Here is a staycation itinerary for a relaxing getaway, suggested by a local tour guide in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1:
Morning
Start your day by having breakfast in District 1, the heart of the city. Indulge in a bowl of northern-style pho, a familiar yet vacation-worthy dish. Near the bustling Bui Vien street and Ben Thanh market, you’ll find Pho Phat Tai on Tran Hung Dao street. They specialize in pho with a broth that’s sweetened by naturally occurring sá sùng, spiced with ginger, onion, cinnamon, star anise, and black cardamom, and served with basil, reminiscent of the traditional Hanoi pho. Prices start at 80,000 VND per bowl.
Northern-style pho with the sweet taste of sá sùng and basil. Photo: Phở Phát Tài
After breakfast, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at nearby cafes such as Little HaNoi Egg Coffee and SaiGon Sun Egg Coffee on Yersin street, or Hat Ca Lan on Tran Hung Dao street.
Noon
For lunch, try Com Nha Tu, a hidden gem located in an alley on Vo Van Tan street, District 3. This restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. Com Nha Tu offers a unique dining experience with a traditional Vietnamese menu and a cozy, old-style house ambiance. Most of their guests are foreigners, mainly from China, Japan, and Korea. The restaurant is adorned with traditional patterned blankets, old-style wooden furniture, and paintings of famous landmarks, giving it a touristy feel. Prices start at 150,000 VND per person.
After lunch, check into your hotel at 2 pm. A staycation wouldn’t be complete without a change of scenery, so choose a hotel in the central districts of 1 or 3. For a luxurious experience, consider Le Meridien Saigon or The Myst in District 1, or try Do Thanh Residence and Hotel des Arts Saigon in District 3, with prices ranging from 1.5 million to 5 million VND per night.
District 1 hotel with a view of the Saigon River and Ba Son Bridge. Photo: Le Meridien Saigon
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon relaxing and rejuvenating with a visit to a spa in District 1. You can either walk in or make reservations through online travel apps. Prices vary from 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND depending on the treatment.
Evening
For a change of pace, head to Thao Dien and Sala in Thu Duc City, just a 15-minute drive from District 1. These areas offer a variety of dining and entertainment options in a secluded setting.
Thao Dien is a great choice for dinner, offering a diverse range of multicultural cuisines. Try I Hate Monday for fusion cuisine, Yeshi for Taiwanese food, Buongiorno for Italian dishes, or Simple Place for a taste of Mexico.
An exhibition space with a Van Gogh painting recreated using light technology. Photo: Hieu Nguyen Tran
After dinner, immerse yourself in art and technology at Metashow in Sala, just 2 kilometers from Thao Dien. This exhibition features 30 spaces dedicated to the famous works of Vincent Van Gogh, enhanced with AI, VR, AR, and 3D mapping technologies for a multisensory experience. The exhibition also utilizes mirrors on the floor, walls, and ceiling to create infinite reflections. Tickets are 490,000 VND on weekdays and 590,000 VND on weekends.
Day 2:
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or head to Chill Corner Tao Dan in District 3 for a green escape. Surrounded by lush greenery, this spot is perfect for a relaxing breakfast and coffee amidst the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City’s heat. They offer specialty drinks and light snacks, with prices starting at 150,000 VND.
After breakfast, go shopping at old apartment buildings or fashion streets like 26 Ly Tu Trong, Ton That Thiep, Nguyen Trai, and Nguyen Van Trang in District 1, or Huynh Van Banh in Phu Nhuan District.
Noon
At noon, check out of your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts or browse the books at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.
Two Reunification Express Trains Meet in Da Nang
Emerging from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the SE1 and SE4 trains come together in a symbolic reunion, mirroring the unification of the nation. This evocative encounter, reminiscent of a bygone era, takes place in Da Nang at noon on April 30th, echoing a nation’s journey towards unity and harmony.
5 Chinese Temples in Ho Chi Minh City Popular During the Lunar New Year
Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City boasts a plethora of centuries-old temples, meticulously preserving Chinese architecture and cultural traditions. These temples, nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant Chinatown, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Chinese community and attract visitors seeking cultural immersion and blessings for the new year.
The Market that Stood the Test of Time: From a Riverside Temporary Setup to the Heart and Soul of Saigon
Ben Thanh Market, nestled in the heart of District 1, boasts a historical legacy spanning over a century. It is a vibrant hub, synonymous with the energetic pulse of Saigon. Beyond being a bustling trading center, the market captivates visitors with its delectable specialties and a myriad of quintessential Vietnamese souvenirs, beckoning explorers eager for a unique discovery.
The Heart of Saigon: A Bustling Year-Round Market, Affectionately Known as the “Market for the Wealthy” Remains a Vibrant Hub of Activity.
Nestled in the heart of bustling Saigon, Tan Dinh Market is not just a historic marketplace but also a cultural icon intertwined with the city’s history. Beyond being a familiar shopping destination, it serves as an ideal rendezvous point for those eager to delve into the everyday lifestyle and charm of the Saigonese.
Explore the Hidden Underground: A Historical Adventure at Cu Chi Tunnels
As a unique underground military construction, the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site stands as a symbol of Vietnamese patriotism and resilience during the war. This site takes us back in time and brings to life the nation’s proud history.
