Budget Adventure Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh: Kayaking and Culture

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Le

Start your day at this iconic restaurant famous for its hearty bowl of pho at an affordable price.
A 15-minute taxi ride from central district.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Explore this poignant museum that provides insights into the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits.
A 15-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll Through Independence Palace

Enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic site that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War.
Located nearby, a quick 10-minute walk.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Indulge in one of the finest banh mi sandwiches that Ho Chi Minh has to offer, filled with fresh veggies and meats.
A 10-minute walk from Independence Palace.
VND 35,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Wander through this bustling market to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local food items.
A 10-minute walk from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Com tam Ba Ghien

Try the local specialty of broken rice served with grilled pork, a must-try while in Ho Chi Minh.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Ben Thanh Market.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Night Cycling Tour

Join an affordable night cycling tour around the city to experience its illuminated charm.
Book with a local tour operator starting in the city centre.
VND 150,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a simple Vietnamese breakfast or street coffee before your day trip.
Have breakfast at your selected accommodation.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Catch a local bus to the Mekong Delta, witnessing scenic landscapes along the way.
Direct buses leave from central Ho Chi Minh City; journey takes about 2 hours.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

9:30AM

Boat Tour of Mekong River

Hop on a traditional boat and cruise through the beautiful waterways, visiting floating markets and local villages.
Various boat tour operators are available upon arrival.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch with Local Family

Enjoy a homemade lunch featuring local dishes, prepared by a family in the Delta.
Usually included in the boat tour package.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Local Villages

Visit nearby villages to observe traditional handicrafts and local life.
Continue with your boat to explore several villages.
Included in the boat tour., 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city, reflecting on the rich experiences of the day.
Ride the same bus you took in the morning.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pho 2000

Savour another bowl of Pho at a restaurant with the same name as its address, popular for its freshness and value.
In District 1, a quick taxi ride from your accommodation.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in a unique, vintage-inspired café.
Located conveniently in District 1.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful and vibrant pagoda, known for its intricate carvings and serene ambiance.
Take a taxi or bus to the pagoda; it’s not too far from downtown.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit this iconic landmark to admire its stunning French colonial architecture.
A short 15-minute walk from the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Dine at this popular eatery serving a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting.
5-minute taxi ride from the basilica.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Afternoon at Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck of this skyscraper.
Take a taxi to the Bitexco Tower.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Humm Vegetarian

Enjoy a fresh and healthy dinner at this vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of dishes.
A short taxi ride from Bitexco.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Relax at a Rooftop Bar

End the day with a drink at one of Ho Chi Minh's rooftop bars, taking in stunning views of the skyline.
Choose one nearby, often within walking distance from dinner.
VND 100,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Vung Tau

Vung Tau, Vietnam

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Street Vendor

Grab a quick breakfast of rice paper rolls from a street vendor before heading to Vung Tau.
Find a vendor near your accommodation.
VND 25,000, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Travel to Vung Tau

Catch a bus to Vung Tau for a relaxing day at the beach.
Direct buses are available from various stations; the journey takes about 2 hours.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

9:30AM

Relax at Back Beach

Spend your morning soaking up the sun at Vung Tau's stunning Back Beach, popular for swimming.
Walk from the bus station to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ganh Hao Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood at this highly recommended local restaurant with a sea view.
15-minute walk from Back Beach.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue

Climb up to see the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue, it offers gorgeous panoramic views.
Taxi or follow signposts in the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, reminiscing about the beaches and views from Vung Tau.
Return on the same bus to the city.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Final Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a farewell dinner at this upscale restaurant serving a wide range of Vietnamese cuisines.
A short taxi ride from where you arrive back.
VND 90,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Reflection

Spend your evening reflecting on your adventures in Vietnam over a drink at a café.
Choose a café nearby your accommodation in the city.
VND 50,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability