Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

• Ideal Dates: Anytime from November to April when the weather is relatively cooler and less rainy.
• Hotel: Consider staying in District 1, which is the city center and provides easy access to many attractions. Recommended options include Rex Hotel, Caravelle Saigon, or Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint.
• Activities:
• Start your trip by exploring the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some local shopping.
• Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the history of the Vietnam War.
• Take a leisurely walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, an iconic pedestrian boulevard.
• Must-Go Food Places:
• Pho Hoa Pasteur: Enjoy a bowl of authentic pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup.
• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Try the famous Vietnamese sandwich, banh mi, at this popular street food stall.

Day 2: Historical Sites and River Cruise

• Activities:
• Explore the Reunification Palace, a significant historical site.
• Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, stunning examples of French colonial architecture.
• Enjoy a relaxing Saigon River cruise in the evening to see the city lights.
• Must-Go Food Places:
• Bun Thit Nuong Cô Liêng: Try bun thit nuong, a delicious grilled pork noodle dish.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels and Local Cuisine

• Activities:
• Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the underground network used during the Vietnam War.
• Return to the city in the afternoon and explore the Bitexco Financial Tower, offering panoramic city views.
• Must-Go Food Places:
• Com Tam Ba Ghien: Sample com tam, broken rice topped with various ingredients.

Day 4: Mekong Delta Day Trip

• Activities:
• Join a guided day trip to the Mekong Delta to experience the rural side of Vietnam.
• Explore local villages, take a boat ride along the river, and enjoy tropical fruit tastings.
• Must-Go Food Places:
• Enjoy the fresh seafood at local riverside restaurants in the Mekong Delta.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion and Departure

• Activities:
• Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautiful Taoist temple.
• Spend some time at the quirky Saigon Outcast, a creative space with art installations, live music, and more.
• Wrap up your trip with souvenir shopping or a relaxing spa treatment.
• Must-Go Food Places:
• Pho Phuong: Have another serving of pho at this renowned eatery.