Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City 5 Days 4 Nights – Live, Taste & Explore the city of Energy

If you are planing your first trip to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to begin. This vibrant city blends rich history, incredible street food, lively nightlife, and unforgettable culture experiences. In this 5 days 4 nights itinerary, you’ll explore the best of Ho Chi Minh – from war history and local markets to river life in the Mekong Delta.
Below is the full breakdown of the perfect 5D4N Ho Chi Minh intinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, culture, and cuisine.
Day 1: Check-in and rest, easy walk around District 1
Airport pickup and hotel check-in
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be picked up by a private driver and taken directly to your 4 starts hotel in the centre of District 1. Take some time to rest, refresh, and settle in after your flight.
Evening walk around District 1
Ease into your first evening with a gentle stroll around heart of the city.
District 1 is full of energy – bright lights, elegant colonial buildings, cafe shops, and local vendors.
Recommended stops:




This relaxed first day gives you time to get familiar with the city’s atmosphere before the full adventure begins.
Day 2: City tour be motorbike – Museums – Cyclo Ride – Water Puppet Show – Dinner Cruise
Morning: Explore local life on motorbike tour (4 hours)
There is no better way to experience Ho Chi Minh City than from the back of a motorbike, which is provided by Saigon Taste Tours – the way locals travel every day.
During that motorbike tour, you will:
- Marvel historic landmarks
- Burning Monk Memorial – A powerful memorial to the monk instagrammable places in the city

- Hidden bunker cafe, sip robust coffee, Coffee at one of Saigon’s oldest cafes – A taste of tradition in a nostalgic setting
- Explore the local wet market

- Chinatown and ancient temple

- The Pink church – One of the most instagrammable places in the city

- Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery – A hidden gem filled with spiritual beaity. A peaceful temple filled with incense and ancient statues.

- Saigon river views – Enjoy breezy river views

This is one of the most exciting and immersive activities, which is highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Afternoon: Explore by yourself
After the motorbike tour, enjoy a free afternoon to discover these recommended tourist traps
War Remnants Museum: A powerful and emotional exhibition showing the impacts of the War in Vietnam.
The Independence Palace: the historic site where the war ended in 1975 in Vietnam.
Shopping at Ben Thanh market – The most iconic market in Saigon – Perfect for:
- Local snacks
- handicrafts
- Souvenirs
- Clothing
- Street food
Don’t be afraid to bargain – it’s part of fun!
Evening: Cyclo ride – Water puppet show – Dinner Cruise
Your evening will be full of cultural charm:
Cyclo ride: Relax on traditional three- wheel cyclo as you gilde through the busy streets of Saigon.

Water puppet show: A unique Vietnamese art form performed over water with live music

Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River – End the night with a scenic cruise featuring:

- Traditional music
- Beautiful night views of the skyline
- A delicious Vietnamese dinner
It’s one of the most romantic and memorable experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels and Vietnamese cooking class
Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels
Travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels – an incredible underground network used during the war in Vietnam.

You will have the chance to:
- Crawl through parts of the tunnels
- Learn about ingenious traps
- See wartime equipment
- Understand how locals survived and fought
It’s a fascinating experience filled with incredible stories
Afternoon: Vietnamese cooking class
After returning to the city, join a hand-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes such as:
- Fresh spring rolls
- Pho
- Vietnamese pancakes

You will visit a local market to pick fresh ingredients – making the experience even more authentic.
Day 4: Full-day trip to the Mekong Delta – My Tho
Escape the hustle city and enjoy a peaceful day in the Mekong Delta.
What will you experience?




The Mekong Delta offers a charming and relaxing contrast to the busy streets of Saigon. It’s a must-do for every traveler.
Day 5: Free time – Souvenirs – Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.
Suggested activities:
- Grab a Vietnamese coffee at a local café
- Try bánh mì or pho for brunch
- Buy last-minute souvenirs or handmade crafts
- Take a short walk around the city
Airport Transfer
A Private car will take you back to the airport for your departure flight. Your memorable 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City come to an end!
Conclusion
This 5-day 4-night Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is designed to give you the perfect mix of culture, history, local experiences, and scenic beauty. From exploring hidden alleys on a motorbike to discovering the peaceful life of the Mekong Delta, every day brings something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Saigon promises excitement, warmth, and unique stories waiting to be discovered.
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