10 Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City You Must Try

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant travel hubs in Vietnam, welcoming around 45 million travelers in 2024, including approximately 6 million international travelers. As one of the country’s largest and most modern cities, it offers a well-developed tourism infrastructure that continues to grow and improve rapidly.

The city’s airport system, transportation network, and tourism services make it easy for travelers to get around and combine multiple destinations across southern Vietnam. This article highlights the top 10 places near Ho Chi Minh City and what to do near Ho Chi Minh that cater to a wide range of travel interests.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels – Vietnamese legend underground stronghold

Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 60km from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can get there on their own by taxi, car, motorbike, bus, or book a tour to travel by tourist bus or boat. There are many full-day Cu Chi Tunnels day trips options available from operators such as Vietnam Tourist, Vietnam Travel, and GetYourGuide, etc.

Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee ranges from USD 2.3 to USD 4.45.

This impressive underground military system was first built in 1948 during the resistance war against the French. Over 21 years of the resistance war against America, the tunnels were expanded into a complex network stretching nearly 250 kilometers. It became one of the most remarkable historical sites in southern Vietnam.

Today, travelers visiting Cu Chi Tunnels can explore the underground tunnels, view detailed battle maps, visit the reconstructed liberated zone, and listen to powerful historical stories. Crawling through the tunnels, travelers will see reconstructed scenes depicting the daily life and combat activities of Vietnamese guerrilla fighters, small in stature but remarkably resilient.

Cu Chi Tunnels also offer a variety of thrilling activities such as shooting ranges, paintball, ziplining, and obstacle courses, with prices ranging from USD 2.3 to over USD 13.30.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam’s most famous military constructions, known as the “Steel Land and Bronze Citadel”

2. Mekong Delta - Maze of rivers and canals

The Mekong Delta covers an area of about 40,000 square kilometers and consists of 6 provinces (formerly 13 before administrative merging). From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reach the Mekong Delta by land, using sleeper buses or cars, or by waterway on a boat, with a travel distance of roughly 70 kilometers.

The Mekong Delta is famous for its floating markets, traditional craft villages, lush fruit gardens, vast rice fields, and especially its intricate network of rivers and canals. One of the most popular experiences for travelers is joining a river boat tour along the silt-laden waterways. They can admire the lively urban scenes, gradually blending into peaceful rural landscapes.

Travelers can join boat tours from Ho Chi Minh City to various destinations in the Mekong Delta, such as My Tho, Ben Tre, etc. Various itineraries often include multiple stops, local craft villages such as the coconut candy factory in Ben Tre, traditional Hu Tieu (noodle-making) villages in My Tho, etc. Travelers interested in traditional crafts can try making them under the guidance of local artisans.

Travelers can experience fruit gardens on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh with rambutan, coconut, orange, cacao, etc. Some itineraries will take travelers to a honey bee farm in a fruit garden, enjoy Đờn ca tài tử (Southern amateur music in Vietnam) and other cultural sites.

Day tours to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City typically cost from around USD 15 to USD 35. A full-day boat tour usually lasts 8 to 9 hours, starting at 7:30 AM and finishing around 5:00 PM. Travelers can contact tour operators such as GetYourGuide, Vietnam Adventure Tours, Klook, etc.

3. Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho

Cai Rang Floating Market is located about 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City and is one of the most famous attractions in the Mekong Delta.

Can Tho River tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho are priced from around USD 95. Due to the long distance, the tour usually departs at 5:00 AM, with a boat ride of approximately 3 hours to reach the market.

Travelers can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the floating market, where countless boats are loaded with fresh produce and tropical fruits, and visit nearby traditional craft villages.

Travelers will take a boat ride along the river, admiring the bustling floating market filled with boats loaded with fresh produce. There are also boats selling local dishes such as hu tieu (noodle soup), bun thit xao (stir-fried vermicelli with pork), and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). Travelers can enjoy their meal right on the boat or at floating restaurants.

Depending on the tour itinerary, travelers may also visit traditional craft villages, fruit gardens, local farms with fish ponds, and ecological tourism sites typical of the Mekong Delta region.

Travelers who prefer to visit on their own can take a sleeper bus (such as Phuong Trang or Thanh Buoi) for a Can Tho day trip from Ho Chi Minh. It’s best to depart early, around 2:00 AM, to arrive at Can Tho Central Bus Station by approximately 5:00 AM. From there, travelers can take a taxi or shuttle to Ninh Kieu Wharf, which is about 5.6 km away.

Travelers will purchase tickets to visit the floating market at ticket counters along the river. Depending on the tour and itinerary, the duration can range from 3 to 8 hours. Longer tours usually include more stops at popular attractions such as coconut candy workshops, rice noodle factories, film studios, and Son Island or Phung Island, with a variety of price options available.

Cai Rang Floating Market embodies the rich riverine culture of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta with lively atmosphere of a bustling floating market

4. Tan Lap Floating Village

Tan Lap Floating Village is located in Dong Thap Province, about 100km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This unique village is built on a year-round wetland, surrounded by a cajuput forest ecosystem and home to many bird species. The site features a 5km forest walkway and offers a variety of fun activities such as rowing a traditional wooden boat, fishing, cycling, and trekking, giving travelers. It is a glimpse into the peaceful rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.

Travelers can reach Tan Lap Floating Village from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike, car, taxi, and more in about 2 hours. Upon arrival, they can purchase entrance tickets and enjoy various activities, with prices ranging from USD 3.23 to USD 13 VND.

Several travel companies, such as GetYourGuide and Klook, also offer full-day Tan Lap Floating Village tours from Ho Chi Minh City, including transportation, entrance fees, activities, and tour guides.

5. Vung Tau Beach

Vung Tau is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Ho Chi Minh City, located about 100 km away. Travelers can reach Vung Tau in approximately 2 hours by car, motorbike, or shuttle bus, or take the express boat from Bach Dang Wharf for a faster and more scenic journey.

A Vung Tau day trip from Ho Chi Minh City offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Travelers can spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at Bai Sau Beach. Then, they visit the Christ the King statue for a panoramic view of the city. Travelers can enjoy local specialties such as seafood, bánh khọt, etc. In the afternoon, checking in at the iconic Vung Tau Lighthouse, exploring Ho May Park, or strolling along the coastal road are ideal.

6. Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is located about 150km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, spanning three provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Lam Dong. Travelers can get there in about 3 hours by bus, coach, private car, or motorbike.

The entrance fee to Cat Tien National Park is USD 2.28. Here, travelers can trek through the tropical rainforest, cycle to explore up to 15 scenic spots, and hike to the pristine Bau Sau area to go birdwatching and spot Siamese crocodiles. Several travel companies offer Cat Tien day trips from Ho Chi Minh City with prices ranging from USD 11.38 to 30.35 for trekking and cycling to Cat Tien National Park.

7. Can Gio Biosphere Reserve

Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is located about 70km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and is Vietnam’s first mangrove forest recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Travelers can reach the reserve by motorbike, car, or taxi.

The entrance fee to Can Gio is around USD 1.33. Many travel companies offer Can Gio day trips from Ho Chi Minh City with prices from USD 22.77 to 37.95, including transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a tour guide.

Here, travelers can trek through the mangrove forest ecosystem and Sac forest, visit Hoa Ca crocodile farm, paddle through the waterways to observe wildlife, and explore Monkey Island. In the late afternoon, when flocks of birds return to their nests, Tang Bong Tower is the perfect spot to admire the pristine forest from above.

Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants near the tourist area.

8. Ba Đen Mountain

Ba Den Mountain is located in Tay Ninh Province, about 96km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam, standing 986 meters above sea level. Travelers can reach the site in about 2.5 hours by motorbike, car, or taxi.

Travelers visiting Ba Den Mountain on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City can take the cable car, with ticket prices ranging from USD 5.8 to 18.97. Travelers can visit the Ba Temple complex, take in panoramic views of Tay Ninh from the mountaintop, experience one of Vietnam’s most modern cable car systems, and savor local specialties.

Those who enjoy adventure and wish to trek to the summit can book one-day trekking tours with operators such as Saigon Day Trip or Tour Finder with the prices from USD 86 - 182.

9. Mui Ne

Mui Ne is located in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, about 220km from Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can get there by sleeper bus, car, motorbike, or book a full-day tour.

One of the most popular activities during a one-day trip to Phan Thiet is sandboarding or riding an ATV at the Red Sand Dunes and watching the sunrise or sunset. Travelers can then continue about 3km to visit the Mui Ne Fishing Harbor, where thousands of fishing boats and round basket boats float gently on the sea.

Around noon, visitors can rest and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. In the afternoon, they may relax and swim at Mui Ne Beach or travel about 9km to Fairy Stream to stroll along the cool stream surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Travelers can book one-day tours to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City through companies such as Hai Tuan Travel, Klook Travel, or Johnny Tour, which provide transportation and well-organized itineraries. Mui Ne also offers plenty of attractions, including Hon Rom and Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, as well as exciting water sports like kitesurfing and snorkeling. If time allows, travelers are encouraged to spend 2–3 days here to fully enjoy the experience.

10. Ho Chi Minh City Day Trip

Travelers who want to spend a full day exploring the vibrant charm, colonial heritage, and rich cultural history of Ho Chi Minh City can get around on foot, by taxi, bus, or even by cyclo.

The journey begins at Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, two iconic French colonial landmarks located across from each other. From here, travelers can continue to Independence Palace, with entrance tickets priced at USD 4.75 and an Audio Guide service available in multiple languages for USD 3.41.

At noon, travelers can visit Ben Thanh Market to enjoy local specialties for lunch and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, the itinerary continues at the War Remnants Museum, which displays historical evidence and artifacts from the Vietnam War. As night falls, travelers can take a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and have dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby, experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city.

Travelers who want to experience the culture and cuisine in Ho Chi Minh day trip with a local guide can book a day tour with XO Tour.

Ho Chi Minh City is the most modern economic hub of Vietnam, boasting a long history and numerous famous tourist attractions

When joining a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, travelers should plan ahead to make the most of their time exploring. It’s best to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy a more relaxed schedule. Wearing comfortable clothes and suitable walking shoes, along with bringing water, a hat, and sunscreen, will help ensure a pleasant experience. Travelers are also advised to check important details such as the destination, transportation options, and return time in advance. If booking a tour, choosing a reputable company with a clear itinerary and professional guides will make the trip safer and more convenient.