Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We suggest you get acquainted with the city by taking an optional `Hop-on, Hop-off` sightseeing tour where you can hop-off at several of the city`s major tourist attractions including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market and much more.

Hop-off at the Ben Thanh Market and sample some of the most expensive coffee brewed in the world, grab something to eat at one of the many street stalls offering classic dishes like pho noodles, Go Cuon (spring rolls), Banh Mi and Banh Xeo. Wander the market and pick out that perfect souvenir to take home, be sure to have your haggling hat on and get the best deal.

Hop-off again at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, this spectacular building features a neo-Romanesque design with a red brick façade and spectacular stained glass windows with towers and spires that reach 131ft tall and the Virgin Mary statue in front. From here walk across the street to the magnificent Central Post Office, a classic French colonial style building that dates back to the 1800`s, it is still a working post office today, pop inside and check out the building`s interior where you can buy and mail a post card home.

Head over to the Independence Palace aka Reunification Palace where you can check out different rooms in the palace including the war room, tunnels, a casino and a roof top terrace. Then wander around the beautifully manicured gardens that surround this spectacular building.

On your first night in the city grab some dinner at one of the many restaurants situated in the city center (District 1) where local and international cuisine can be found on the menus. Next check out the Saigon Opera House, another beautiful French colonial style building that was built in 1897 where you can catch a performance including opera, ballet, concerts and traditional plays.

Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh

Start off your second day with a large cup of Trung Nguyen Coffee, these coffee houses are all over the city just like Starbucks in the US, fuel up for a day of discovery. Check out the popular street markets first thing in the morning, these markets kick off at 6 am where the locals gather to sell and purchase fresh fish, produce and other supplies. Grab some delicious food for breakfast at the market.

Make your way to the War Remnants Museum, the most famous history and war museum in the country providing information on the Vietnam War from Vietnam`s perspective. The museum exhibits are spread throughout themed rooms showcasing military equipment, weaponry, and photography.

After lunch make your way to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a labyrinth of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, created by the Viet Cong soldiers which run for 12 miles. The tunnels were made into functioning extensive underground cities providing shelter for the fighters, visitors can crawl in small sections of the tunnels.

Spend your evening back in the city head to one of the trendy rooftop bars such as Saigon Rooftop Bar, Saigon Sky Deck or the EON Heli Bar, these bars are some of the best in the world. The rooftop bars are a great place to relax after a busy day and enjoy a cocktail or a Via hoi (Vietnamese beer) and some live music while watching the sunset over this spectacular city.

For dinner this evening make your way to one of the many sensational restaurants in the city where French, Chinese, Thai, International and the famed local Vietnamese cuisine. The fabulous city offers a large culinary scene featuring fine dining options that are perfect for a great dining experience.

After dinner check out the Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1, a bustling area with narrow lanes and alleyways filled with a vibrant nightlife scene featuring street bars, live music, pubs, and clubs. Wander around this historic area, grab some via hoi happy hour deals and enjoy the local ambiance.

Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh

Today spend a day cruising on the Mekong River Delta on board a traditional long tail boat. Enjoy a day on the water and take the magnificent journey through the delta where half of Vietnam`s food is produced. This spectacular area is surrounding by emerald green paddy fields and the picturesque countryside filled with small riverside villages where visitors can experience a look into the life of rural Vietnamese life on the river. The Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest market on the water in the entire region; authentic boats with smiling locals are filled with fresh fruits and produce, a supermarket on water.

On your last evening in the city visit the Bitexco Financial Tower, a skyscraper located in the heart of the business and entertainment districts, the 68 story, 861ft tall building featuring the Skydeck on the 48th floor, a viewing deck providing stunning panoramic views of the city and river. Here you will find restaurants, bars, shops, a cinema and a nightclub to entertain you for the evening.

Additional Days in Ho Chi Minh

Should you be able to spend additional days in Ho Chi Minh be sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts housing Vietnamese art spread out over 3 floors inside a French colonial style building where art collections featured inside including oil and silk paintings, sculptures, lacquer paintings, and ceramics.

Visit the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a 7 story pagoda, the largest in the city. A Buddhist place of worship, where people come to pray for happiness, luck, and safety during the Lunar New Year.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist pagoda built in 1909 to honor the supreme Taoist god Ngoc Hoang, one of the most important shrines in the city decorated with pink brick with tiles and sculptures on the roof.

The Dam Sen Cultural Park is located in District 11, a large amusement park that covers 123 acres of land featuring lakes, trees, gardens, a monorail, boats, games, and entertainment. The Dam Sen Water Park is situated next door and features a wave pool, 31 water rides, slides and pool with a zip line and a children`s area.

Your Last Day in Ho Chi Minh

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.