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Discover the best Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing Tours with Joytime - from the historic Cu Chi Tunnel Tour, exciting Saigon Day Tour, and flavorful Ho Chi Minh Food Tour to unique Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Explore local culture, taste authentic street food, and uncover the best things to do in Saigon with our trusted guides for an unforgettable experience.

What To Do In Saigon

What To Do In Saigon

Wondering what to do in Saigon? Start your journey with iconic landmarks like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum. For history lovers, the Cu Chi Tunnel Tour offers an eye-opening glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

If you’re into food, don’t miss a Ho Chi Minh Food Tour or the vibrant street food tours in District 1, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese dishes — check out Where to Eat in Saigon for insider picks.

Night owls can explore the city’s nightlife with What to Do in Saigon at Night or join a Saigon day tour that ends with rooftop drinks overlooking the skyline.

Looking for nearby escapes? Plan day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, or Cu Chi tunnels. For a complete itinerary, visit Joytime’s Saigon Sightseeing Tours.

Detailed Itinerary Suggestions for Each Option

Tips to Make The Most out of 2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Day 1 Itinerary

Day 1 is all about unlocking Saigon’s historical landmarks, unique architecture, and vibrant nightlife, much of which is centered in its bustling core. For a deeper dive into this area, exploring what to do in district 1 saigon can be very helpful as you follow this plan:

2. Day 2 Itinerary

Day 2 takes you back in time at Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by an immersive night market and bar-hopping experience.

What to do in Saigon for 3 days?

3 Day 3 Itinerary - Explore the Outskirts of Saigon

On the third day, let's leave the bustle of Saigon together and immerse yourself in the peaceful space and rich beauty of the Mekong Delta, where winding canals and lush orchards await you.

Suggested 4-Day Travel Itinerary in Saigon

4 Day 4 Itinerary - Visit Nearby Suburban Areas

The last day of your journey to explore Saigon will take you to the Mekong River Delta, where gentle canals and fruit gardens are abundant.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

For those eager for your next visit to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam and wondering where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Check out these 10+ ideal hotels and resorts below, where you can find the perfect spot to rest, relax, and unwind, all while being close to great sightseeing and dining options!

Quick Comparison on Where Is The Best Place to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Things to Do in Saigon Vietnam

Saigon, the most dynamic and vibrant city in Vietnam, has long been an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. With its bustling pace of life, unique cultural blend and countless exciting experiences, Saigon leaves visitors with unforgettable impressions

1. Experience the sensation of “flying” on the Saigon River with a sailing boat

Overview: Experiencing a boat trip on the Saigon River offers a new and unique perspective on the city. Visitors will immerse themselves in the vast river space, enjoy the cool breeze and admire the beautiful scenery of Saigon from a different angle.

2. Join a street food tour to discover “delicious, nutritious and affordable” dishes

Overview: Street food is an indispensable part of Saigon's culture. Joining a street food tour is a great way to explore unique dishes, imbued with local flavors.

3. Enjoy “sitting coffee” and watch the bustling crowd

Overview: “Sitting coffee” is a unique cultural feature of Saigon, where you can sit on the sidewalk, enjoy coffee and watch people pass by. This is a simple but interesting experience, helping you feel the vibrant pace of the city."

4. Explore "The Cafe Apartment" - a unique coffee building

Overview: "The Cafe Apartment" is an old apartment building that has been renovated into a complex of cafes and shops. Located right in the heart of Nguyen Hue walking street, this is a popular destination for tourists due to its unique architecture and diverse space.

5. Experience the bus on the Saigon River

Overview: The Saigon River bus, also known as the Water Bus, is a unique form of public transportation that allows visitors to see the city from a new perspective, and it could be a memorable part of exploring things to do in saigon in 2 days.

6. Check-in & explore the beautiful sights of Saigon with the Ben Thanh Metro

Overview: Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line 1 is the first urban railway line in Ho Chi Minh City, providing a modern and convenient means of transportation. Not only a means of transportation, the metro is also an attractive destination with modern architecture and beautiful city views.

7. Landmark 81 - A skyscraper with the SkyView observation deck

Overview: Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam, a symbol of the modern development of Ho Chi Minh City. With the SkyView observation deck, visitors can admire the entire city from an impressive height.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

How to get from Saigon airport to the city

When arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, visitors may feel quite confused about how to get from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City center

Comparison on transportation modes from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center

Using Tan Son Nhat Airport Shuttle Service

Overall: Besides the hotel pick-up service, the airport shuttle service also brings comfort and great convenience to visitors. With this service, tourists are not limited by destination, travel time, or service users, while costs are often significantly more favorable.

Pros:

• Suitable for large groups: The service provides many options from 4, 7, 16-seat, and even 29-seat cars, very convenient for family groups or large tourist groups.

• Be proactive about time and costs: The service operates 24/7, ready to welcome visitors anytime, anywhere while ensuring privacy and comfort. Car booking costs are flexible with many different prices from affordable to high-end.

Duration: About 20 - 40 minutes.

Average cost: About 150,000 - 1,000,000 VND 

Suggested places to book for Tan Son Nhat Airport Shuttle Service: Joytime's airport shuttle service is an option worth considering for travelers on their journey to explore Ho Chi Minh. With prices starting from only 267,000 VND, Joytime Travel Agency meets a variety of travel needs with 3 types of vehicles: 4 seats, 7 seats, and 16 seats. All vehicles are fully equipped with amenities, and experienced and friendly drivers, especially operating 24/7 6:00 am - 10:00 pm and 10:00 pm - 6:00 am. 

Can Tho to Saigon

How far is Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?

Answer: If you're going by road, you should know it's about 157km (~97 miles) from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City. The direct air distance is also 157km (~97 miles).

While the distance from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City is only about 157km (~97 miles), the travel experience can vary depending on your chosen mode of transport. By car or bus, the journey typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, offering views of Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta scenery along the way.

The route follows National Highway 1A, a major thoroughfare that connects the southern provinces, so expect some traffic—especially when entering Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re up for a more adventurous ride, traveling by motorbike gives you the freedom to explore local villages and riverside stops at your own pace.

How to get to Halong bay from Saigon

Locations and Distance from Saigon to Halong Bay

• Location of Ha Long: Ha Long, Quang Ninh, Vietnam 

• Location of Saigon: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

How far is Halong Bay from Saigon:

• By air: About 1,600 km

• By road: About 1,800 km, via National Highway 1A

• By railway: About 1,726 km

With the above distance, visitors can travel from Ha Long to Saigon by plane, train, bus or personal vehicle.

How to get from Saigon to Nha Trang

How Far From Saigon to Nha Trang?

Answer: The distance from Saigon to Nha Trang is about 400 km. It should take about 5 hours and 53 minutes to drive.

• Location of Saigon: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

• Location of Nha Trang: Khanh Hoa Province, South Central Coast, Central Vietnam.

The distance from Saigon to Nha Trang by route is as follows:

• Airway: Roughly 396 km, with a flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Railway: Roughly 411 km, with a flight time of 7 hour and 15 minutes.

• Road:: 

  • North - South Expressway East/CT01: the distance is about 400 km, taking 5 hours and 50 minutes to travel, this is the fastest and toll route.

  • QL1A and North - South Expressway East/CT01: the route is 415km long, taking about 7 hours and 13 minutes to travel.

With the above distances, visitors can travel by many methods including airplanes, trains, coaches, cars, and motorbikes depending on personal needs.

▶️▶️ See More: How to get from Saigon to Nha Trang? 9+ Transportation Methods for Travelers!

Phu Quoc island from Ho Chi Minh

These two cities are always among the top attractions for both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam. Here's an overview of their locations:

• Location Ho Chi Minh City located at coordinates 10°10' – 10°38' North and 106°22' – 106°54' East.

• Location Phu Quoc located at coordinates 9°53′ - 10°28′ North latitude and 103°49′ -104°05′ East longitude.

The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc depends on the mode of transport and the route taken. In particular:

By plane: The distance is 395 km with a direct flight.

By road: The distance varies depending on the route, with the following popular routes:

• Route 1: Through the Eastern North-South Expressway (Toll road, ferry included) – 386 km.

• Route 2: Through the Eastern North-South Expressway and National Route 80 (Toll road, ferry included) – 387 km.

• Route 3: Through the Eastern North-South Expressway and National Route 91 (Toll road, ferry included) – 402 km.

Thus, the distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc ranges from 386 km to 402 km depending on the transport mode and route. Travelers can choose to travel by plane or other road transport options depending on their schedule and preferences.

How far from Saigon to Vung Tau

The distance from Saigon to Vung Tau ranges from 95 km to 110 km, although the exact distance can vary depending on your chosen route. Here are suggested 5 popular routes:

How far from Saigon to Dalat

The distance from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Da Lat is approximately 325 km to 339 km, depending on the selected route and the drive usually takes 6 to 8 hours, varying with traffic.

There are currently 7 types of transportation options for traveling from Saigon to Da Lat. Below is a summary of these modes along with tips to ensure a convenient and enjoyable journey.

What to eat in Saigon?

What to eat in Saigon?

Best Street Food & Restaurants in Saigon

1. Broken Rice

Broken rice is a popular street food that can be found on every corner and alley of Saigon. As one of the most well-loved dishes, it proudly represents the culinary scene and stands out as a famous food in Ho Chi Minh. Today, this dish has been creatively adapted with diverse ingredients and flavors compared to the traditional version.

2. Nam Vang Noodle Soup

Nam Vang noodle soup originated from Cambodia and was brought to Saigon by the Chinese community, blending flavors from three different cultures for a unique and delightful dish. It's one of many answers to the question of where to eat in saigon for an authentic taste of the city's diverse culinary landscape.

3. Pha Lau

This street snack is beloved by Saigon’s youth, especially students. With its rich and creamy flavor, Pha Lau has captivated countless diners.

4. Pan bread

Instead of the traditional stuffed baguette style, Pan Bread reminds many visitors of European steak sandwiches. The ingredients are presented in a small pan, creating a vibrant and visually appealing dish.

5. Vermicelli fish sauce

This dish embraces the authentic flavors of riverine regions. Its distinct taste comes from fermented fish sauce made from locally caught and processed fish.

6. Crab soup

This nutritious and convenient dish is a must-try for visitors in Ho Chi Minh City. Typically enjoyed in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or as a starter in upscale restaurants, it’s both versatile and satisfying.

7. Banh xeo

Banh Xeo is a quintessential traditional Vietnamese dish. The preparation of this dish is relatively simple, offering a sense of rustic charm and familiarity. 

8. Banh Khot

Banh Khot, with its petite size, often reminds diners of a mini version of Banh Xeo. While similar in preparation, Banh Khot’s unique ingredients and flavors make it distinct.

9. Bo Ne

A Vietnamese twist on steak, Bo Ne offers a hearty and comforting dining experience without the fuss of fine dining.

10. Braised beef noodle soup

Braised beef noodle soup is a unique combination of traditional and modern cooking styles. Its distinctive flavors and innovative presentation have made it a famous food in Ho Chi Minh, solidifying its status as a beloved culinary symbol of Saigon.

Enjoy Specialty Dishes at the Street Food Paradise

Nighttime street food is a unique feature that cannot be missed when visiting Saigon. The attraction of these dishes does not come from fancy, high-end restaurants but from the ordinary, street-side setting and the distinct flavors that are unlike any other region.

With affordable prices and a variety of dishes, visitors can easily enjoy and experience the culinary paradise in the heart of the city at night. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes such as banh trang (rice paper dishes), seafood, snails, stir-fried corn, fried dough, bo bia (Vietnamese spring rolls), etc.

Recommended places to explore Saigon at night:

Alternatively, you can experience Joytime's Saigon food tours such as:

• Day Tour | Street Food Discovery by Motorbike | Ho Chi Minh City

• Day Tour | Vibrant Saigon Walking Exploration Tour | Ho Chi Minh City

• Day Tour | Explore Saigon Night Cuisine | Ho Chi Minh City

Tips/Advice for this activity at night:

• Prioritize traveling by motorbike to easily weave through small alleys and crowded dining areas. If it's inconvenient, visitors can call a ride-hailing motorbike, but remember to double-check the navigation carefully.

• Roadside grilled food stalls are an unmissable experience, especially those grilling with charcoal, with their enticing aroma.

• Bring cash as many sidewalk stalls do not accept transfers. In particular, you can ask the price beforehand if you don't see it posted to avoid being overcharged.

• Choose crowded and seemingly clean stalls to ensure food freshness and safety. In addition, you can bring wet wipes or personal hand sanitizer.

• Plan your dining from around 6 pm to 11 pm as many stalls will close after 12 am.

Where to buy in Saigon

Where to buy in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is not only a food paradise but also a shopping paradise with a variety of products, from handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs to local specialties. So what should you buy in Saigon as a gift for relatives and friends?

Here is a table summarizing the must-buy souvenirs in Saigon for international travelers

How to buy sim card in Ho Chi Minh

How to buy sim card in Ho Chi Minh

Buy Joytime SIM at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Buying a Joytime SIM right at Tan Son Nhat Airport is an ideal solution for visitors to quickly get internet connection and communication.

Wondering where to stay Ho Chi Minh? From chic hotels to budget-friendly options, let’s find the best places to stay in this vibrant city!

Advantages: 

• Receive the SIM as soon as you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, saving time searching for stores, buying SIMs,...

• Receive SIMs easily with more than 3 SIM pick-up counters at the International Arrival Hall - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

• Hand-delivered SIM service, enhancing convenience for customers.

• Nationwide coverage, seamless and reliable 5G/4G connection from Vietnam's leading mobile network operator.

• Flexible packages, optional calls and SMS messages, tailored to travel needs.

• Quickly get internet connection and communication, serving travel needs as soon as you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.

Price range: From 180,000 VND (6.9 USD)

Recommended places to buy Joytime SIM: Visitors access and order SIMs at Vietnam 4G SIM Card (Pick-up at Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City).

Tips when buying Joytime SIM: 

• Order SIMs online in advance to ensure availability when you arrive at the airport.

• Check the package information carefully and make sure it suits your needs.

• Keep the receipt when purchasing.

• Check the SIM carefully when receiving it and make sure the SIM works well