Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary – Part 2: Day Trips Outside Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary –
Part 2: Day Trips Outside Saigon

Having spent your first few days in Saigon centre, it is now the time to explore away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City which is a perfect base for traveling around the south of Vietnam. We recommend you to book any of the tours below with a reputable tour guide for an enjoyable and educational experience

MEKONG DELTA

With a tour to the Mekong Delta, you’ll see this fascinating landscape made up of rivers, islands, and swamp land and what life is like for those who live there. You’ll enjoy a boat ride through the network of rivers in the delta to different islands, where you can experience the rural lifestyles of the people. This may include wandering through local gardens or listening to performances of folk music. A highlight of a visit here is floating through canals lined with water coconut trees in a traditional rowing boat.

CU CHI TUNNELS

After a visit to the War Remnants Museum, making a day trip to the famed Cu Chi Tunnels is a natural choice. These tunnels to the north of the city were built by the Viet Cong soldiers to help fight the US forces. Very much a maze of narrow tunnels, the soldiers didn’t just use the tunnels for combat, but also as living spaces and supply routes. You can actually experience what one of these tunnels was like by going down into one and walking through.

CAO DAI TEMPLE IN TAY NINH

Seeing the Cao Dai Temple is bound to be a wholly unique experience. The religion of Caodaism is exclusive to southern Vietnam and was founded there in 1926. Caodaism borrows elements from other major world religions. On a visit to the temple you can see all these elements in the design of the buildings and in the way religious services take place. From an upper balcony in the temple, you can sit in on a prayer service, listen to Vietnamese music, and experience a formal service inside the brilliantly vibrant hall.

CAN GIO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

One of the better things to see in Vietnam outside of Ho Chi Minh City, this biosphere reserve has been recognized by UNESCO for its wildlife and biodiversity. The main attractions for visitors to this wetland reserve are the Giant Bat Lagoon and the Vam Sat Mangrove Forest. Through a mix of walks and row boat rides, you’ll get to see the ecosystems of Can Gio and have the opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and crocodiles.

Each city offers a lot of attractions that can satisfy people of many interests, from sight seeing to sports to arts, there’s something for everyone. For a detailed curated experience during your visit, please use the printed guide book left at your Homes by IDG home or ask us any questions at homes@idogood.ca