No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Visit all the hot spots of the city, like the different districts, and learn what makes them unique. You wont need to take a tour here. It's one of the best ways to experience the local culture and see local life in action. Not only will you learn more about the worlds most exciting food culture but you also get to visit some hidden street food vendors that you would otherwise probably miss. Another looks at the work done by journalists during the war and the sacrifices they made to report on the conflict. . WHY BOOK WITH US : Our guide was Brian and he was an excellent guide,very knowledgable and spoke good English.The market in Chinatown has to be seen to be believed. The rain also tends to come in short bursts, so wet weather rarely means a full day of rain. Working out where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is then more about factors like location, cost, and comfort. Often the most popular part of a visit to the Mekong Delta is the chance to explore the regions canals in a traditional rowing boat. Both make for a quaint getaway where you can take in fruit orchards, cottage industries and surprisingly rural villages just off the main highway. This large market isnt the only major marketplace in Saigon, but it certainly is the most well-known. Here at the vast nature reserve of Cat Tien National Park, you can explore the tropical lowland forest, visit botanical gardens, and see ancient trees. Drive to Cai Be and Free cancellation from $75.00 per adult Reserve Afternoon Half-Day Introduction to Saigon Tour 1 While there, you can see what life is like for local communities and experience parts of their culture like their folk music and food. For recommendations, take a look at our list of the best Airbnbs in Ho Chi Minh City. Just be sure to hail the bus to ensure it stops for you. Amazing tour with an amazing guide. While most are fronted by seafood restaurants with beach chairs for customers (double-check your bill as some have been known to overcharge), lay out in style at the Beach Club at the Imperial Hotel. Lined with an excess of hostels, bars, pubs, go-go bars, and souvenir shops, theres no denying that this is one of the citys most touristy corners. Visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. The cheapest way is to take a public bus for about 120,000 VND. It was last updated in February 2022. The Cu Chi Tunnels, in particular, are a small section of the tunnels found throughout the Ho Chi Minh City region. Learn how your comment data is processed. Youll get to ride through farmers fields and pass friendly locals in small towns. Our most recommended Ho Chi Minh City Tours 1. Bnh Trng Nng - a great mix of melted butter, cheese, egg & sausage Visit two major attractions of southern Vietnamone historical, one natural, both culturalon this full-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. As a wise man once said, If you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel. So dont leave home without it. Deciding on where to stay is a major step when it comes to planning your trip. However, before we get to our Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. Offered in: English. Feb 24, 2022 7 Min read. Mekong Delta day trips. What to see: Ben Tre, the so-called Coconut Capital of Vietnam, is just opposite the river from the more developed city of My Tho. - Saigon Cathedral & Post Office Due to the heavy traffic in Saigon so travelling by Jeep is the safest way to discovery local areas of Saigon. Alternatively, you may use, Sorry, no Traveler Articles for Ho Chi Minh City, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, International Youth Hostel Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Ho Chi Minh City, Silverland Hotels & Spas in Ho Chi Minh City. THE SIGHT TOUR: include War Museum & Secret Weapon Bunker A personal guide makes the decisions and communications easier on this evening walking tour. 2. Watch as the workers stretch and mold the sweet little squares and take some home as a sweet memento. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Tours Questions? With super affordable dorms and rooms, free breakfast and central location, its ideal for backpackers looking to get the most for their money. The trip will take about 3 hours. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. From Saigon to Phnom Penh: A Mekong Delta Adventure 3-Day, Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Cu Chi Tunnels 4 Days 3 Nights, Mekong Delta Small Group Tour to My Tho and Can Tho from Saigon, Saigon Group Tour to Ben Tre, Can Tho, Vinh Long with Floating Market in Mekong Delta, Mekong Delta Tour Speed Boat to Cambodia 3 Days, Mekong Delta from Saigon to Phnom Penh 3 days, Cu Chi Tunnels Rural and Mekong Delta Bike Tour. How to get there: Both the US$11 fast boat and US$5mini-van take about 2 hours. Your safety is our first priority! Cold sugarcane juice Duration 1 day Trip Rating 9.1 Excellent - 6 reviews Add to wishlist Click to view map Overview Itinerary Rates & availabiity Reviews Q&As Discover the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh with a full-day tour that takes you through its historical landmarks and prominent attractions. Enjoy eight tastings, including freshly made banh mi, sugar cane drink and sweet soup dessert. The 8 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ASIA / VIETNAM The domestic buffalo - just one way of getting back to nature outside Ho Chi Minh City | Sappasit Wongkhonkan / Getty Images Matthew Pike Writer 3 February 2021 View Ho Chi Minh City is a maze of chaotic madness - a concrete metropolis of vast scope and vitality. This nighttime tour has all the ingredients for an adventure. 4.3 /5 38 reviews If youre looking to practice your haggling skills, Ben Thanh Market in the heart of the city, is the place to go. One of the best day trips out of Ho Chi Minh City (for locals and travelers alike) is Mui Ne, a palm-lined beach town with distinctly Vietnamese vibes. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda Tour Discover the verdant beauty of the Mekong Delta on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Those are our 8 favorite day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! Formerly known as Independence Palace, this was the residence and office of the President of South Vietnam during the war. How to get there: If youre confident on a motorbike, head 2 hours due south of Ho Chi Minh City. Pick-up times are offered throughout the daysimply confirm your flight and desired pickup time with your driver one day prior to departure, and relax knowing your travels will go smoothly from step one. This tour was excellent! Our Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is here to keep your trip planning from becoming overwhelming, it gives you all the necessary information you need to get going. This Chinese district ofCholon and Ben Thanh market is the perfect place for visitors to test their bargainingskills and collect souvenirs for the return trip home. It would be quite easy to visit all the sites yourself but what we learned about the Reunification Palace cannot be read in a guide book. Then take the 90 bus to Can Thanh and get off at Lam Vien Can Gio. You have two options when visiting Ben Tre. We'll venture to 'every corner' of Ho Chi Minh City, soaking up the city's iconic French colonial architecture and its bustling local markets. We had a great day together and he tailored the tour to my interests and energy. Located in the citys business district, this skyscraper stands 262 meters high and features a panoramic observation deck on its 49th floor. What to eat and drink: Ben Tre makes everything coconut, from coconut wood souvenirs to chewy coconut candy. How to get there: The Hai Duyen shuttle departs from Saigons District 5 for US$5. Ho Chi Minh City Tours Tours and Tickets See all things to do From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne Best Day Tour 4.5 See all photos From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne Best Day Tour By Johnny Tours 177 reviews Recommended by 94% of travelers Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 1-60 Duration: 12h Start time: Check availability Plus, after the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, the serenity of these islands is a nice break. Kid-Friendly. READ MORE: Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide to spending 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City. South of Saigon lies the Mekong Delta, a huge network of rivers and islands inside a swamp at the mouth of the famed river. The Mekong Delta Full Day Trip - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour are ideal for those who want to avoid crowded touristy. Hours: Day market runs from 6am - 6pm and night market runs from 6pm - 10pm. When in doubt, you can always look to the Backpacker District around Pham Ngu Lao Street and Bui Vien Street. 18 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Washington D.C. How to Buy Tickets to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Not seeing something you are looking for? Public bus #152 runs from the airport into the city center, not too far from Ben Thanh Market. Having spent your first two days in Saigon seeing what the city has going for it, your last day provides the perfect chance to explore beyond the city limits. We use cookies to analyze traffic and provide you with personalized content and ads. When considering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days, youll find that there is plenty to keep you busy. Walking through, you can see what the decor was like and head down into the basement tunnels which doubled as both a bomb shelter and war room. With few tourists venturing here, finding one may be difficult. Visit Giant Bat Lagoon on a rowboat and feed crocodiles at a crocodile reserve. Known in Vietnamese as Ngc Hong Pagoda and commonly as the Tortoise Pagoda, this is an active place of worship for both Taoists and Buddhists. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo. Visit the vast Mekong Delta, floating markets, pristine nature reserves and more with our list of the top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Picture rice paddies, coconut farms, tropical gardens, floating markets, and more. As a result, the locals here mostly work in the coconut industry, creating coconut products including coconut candy. 2. Monkey Island (40,000 VND) in Can Gio is also a great place to visit, but keep an eye on your belongings as the monkeys here run rampant and theyll certainly take what they can. The Mekong Delta is the mouth of the river, where it splits into hundreds of smaller channels that connect with the ocean. For budget-travellers, you can take a 2.5-hour bus ride to Cai Be from Ho Chi Minh city center. On this tour, youll do both. Ho Chi Minh City Floating markets, chic beaches, mangrove forests and more day trips from Ho Chi Minh City Save James Pham Feb 24, 2022 7 min read A boat drifts through a Mekong coconut plantation Cuongvnd / Getty Images Board the air-conditioned bus and listen to fascinating commentary until you're ready to hop off. Enjoy the opportunity to experience working factories producing rice noodles and local baked goods. Bun Bo Hue - Unique Noodle Soup This tour was great. With them on your itinerary youll have no problem filling your 72 hours in Ho Chi Minh City. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda Tour. Floating markets, chic beaches, mangrove forests and more day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. These traps were particularly brutal as they were mostly designed to mortally injure rather than quickly kill those who were caught. During this renovation time, the visit will be arranged at temporary market, located on Thap Muoi Street, just opposite the existing market, which features over 1,000 stalls. Your email address will not be published. Let Saigon Local Tour awake your travel sense! To treat yourself during you stay in Ho Chi Minh City, the Grand Hotel Saigon is a great choice. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The 8 BEST Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City (2023 Guide), 8) Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain), half-day or full-day outing to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Wonderful way to see Ho Chi Minh, great tour guide and very good driver. Its one of the most important surviving catholic churches in Vietnam and its bells still ring out across the city. Explore the sights of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace on a tour bus. In an intimate group limited to seven, travel in air-conditioned comfort, explore the tunnels with a guide, and explore the Mekong Delta on a rowboat and motorboat to discover rural life. Zooming across five districts with your English-speaking guide, youll hop on and off your motorbike to taste bun bo hue, nuoc mia, banh mi, goi cuon, and so much moreincluding ice-cold juice, perfect for those hot Saigon nights. Expect a kaleidoscope of colors and a flurry of activity, especially early in the morning, when smaller boats buy fruits, vegetables, rice and other products of the Delta for re-sale at land-based markets while still smaller boats service the larger ones with breakfast noodles and drinks. The bus takes roughly 2 hours each way, making it quite a convenient day trip. The timing of your visit can have a huge impact on your trip, especially given the tropical weather that southern Vietnam experiences. 4. Eat Noodle Soups 2. While there are more places to visit in the center, youll also explore neighborhoods like Da Kao and Tan Dinh. Or book a half-day tour to visit just the tunnels or add on the Cao Dai Holy See, a colorful temple dedicated to Vietnams homegrown religion of Caodaisim once described by Graham Greene as the Walt Disney Fantasia of the East. The last exhibit is something that some visitors might find difficult, it is a section on the use of Agent Orange during the war. What to see: The floating market is a throwback to when most trade and transport was conducted on the waterways a safer, cheaper, faster option than road travel since almost every home by the water had its own canoe. Private Groups. We offer Mekong delta tour one day, private tour in Saigon and visits to beautiful sites in Ho Chi Minh city by Motorbike. Escape the city and see a different side of southern Vietnam during a 2-day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Learn how the North Vietnamese army used the vast network of tunnels during the Vietnam War (American War), and duck underground to view facilities built inside the tunnels. Bear in mind, it involves climbing through lush forests, with often steep and rocky sections. Its a lot, but you now have all the information you need to make the most of your time exploring Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days. Youll need to get a bus from Ben Thanh to An Suong bus station, then catch a minibus to Tay Ninh station. On your first day you get to jump right into the best things to do in Saigon around the city center. They continuously offer the best rates and their custom service is on point. Youll get to envision, to a small extent, what it was like for the Viet Cong soldiers who had to live and fight from within these tunnels. Pickup available. **4 option: What Day Trips in Ho Chi Minh City are taking additional safety precautions? Although spectacular in its own way, you wont find a temple like this anywhere else in the world, which is why you should definitely make a trip to Cao Dai Temple! The tunnels are tiny, designed to barely fit the small-statured Vietnamese soldiers and not the larger, American ones. Buses run frequently from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre. It's a2.5-hour drive to Cai Be where you can negotiate your own boat to take you out to the floating market. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Once youve decided on visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the first thing you need to consider is when you plan on going. SAIGON SIGHTSEEING + 6 TASTINGS: 26$ 4.5. Countless food stalls and open-air restaurants fill the space outside the market hall, perfect for a drink or dinner. Despite its title, it isnt actually that tall just shy of 1,000m. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Bear in mind, Ive heard from other travellers that these buses can be terrifying so its not for the faint of heart. Inside Ho Chi Minh City: Day Trips - Before you visit Ho Chi Minh City, visit Tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travelers by travelers. Make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City on this private evening food tour, which traverses various districts of the city on a scooter. Experience two of the most popular activities in Ho Chi Minh on one convenient tour. If youre an experienced hiker, youll be able to complete the entire Black Virgin Mountain trek in a day. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is well worth booking this tour as you get to understand far more about Vietnam, the people the culture and the long history of war. The Vietnam War ended here on April 30, 1975 when a tank rolled through the palace gates, forcing the South Vietnamese to surrender. The Cao Dai Temple was built in 1955 and incorporates both French and Chinese-influenced architecture. A boat drifts through a Mekong coconut plantation Cuongvnd / Getty Images, Floating markets, chic beaches, mangrove forests and more day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. However, statues of Mohammad, Julius Caesar, Jesus Christ, and Buddha can all be found at Cao Dai Temple. You can get a quick, non-binding quote below: SafetyWing is, of course, not the only option available. Operating airlines: Jetstar Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. We were happy with the tour guide as well. COMBO TOUR Of course, there are other awesome day trips you can take if you have the time. Travel in an air-conditioned minivan or bus and board a motorboat for a ride through islands on the Tien River. Then there are all the great day trips that are possible from Ho Chi Minh City that will give you a chance to really tailor your visit to what interests you most. Prebook to secure your place on your preferred day and enjoy a River Saigon dinner-and-sightseeing cruise in Ho Chi Minh City. But there are also many other statues and figures representing gods which worshippers approach to pray and give offerings to. Take in a View of Saigon at night What are the best Day Trips in Ho Chi Minh City? Benefit from a small-group tour from Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of southern Vietnams top destinations. Daily tours from Saigon Ho Chi Minh City - KIM TRAVEL Popular Tours / View All Tours Best Selling Cu Chi Tunnels Luxury Group Tour Morning or Afternoon From $47 07 Hours 0 Best Selling Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour full day From $87 10 Hours (1 Review) Best Selling Mekong Delta Luxury group tour My Tho - Ben Tre 4 Islands 1 day From $47 While its look may not be traditionally Vietnamese, it sets the tone for what you can expect as you explore the heart of this vast and complex city. Make your Vietnam departure worry-free with reliable, private transport from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. It is about 150km north of the city. If youre confident on a motorbike, then renting a scooter is another convenient option just be conscious that you may want to take a boat ride along the rivers. Tan Lap Floating Village is about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, so its not as easily accessible as the other floating markets we mentioned earlier. The music though that plays throughout the service is Vietnamese, really making it unlike anything you have experienced before. You can easily take a half-day or full-day outing to the Cu Chi Tunnels. But our guide will also introduce you to other districts in the city, from Da Kao and Tan Dinh to the north, to the 10th Ward out to the west. Thanks. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. The allure of this temple is, particularly, its uniqueness. The War Remnants museum is a must for anyone who visits Saigon. Departing from District 1, your itinerary will be a wild onepicture white sand dunes (where you can hop on a Jeep), lakes, a traditional fishing village, a fairy stream, and red sand dunes for one last treat: an exquisite sunset. (3,920 reviews) From US$ 27. Although it is shaped much like a church from the outside, step inside the Cao Dai Temple and youre overwhelmed with a vibrantly colored and ornate interior, complete with beings that look like dragons circling up the pillars. Why go: Exchange the urban jungle for a much greener one in the Unesco-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. As with the Mekong Delta (and any other tours in Vietnam), do your research and choose the right tour for your day trip. These tunnels were used by the Communist, Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Firstly, if you have time and you are visiting the Mekong Delta on one of many day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, consider adding a stop in Ben Tre to experience the local culture, picturesque village, and try the coconut candy. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 3. Planning a trip to Hanoi or Hue as well? The Mekong River itself runs through 7 countries, including China, Myanmar, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. You won't want to miss these, so keep reading! After a satisfyingmeal travelers will comb through the stalls of Giac Lam Pagoda. Otherwise, Ben Tre makes a great destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. 1. From the unending traffic, vibrant shops to dazzling city lights, Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions introduce a city that never sleeps. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Vietnam through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Meet expectations. Otherwise, you can take either a taxi/Grab or a private hotel shuttle. This private full-day tour kicks off with visits to the Reunification Palace and the WarRemnants Museum, which explore the citys tumultuous past. 16:00 - 23:00: No.92-96 Nguyen Hue Street (Monday - Sunday) Bus / Cruise Routes. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour, each with its own unique route. The best Ho Chi Minh City tours include trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, but also city tours, street food tasting and river cruising. The lunch was superb and a nice respite from the intensity of the city. You can book a guided tour to the Mekong Delta here. You'll also get to try plenty of delicious dishes too if you head to a street food . Be picked up at your central hotels in Ho Chi Minh city and head to Cu Chi Tunnels. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Theres also the option to take a luxury speedboat trip right from the Saigon riverside. - Nguyen Thien Thuat Oldest Apartment. Pass sights such as the Bitexco Tower, and with the illuminations as a backdrop, enjoy a 5-course Vietnamese dinner and traditional local music. For a less touristy alternative, consider instead heading to Binh Tay Market over in the citys Chinatown district. Our guide spoke very good English and gave us so much information. Grilled Oyster with black pepper sauce This article was originally published in December 2018. Ben Tre, located in the Mekong Delta, is famous for its coconuts. Understanding the weather patterns in Saigon is pretty straightforward, as it only has two seasons. You might also like: A guide to Ho Chi Minh City's street food. Since the cost of living in Vietnam is quite low, taxis are inexpensive, but make sure you only use trusted companies like Vinasun and Mai Linh. No insurance will cover If you book with non-licensed tour company (Be aware that 90% of scooter tour are run illegally) Inside, the post office is also a bit of a time warp to the turn of the 20th century, thanks to little touches like wooden phone booths. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oblygt we two. Menu can be slightly changed depends on Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner You might also like: Top free things to do in Ho Chin Minh City. The perfect orientation tour to Ho Chi Minh City, ticking off numerous must see sights and areas; Similar adventures in Ho Chi Minh City. Breakfast is on the Cai Rang floating market, the biggest in the Mekong Delta. They have also set up exhibits displaying some of the lethal traps built by the Vietnamese to maim and kill the American soldiers. (888) 651-9785 Chat now Ho Chi Minh City Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Day Trips Night Tours Half-day Tours Cruises & Sailing Historical Tours Full-day Tours Motorcycle Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Car Tours Bus Tours Sightseeing Tours Water Tours Street Food Tours UNSEEN & 6 FOOD TASTING The Cu Chi Tunnels are an integral part of Vietnams history, making them a must-see attraction. The Vietnamese government has established eco-resorts in the area, complete with horse-pulled carts that take visitors from attraction to attraction. Frequency: Every 30 minutes. Ho Chi Minh City One Day Tour 9,786 view (s) Embrace the spirit of Saigon with a day trip from Ho Chi Minh city soaking up the rich tapestry of history and culture. Cruise the bat lagoon in a rowboat or climb up a 25m-high observation tower to look for birds over the treetops. Otherwise, join the better-off locals on private air-conditioned buses and mini-vans for the two-hour, US$4 road trip to Ben Tre where you can arrange a boat and guide to visit the islands. Outside the pale pink pagoda lies an unsettlingly full tortoise pond, from which it earns one of its names.