Ho Chi Minh City 10 days

The main international gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. Efficient immigration and customs processes are typical.

• Have your accommodation address ready for taxi drivers.

A historic, luxurious hotel offering a glimpse into colonial elegance. Its rooftop bar provides excellent city views.

• Consider booking a room with a river view.

A scenic riverside promenade perfect for an evening stroll. Enjoy the cool breeze and vibrant atmosphere as locals gather.

Tucked away on a rooftop, this restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a charming, garden-like setting. It's a popular spot for a romantic dinner.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

A poignant and graphic museum documenting the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. It offers a powerful, albeit somber, historical insight.

• Be prepared for emotionally challenging exhibits.

A renowned establishment serving delicious and authentic pho, a quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup. It's a local favorite for a satisfying lunch.

• Try the 'tai' (rare beef) or 'chin' (well-done beef) options.

The former presidential palace of South Vietnam, frozen in time since the end of the war. Explore its opulent rooms and historical significance.

A stunning example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral stands as a major landmark in the city center. Note: The interior may have limited access due to ongoing restoration, but the exterior remains impressive.

An upscale riverside restaurant offering contemporary Asian cuisine with spectacular views of the Saigon River. It's ideal for a romantic evening.

• Dress code is smart casual.

One of the city's most iconic markets, bustling with vendors selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to fresh produce and street food. It's a vibrant sensory experience.

• Bargaining is expected. Start at about half the asking price.

Experience the Hanoi specialty of grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. This local eatery serves a flavorful and satisfying rendition.

A grand, colonial-era post office designed by Gustave Eiffel. Admire its architecture and send a postcard from this historic spot.

Also known as the Reunification Palace, this historical site offers a glimpse into Vietnam's past. It's a significant landmark for understanding the country's modern history.

A popular restaurant known for its traditional Vietnamese home-style cooking in a rustic, charming setting. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

• Try the caramelized pork belly or the steamed fish.

An immense network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, booby traps, and learn about guerrilla warfare tactics.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Consider booking a guided tour for deeper insights.

Enjoy a simple, local lunch often included in tours, featuring Vietnamese dishes like rice, stir-fried vegetables, and sometimes spring rolls.

Travel back to the city after an insightful morning exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.

A serene restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's a peaceful oasis with a beautiful garden setting.

• Great for couples looking for a quieter dining experience.

Housed in a beautiful colonial building, this museum showcases a wide range of Vietnamese art, from ancient sculptures to contemporary paintings.

A vibrant restaurant offering a wide variety of Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming, colonial villa. It's a great place to sample many local specialties.

• Sit in the garden area for a more relaxed atmosphere.

A beautifully ornate Taoist pagoda dedicated to the Emperor of Jade. It's known for its intricate carvings, statues, and incense-filled atmosphere.

• Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees).

Located atop the Bitexco Financial Tower, this observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City. It's especially stunning at sunset and after dark.

• Visit around sunset for the best experience.

A sophisticated rooftop bar offering cocktails and stunning city views. It's a perfect spot for a nightcap.

• Dress code is smart casual.

A full-day trip to the lush Mekong Delta. Experience boat rides on the river, visit fruit orchards, a coconut candy factory, and enjoy local music.

• Wear light clothing and bring sun protection. Tours often include lunch.

Enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta lunch, often featuring local specialties like 'Elephant Ear Fish' (Ca Tai Tuong).

Journey back to the city after a day immersed in the unique culture and scenery of the Mekong Delta.

A casual restaurant famous for its clay pot rice dishes, cooked to perfection. It offers a cozy and authentic dining experience.

• The clay pot rice is a must-try.

Explore the vibrant street food scene of District 1. Sample local delicacies like Banh Mi, Banh Xeo, and various noodle soups.

• Go with an organized tour for the best recommendations and hidden gems.

Experience Vietnam's famous coffee culture at a local cafe. Try a 'Ca Phe Sua Da' (iced coffee with condensed milk) or a refreshing 'Ca Phe Cot Dua' (coconut coffee).

Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, known for its vibrant markets, Chinese temples, and diverse culinary offerings. It's a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.

• Visit the Thien Hau Temple for a glimpse of local religious practices.

The central market of Cholon, offering a more local shopping experience than Ben Thanh. It's a great place to find dried goods, spices, and local snacks.

A highly-rated restaurant in Cholon specializing in various types of congee (chao) and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Perfect for a hearty and authentic dinner.

A trendy concept store and cafe housed in a former French colonial factory. It features a curated selection of local designer fashion, art, and homeware.

• Enjoy a coffee or brunch here.

A beautiful and serene vegetarian restaurant offering creative and delicious Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting. It's a peaceful escape from the city's bustle.

• Offers a refined vegetarian dining experience.

A contemporary art space showcasing works by Vietnamese and international artists. It's a hub for creativity and artistic expression.

• Check their schedule for current exhibitions and events.

A highly popular Japanese-Italian restaurant known for its delicious pizzas and unique fusion dishes. It's a modern dining experience.

• Reservations are essential, especially at popular locations.

Famous for its incredibly generous and flavorful banh mi sandwiches, packed with a variety of meats and pâté. It's a must-try street food experience.

• Expect a queue; it moves quickly.

A large, green oasis in the city center, popular with locals for morning exercise, tai chi, and bird-watching. It offers a glimpse into daily Vietnamese life.

A well-regarded spot for Northern-style pho, known for its fragrant broth and tender beef. A great place to try a different variation of the national dish.

Showcases the history and practices of traditional Vietnamese medicine, with exhibits on herbs, ancient tools, and remedies. It's a unique cultural insight.

A popular expatriate and local hangout in a converted old factory. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, good food, and a wide selection of drinks.

A final opportunity for souvenir shopping or to grab some last-minute snacks. The market is vibrant and offers a wide array of goods.

• Good for buying coffee, dried fruits, and local handicrafts.

A well-loved local spot for delicious and affordable pho. It's a convenient and satisfying choice for a final Vietnamese meal.

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City's main international airport.