Ho Chi Minh City - Itinerary

Breath-taking, one word to describe crossing the lane in Saigon. In the Philippines, even if we have this so-called “right of way”, I am still afraid of passing the busy street. Uhm, how much more to a foreign land who had a bunch of motorcycles?

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), which was formerly known as Saigon is one busy city with so much things to offer for the tourists. As a first-timer, visiting the HCMC is a unique experience most esp. if you only do the walking. The attractions are close with each other so you would enjoy the city tour. Oh! And make sure you’re checked-in a hotel near them, District 1 to be specific.

Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

You may want to read and try the itinerary details of my visit in HCMC but I would suggest you do your own for a better experience.

Day 1

We arrived in Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 01:00 AM and rode Vinasun Taxi to Hongkong Kaiteki Hotel. We only pay 35,000 Vietnamese Dong (Php 75.00, some says this was too cheap) for the transfer as stated in the taxi meter. Upon checking in, we agreed to have a nap and meet by 7:00 AM for breakfast. We ate in an eatery (I don’t know how they call it there) and paid for 34,000 Vietnamese dong. Our morning was spent in a City Tour by riding a Cyclo (Read my unwanted experience in a here). 

Then after lunch, we went to Cu Chi Tunnel (by Sun Tours). Done with the dinner, we went back to hotel and called it a day.

Day 2

Set ourselves ready for Mekong Delta Tour (by Sun Tours). Riding a motor boat, we get to visit the Cai Be Floating Market, here we saw how locals trade items in the middle of the river. The cruise continued in visiting a family business were coconut candy and pop rice are made. In Binh Hoa Phuoc village, we were served lunch (without free drinks) and immersed ourselves in nature in a bicycle ride. Served with fresh fruits while listening in a live Vietnamese Folk music. We also had a short ride in a small boat and went back to city by bus. Ben Than road is opened in the evening for a Night Market, and oh! items were a little expensive there.

Day 3

My vacation in HCMC wouldn’t be completed without shopping! Go directly to Saigon Square orSaigon Square II for the best price of bags and clothes. From Saigon main entrance, go straight and turn left or right at the last corner, and give your best to bargain bags. Never missed the famous Vietnamese Pho. As always, unpacking is way better than packing your bags. Now, our problem is how to carry all those things without paying for an additional fee. Voila! Handcarry will no longer be weighed, ask your friends to bring items for you. Bye, Ho Chi Minh! Hello, Manila!

Had a little hard time in converting the item prices to Peso. Haha.

Spending three days in HCMC is enough to enjoy the city. If you have nothing else to do, go shopping. Just please remember, learn a little of their language for they are not so much of the English. Also, make sure to look left and right while walking,  good thing I still went back home safe and sound. Motorcycles appear on your side in a blink of an eye (not so much strict on traffic rules, huh?). 

Lori, 2014