9 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey of Flavors and Culture

Ritvik Anand

13 Jan 2024

Embark on a 9-day adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and flavors of this bustling city.

Trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Savory Delights and Iconic Landmarks

$194

$ 3

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$39

11 - 16 min

Directions

Leafy garden home to an amusement park with thrill rides, plus fitness stations overlooking a pond.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Vendors with colorful bouquets of flowers line this busy outdoor market also offering street food.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$15

9 - 14 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$54

4 - 6 min

Directions

1880s Catholic cathedral built with French bricks & featuring 58m-tall Romanesque bell towers.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Glass-enclosed observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower with scenic views.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$38

1 - 2 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$48

Day 2Theatrical Grandeur and Market Treasures

$171

$ 1

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$39

1 - 2 min

Directions

Ornate 19th-century French colonial opera house that is now home to the city's ballet & symphony.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$19

9 - 14 min

Directions

Well-known standby for handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing & other goods along with local eats.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

11 - 16 min

Directions

Relaxed stretch of green space & walkways with a playground, duck pond & lots of trees.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$54

6 - 9 min

Directions

Indoor market with a huge selection of goods including fabrics, clothing, dried foods & handicrafts.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$51

Day 3Artistic Pursuits and Culinary Delights

$149

$ 2

Club Lounge - Intercontinental Asiana Saigon

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$30

1 - 2 min

Directions

Buzzy, pedestrian-only street with Vietnamese & expat bookstores, plus spots for al fresco coffee.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Park, market & recreation area on the banks of the Saigon River, with boat rides & local fare.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

Classical to contemporary Vietnamese & foreign artworks on display in an elegant colonial building.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

19 - 23 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$57

13 - 20 min

Directions

Covered market with stalls selling home goods, produce & local dishes like pho & spring rolls.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 20 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$54

Day 4Water Park Thrills and Gastronomic Discoveries

$168

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$39

5 - 6 min

Directions

Sprawling family-friendly entertainment complex with rides, a water park, cinema & zoo.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$30

23 - 28 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$48

1 - 2 min

Directions

Bustling market known for its fabrics & clothing, plus food stalls serving noodles & seafood.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$51

Day 5Wildlife Encounters and Delectable Seafood

$160

$ 5

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$36

25 - 30 min

Directions

Nature park with artificial habitats for more than 600 animals, including tigers & giraffes.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$19

55 - 66 min

Directions

Small, manicured park with a water feature, bridge, koi & whimsical fish sculptures.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

31 - 38 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$57

10 - 12 min

Directions

Lively bazaar with many vendors for clothing, shoes & accessories, plus street eats.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$48

Day 6Historical Wonders and Sizzling Steaks

$128

$ 3

Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$23

90 - 108 min

Directions

Artificial eco-park with peaceful woodland & riverside walks, picnic spots & a swimming pool.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

23 - 28 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$54

28 - 34 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$51

Day 7Seafood Delights and Tranquil Escapes

$166

$ 4

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$33

25 - 30 min

Directions

Large complex offering amusement & water parks, a zoo & a course for auto, horse & greyhound racing.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$19

68 - 82 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$57

23 - 28 min

Directions

Scenic park offering picturesque hilltop views, kids' playgrounds & swan-boat rides on a lake.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

29 - 35 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$57

Day 8Spiritual Reflections and Natural Beauty

$154

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$36

3 - 4 min

Directions

Sprawling Buddhist temple with traditional architecture, a 25m-tall tower & a vegetarian restaurant.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

Memorial museum exhibiting photographs, weapons & other objects from the Vietnam & Indochina wars.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$11

7 - 9 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$45

3 - 4 min

Directions

Straightforward zoo showcasing an array of animals, including giraffes, camels, elephants & snakes.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$54

Day 9Theme Park Adventures and Culinary Delights

$174

$ 3

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$36

14 - 17 min

Directions

Theme park featuring a range of rides & water-based activities amid iconic Buddhist imagery.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$30

15 - 18 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$51

12 - 15 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$57

Budget breakdown: $1484 In total

Activities & Food:$1461

Transport:$23