs, helicopters and tanks. This interactive museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the polarizing violence that occurred during the 20th century.

  • Day 2: Mekong Delta Tour
    From your hotel: 2 hours 30 minutes (102 km)

    Take a day tour to Mekong Delta, experience a riverboat ride, coastal scenery, rural life, and fruit tasting. Explore the beautiful orchards, rice paddies, and off-the-beaten-path cuisine while navigating through the intricate web of canals. The locals are very hospitable and the waterways are beautiful.

  • Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels
    From your hotel: 1 hour 40 minutes (70 km)

    Visit Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most historically significant sites in Vietnam, to learn about the underground tunnel network. Cu Chi Tunnels provide an immersive and enlightening experience for both kids and adults, allowing them to gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s past. Climb through tunnels that once served as hideouts or trapdoors to evade the enemy forces, and witness life-size figurations of soldiers.

  • Day 4: Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
    From Ben Thanh Market: 10 minutes (2.4 km)

    Finish the itinerary with a visit to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, a perfect place to explore with the kids. Besides admiring the exotic animals, kids can enjoy pony rides or turn the peacocks into a competition of who can catch the most feathers. There are a variety of thematic exhibitions, music venues, and excellent places to eat all within a shaded tropical setting.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • War Remnants Museum (2 hours, VND 30,000/person)
  • Mekong Delta Tour (8 hours, VND 950,000/person)
  • Cu Chi Tunnels (3-4 hours, VND 110,000/person)
  • Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (3 hours, VND 50,000/person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: VND 1,140,000 per person

Transportation

One of the best ways to get around Ho Chi Minh City is by using a taxi or a motorcycle. As traffic can be hectic, it is advised to book an experience driver to get around with ease. The taxi will cost between VND 15,000 to VND 20,000 ($1) for short rides in the city center. A motorcycle ride will cost VND 4,000 to VND 5,000 with GoViet or Grab.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Cao Dai Temple, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the City Hall Building. For those with less time, you can shorten your visit to the Mekong Delta by choosing the half-day tour.

Airports

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the primary airport serving Ho Chi Minh City, located just 7km from the city center.

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