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• Ho Chi Minh City

5 Days in Saigon: Culture, Cuisine & Adventure

Explore the bustling energy and rich history of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

22 April 2023

As a tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City, you will experience a bustling metropolis filled with culture, history, and delicious food. Take a tour of the city's landmarks such as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum to immerse yourself in the city's history. Indulge in Vietnam's famous cuisine and go shopping in the local markets to bring home some unique souvenirs.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Nikko Saigon, with its gorgeous rooftop pool and stunning views of the city skyline
• Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, two of the city's iconic landmarks
• Satisfy your hunger pangs with the famous banh mi sandwich from Banh Mi Hoa Ma or the mouth-watering pho from Pho Hoa Pasteur
• Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, bargaining for souvenirs and local specialties
• End your evening with a cocktail at the sleek rooftop bar Chill Skybar, taking in the breathtaking panorama of Saigon's glittering night lights

• Start your day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which presents the grim realities of the Vietnam War from a local perspective
• Walk around the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Independence Palace, where you can see the preserved original decor of the 1970s
• Find peace at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, an incense-filled temple that evokes a sense of mysticism and awe
• Take a coffee break at L'Usine, a hipster cafe-gallery that showcases local artists
• Enjoy a romantic sunset river cruise along the Saigon River, taking in the city sights from a different perspective

• Head to the rural district of Cu Chi to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War
• Interact with friendly locals at the Cai Be floating market, where vendors sell their produce from boats
• Savor the delicious fruit and local delicacies at the Mekong Delta Homestay, surrounded by verdant orchards and coconut trees
• Get adventurous with a cycling tour of the delta, discovering hidden paths and lush greenery
• Return to Saigon, rejuvenated and recharged for another day of sightseeing

• Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing the best of Vietnamese art and artifacts
• Take a cooking class at the Saigon Culinary Art Center, where you can learn how to make Vietnamese classics like spring rolls and bun cha
• Enjoy a lazy afternoon at the Saigon Opera House, where you can catch a live show or indulge in a spa treatment
• Fulfill your craving for seafood with a visit to the bustling Cho Lon Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh oysters to fried crabs
• End your day with a beer at The View Rooftop Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city's skyline

• Spend the day shopping for quirky souvenirs at the Saigon Outcast, a creative hub with local artisans and vintage clothing shops
• Take a walking tour of the city's street art scene, admiring the colorful murals and graffiti hidden in alleyways and corners
• Visit the Bui Vien backpacker street, a lively area for international cuisine and cheap drinks
• Head underground to the Apotheke Cocktail Bar, which is styled like a vintage pharmacy and serves highly creative concoctions
• Dance your night away at the Lighthouse, a spacious club that plays the latest hits and electronic music.