Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – also known as Saigon – serves as the gateway to the vibrant southern reaches of this slender Southeast Asian nation. HCMC is renowned for its lively nightlife, exceptional dining, rich history, and French-era architecture. Visitors can easily spend delightful days enjoying delicious noodle soups and strolling along centuries-old streets, remnants of the Indochina era.
Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City is the access point to southern Vietnam and the extensive, waterlogged Mekong Delta, famous for its colorful markets, wartime relics, and stunning nature reserves. Various bus routes crisscross the countryside surrounding Vietnam’s southern capital, and numerous tour agencies provide diverse itineraries, facilitating seamless excursions. Here’s a guide to the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Get a Taste of the Vietnamese Countryside at Ben Tre and My Tho
Travel Time: 2 Hours
If you’re short on time for an overnight visit to the Mekong Delta, the sister cities of Ben Tre and My Tho, located two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City, offer a rewarding glimpse into southern rural life. Ben Tre, known as the Coconut Capital of Vietnam, lies across the Mekong River from My Tho. Both cities provide an enchanting getaway centered around fruit orchards, local pagodas, cottage industries, and charming rural villages off the main highway.
The four inhabited river islands between Ben Tre and My Tho host bee farms, coconut candy factories, and picturesque orchards where you can sample tropical fruits while enjoying performances by Vietnamese folk singers. Explore these islands through boat tours with local operators or eco-resorts that offer horse-drawn rides connecting various attractions.
Ben Tre is famous for its diverse coconut-based products, ranging from souvenirs to coconut candy. Visitors can witness artisans crafting the sweet treats firsthand, and they should try the specialty noodle soup known as hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, featuring chewy rice noodles topped with shrimp, pork, offal, and a bounty of fresh vegetables. Don’t miss the striking Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, located about 1 km (0.6 miles) east of the center, which showcases a magnificent Buddha statue.
How to Get to Ben Tre and My Tho from HCMC:
- For motorcycle enthusiasts, take a scenic route two hours south on the Quoc lo 1A, allowing for unique detours to less-touristy spots.
- Alternatively, opt for comfortable air-conditioned private buses or mini-vans, available for approximately VND90,000.
- Boat tours can be easily arranged in both cities, or organized day trips from HCMC can be booked through local guesthouses or travel services for around US$20, often including lunch.
2. Relax in Style at Vung Tau’s Beaches
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Historically known as Cap Saint-Jacques, Vung Tau is the closest beach destination to Ho Chi Minh City. Notable for its long list of attractions—including a colossal statue of Jesus, a vintage lighthouse, and an amusement park—the main allure of Vung Tau lies in its pleasant city beaches.
While many beachfront areas are lined with seafood restaurants providing beach chairs for customers, the Beach Club at the Imperial Hotel offers a taste of luxury. Modeled after a Roman bathhouse, it features an infinity pool and ample sun loungers available through an affordable day pass.
If you’re seeking more tranquil beaches, head to Ho Tram, an emerging resort area approximately 40 km (25 miles) east of Vung Tau, which features various resorts from upscale mega-hotels with golf courses and casinos to cozy accommodations offering serene beach access. During weekdays, you can almost have the beach to yourself at locations like River Ray Estates.
How to Get to Vung Tau from HCMC:
- The journey can be undertaken via the fast Greenlines boat or economical mini-vans, both taking about two hours.
- Mini-vans typically provide central hotel drop-off in Vung Tau, and once there, taxis offer a convenient way to explore local sights.
3. Discover the Wartime Tunnels of Cu Chi
Travel Time: 3 Hours
Constructed over 25 years by North Vietnamese forces, the extensive tunnel network of Cu Chi—spanning 250 km (155 miles)—stands as an extraordinary engineering feat and a vital wartime historical site. A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels illuminates the tactics employed by Vietnamese farmers in their remarkable resistance against one of history’s most formidable military powers.
Upon arrival, the seemingly unimpressive surface belies the complex underground system accessible via steep steps that descend into narrow tunnels leading to bunkers, living quarters, and even hospitals. This underground sanctuary facilitated North Vietnamese forces in executing surprise attacks and subsequently disappearing from sight, providing a thought-provoking experience for visitors.
How to Get to Cu Chi from HCMC:
- Two sections of the tunnel network are available for exploration: Ben Dinh, which is more frequented due to its proximity to HCMC, and Ben Duoc, which attracts more locals.
- Both sections are reachable using public bus #13 from September 23 Park, transitioning to buses #63 or #79 for specific destinations. Alternatively, taxis offer a more direct route, albeit at a higher cost. Guided half-day or full-day tours from HCMC are also an option.
4. Experience Vietnam’s Unique Religion in Tay Ninh
Travel Time: 2 Hours
A delightful add-on to a Cu Chi Tunnel visit, the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh is a stunning temple dedicated to Caodaism—a religion established in Vietnam during the 1920s that integrates elements from various faiths, including Buddhism and Christianity. Graham Greene once likened it to the “Walt Disney Fantasia of the East,” due to its vivid and whimsical architecture.
The temple’s main hall, characterized by dragon-adorned columns and a distinctive blue globe symbolizing the Divine Eye beneath the dome, attracts many visitors. The mural in the entry hall features historical figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Nguyen Binh Khiem, and Victor Hugo, adding to the temple’s intriguing atmosphere.
Devotions occur four times daily, with the noon ceremony being particularly popular among HCMC visitors. Proper attire is recommended while visiting, and permission should be sought before photographing attendees.
How to Get to Tay Ninh from HCMC:
- Tay Ninh is located on Hwy 22, roughly 96 km (60 miles) from HCMC.
- Traveling by public transport entails several bus transfers or taking a more straightforward guided tour from HCMC that may also include the Cu Chi tunnels.
5. Glide Through Mangrove Forests in Can Gio
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Trade the urban landscape for the lush greenery of the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, located about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of HCMC. This extensive wetland ecosystem, functioning as the region’s “green lungs,” houses a rich array of flora and fauna, including unique species like king cobras, saltwater crocodiles, and various birds.
Visitors can traverse the lagoon in rowboats or ascend an observation tower for breathtaking views over the mangroves. Birdwatching opportunities abound, with species such as plovers, kingfishers, and the rare Nordmann’s greenshanks frequently sighted.
How to Get to Can Gio from HCMC:
- Catch public bus #75 from September 23 Park and disembark at Vam Sat Ecopark, or opt for a taxi or organized tour from HCMC.
- Luxury speedboat trips are also available, providing an engaging journey through local riverscapes en route to the mangrove reserve.
