Planning a break from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City? You’re in luck! Within a few hours of the city, you can discover amazing places that show you the real Vietnam. From floating markets full of colorful boats to underground tunnels with incredible history, there’s something for every type of traveler.
π Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City:
- π Luxury Hotel:Β Hotel Grand Saigon
- β¨ 5-Star:Β Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon
- π¨ 4-Star:Β Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa
- ποΈ 3-Star:Β Nicecy Hotel
- πΈ Cheap:Β Triple E Hotel Metro Ben Thanh
- π’ Apartment:Β Woody House Saigon Center
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ For Families:Β Fusion Suites Saigon
- π© For Couples:Β Silverland BαΊΏn ThΓ nh
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite day trips that are perfect for escaping the city noise. These trips are easy to plan and won’t take more than a day of your time – perfect for adding some adventure to your Vietnam journey.
π Best Guided Tours from Ho Chi Minh City:
- Mekong Delta Normal Group Tour: MyTho & BenTre Full Day from $ 28 (β 4.5/5)
- Small-Group Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City from $ 35 (β 4.5/5)
- One Day Exploration of Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels from $ 65 (β 4.7/5)
- Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Guided Tour from $ 69 (β 4.5/5)
- Cao Dai Temple to Cu Chi Tunnels One Day Tour from $ 65 (β 4.5/5)
Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
1. π΄ Mekong Delta (Ben Tre & Cai Be Floating Market)
Visit duration: 6-7 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (85 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
River Life: The mighty Mekong Delta unfolds as a mesmerizing maze of waterways, where traditional Vietnamese life flows at its own peaceful pace. Narrow canals wind through lush tropical landscapes, connecting floating markets, rustic villages, and endless fruit orchards. Entry fees: 250,000 VND ($10) for the boat trip.
Local Markets: Cai Be floating market springs to life at dawn when dozens of wooden boats laden with fresh produce create a vibrant waterborne bazaar. The best photo opportunities come between 6-8 AM when local traders showcase their goods by hanging them on long poles called “beo”. Market hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, peak activity before 8:00 AM.
Cultural Highlights: Experience the authentic lifestyle of South Vietnam through hands-on activities (included in most tours, 850,000-1,200,000 VND/$35-50):
- Coconut candy making demonstrations
- Rice paper production
- Honey tea tasting (free samples included)
- Traditional musical performances (2 shows daily: 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM)
- Rice wine sampling
- Fruit garden visits (seasonal fruits included)
Delta Transportation: The region offers various ways to explore its waterways and villages. Small sampan boats (300,000 VND/$12 per hour) provide intimate canal tours, while larger vessels accommodate group excursions. Cycling routes through orchard-lined paths offer a different perspective of delta life. Bike rental: 100,000 VND ($4) per day.
β Best Activities
Mekong Delta Normal Group Tour MyTho BenTre Full Day: Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta with visits to floating markets, traditional villages, and coconut candy workshops. Experience authentic Vietnamese culture through boat rides, fruit tasting, and local interactions while exploring the maze-like waterways of Ben Tre province.
2. π―οΈ Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Experience
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 hours (70 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
War History: This vast network of underground passages stands as a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity during the Vietnam War. The complex spans over 250 kilometers with multiple levels reaching up to 10 meters deep. Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Entrance fee: 110,000 VND ($4.5).
Tunnel Network: The restored sections showcase an intricate system of living quarters, meeting rooms, and military planning areas. Visitors can explore the widened sections of tunnels, though even these modified passages give a sobering sense of the original conditions. Guided tours: 320,000 VND ($13) per person.
Combat Tactics: The site features fascinating displays of military equipment and defense mechanisms (museum entry included in ticket price):
- Bamboo spike traps
- Camouflaged entrances
- Guerrilla warfare techniques
- American military vehicles
- Underground kitchens (cooking demonstrations at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM)
- Communication systems
Visitor Experience: Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. The Ben Dinh section provides the most comprehensive tourist facilities, including guides who share detailed historical insights. Shooting range available (extra cost: 400,000 VND/$16 for 10 bullets).
β Best Activities
Small Group Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: Discover the incredible underground network of Cu Chi Tunnels on this intimate small-group tour, where you’ll explore war-time passages, see military artifacts, and learn about Vietnam’s resilient history. Perfect for history enthusiasts seeking an authentic Vietnam War experience.
3. ποΈ Saigon Beach Escape: Vung Tau
Visit duration: 8-10 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (120 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
Coastal Charm: This bustling coastal city offers a perfect blend of beach life and cultural attractions. The refreshing sea breeze and palm-lined shores provide a welcome escape from Ho Chi Minh City’s urban intensity. Best visited March-September during dry season.
Beach Activities: Bai Sau (Back Beach) stretches for kilometers along the peninsula’s eastern shore, offering water sports and beachfront dining. The waters are calmest between March and September, perfect for swimming and windsurfing. Water sports rental: 150,000-500,000 VND ($6-20) per hour.
City Attractions: Beyond the beaches, Vung Tau boasts remarkable landmarks (average entrance fees 50,000-100,000 VND/$2-4):
- Christ the King Statue (open 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Lighthouse on Nui Nho Mountain (best at sunset)
- White Palace (closed Mondays)
- Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda (free entry)
- Front Beach seafood market (busiest 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Ho May Culture and Ecotourism Park (cable car: 400,000 VND/$16)
Travel Tips: The hydrofoil ferry from Bach Dang Wharf offers the quickest route (90 minutes, 250,000 VND/$10), while buses provide budget-friendly alternatives (80,000 VND/$3.5). Weekday visits mean fewer crowds and better accommodation rates. First ferry departs at 6:00 AM, last return at 4:00 PM.
β Best Activities
One Day Exploration of Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels: Combine two of Vietnam’s most fascinating sites in one day – witness the unique noon ceremony at the colorful Cao Dai Temple and explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels network. This tour offers both cultural and historical insights into the rich heritage of south of Ho Chi Minh.
4. πΏ Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
Visit duration: 5-6 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 hours (60 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
UNESCO Heritage: Just an hour away from the bustling streets of Saigon lies a true natural wonder – a 75,740-hectare wetland paradise that earned its UNESCO status in 2000. This remarkable sanctuary serves as Ho Chi Minh City’s green lungs, and trust me, it’s worth every minute of your time.
Wildlife Encounters: The reserve hosts an impressive array of creatures in their natural habitat. The crocodile farm and monkey sanctuary offer guaranteed sightings, while lucky visitors might spot rare fishing cats and migratory birds. Entry fee: 180,000 VND ($7.5), including wildlife areas.
Eco Activities: The reserve offers various environmental experiences:
- Mangrove boardwalk trails (60,000 VND/$2.5)
- Bird watching towers (best 6:00-8:00 AM)
- Bat sanctuary visits
- Salt marsh walks
- Riverboat tours (320,000 VND/$13 per hour)
- Monkey feeding sessions (11:00 AM and 3:00 PM)
Local Experience: Traditional fishing village visits showcase local life in the wetlands. The seafood restaurants serve fresh catches daily, with peak dining times between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Boat tour booking required 24 hours in advance.
β Best Activities
Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group guided Tour: Journey through the lush Mekong Delta in an intimate group setting, exploring hidden canals, visiting local workshops, and experiencing authentic rural life. This tour offers a more personal experience with local families and includes traditional music performances.
5. π― Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 2.5 hours (96 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
Sacred Architecture: The Great Temple in Tay Ninh is a mind-blowing fusion of styles that’ll leave you speechless. With its vibrant exterior and intricate dragon columns, this place is truly one-of-a-kind.
Religious Ceremonies: Four daily ceremonies occur at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 12:00 AM. The noon ceremony attracts the most visitors, featuring chanting and musical performances. Photography allowed from the balcony only.
Temple Features: The nine-level structure symbolizes the nine steps to heaven in Cao Dai beliefs:
- Main prayer hall
- Meditation areas
- Holy See chamber
- Divine Eye symbol
- Ceremonial spaces
- Religious art displays
Visitor Access: Direct buses run from Ho Chi Minh City’s western bus terminal (70,000 VND/$3). Guided tours typically combine this with Cu Chi Tunnels visits. Best visited between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
β Best Activities
Cao Dai Temple to Cu Chi Tunnels one day tour: Experience the fascinating contrast between spiritual and wartime history as you visit the architecturally stunning Cao Dai Temple and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels in one comprehensive day tour. Perfect for travelers seeking to maximize their cultural exploration of Southern Vietnam.
6. β°οΈ Ba Den Mountain
Visit duration: 6-7 hours / Travel duration: 3 hours (96 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
Mountain Complex: Looking for an escape from Saigon’s concrete jungle? Let me introduce you to Black Virgin Mountain – a 986-meter giant that boasts Vietnam’s longest cable car system. This extinct volcano has become the go-to weekend getaway for nature-loving locals.
Sacred Sites: The mountain houses over 30 Buddhist temples and pagodas, with the ancient Ba Den Temple being the most significant. Temple visiting hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM, busiest during full moon festivals.
Adventure Options: The mountain provides various exploration choices:
- Cable car summit route
- Traditional hiking trails (2-3 hours up)
- Rock climbing areas
- Pagoda pilgrimage path
- Mountain viewing platforms
- Sunset observation points
Peak Experience: The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding Tay Ninh province and Cambodia border. Best photography conditions occur early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM). Restaurant and rest facilities available at middle station.
7. π Ho Tram Beach Escape
Visit duration: 7-8 hours / Travel duration: 2.5 hours (125 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
Beach Paradise: Ho Tram Beach offers a perfect escape from the city with its pristine shoreline and fewer crowds than Vung Tau. This emerging destination combines natural beauty with modern comforts.
Beach Activities: The 10-kilometer stretch of white sand offers various activities:
- Beach volleyball courts (free)
- Surfing lessons (400,000 VND/$16 per hour)
- Jet ski rental (600,000 VND/$25 per 30 minutes)
- Beach camping spots
- Sunset fishing trips
- Beachfront massage services
Local Highlights: The area features several attractions:
- Binh Chau Hot Springs
- Coastal fishing villages
- Local seafood markets
- Nature reserve walks
- Golf courses
- Beach clubs
Travel Tips: Early morning buses depart from District 1 (150,000 VND/$6). Private cars offer the most flexible option at 1,200,000 VND ($50) round trip. Best visited between November and April when seas are calmest.
8. π¦ Cat Tien National Park
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 4 hours (150 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
Wildlife Haven: Ready for a walk on the wild side? Cat Tien National Park stands as one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves, home to gibbons, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. This UNESCO-recognized site offers a complete contrast to city life.
Nature Activities: The park provides various ecological experiences:
- Wildlife watching tours (600,000 VND/$25)
- Night safari tours (750,000 VND/$30)
- Bird watching excursions
- Cycling trails
- Crocodile lake visits
- Gibbon tracking tours
Park Features: The sanctuary includes multiple attractions:
- Botanical gardens
- Ancient trees
- Bear and primate rescue centers
- Research station
- Camping grounds
- Educational center
Visitor Information: Park entry: 250,000 VND ($10), camera fee: 50,000 VND ($2). Best visited during dry season (December-April). Early morning arrival recommended for wildlife spotting. Advance booking required for overnight stays in park lodges.
Practical Information
Transportation Overview: Here’s a comprehensive comparison of ways to reach popular destinations from Ho Chi Minh City center:
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best Transport | Cost (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mekong Delta | 85 km | 2 hours | Bus/private car | $10-15 |
| Cu Chi Tunnels | 70 km | 1.5 hours | Bus/private car | $8-12 |
| Vung Tau | 120 km | 2 hours | Hydrofoil/bus | $10-20 |
| Can Gio | 60 km | 1.5 hours | Bus/private car | $8-15 |
| Cao Dai Temple | 96 km | 2.5 hours | Bus/private car | $10-15 |
| Ba Den Mountain | 96 km | 3 hours | Bus/private car | $12-20 |
Best Time to Visit: The ideal months for taking day trips from Ho Chi Minh City are between December and April during the dry season. This period offers enhanced opportunities to explore destinations away from the bustling city, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Cost Considerations:
- Local buses provide the most budget-friendly option (60,000-120,000 VND per trip)
- Private car rentals offer flexibility but cost around 600,000 VND per day
- Organized tours range from $20-50 USD, including transportation and guide
- Boat rides for floating markets: 300,000-400,000 VND per vessel
Essential Booking Tips:
- Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat and rain
- Reserve hydrofoil tickets to Vung Tau at least one day ahead
- Choose weekday visits for fewer crowds and better rates
- Combine destinations (like Cu Chi Tunnels with Cao Dai Temple) for better value
- Check last transport times (especially for public buses which often end service by 5:30 PM)
Seasonal Considerations: The monsoon season from May to November brings brief but intense afternoon showers. While this means lower prices and fewer tourists, it can impact outdoor activities and boat rides along the Mekong Delta region.
βFAQs about Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
What is the best time to visit Cai Rang floating market near Ho Chi Minh City?
The prime time to visit Cai Be and Cai Rang floating markets is between 6:00-8:00 AM when traders are most active. December to April offers the best weather conditions with low rainfall and comfortable temperatures, as shown in the seasonal weather chart.
How far are the main day trip destinations from Saigon?
According to the transportation comparison table, most popular destinations like Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh are within 60-120 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City center. The closest attraction is Can Gio Mangrove Forest at 60 km, while Vung Tau is the furthest at 120 km.
What are the typical costs for organized day tours from Ho Chi Minh City?
The tour price comparison chart shows that basic day trips like Cu Chi Tunnels start at $25, while comprehensive tours to Cat Tien National Park cost around $60. Most popular destinations like Mekong Delta and Tay Ninh average between $30-40, including transportation and guide services.
How do I plan transportation for day trips to Black Virgin Mountain and Tan Lap floating Village?
Based on the transportation table, bus and private car services are the most reliable options, with journey times ranging from 2-3 hours. Private car rentals offer more flexibility for visiting multiple attractions but cost more than public transportation.
Which destinations can be combined in a single day trip?
The Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh can be effectively combined with Cu Chi Tunnels, while Cai Be floating market pairs well with other Mekong Delta attractions. The distance map shows these locations are strategically positioned for efficient day tour combinations.
What should I consider when visiting mangrove forests and nature attractions?
The seasonal weather infographic indicates that the dry season (December-April) is optimal for visiting Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Cat Tien National Park. Morning visits are recommended to avoid afternoon rains and high temperatures, particularly during the wet season from May to November.
