Ho Chi Minh City In One Week

Day 1: City Tour

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and check into your hotel. Explore the city at your own pace on your first day. Start by visiting a local bookstore to get a map of Ho Chi Minh City. Recommended places include the Saigon Opera House, the People's Committee Building, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and Cholon (Chinatown). For a comprehensive overview of a city tour, check out recent guides on exploring Ho Chi Minh City in one day.
Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Dinner Buffet at Binh Quoi

Option 1: For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels through a reputable travel agency, which will provide a tour guide, transportation, meals, and entrance tickets. At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can experience crawling through a narrow, dimly lit tunnel that stretches about 2 km (1.24 miles)—the historical site where locals sought refuge during the war. After returning to the city center, rest at your hotel before enjoying a dinner buffet at Binh Quoi Tourist Resort, starting at 5 p.m. The buffet features a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes to satisfy various tastes. Additionally, you can capture beautiful photos of the serene Vietnamese countryside landscape within the resort, which is designed to offer a peaceful dining atmosphere.

Option 2: For nature enthusiasts, the Can Gio Ecological Tour is an excellent choice, allowing you to connect with nature for a day. For more information, see the latest ideas for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo: tripvn.com - Cu Chi Tunnel

Day 3- Day 4: Mekong Delta

Your visit to Southern Vietnam would not be complete without exploring the Mekong Delta provinces. To ensure a smooth experience during peak travel seasons, pre-book your tours with a travel agency.

Day 3: After breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, depart for My Tho City in Tien Giang Province, approximately 2 hours away. Upon arrival, take a boat ride to Tortoise Island (Hon Quy) where you can enjoy lunch amid lush surroundings. Here, you'll also witness the coconut candy manufacturing process and have the opportunity to purchase coconut-based souvenirs. Spend the day relaxing in a fruit orchard while savoring fresh tropical fruits. In the evening, return to the mainland, check into a local hotel, and unwind.

Day 4: Travel to Can Tho, located 180 km (112 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arriving, embark on a boat trip to explore the famous floating markets (Phong Dien or Cai Rang)—a unique cultural experience in the Mekong Delta. These floating markets feature vendors selling various fruits directly from their boats. If you're a fruit lover, this is the perfect place to sample fresh and delicious options. Additionally, you'll have the chance to see Cau Khi, a distinctive type of bridge found only in the Mekong Delta region, and be amazed by the local rice noodle-making villages.

Day 5: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

The return journey to the city center may take up to 6 hours. In the evening, take advantage of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant nightlife. You can choose to go ice-skating at the Youth Cultural House, have dinner at Quan An Ngon restaurant, or enjoy drinks from street vendors near the Notre Dame Cathedral. For more ideas to spend your evening in Ho Chi Minh City, consider recent listings and recommendations.

Day 6: Vung Tau Beach

If you enjoy sunshine, waves, and sandy beaches, the coastal proximity of Ho Chi Minh City is a significant advantage. Vung Tau could be an ideal destination for you. From Ben Thanh Market, you can take Bus No. 26 to Mien Dong Bus Station, where tickets for a ride to Vung Tau are priced around $5-$6. If bus travel isn't appealing, various package tours are available at travel agencies. The trip typically takes about 3 hours.

Once in Vung Tau, you can swim, sunbathe, or engage in beach sports. Water sports activities are also available for thrill-seekers, and enjoying fresh seafood right by the beach is highly recommended as well. Don’t forget to bargain when shopping for souvenirs to get the best deals.
Photo: baodientu.com - Vung Tau beach

Day 7: Parks and Shopping Malls

After breakfast, take Bus No. 11 from Ben Thanh Market to Dam Sen Theme Park, one of the largest amusement parks in Vietnam. Alternatively, you might prefer a taxi for convenience. Dam Sen Park caters to visitors of all ages with a variety of rides; children may enjoy the mini roller coaster while adults can opt for more thrilling experiences. Note that individual ride tickets need to be purchased, as package entrance tickets are typically not offered. In the evening, explore shopping opportunities at popular malls such as Diamond Plaza, Vincom Center, Parkson, Now Zone Shopping Mall, and Ben Thanh Night Market. For curated insights, refer to current guides on the best shopping venues in Ho Chi Minh City.