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9 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey Through History and Culture

Ashwin Bhatia

18 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture as you explore ancient marvels, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in this captivating city.

Trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Literary Bliss and Architectural Wonders

+

$0

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Sai Gon Central Post Office

Monumental central post office, completed in 1891, with a vaulted main hall & period finishes.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

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

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

Day 2Serenity and Majesty at Sacred Sites

+

$10

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

15 - 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

•

$10

Day 3Unveiling the Horrors of War

+

$8

War Remnants Museum

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$8

Day 4Journey into the Underground

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$15

Cu Chi Tunnel

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

Day 5Sky-High Thrills and Historical Treasures

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$30

·

$ 1

Bitexco Financial Tower

Iconic 68-floor skyscraper featuring an observation deck, retail shops, dining & a cineplex.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$25

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese artifacts & artworks from prehistoric to modern times in a large Chinese-style complex.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$5

Day 6A Night of Culture and Tranquility

+

$13

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

•

$13

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Ben Bach Dang Park

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

Day 7Artistic Splendor and Spiritual Serenity

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$5

·

$ 1

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$5

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Ba Thien Hau Temple

This 18th-century pagoda honoring a sea goddess features colorful, ornate Chinese architecture.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 8Aromatic Blooms and Lush Greenery

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$0

·

$ 1

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

September 23rd Park

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

Day 9Temples, Markets, and the Essence of Ho Chi Minh City

+

$0

·

$ 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

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Binh Tay Market

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $83 In total

Activities & Food:$80

Transport:$3