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5 Days of Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

5 Days of Exploring Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Discovering Saigon's Icons

Morning
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon). This stunning French-colonial cathedral is a symbol of the city and offers beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Just a short walk away, explore the historic Saigon Central Post Office, another architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel. The post office is still in operation, and you can even send a postcard home! For breakfast, enjoy some local flavors at The Vintage Emporium.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum (Bao Tang Chung Tich Chien Tranh). This museum provides a poignant look at the Vietnam War through various exhibits and photographs. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), where you can learn about its historical significance and explore its grand rooms. For lunch, savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its wide variety of traditional dishes.
Evening
As evening falls, immerse yourself in local culture with the Ho Chi Minh City Private Street Food Motorbike Tour. This tour will take you through bustling streets and hidden alleys to sample some of Saigon's best street food. From savory bánh mì to sweet chè desserts, you'll get to taste it all. End your day with dinner at one of the stops on your food tour or head to Propaganda Bistro for a vibrant dining experience.
Bedtime
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Visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon)

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Visit Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
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Saigon Central Post Office

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Historical Insights & Local Flavors

Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the fascinating Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito Museum). This museum showcases traditional Vietnamese medicine practices through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Afterward, head over to Jade Emperor Pagoda, an ornate temple known for its intricate carvings and peaceful ambiance. For breakfast, try some local coffee and pastries at L'usine Le Loi, a chic café that blends modernity with tradition.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore more historical sites starting with Giac Lam Pagoda (Chua Giac Lam), one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Its serene gardens and ancient architecture offer a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Next, visit Cholon (Saigon Chinatown) where you can wander through bustling markets and admire Chinese-influenced architecture. Enjoy lunch at Nha Hang 13, known for its authentic Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine.
Evening
For an unforgettable evening experience, join the popular Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings. This tour will take you on an exciting ride through different districts while sampling eleven different local dishes along the way. It's not just about food; you'll also get insights into local life and culture from your guide. Conclude your day with dinner at one of the recommended stops on your food tour or dine at The Deck Saigon for riverside views.
Bedtime
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Visit Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito Museum) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito Museum)

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Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
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Jade Emperor Pagoda

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Cultural Immersion & Culinary Delights

Morning
Kick off day three by visiting one of Ho Chi Minh City's most vibrant markets: Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh). Here you can shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, clothing, and more while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Following this market adventure, head over to see French colonial architecture at its finest at  Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon) which often hosts cultural performances as well as being open during daytime hours too if no shows are scheduled . Enjoy breakfast nearby at L'Usine Dong Khoi which offers both western-style breakfasts alongside some fusion options .
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring another important cultural site: Quan Am Pagoda (Chua Quan Am) which is dedicated specifically towards female worshippers but welcomes everyone alike . The pagoda has stunning decorations including statues , paintings , incense holders etc., making it worth seeing even if you're not religious yourself . Next up , make sure not miss out visiting  { A-Dong Khoi Street(Duong Dong Khoi)[12953]} -one busiest streets full shops selling everything imaginable plus cafes restaurants galore too ! Have lunch here try out famous Pho noodles from  { R-Pho Hoa Pasteur } .
Evening
End third day joining another fantastic activity :{ A-HoChiMinhCityPrivateStreetFoodEveningWalkingTour[109450]} where guides lead small groups around various neighborhoods tasting multiple dishes ranging savory sweet alike along way ! If prefer sit-down meal afterwards instead then consider heading back towards central area dining fine establishment such as  { R-Cuc Gach Quan } offering extensive menu featuring organic ingredients sourced locally whenever possible ensuring freshness quality every bite taken .
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh)

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Visit Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon)

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Hidden Gems and Cultural Treasures

Morning
Start your fourth day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts. This museum is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building and features an impressive collection of Vietnamese art, from ancient to contemporary. After soaking in the art, head over to Thien Hau Temple (Chua Ba Thien Hau), a Chinese-style temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. The temple's intricate architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit. For breakfast, enjoy some local delicacies at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, famous for its delicious bánh mì sandwiches.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Binh Tay Market (Cho Binh Tay) in Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown. This bustling market offers everything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs. It's a great place to experience local life and pick up some gifts for friends and family. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll through Tao Dan Park, one of the city's largest green spaces, where you can enjoy the lush gardens and perhaps even catch a traditional music performance. For lunch, try some authentic Vietnamese dishes at Com Nieu Sai Gon, known for its clay pot rice.
Evening
As evening approaches, embark on the Ho Chi Minh City Local Food and Sights Motorbike Night Tour. This tour combines sightseeing with food tasting as you ride through different districts on a motorbike. You'll get to sample various street foods while learning about the city's history and culture from your guide. End your day with dinner at one of the stops on your food tour or head to Nha Hang Ngon for another round of delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Bedtime
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Visit Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City
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Museum of Fine Arts

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Visit Thien Hau Temple (Chua Ba Thien Hau) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Thien Hau Temple (Chua Ba Thien Hau)

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Adventure Beyond Saigon

Morning
Cu Chi Tunnels is an essential visit when in Ho Chi Minh City. Start early with a guided tour that takes you through this extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. You'll learn about their historical significance and even have the chance to crawl through some sections yourself! For breakfast before you leave, grab something quick at ABC Bakery, known for its fresh pastries and coffee.
Afternoon
Ho Chi Minh Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour continues into the afternoon as you head towards the Mekong Delta after exploring Cu Chi Tunnels . Here ,you'll experience life along riverbanks visiting small villages ,fruit orchards ,and traditional workshops . Enjoy lunch included within tour package featuring local specialties such as fresh fish spring rolls .
Evening
HoChiMinhCityPrivateStreetFoodEveningWalkingTour[109450] returns back city center where evening awaits another culinary adventure this time exploring hidden gems tucked away narrow alleyways bustling streets alike ! Guides lead small groups around various neighborhoods tasting multiple dishes ranging savory sweet alike along way ! If prefer sit-down meal afterwards instead then consider heading back towards central area dining fine establishment such as  { R-Cuc Gach Quan } offering extensive menu featuring organic ingredients sourced locally whenever possible ensuring freshness quality every bite taken .
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
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Cu Chi Tunnels

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Visit Ho Chi Minh Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

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