5-Day Exciting Vietnam Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City and Nearby Gems

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at L'usine, known for its delicious Vietnamese coffee and pastries. It’s open from 7:30am to 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's turbulent history through detailed exhibits and photographs. The museum opens at 7:30am and closes at 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy traditional Pho at Pho Hoa, one of Ho Chi Minh City's oldest and most renowned pho restaurants. Open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica & Central Post Office

Visit the beautiful Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the adjacent Central Post Office, showcasing French colonial architecture. Both are open from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Experience local life and shop for souvenirs at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine on authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a charming rooftop setting at Secret Garden, open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 2: Explore the City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and freshly baked goods at The Workshop Coffee, open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit this atmospheric temple filled with statues, incense, and intricate decorations. It opens from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Walking tour of District 3

Discover charming streets, cafes, and colonial buildings in District 3 for a relaxing and cultural experience.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo 46A

Try the famous Vietnamese crispy pancakes (Bánh Xèo) at this local favorite, open from 10:00am to 9:30pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Saigon Opera House

Admire this magnificent French colonial architecture and catch a performance if available. Tours and performances vary; check schedule ahead.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy diverse traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting, open until 10:30pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta Tour

Join a guided day tour to the Mekong Delta, exploring river life, floating markets, and traditional villages. Tours typically last 8-10 hours.
USD40, 10h0m

12:00pm

Lunch Included on Tour

Enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta lunch provided during the tour featuring local specialties.
Included, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city and relax after a full day of exploration.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Treat yourself to some of the best fusion Italian-Japanese pizzas in Ho Chi Minh City, open until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels to explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War, open from 7:30am to 5:00pm.
VND110000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant near Cu Chi

Sample local dishes like rice paper rolls and grilled pork at a nearby eatery.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax and enjoy the city in the later afternoon.
Varies, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Bitexco Sky Deck

Get panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Bitexco Financial Tower, open 9:30am to 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy upscale dining with riverside views at The Deck, specializing in fresh seafood, open until 10:00pm.
VND450000, 1h30m

Day 5: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Vinh Loi

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with local coffee and banh mi sandwiches, open from 7:00am.
VND30000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping and Souvenir Hunting

Visit Saigon Square for last-minute shopping with a variety of clothing and souvenirs, open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wrap & Roll

Enjoy fresh and healthy Vietnamese wraps and rolls, perfect for a quick meal before heading to the airport.
VND60000, 1h0m