Thanks to the airlines industry boom, there are a plenty of cheap airfares to Ho Chi Minh city offered by Air Asia, Silk air, Dragon air, Tiger air and many more of them to check out.
Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) is the largest and bustling city that sets the cultural, commercial and economic center of Vietnam. Recognized as “The Pearl of the Far East“, The former Saigon hide charming French colonial architecture and becomes vibrant along the wide boulevards at night. Travelers are surprised with motorcyclists and traffic. Do not miss your chance of taking a photos at a junction when Saigonese get off work.
There are more than few hundred of things to do, attractions, sightseeing tours, foodie tours, landmarks, outdoor activities to try during your visit to this interesting destination. Let TNK travel experts suggest you how to spend your days to mark it a memorable holiday.
What to do in your 1st day:
If your flight arrive to Ho Chi Minh city in the morning or early afternoon, you might have a jet lag after a long flight. Rest your day at An Nam spa, Beautiful Saigon spa available in down town with excellent customer services at affordable prices. You then walk around to the center area Central Post office, Norte Dam Church, Municipal committee, Vincom trading center. Watch out your pocket, hand bags while walking at the night market of Ben Thanh. Street food served worth trying but make sure you that you know how to order. You can also arrange a Saigon dinner cruise on the as a retreat starting from 7:30 pm right at the Riverside Renaissance hotel. The cruise lasts 1,5 hours up to Binh Quoi contrasting the life between the District 1, 4 and Thanh Da. The menu ranges from US$12 – 35 depending on the boat brand and their menus. TNK Travel pick the Indochina and Bonsai for our clients on dinner cruise.
What to do in your 2nd day:
Spend your ½ day on an organized trip to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels dug out by Viet Cong during the French colonial and the American wartime. The tunnels stretches over 200 km from Cu Chi district to Saigon river bank. You can hop on a S.I.T tours (Sit – in – coach) tour for US$8/person to US$18person depending on the group. These tours available at travel agency in the Pham Ngu Lao backpackers area. The top leading agencies are The Sinh Tourist, TNK Travel and Kim Travel. Check out before you sign up! Group size, price, and tour operator. Some do not run the trips.
Can I get to the tunnels by water? Of course, you can. The Saigon river express organized joined tours to Cu Chi tunnels by luxury speed boat departing every morning. You are expected to pay around US$65/person including boat fee, entrance, English speaking guide and lunch. We do recommend this option if your budget is not over.
When the night falls, you are recommended to hop on “the Intimate Saigon by motorbike” as pillion passengers. These trip organized by Myrides.vn, XO tours, Vespa adventure. Enjoy your die behind a trained driving guide. You then cruise through a few districts f Saigon. Most tour operators have their own routes but they both show you the contrasts of city, street food and savor the traditional food of 3 regions. It is a great experience to try since you indulge yourself in the traffic, eat like a locals do. The foodie tour by motorbike cost US$65 to US$82/person depending on organizer. The most expensive is not the best. Check the new operator and give them a chance. They always serve you better.
What to do in your 3rd day:
Head South to the Mekong Delta on an organized trip by bus to save your budget. Again, these tours are available at the budget travel agencies around Bui Vien street. A day trip to My Tho costs US$16/person. The trip includes boat trip along the Upper Mekong river, visit the fruit orchards, listen to the traditional folk music, enjoy a rowing boat ride in the natural canals and nice lunch served in the garden.
It you are an early riser and want to see the floating market on one day trip to the Mekong Delta. You can choose to Cai Be for US$45/person as an option. The trip drives through the lush rice paddies, visit the floating market where locals trade on their wooden boats, take boat ride to the canal and learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese food. Be advised that this trip departs at 6: 30 AM therefore you have to be ready around 6:00 AM. TNK Travel organize Cai Be Floating market & other Mekong Delta tours daily.
Other adventure traveler can hope on a motorbike tour to Can Gio on a “Glimpse of Mekong Delta “ organized by Myrides.vn.
What to do in your last day:
Shopping around at Russian market, Ben Thanh, Dan Sinh or Binh Tay market place. You can opt some interesting things home. Taxis are the choice for your hop on & hop off. Make sure that you get on Vinasun or Mailinh. Check out some souvenirs for your friend and family at home. We recommend you buy some fresh coffee with Trung Nguyen brand. Do not forget to take a filter made by inox and learn how to use that to show your friends at home.
At TNK Travel, we strive to please our clients. We are more than happy to consult your travel plan and quote a perfect tours in Vietnam for you. You can customize your tours according to your time, budget and interest, or you can take a look at some of our suggestions about an ideal itinerary to explore Ho Chi Minh City and nearby areas.
By Dustin Trinh
