5-Day Sabah to Ho Chi Minh City Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Sightseeing

Day 1: Arrival & City Walk

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Sabah to Ho Chi Minh City

Depart from Sabah in the morning to maximize your first day in Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around mid-day to start your adventure.
USD150, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Pho lunch at Pho 2000, located near Ben Thanh Market, known for its authentic taste and famous visitors.
USD4, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and sample local street food.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum to understand Vietnam’s history and the effects of the Vietnam War. Open 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
USD2, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Stroll in the pedestrian street for lively entertainment, photo opportunities, and a relaxing atmosphere as the sun sets.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant

Savor traditional Southern Vietnamese dishes in a charming rooftop garden setting with great city views.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 2: Historical & Cultural Sites

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’usine Cafe

Start the day with delicious coffee and breakfast pastries in a trendy cafe with an art gallery vibe.
USD6, 1h0m

9:00am

Reunification Palace

Tour the former presidential palace known for its historical significance during the end of the Vietnam War. Open 7:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
USD2, 1h30m

11:00am

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Explore this stunning French colonial cathedral built in the late 19th century, an iconic city landmark.
Free, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful colonial villa setting, offering excellent local flavors.
USD8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Visit this French colonial architectural masterpiece and soak in the old-world charm.
Free, 0h30m

2:30pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Experience the mystical atmosphere of this Taoist temple filled with intricate statues and incense smoke.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a leisurely walk or rest in this peaceful urban park, a great spot to refresh before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Enjoy a scenic dinner boat cruise with local and international cuisine, a perfect way to end your day romantically or with friends.
USD30, 2h0m

Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta, near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Pick up for Mekong Delta Tour

Join a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta, explore floating markets, local villages, and fruit orchards. Most tours depart early morning for full experience.
USD40, 10h0m

8:30am

Boat ride and floating market visit

Experience traditional river life with a guided boat ride through the famous Cai Be or Cai Rang floating markets.
Included in tour, 3h0m

12:00pm

Home-cooked Mekong Lunch

Enjoy an authentic Mekong Delta lunch at a local home or village setting included within the tour package.
Included in tour, 1h0m

2:00pm

Local craft village visit

Explore small villages famous for traditional crafts like coconut candy making and rice paper production along the river.
Included in tour, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city to rest after a full day of exploring the Mekong Delta.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Have a relaxing dinner at this popular restaurant known for its fusion of Italian and Vietnamese flavors and homemade cheeses.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 4: Markets & Cuisine

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a cozy café offering inventive coffee and Western-Vietnamese fusion dishes.
USD7, 1h0m

9:00am

Cholon (Chinatown) Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant Chinatown district visiting temples such as Thien Hau Pagoda and experience traditional Chinese-Vietnamese culture.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Taste one of the city’s best Banh Mi sandwiches, a must-try Vietnamese street food icon.
USD2, 0h30m

1:00pm

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Spend the afternoon enjoying the flora and fauna at the zoo, a relaxing break from urban bustle. Open daily 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
USD4, 2h0m

3:30pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Have an afternoon coffee at this specialty café known for its quality roasts and sophisticated atmosphere.
USD5, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience homestyle Vietnamese cooking in a charming and authentic setting popular with locals.
USD12, 1h30m

Day 5: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Sabah on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Start the day with a simple breakfast close to your accommodation preparing for your flight.
USD5, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Get panoramic views of the city from the Skydeck open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, perfect for one last perspective of Ho Chi Minh City.
USD10, 1h0m

10:00am

Souvenir Shopping at Saigon Square

Grab any last-minute gifts or souvenirs at this popular shopping center known for good deals on fashion and accessories.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wrap & Roll

Enjoy fresh and healthy Vietnamese rolls for a light yet tasty lunch before heading to the airport.
USD7, 1h0m

2:00pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport in time for your afternoon flight back to Sabah.
USD15 (taxi), 45m

4:00pm

Flight back to Sabah

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Sabah, concluding your 5-day adventure.
USD150, 3h0m