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5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

City Highlights and Street Food Delights

Morning
Kick off your Ho Chi Minh City adventure with a guided walking tour, starting at the historic Saigon Central Post Office Saigon Central Post Office. Marvel at the French colonial architecture and then visit the nearby Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon), a symbol of the city. Conclude the morning with a visit to the iconic Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh), where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere and sample some early morning street food.
Afternoon
After a morning of sightseeing, indulge in a motorbike street food tour with local students Ho Chi Minh Motorbike Street Food Tour with Local Students. Let the expert riders take you to hidden culinary gems and popular food stalls, where you can savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes and learn about the city's food culture. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of Tao Dan Park, a favorite spot for locals to relax and practice tai chi.
Evening
For dinner, experience the unique ambiance of The Refinery Restaurant The Refinery Restaurant, located in a beautifully restored, colonial-era opium refinery. Enjoy a blend of European and Vietnamese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Afterward, take a Saigon River dinner cruise with pickup Ho Chi Minh City Saigon River Dinner Cruise with Pickup to see the city from a different perspective, accompanied by live music and a sumptuous buffet.
Bedtime
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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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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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Historic Insights and Cultural Performances

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum Ho Chi Minh Guided Walking Tour with War Remnants Museum, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits and artifacts. Then, continue to the Reunification Palace Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), also known as Independence Palace, to explore the historical significance of this iconic building.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Layla - Eatery & Bar Layla - Eatery & Bar, a stylish restaurant offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Post lunch, immerse yourself in the traditional art form of water puppetry with a ticket to the Ho Chi Minh Water Puppet Show Ho Chi Minh Water Puppet Show Ticket. This unique performance showcases Vietnamese folklore and is a must-see cultural experience.
Evening
Dine at The View Rooftop Bar The View Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy panoramic city vistas along with a delectable menu. After dinner, if you're up for some entertainment, consider exploring the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Street, known for its lively bars, clubs, and street performances.
Bedtime
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Visit Ho Chi Minh Guided Walking Tour with War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh Guided Walking Tour with War Remnants Museum

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Visit Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

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Cu Chi Tunnels and Local Flavors

Morning
Embark on a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels From Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour, a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, learn about the ingenious trap systems, and gain insight into the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers. After emerging from the tunnels, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Phatty's Sports Restaurant Phatty's Sports Restaurant, known for its American-style comfort food.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the Suoi Tien Theme Park Suoi Tien Theme Park, a popular recreational spot with a mix of cultural and amusement park attractions. Have a fun-filled time exploring the park and trying out the various rides and shows. For a more relaxed option, you can visit the Cholon (Saigon Chinatown) Cholon (Saigon Chinatown) and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and markets.
Evening
Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience at Social Club Restaurant Social Club Restaurant, located in the heart of the city. This rooftop venue offers a blend of European and Asian flavors, complemented by an extensive wine list. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Saigon River (Song Sai Gon) Saigon River (Song Sai Gon) and enjoy the evening breeze.
Bedtime
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Visit From Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
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From Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour

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Visit Suoi Tien Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City

Suoi Tien Theme Park

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Mekong Delta Discovery and Evening Relaxation

Morning
Join a full-day speedboat tour to the Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Full-Day Speedboat Tour. Cruise along the river, visit local villages, and witness the traditional way of life in the delta. Enjoy a delicious lunch with Mekong specialties during the tour. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
Afternoon
After a day of exploration, unwind at Mulligans Saigon Mulligans Saigon, an Irish pub known for its laid-back atmosphere and wide selection of drinks. You can also take this time to visit the Bitexco Financial Tower Bitexco Financial Tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the Saigon Skydeck Saigon Skydeck.
Evening
For a memorable dining experience, head to Tomatito Saigon - Tapas Bar Tomatito Saigon - Tapas Bar, where you can enjoy a lively ambiance and a menu of Spanish-inspired small plates. End the evening with a visit to the Long @ Times Square The Long @ Times Square, a sophisticated lounge bar with a wide range of cocktails and live music.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Full-Day Speedboat Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Full-Day Speedboat Tour

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Visit Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City
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Bitexco Financial Tower

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Cultural Immersion and Culinary Capstone

Morning
Start your final day with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most atmospheric and authentic temples in the city. Then, explore the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of the Binh Tay Market in Cholon, the city's Chinatown. For breakfast, try the local delicacies at Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery.
Afternoon
After the market, take a guided tour to the Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh), a fascinating and colorful religious site. For lunch, enjoy the innovative dishes at Ministry of Men Drinks & Dinner Ministry of Men Drinks & Dinner, a restaurant that combines modern cuisine with a stylish ambiance. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping or visiting a museum you missed earlier in the trip.
Evening
Conclude your Ho Chi Minh City journey with a memorable dinner at SINE QUA NON - Dine & Wine Experience SINE QUA NON - Dine & Wine Experience, where you can savor exquisite dishes paired with fine wines. Reflect on your trip as you enjoy the sophisticated setting and impeccable service.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
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Jade Emperor Pagoda

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Visit Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) in Ho Chi Minh City
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Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh)

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