Background
Trip Planner Logo

8 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey Through History and Spirituality

Pallavi

Pallavi

17 Dec 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of this captivating destination. From ancient pagodas to war remnants, experience the best of Vietnam's cultural heritage. Join us on this 8-day itinerary and discover the hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh City.

Trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1Tranquil Temples and Serene Monasteries
+

$0

·

$ 1

Hội Khánh Pagoda
Revered 7-story pagoda set in leafy grounds with statues, including a massive reclining Buddha.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Khanh An Monastery
Japanese-style pagodas with stone staircases & intricate latticework, plus peaceful gardens.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
31 - 38 min

~

Directions

Buu Long Pagoda
Prominent Buddhist temple with ornate architecture, a tranquil ambiance & a vegetarian restaurant.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Delving into Vietnam's War History
+

$4

Xa Loi Buddhist Temple
This tall, prominent Buddhist pagoda built in 1956 was raided by government forces in 1963.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

War Remnants Museum
Memorial museum exhibiting photographs, weapons & other objects from the Vietnam & Indochina wars.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$4
Day 3Exploring Ancient Temples and Bamboo Villages
+

$0

·

$ 1

Ben Duoc Temple - Cu Chi
War memorial temple honoring Vietnamese soldiers, with a 3-arched gate, 9-story tower & garden.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Phu An Bamboo Village
Conservation area showcasing more than 300 varieties of bamboo & accessed by tree-shaded paths.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 4Unveiling the Secrets of Cu Chi Tunnel
+

$8

Cu Chi Tunnel
Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8
Day 5Spiritual Awakening and Architectural Wonders
+

$0

·

$ 1

Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
This colorful pagoda has ornate architecture & religious statues, plus an open courtyard.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
42 - 51 min

~

Directions

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
1880s Catholic cathedral built with French bricks & featuring 58m-tall Romanesque bell towers.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Ba Thien Hau Temple
This 18th-century pagoda honoring a sea goddess features colorful, ornate Chinese architecture.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 6Immersing in History and Culture
+

$5

·

$ 1

Giac Lam Buddhist Temple
Venerable Buddhist temple established in 1744, with many statues, tombs & a 7-tiered stupa.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Independence Palace
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$5
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Dragon Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum (HCMC Branch)
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Museums, Skydeck, and Sacred Spaces
+

$13

·

$ 1

Ton Duc Thang Museum
Established in 1988, the museum's galleries explore the life of Vietnamese politician Ton Duc Thang.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Saigon Skydeck
Glass-enclosed observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower with scenic views.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$13
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

St Francis Xavier Church
This small Catholic church dating from the early 1900s features a variety of Chinese touches.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 8Opera House and Fine Arts Museum
+

$9

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Ornate 19th-century French colonial opera house that is now home to the city's ballet & symphony.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$6
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Classical to contemporary Vietnamese & foreign artworks on display in an elegant colonial building.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$3

Budget breakdown: $40 In total

Activities & Food:$38
Transport:$3