What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in 5 days? For a long time, southern Vietnam has been known for its vibrant and modern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon). This dynamic city attracts many travelers for extended stays. In addition to its impressive skyscrapers, historical monuments, and renowned art museums, Ho Chi Minh City is also a unique cultural crossroads. It offers many exciting activities to discover, whether day or night. All the experiences from the 5-day itinerary in Saigon will be compiled through Mr. Merceron's review during his family trip. Follow this blog to learn more!
During our 5-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia, we discovered a fascinating city and its surroundings, rich in history and diverse landscapes.
On the first day, we wandered through the bustling streets of Saigon and then took the road to Mui Ne, where sand dunes and pristine beaches awaited us. After a night in Mui Ne, we visited Can Tho and the Cai Be floating market. To conclude our stay, we explored the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels, a poignant testament to Vietnamese history.
The Ho Chi Minh City itinerary 5 days was designed to meet our expectations perfectly. The driver and guide were very professional, making our trip unforgettable. Here is our detailed feedback on these 5 days in Saigon.
Arriving the previous evening at Tan Son Nhat Airport, a car and a local guide welcomed us and took us to the hotel. We took a night to rest and prepare for the 5-day itinerary in Saigon.
On the first day, we explored the main iconic sites of the city: the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Each location felt like a journey into the past, allowing us to better understand the history of this beautiful city through the ages.
5-day itinerary in Saigon: Visit the War Remnants Museum
On the second day of our 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City, we visited Phan Thiet - Mui Ne. On the way, we made a stop to admire the charming Ca Ty River that flows through the city. By noon, we had already arrived in Mui Ne.
After lunch, we continued to Hon Rom, a splendid island with crystal-clear beaches. We also visited the Lau Ong Hoang Prince Castle, the Posanu Cham Tower, and Ong Dia Rock Beach.
With the sweltering heat of Saigon, this getaway to Mui Ne and its paradise beaches turned out to be a wise choice.
On day 3, we decided to leave early, at 4 AM, to admire the sunrise over the Mui Ne sand dunes. The spectacle was breathtaking, with the first rays of the sun illuminating the vast sand hills. I never imagined such a beautiful place could exist in Vietnam. Despite the heat, I highly recommend a visit to Mui Ne to all travelers planning a 5-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
We then visited the Fairy Stream, a unique natural site surrounded by dunes. The sand and earth of the surrounding hills color the stream in an astonishing pink-red hue, adding a touch of magic to this place. This was our last stop in Mui Ne before returning to Saigon in the evening.
Early the next morning, we took the road to Can Tho, famous for its Cai Be floating market, one of the most unique in Vietnam. This bustling market immersed us in the vibrancy of life on the water. Locals, set up on small boats, offered a variety of products such as fruits and agricultural goods while warmly welcoming visitors.
We also had the chance to observe the making of rice paper and participate in its preparation. It was an enriching and very fun experience. After lunch at a local restaurant, we returned to Ho Chi Minh City for a relaxing stroll on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, thus concluding the last evening of our 5 days in Saigon.
The last day, which was also my children's favorite, was dedicated to visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. This place offered us a fascinating experience by directly exploring an underground base used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. This ingeniously designed system included warehouses, meeting rooms, and offices.
Outside, many remnants of the war, such as tanks used at the time, were also on display. This place marked the end of our Ho Chi Minh City itinerary 5 days.
Regarding the weather in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days, we traveled to Vietnam in November. Although the forecast predicted rain, we were lucky to enjoy dry weather throughout our stay, except for our first evening in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite the heat, the lack of rain allowed us to carry out all our activities smoothly.
Here is Mr. Merceron's review of his 5-day family trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Thank you to him for his valuable insights on this itinerary, and we hope to see him again on a future trip to Vietnam. Feel free to contact Autour Asia for more information about travel in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand!
The Vietnam currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). It’s recommended to exchange some money before your 5-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, especially for immediate expenses like taxis or small purchases. While many places accept credit or debit cards, cash is still king for street vendors and local markets.
ATMs are available, and you can withdraw dong using your international debit card, but be mindful of fees. Exchange rates at banks or exchange counters are usually better than at hotels or airports in Ho Chi Minh City, so plan accordingly to get the best rates.
Ho Chi Minh City offers various transportation options, from taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om) to buses and ride-hailing apps like Grab.
In a 5-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you should not miss the War Remnants Museum, which offers a poignant look at the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels provide an insightful glimpse into the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers. Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market are also top attractions. For a taste of local life, a visit to the vibrant street markets and a boat tour of the Mekong Delta can be quite rewarding.
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