Traveling to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam for the first time this 2024? Let this Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) travel guide blog for first-timers with sample DIY Ho Chi Minh itinerary, top things to do, tourist spots, and breakdown of expenses help you.
Vietnam is a country that is so special to me because it is the very first country that I visited abroad. It was in 2014 when I was invited for a familiarization tour in Hanoi and Halong Bay. That is why, I am so happy that I finally get the chance to be back in Vietnam and enjoy another bustling city. This time, we explored the City of Ho Chi Minh for 3 days, as our entry point for our Vietnam-Cambodia trip last December.
With this, let me share to you this comprehensive and easy-to-follow Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide Blog 2024 with DIY Itinerary and Budget for first-timers visiting Ho Chi Minh/Saigon. It will provide you with useful information you need on your travel such as how to get there, visa requirements, top things to do, top tourist spots and attractions, where to stay, sample DIY itinerary (3 days & 2 nights), budget, expenses, and more.
2024 First-Timer's Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (UPDATED)
Visa Requirements for Filipinos
As part of the ASEAN, visa is not required for Filipinos to enter Vietnam. You just need to have a valid passport with 6 months left before expiration. Philippine passport holders are allowed to stay for up to 21 days Visa-free in Vietnam. Be sure to have your return tickets ready, as well as your proof of booked hotel accommodation and activities bookings in case the immigration officer asks for it.
For other nationalities, please check with the Vietnam embassy in your country if you need a visa to enter Vietnam.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
How To Get to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam?
Cheap Flights to Ho Chi Minh from the Philippines
Local airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia have several flights daily from Manila and Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
If you're traveling by land from Cambodia or from Hanoi, buses are available going to Ho Chi Minh.
Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center/Saigon
Flights from Manila land at Ho Chi Minh Airport also called Tan Son Nhat Airport. You can get to the Ho Chi Minh city center aka Saigon by taking the bus, Grab, or by Private Airport Transfer Service. Depending on the time of your arrival, if it's day time, you may take the public bus as it is the cheapest way to get to Ho Chi Minh city center. But if you're arriving at night or very early morning, I highly suggest that you take Grab or book a private car transfer.
In our case, we took a late evening flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh and arrived at past 12 midnight. To get to the city center, we booked a Grab Car to our hostel located along Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 Saigon area. Fare is around 120,000 VND or 243 pesos good for 2 persons. Travel time from the airport to Pham Ngu Lao is around 20 minutes.
Please be reminded that scams are very rampant in Ho Chi Minh, especially with taxis. For security and convenience, especially when traveling with kids or when you're a big group, you may also book a Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfer. The car can accommodate up to 12 passengers - a convenient and safe transportation option for those traveling in groups or with bulky luggage. Here are the rates:
- Group of 3 - PHP 609.00 per car
- Group of 5 - PHP 710.00 per car
- Group of 12 - PHP 1,268 per car
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfers (SGN Pick Up)
How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City?
Taxis and Grab are highly recommended when going around the city center. It's pretty cheap and convenient, especially if you're traveling with a travel buddy or a group since you can split or divide the cost. If you're traveling alone, Grab Bike is also a good option.
To avoid getting ripped off, I suggest that you book a Grab or take the Vinasun Taxi when going around. Always insist to use the meter, and always prepare small amounts of money when paying for the fare. If you can't find a Vinasun Taxi, it's better to just book a Grab car.
For other transportation options to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) City from anywhere in Vietnam, check out this link.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh?
Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam only has two seasons - wet and dry seasons. Enjoying a tropical climate, it is generally hot almost the whole year. Note that wet season is from May to October, and dry season is from November to April. We visited Ho Chi Minh last December and the weather is warm but pleasant. Not the summer-type of weather that's very hot. For me, the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is December until February.
How many days to stay in Ho Chi Minh?
If you want to see the best of Ho Chi Minh City, a 3 days and 2 nights trip will be good enough. You can check out the sample 3D2N Ho Chi Minh DIY Itinerary that I created below.
Ho Chi Minh City's Skyline
How to Stay Connected?
Internet connectopn is very important when traveling. So, I highly recommend that You buy a local sim or rent a portable pocket WiFi. For solo travelers, buying a local sim is a good choice. You can buy it in advance and just get it upon arrival at your hotel. The SIM card will be sent to your hotel front desk before your arrival. Just present your passport to the front desk staff to verify and collect your SIM card. The SIM card will be activated automatically. No registration is required.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: 3G/4G SIM Card (HCMC Hotel Delivery) for Vietnam
SIM CARD DETAILS:
- Validity: 10-30 days
- Internet speed: 4G
- Service type: Data only/Calls included
- Coverage area: The whole of Vietnam
- Data limit: 2GB per day, 10Gb or Unlimited Data
- SIM card size: Nano Micro Mini
- Hotspot Sharing: Yes
- Local telecom operator: Vinaphone
But if you're traveling with a group, I recommend booking a Pocket WiFi. You can rent a 4G WiFi device even before you fly to Ho Chi Minh. With a pocket WiFi, you can connect multiple devices and enjoy unlimited WiFi access. So, if you're traveling with a group, you can divide the cost of the rental to save on travel expenses.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up)
4G WIFI DEVICE DETAILS:
- Upload/Download Speed: 50Mbps/150Mbps
- Max. No. of Connected Devices: 5 devices
- Battery Life: 16 hours
- Coverage area: Multiple Countries
- Traffic Flow Limit: 4G unlimited data, 1GB, 500MB, or 350MB per day
Riding a Cyclo in Ho Chi Minh
Where to exchange money?
Vietnam's currency is called Vietnamese Dong or simply VND. When visiting Vietnam, you can be a millionaire. Exchange rate is 1 Peso equals 0.0020 Vietnamese Dong. For example, if your budget for your Ho Chi Minh trip is 5,000 pesos (around $100++ USD) and you exchange it to VND, you'll get 2,246,010.97 VND.
Upon arrival at the airport, exchange a few pesos or dollars to VND so that you could have local currency to buy food at the airport (in case you're hungry upon arrival) and to pay for taxi or bus. The exchange rate in the airport is not so good, it's better if you change most of your money at the many money changers at the city center.
Alternatively, you can also withdraw money from the ATMs in Ho Chi Minh using your local card. Just be sure to call your bank to inform them that you will be using your card to withdraw money from the ATMs in Ho Chi Minh. A withdrawal fee of around 170 pesos will be charged to you per transaction. Make sure to estimate you expenses for the whole duration of your trip and withdraw the maximum amount to save on the withdrawal charges.
Double Room at Saigon Backpackers Hostel
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh
Since it's my first time in Ho Chi Minh, I asked some friends on where is the best area to stay in the city. Most of them suggested that I stay in District 1 because that is the liveliest part of the city and a famous area for backpackers.
If you're traveling on a budget, you can easily find a cheap and affordable hotels that will fit your budget by just a simple tap on hotel booking apps such as Agoda and Traveloka. More to that, these apps also provide huge discounts on room rates as well weekly promos to get additional discounts on your hotel bookings!
During our whole stay in Ho Chi Minh, we stayed at Saigon Backpackers Hostel located in an alley filled with backpacker's hostels in Pham Ngu Lao. We enjoyed our stay here because it is near to almost everything we need - street food kiosks, coffee shops, market, grocery, convenience stores, souvenir shops, money changers, and bus station. Ho Chi Minh's famous walking street, bars and night clubs in Bui Vien are also just a few strides away.
Saigon Backpackers Hostel @ Pham Ngu Lao
Address: 373/20 Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 711278Room Rates per night
- 1 Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - PHP 299.38 per night
- 1 Bed In 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room - PHP 349.28 per night
- Private Double Room - 1,097.744 per night for 2 persons
- √ Check room rates and availability here
Note: Room rates are subject to change and depends on your booking dates.
Ho Chi Minh Vietnam - Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience
Looking for best things to do, tourist spots and attractions in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city accentuated with timeless charm and a unique modern spirit. It boasts of rich history and intriguing culture, monumental sights, and delicious food offerings that make them a must-visit city in Southeast Asia. You can find many places to explore and do many things to enjoy in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Here's a list of some of Ho Chi Minh's tourist spots, attractions and top things to do and to experience when visiting one of Vietnam's most pulsating and lively city. This could also serve as your travel guide in planning your DIY itinerary for a Ho Chi Minh adventure this 2018.
1. Visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
A major landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, The Reunification Palace or Independence Palace is a historical site where the North Vietnamese claimed victory in the American War.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM, Daily
Admission Fee: 20,000 VND ($1 USD)
2. Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame
Known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, it was built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists. As one of the city's architectural marvels, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City especially for Catholic travelers.
Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Daily
Admission Fee: Free
3. Visit the War Remnants Museum
The most popular museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum showcases exhibits related to the Vietnam War and the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists. First opened to the public in 1975, many of the items in the museum are photographs, military vehicles, and various guns and weapons related to the Vietnam War. If you want to know more about the history of Vietnam war, you should visit this place.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 07:30 AM - 12:00 NN and 01:30 PM – 05:00 PM, Daily
Admission Fee: 40,000 VND ($2 USD)
4. Saigon Opera House
An awesome example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam, the Saigon Opera House or Municipal Theater of Ho Chi Minh City was built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret.
One of Ho Chi Minh's most well known shows at the Saigon Opera House is A O Show. You might want to check it out!
Address: 07 Công Trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM
5. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Water Puppet Show is a fantastic glimpse into the performing arts culture of Vietnam. Watch the traditional art form of water puppet come to life, complemented by live music from traditional Vietnamese instruments. If you want to watch a water puppet show, you may go to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
When we went to Hanoi, we also watched a water puppet show. And I really loved it! So, when was planning for this trip, I made sure that this is also included in our Ho Chi Minh itinerary.
This is included in the Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise that we booked via Klook.com. The tour includes the one hour water puppet show, cyclo tour around the city, and a dinner cruise along Saigon river.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise
6. Ride a Cyclo
An exciting cyclo ride around the city will give you an insight on the daily lives of the locals. It's also a great way to explore the many tourist spots and attractions in Ho Chi Minh. Definitely a must-try when visiting Ho Chi Minh City!
I've heard many stories of tourists being scammed by some cyclo drivers. To avoid being scammed, you can experience riding a cyclo by availing the Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise offered by Klook.com. The tour includes a one hour water puppet show, cyclo tour around the city, and a dinner cruise along Saigon river.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise.
Or you may also avail Klook's Ho Chi Minh City Tour on a Cyclo.
7. Drop by Handicapped Handicrafts
This is a bus stop on our way to Cu Chi Tunnels. Established in 1976, the Handicapped Handicrafts is a small lacquer painting shop that employs handicapped locals that are victims of the war. Here, you can see how they create different products from egg shells. They also have a showroom and souvenir shop where they sell their finished products. It's also a good place to shop for souvenirs they made.
Address: 52/2 Dương Công Khi, Xuân Thới Sơn, Hóc Môn District, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Telephone: (084) 37139415
8. Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
This is probably one of the most popular and most photographed destinations in Ho Chi Minh. Chu Chi Tunnels is huge network of connecting underground tunnels located in Củ Chi District - some 60 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City. The best thing about this tour is that, it will give you a sneak-peek at the underground life of the Vietnamese soldiers during the war, as well as to experience passing through the tunnels.
If you're planning to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, you must allot a half day for this activity in your itinerary. For hassle-free tour to Cu Chi Tunnels, I highly suggest that you book a tour via Klook.com. We availed their Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour (Meet Up) which costs PHP 660.00 per person. It includes round trip bus transfers, an English-speaking tour guide, entrance fee, and a light snack as part of the tour.
OTHER OPTIONS:
- Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh
- Cu Chi Tunnels VIP Tour by Limousine
- Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour with Lunch
- Cu Chi Tunnels Premium Speedboat Tour
9. Ho Chi Minh City Hall
Known today as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall or Saigon City Hall is a French colonial style building built from 1902-1908. It is not open to the public, but it's a great spot to take photos even from the outside.
Address: Số 86 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam
Admission: Free
10. Enjoy Ho Chi Minh's Skyline
Although not as grand as Hong Kong or Singapore's skyline, Ho Chi Minh's skyline is still a sight to behold, especially at night. The most distinguishable structure at the city's skyline is the Bitexco Financial Tower, which was finished in 2010 and became the tallest building in Vietnam until January 2011.
11. Dinner at Saigon River Cruise
Savor a traditional Vietnamese set meal dinner on an authentic wooden boat while enjoying the view of one of the world's most vibrant cities. The cruise takes about 2 hours, which also offers a fantastic view of Saigon river and Ho Chi Minh's skyline at night.
This is included in the Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise that we booked via Klook.com. The tour includes a one hour water puppet show, cyclo tour around the city, and a sumptuous dinner on a boat along Saigon river.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise
12. Shop at Ben Thanh Market
A haven for shop-a-holics, Ben Thanh Market is where you could find local products, souvenirs, and keepsakes that you could bring back home for your family and friends. This is definitely one of the best places to shop in Saigon!
Address: Chợ, Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Admission: Free
13. Enjoy a hot bowl of Phở
A popular street food in Vietnam, Phở is a Vietnamese soup made of broth, rice noodles, some herbs, and meat - either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). During our trip, I thinks we had 3 bowls of this! Yummmm!!!
14. Snack on Bánh Mì
Aside from Pho, another must-try street food in Ho Chi Minh is the Bánh Mì. It is basically a bread (Bánh Mì is the Vietnamese word for bread), or more specifically a baguette which was introduced by the French people in Vietnam during the colonial times. Depending on the Bánh Mì sandwich's filling and where you buy it, it costs around 12,000 to 50,000 VND.
15. Indulge on Delicious Vietnamese Coffee
If there's one thing that you should not miss when visiting Ho Chi Minh (or Vietnam in general), that is to drink a lot of their delicious Vietnamese coffee. This is definitely one of my most favorite things to do in Ho Chi Minh. Before or after a tour, we will usually go to a side street coffee shop, order a glass of cold coffee (around 20,000 to 30,000 VND), sit on the small chairs by the street, and just enjoy watching people pass by. That's one of the best things I miss about Ho Chi Minh. You really have to experience it when visiting Vietnam.
Enjoying Vietnamese Coffee
Other Things To Do and Must-See Tourist Spots in Ho Chi Minh
- Cai Be Floating Market And Tan Phong Island
- Saigon Street Food By Night Tour
- Saigon City Tour by Motorbike
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour on a Cyclo
- Saigon Princess Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City
- Can Gio Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh
- Street Food on Scooter Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Motorbike Adventures
- Indochina Junk Dinner Cruise on Saigon River
Here are the tours and travel packages that you could avail or join when traveling to Ho Chi Minh.
Photo from Klook.com
Full Day Excursion To Mekong Delta
Explore Vietnam's picturesque Mekong Delta on a 9-hour trip with a convenient pick up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a stunning maze of rivers, islets, small villages with rice paddies and fruit plantations. After an early morning pick up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh, head over to My Tho and see the peaceful Buddhist Vinh Trang Pagoda. Then, hop on a boat for a calm cruise along the river observing stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. Head over to Tortoise Islet for lunch before continuing on a boat to An Khanh in the beautiful green province of Ben Tre. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
Learn about Vietnam's guerilla war by climbing into the underground tunnels that played a crucial part in the fight. Built by local fighters during the Indochina conflict, the Cu Chi tunnels served as base for Viet Cong, the National Liberation Front, where the local soldiers and residents used to eat, sleep, work, cook and even go to school. Started in 1948 as a hiding place from French air attacks, by 1965 the tunnel was estimated to consist of an astounding 200 km of tunnels. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower
The Saigon Deck is located on the 49th floor of the the Bitexco Financial Tower, a 68-floor skyscraper, which also houses Vietnam's first lotus-shaped helipad, designed to resemble Vietnam's national flower. With a Saigon Skydeck ticket, step into a high-speed elevator to reach the observation deck and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour
Make the most of your trip to Ho Chi Minh City with a full day tour that allows you to discover the best of the city, and takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, the very same tunnels that played an integral part in the Vietnam-American war. Visit some of the most popular sites, including the Reunification Palace, a top choice for travelers who are looking to dig up some of Vietnam's history. Next up: Notre Dame Cathedral, which was established by French colonists in the 1860s. Afterwards, you'll be taken to the Central Post Office, then the War Remnants Museum for a more in-depth look at the history and culture of Vietnam. From there, you'll take a 2.5 hour drive all the way to Cu Chi Tunnels. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Motorbike Adventures
Peek into Saigon's vibrant local life on a 4 hour urban scooter adventure around Ho Chi Minh City and try Vietnamese street food from the best stalls in town. With your scooter driver with you the whole way, you'll be able to ask questions as you go and get an insight into life in Vietnam. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise
See Saigon in a different light after the sun goes down with a joy ride on a traditional Vietnamese Cyclo, tickets to a popular Water Puppet Show, and finally an elegant dinner cruise. Aboard the cruise ship, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese set meal while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city. See the glimmering lights on the reflections on the water as you cruise along Saigon river - a fantastic way to end your evening. -Klook
Photo from Klook.com
Mekong Delta, Cai Be Floating Market, and Tan Phong Island Full Day Tour
Get the chance to go to Cai Be Floating Market, a busy trading zone where you can learn to bargain for the best fresh items. Enjoy a boat ride on the river of Mekong Delta and visit orchards and fruit plantations in the neighboring villages. Then, take a trip to Tan Phong Island for a cooking class introducing you to the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Meet local islanders, learn about life in the small towns, and cycle along picturesque garden paths and bonsai trees. -Klook
Best Food, Must-eats and Experiences in Ho Chi Minh?
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Foodie Half Day Tour
Aboard a scooter, explore Saigon's streets and enjoy a selection of local food, from Banh Mi to Beef Noodle Soup, and the famous Vietnamese Coffee. By joining this tour, you'll also learn more about Vietnam's history and culture with stops at iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh.
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Street Food By Night
What to do in Saigon at night? Enjoy and discover Saigon through its sumptuous cuisine after sunset. On this tour, you will be joined by an English speaking tour guide that will show you around and bring you to Saigon's best local food stands. This Saigon Street Food by Night tour will take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure through Vietnam's best cooking traditions.
Photo from Klook.com
Saigon Vegan Foodie Adventure
This unique experience and food tour is an amazing treat for vegetarians and vegans alike! Join a half day vegan food tour around Saigon and discover the flavorful and complex dishes without having to worry about the ingredients that were put into the food.
Photo from Klook.com
Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh
If you want to experience how to cook your favorite Vietnamese cuisines, join a cooking class. This will also let you best experience the local cuisines and delicacies. Here are some of the cooking classes in HCM that you could join.
- Cooking Class with Cu Chi Tunnels and Side Car Tour
- The Vietnamese Cooking Class
- Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc
- M.O.M Cooking Class in Saigon
Sample 3 Days and 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh DIY Itinerary
For our initial itinerary, you see it here: Vietnam-Cambodia Itinerary + Travel Planning Tips.
But, here's what really happened. Feel free to tweak this DIY Itinerary depending on the time of you flight, how many days, the things you want to do, and the attractions and tourist spots you want to visit in Ho Chi Minh.
DAY 0 - Departure
- Depart from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
DAY 1 - Arrival + City Tour Part 1
- Arrival in Ho Chi Minh Airport
- Take a Grab Car to Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 (Saigon)
- Check-in or leave your bags at the hotel/hostel
- Breakfast (a hot bowl of Phở)
- Sleep/rest
- Enjoy coffee at the street side coffee shops
- Lunch
- City Tour Part 1
- Reunification Palace
- Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame
- Shop at Ben Thanh Market
- Walk around the streets
- Dinner
- Coffee again. Hahaha!
- Back at the hostel
DAY 2 - Chu Chi Tunnels + Cultural Evening Tour
- Breakfast at the hostel
- Travel to Chu Chi Tunnels - BOOK THIS TOUR HERE
- Chu Chi Tunnel Tour and Handicapped Handicrafts
- Back in Ho Chi Minh City Center
- Late lunch (Bánh Mì or at any local restaurant)
- Saigon Cultural Evening Tour - BOOK THIS TOUR HERE
- Water Puppet Show
- Cyclo Ride
- Dinner Cruise along Saigon River
- Have coffee
- Back at the hostel
DAY 3 - City Tour Part 2 + Departure
- Breakfast at the hostel
- City Tour Part 2 + Shopping
- War Remnants Museum
- Ho chi Minh City Hall
- Souvenir Shopping
- Lunch
- Check out at the hostel
- Travel back to Manila
- Or in our case, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia by bus
This is just a sample itinerary. You can use this as your guide and adjust it depending on the things you want to do in Ho Chi Minh, places you want to visit, and how many days you plan to stay in Vietnam.
SEE ALSO: 15 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Phnom Penh Cambodia
Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame
Ho Chi Minh Trip Budget and Expenses
Budget and expenses for a trip to Ho Chi Minh depends on your spending habits. It also depends on how many are you in the group, what is your preferred accommodation, where you want to eat, the places you want to visit, and how many days you want to explore the city. Here's a list of basic expenses when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
List of Basic Expenses
- Accommodation: PHP 300 - 5,000 per night
- Food: PHP 300 - 500 per day
- Transportation: PHP 100 - 200 per day
- Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise: PHP 2.028
- Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour:PHP 660
- War Remnants Museum Entrance Fee: PHP 89.00
- Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 254 per day
Snacking on Bánh Mì
Sample Expenses for 5,000 PHP Budget
If you will follow the DIY Itinerary we did above, stay in a hostel, and share some of the expenses with a travel buddy, here's a sample computation of expenses for a 3 days / 2 nights Ho Chi Minh Trip for 5,000 pesos.
DAY 1 EXPENSES
- Grab Car to Ho Chi Minh - PHP 243.00 / 2 = PHP 121.00 each
- Hostel - PHP 300.00 (1st Night)
- Food Expenses (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) - PHP 500.00
- City Tour Transportation - Free (We just walked to the destinations)
- WiFi Rental (Day 1) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = PHP 127.00 each
- TOTAL - 1,048.00
DAY 2 EXPENSES
- Hostel - PHP 300.00 (2nd Night)
- Breakfast at the Hostel - Free
- Chu Chi Tunnel Half day Tour - PHP 660.00
- Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise - PHP 2,028.00
- Food Expense (Lunch only) - PHP 150.00
- WiFi Rental (Day 2) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = PHP 127.00 each
- TOTAL - PHP 3,265.00
DAY 3 EXPENSES
- Breakfast at the Hostel - Free
- City Tour Transportation - Free (We just walked to the destinations)
- War Remnants Museum Entrance Fee - PHP 89.00
- Food Expense (Lunch and Dinner) - PHP 300.00
- WiFi Rental (Day 2) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = 127.00 each
- Grab Car to Airport - PHP 243.00 / 2 = PHP 121.00 each
- TOTAL - PHP 637.00
Grand Total - PHP 4,950 ($ 100++ USD)
Exclusions:
- Round trip airfare Manila-Ho Chi Minh-Manila
- NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
- Budget for pasalubong and tips
- Food expense for snacks
Please note that ticket prices, airfare, hotel rates, entrance fees, and other expenses are subject to change and depend on the date of your booking.
I hope this First-timer's Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam will help you in planning an awesome adventure! Enjoy and have fun!
ALSO READ: Halong Bay and Hanoi Vietnam Budget Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
Don't Leave Yet...Check out these blog articles for more travel guides for your future travels:
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This article was first published on December 2017 and was updated regularly to include new updates. This trip to Ho Chi Minh City was made possible by Traveloka and Klook Travel. Cảm ơn! Thank you!
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Is it safe to travel to Saigon, is it safe to use selfie stick, and is it required to give a tip as it was in the Philippines? Thank You!
ReplyDeleteHi. My family and I were planning to go to Hong Kong this December. We’ve already purchased the tickets months ago. However, with the events happening in HK now, we’re also looking for other options aside from HK. We a group of 20 including kids and senior. Is Vietnam a good substitute for HK? Or do you have any other suggestions? (Singapore and Taiwan is out of the list since we’ve already been there). Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHi, can,I ask something? How to book in grab for transportation? I can't book while in Philippines. I want to book early for my transpo. From ho chi minh airport to saigon. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi, what are the requirements on Vitenam's immigration if you will be exiting through Cambodia? Because they might not know that you already left their country. 😅
ReplyDelete