Lost in Saigon: 5D4N DIY Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh City’s Best

Welcome to my 5-day, 4-night adventure in Vietnam’s bustling city of Ho Chi Minh and its serene nearby destinations, Mui Ne and Vung Tau! This travel guide is perfect for solo travelers and those who love to explore at their own pace.

Travel Dates: November 22-27, 2023

Airline: Cebu Pacific (Roundtrip Ticket)

• ETD: MNL (NAIA T3) - 10:50 PM

• ETA: SGN (Ho Chi Minh) - 12:40 AM

Recommended Taxi:

• Mai Linh – Reliable and recommended by Erwan Heusaff for safe travels.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne/Phan Thiet

Let’s kick off this adventure with a road trip from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne.

How to Get There:

• Departure Time: 4:45 AM (Book a 34-Bed Limousine via Klook for ₱478)

• Booking Link: One-Way Ticket to Mui Ne

Phan Thiet Tour Itinerary:

After dropping off your luggage at your hotel, it’s time to explore!

• Van Thuy Tu (Whale) Temple – Home to an impressive whale skeleton, showcasing Vietnam’s fishing culture.

• Poshanu Cham Tower – Ancient remnants of the Champa Kingdom, with beautiful views of Phan Thiet.

• Dragon Fruit Farm – Taste the fresh and sweet dragon fruits straight from the farm.

• Takou Mountain (with Cable Car) – A scenic ride leading to a giant reclining Buddha statue.

• Ke Ga Lighthouse – The oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia with panoramic coastal views.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes, especially for Takou Mountain.

• Prepare your cameras for picturesque views!

Meals: Lunch and Dinner are your choice of local delicacies.

Day 2: Mui Ne Half-Day Tour + Mui Ne Beach

Rise and shine! It’s time to catch the stunning sunrise.

Morning Tour (5:00 AM):

• Mui Ne Fishing Village – See locals in action, from catching fish to selling their fresh catch.

• Mui Ne White Sand Dunes – Feel like you’re in a desert with ATV rides and sandboarding.

• Fairy Stream – A tranquil walk along a shallow stream surrounded by red and white sand formations.

• Red Sand Dunes – Perfect for sunset photos.

End of Tour: 11:00 AM – Enjoy a hearty lunch before heading to Mui Ne Beach.

Afternoon:

• Head to Mui Ne Beach and watch kite surfers ride the waves.

1:30 PM: Head back to the hotel to collect your luggage.

2:00 PM: Bus to Ho Chi Minh (Same 34-Bed Limousine via Klook for ₱478)

• Booking Link: One-Way Ticket to Ho Chi Minh

6:30 PM: Arrival in Vung Tau. Check-in at your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 3: Vung Tau City Tour

Explore the coastal charm of Vung Tau City!

Morning Tour:

• Thuy Van Beach / Nali Beach / Back Beach – Relax and swim in pristine waters.

• Jesus Christ Statue (847 Steps) – Challenge yourself to the top for a rewarding panoramic view.

• Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple) – A shrine dedicated to whales, reflecting Vietnamese spirituality.

• Bach Dinh Mansion & Nghinh Phong Cape – Spectacular viewpoints and rich history.

Afternoon:

• 5:00 PM: Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. (Book accommodation for 2 nights)

• Long Thanh Cow Milk Rest-stop: Perfect for snacks or souvenirs.

Evening: Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Optional Activities:

• Villa Blanche, Ben Dinh Fishing Village, Hon Ba Island, or Monkey Temple.

Day 4: Mekong Delta Tour

Ready for a day of cultural immersion? Book this tour via Klook: Mekong Delta Tour

Morning:

• 7:30 AM: Departure (By Bus)

• 10:00 AM: Tour starts:

• Cruise to Unicorn Island (Ky Lan)

• Visit the Orchard Garden & Bee Farm (Try honey tea!)

• Rowboat Trip on Small Canals – Quiet, peaceful, and scenic.

• Coconut Candy Workshop – Try their unique candy and coconut wine.

• Tropical Fruit Garden – Enjoy fresh fruits while listening to Southern Vietnamese Folk Music.

• Ride a motorized Rickshaw (Xe Lam).

Lunch: Included in the tour.

• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Drop off at Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.

Evening:

Explore Nguyen Hue Park, Ho Thi Ky Night Market, and Ben Nghe Street Food Market for dinner.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Your last day is all about exploring the city’s iconic spots!

Morning:

• Independence Palace

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

• Saigon Central Post Office

• War Remnants Museum

• Saigon City Hall & City Museum

Afternoon:

• Book Street & Cafe Apartment

• Bach Dang Wharf & Fine Arts Museum

• Tan Dinh Church & Cong Ca Phe

• Le Van Tam Park: Try their famous Papaya Salad.

• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee & Landmark 81

5:00 PM: Dinner / End of Tour

• Hotel Check Out and head to the airport.

• ETD: SGN (Ho Chi Minh) - 9:50 PM

• ETA: MNL (NAIA T3) - 1:45 AM

Travel Tips & Recommendations:

• Best Time to Visit: November to March (Cooler and drier weather).

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

• Packing Essentials: Light clothing, sunscreen, power bank, insect repellent, and comfy walking shoes.

• Must-Try Foods: Banh Mi, Pho, Bun Thit Nuong, Goi Cuon, and Egg Coffee.

I don’t know what it is, but something about this city makes my heart melt and brings tears to my eyes—a hidden gem most people overlook. But the enchantment of Vietnam doesn’t end with Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. To truly understand its charm, you need to explore beyond the surface, savor its rich and flavorful cuisine, and experience the warmth and discipline of its people (at least from what we encountered).

Their transportation system is impressively organized, with private and public cars separated from motorcycle lanes, making travel seamless and convenient. The bustling backpacker areas are alive with energy, perfect for partygoers, while the aroma of their coffee fills the air, bringing a smile to your face—especially if you’re a coffee lover like me.

In Vietnam, every corner tells a story where ancient traditions and modern experiences coexist. Each encounter creates memories and connections that linger long after the journey ends. As we rode back to the airport, our Grab driver spoke with genuine sincerity, “Even if they gave me a free ticket and free accommodation, I wouldn’t leave here. I would stay.”

His words struck a chord in me. I had found not just a destination but a place that touched my soul—a gentle reminder to be grateful even for the smallest moments.

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” - Ibn Battuta