Southern Vietnam is hot, fast and delicious, and it packs a lot into a short trip. Ho Chi Minh City is a big, energetic city with an easy food scene, and the Mekong Delta is only a few hours away by road. This route has no flights and almost no packing and unpacking.
Best time to go: December to April is dry and sunny. May to November is the rainy season, but rain usually comes in short afternoon downpours, so mornings are still good for sightseeing.
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Check in around District 1. Walk to Ben Thanh Market for an early dinner, then explore the pedestrian street at Nguyen Hue. Order a Vietnamese iced coffee and watch the motorbikes.
Day 2: City sights
Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. In the afternoon go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda or Cholon, the Chinese quarter. Finish with a street food tour by scooter, which is one of the best ways to see the city at night.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels, then to the Delta
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning (about 1.5 hours from the city). Head south to Ben Tre in the afternoon for a boat ride along small canals, coconut candy tasting and a night in a riverside homestay.
Day 4: Can Tho floating market
Leave very early for the Cai Rang floating market, which is busiest around sunrise. Explore Can Tho by boat or bike and eat in a riverside restaurant at lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Day 5: Last day
Spend the morning shopping in Ben Thanh or Saigon Square, or take a cooking class. Transfer to the airport with plenty of time, because traffic is heavy in the evening.
Practical tips
- Book tunnel and Delta trips with a small-group operator, or hire a car and driver for flexibility.
- The Delta is humid: wear light clothes and carry mosquito repellent.
- Carry small bills for market stalls and boat rides.
- Pair this with a flight to Phu Quoc if you want beach days at the end.
Next step: Read the [Ho Chi Minh City] and [Can Tho] guides for hotels and things to do.
