Vietnam is more exciting: 5 beautiful scenic spots around Ho Chi Minh City for a wonderful day trip

Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it’s known to locals) is a bustling city that never sleeps. Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to see the picturesque Vietnamese countryside and visit some historic sites, which will allow you to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon. There are many affordable excursions to choose from, such as exploring the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, cruising along the Mekong Delta, or spending a weekend at the beaches of Vung Tau. The five destinations mentioned below are all popular choices worth considering. Of course, you can also customize your own itinerary and enjoy a quiet time around Saigon.

Day Trips around Ho Chi Minh City | Cu Chi Tunnels



One of Vietnam’s oldest and most popular tourist attractions, the Cu Chi Tunnels were originally used by Vietcong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visiting this maze-like tunnel system gives you an immersive understanding of the tough fighting life of the Vietcong soldiers. Why not try to walk through the tunnels and understand why the tunnels became a vital supply route and shelter, and even set many traps for the US military. There is also an open-air weapons museum nearby where you can learn more about the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Vietnam War. Nowadays, the Cu Chi Tunnels are equipped with many special facilities for visitors to choose from, such as shooting ranges, paintball games, 4D cinemas, swimming pools, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes.

Cu Chi Tunnels is about an hour's drive from Ho Chi Minh City. You can book tours directly at most hotels and travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels are open from 7 am to 5 pm. Weekday admission is 90,000 VND (about $3.83 USD), which includes the tunnel and museum. Additional activities require additional fees.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Delta



Discover a side of Vietnam you never knew existed on a Mekong Delta cruise. Not only is Can Tho a historic city located at the end of one of the world’s longest rivers, the Mekong, it’s also home to more than half of Vietnam’s rice and fish. Take a boat trip through the Mekong River villages, explore floating markets, and sample delicious South Vietnamese street food. There’s nothing more pleasurable than taking in the unique flavor of Vietnam’s countryside while strolling or boating.

The Mekong Delta is about 3.5 hours southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The easiest way to get to the region is by bus, and tours can be booked in Ho Chi Minh City, with many packages including round-trip transportation, a cruise, and a full day of activities.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City | Cái Bè Floating Market



The Cái Bè Floating Market ("Cái Bè" means bamboo raft) offers more than just shopping. The area is a scenic tourist paradise on the Mekong River, and day trips from Ho Chi Minh City can include kayaking, cooking classes, or cycling to explore nearby villages. Of course, the floating market is also the main reason why many tourists come to Cái Bè. Watch locals bargain with vendors of all sizes, taste a variety of street snacks, and buy cheap and unique travel souvenirs to leave a unique Mekong memory.

Cái Bè Floating Market is located about 2 hours southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The market is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but if you want to buy fresh produce and seafood, early morning is the best time.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City | Vũng Tàu



If you’re looking for a beach town with a laid-back weekend and a lively nightlife, the coastal city of Vung Tau is the place to go. Located on a peninsula in the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam), Vung Tau is a popular destination for Saigon locals and offers a wide range of options for both the budget and budget conscious. Vung Tau is a great place to spend your money, with many affordable hotels and free activities, such as hiking to Christ Hill (located on Small Mountain), which features a 105-foot-tall statue of Christ overlooking the South China Sea. Nearby is Big Mountain, which has a spectacular view and is home to a theme park, temples, and numerous historical sites and trails. You can easily spend a whole day at Big Mountain.

Vung Tau is about a 2-hour ferry ride or 2.5-hour bus ride southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Whichever way you choose to get there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City | Can Giờ



One of the quickest and most satisfying day trips from Ho Chi Minh City is to explore Can Giời. This island is a member of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and is home to dozens of rare species of plants and animals. Birdwatchers love to visit this wetland, while adventurous travelers also come to see saltwater crocodiles. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the area's mangroves. This wetland biosphere encompasses a vast area with so many activities to experience that even a day here is not enough!

Can Giời is located south of Ho Chi Minh City, and one of the best ways to explore the area is by bus.

Monkey Island – Be ready to snap some monkey photos! However, these monkeys are clever and playful, so be careful not to let them steal your belongings! Giant Bat Lagoon – You can join some jungle adventures here, and even speedboats can take you to the middle of the river to feed crocodiles! Rừng Sác – This former guerrilla base was strategically important during the Vietnam War, and you can join a historical tour to learn more about it.