An Itinerary: 3D2N solo in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City was the first Vietnamese city I visited.
Funny how I’ve procrastinated visiting Vietnam, and only managed to do so in 2022 as my 41st country when it is a short 3-hour budget flight away from Singapore.
When I realised I had one day of annual leave that could not be rolled over to the following year, a trip to Ho Chi Minh City ensued.
Here’s how my 3D2N long weekend trip to Ho Chi Minh City was. Let’s go!
I visited Ho Chi Minh City in Nov 2022. I revisited Vietnam in Aug 2023 from Hanoi to Hoi An, with the highlight being Hang Son Doong. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!
Background & My Rambles
A metropolis of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic and financial centre and the country’s largest city. The city contributes almost a quarter of the country’s GDP value and is set to welcome more foreign investments.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, used to be the capital of the Republic of Vietnam, when there were two Vietnams following their independence from the French colonists. North Vietnam is known as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, based on the communist ideology, headed by the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. The Republic of Vietnam was supported by the US and seen as a bulwark against the communist influence of China and Russia in Asia.
The two Vietnams were split in the middle at the demilitarized zone (DMZ). I visited DMZ a year later following my visits to the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
After many historical events, including the monstrous Vietnam War that resulted in the deaths of hundred thousands, Ho Chi Minh’s troops captured Saigon and reunified the North and the South.
Now that I’ve visited most of Vietnam – Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City – I’ve concluded that if you’d like to understand more about the atrocities of the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is where the museums are.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, retains its Vietnamese charms with old shophouses, ornate temples, delicious food passed down from generations, and, of course, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the polar opposite of Hanoi, with towering skyscrapers, glitzy offices, and manicured roads.
The Vietnam War intrigued me. It inspired me to make a visit to Laos the following year, where I learnt about the Secret War that the US was involved in, and the terrors of unexploded bombs that still maim and kill others now, decades later, at the COPE museum in Vientiane, Laos.
Best Time to Visit
Southern Vietnam sees torrential rain and wind during the monsoon season of May to November. You could still visit, but the rain makes travelling a hassle.
December to April is the dry season when rain is less frequent and hours of sunshine are longer for sightseeing and outdoor activity.
I visited Ho Chi Minh City in mid-November, and it always poured in the afternoon at around 3 PM.
Admin Matters
Visa
As a Singaporean or someone holding a passport belonging to a country in ASEAN, you do not need a visa to visit Vietnam, but the number of days allowed varies.
For the rest, depending on your country, you may have to arrange for a letter in advance, and then apply for a visa on arrival with that letter. Some may be able to skip the letter or go with an evisa.
Money
Vietnamese dong is the currency used in Vietnam in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000.
Almost all the notes I have my hands on are above the value of 10,000, printed on polymers, with a portrait of Ho Chi Minh on their front. They come in different colours with various landmarks of Vietnam at the back.
It’s very rare to catch small banknotes printed on cotton paper.
Cash is still king in Vietnam, especially in small eateries and markets. You could use credit cards for ride-hailing services, shopping in upscale malls, and eating in restaurants.
Strapped for cash? It’s easy to find an ATM to withdraw cash, with common ones being the green Vietcombank, the purple TP Bank, and the blue-red VietinBank.
ATMs in Ho Chi Minh City could dispense up to 5 million dong per transaction, with fees ranging from 30,000 to 55,000 dong. It was reported that HSBC ATM allows for withdrawals of up to 10 million dong, but you’d have to expect high transactions. I like to browse through Reddit for the latest updates from other travellers.
For my travels in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City and from Hanoi to Hoi An, I relied on the dong I exchanged in Singapore and my credit card.
Data
You’d need data to get around Ho Chi Minh City via ride-hailing services. Most eateries have wifi, but malls almost always charge for wifi.
Pick up your SIM card from Tan Son Nhat Airport or order an eSIM online here.
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
Flight
Plenty of international and domestic flights arrive and depart from Ho Chi Minh City.
The airport is called Tan Son Nhat International Airport, code SGN, and holds both international and domestic terminals. Tan Son Nhat is literally translated as New, Mountain/ High Elevation, Number One.
There are flights from Shenzhen, Busan, Tokyo, Seoul, Perth and Istanbul – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg for international flights!
I took Scoot from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City as it was on sale at S$ 128 one month before the trip. Find your best flight choices from Skyscanner.
Train
The Reunification Express Train that links Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is rated as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
While I’ve not taken the entire route – that would have taken me 2 days! – I’ve experienced a sleeper train journey from Hanoi to Dong Hoi for my Hang Son Doong cave expedition in Phong Nha National Park.
Taking the Vietnamese train is an activity you should try if it can fit into your itinerary. The sleeper train, at least the one I took from Hanoi, was clean and comfortable. I had a good night’s sleep, and it was much better than the unhygienic trains I took in Europe as an Undergraduate, and the sleeper I took from Tbilisi to Zugdidi for my Caucasus trek.
Book your train tickets in Vietnam from 12Go or BaoLau.
Bus
Travelling via the Vietnamese buses is another unique experience.
Prices are reasonable, and you may be surprised that some can be luxurious✨. Most big buses have inclined seats where you can lie down – especially comfortable when travelling long distances. Some even have privacy curtains!
But travelling by bus has its own dangers, especially when travelling at night.
Find your bus tickets in Vietnam from 12Go or BaoLau.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Grab
Grab was my go-to ride-hailing service in Ho Chi Minh City, though there are other ride-hailing apps like Gojek, but Grab is still the biggest there.
It’s reliable, and you could rate the driver at the end of the trip – further incentivising the driver’s performance. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged, and calling for a private car is fast.
To use Grab, download an app and either charge an amount into your account first or tie it to your bank card.
Since I was travelling solo, I got around via a motorbike with a rider when the distance to cover by foot was too long, or I was tired. Prices ranged from 15K – 30K dong within the city on a Grab motorbike (2022). When I travelled to Hanoi with a friend, we went with a Grab car.
Walking
I walk whenever I can for short distances in Ho Chi Minh City. Crossing the busy roads can be daunting, but fear not as long as you pay attention to the traffic lights, cross zebra crossings whenever they are available, or look at the incoming traffic while walking slowly across the busy road, all should be fine.
Running across the road or doing sudden movements is dangerous and increases your chances of getting hit.
Scooter/ Motorbike
Unless you are a seasoned scooter driver in Southeast Asia, this is highly not recommended.
After travelling to Cebu, Bangkok, and Hanoi, I can attest that you must be confident with your scooter to ride the traffic of Ho Chi Minh City.
Make sure your insurance and international licence are sorted out.
Map of Attractions
As with my post on Hanoi, the following sections are a recount of my trip as it was when I took it.
Unlike my 2D1N only-in-Hanoi post, I find Ho Chi Minh City denser and more modern. I ultimately spent just one day and pockets of time after day trips, touring the city.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
My flight landed at 8.30 AM, and it took less than an hour to clear immigration since I did not need a visa.
Getting a Grab motorbike from the airport is impossible, or maybe just ridiculous. I tried, and no motorbike came. In the end, I settled for a Grab car to drop me at my accommodation – 9 Hostel and Bar – in central Ho Chi Minh City. The 8 km journey took more than 30 minutes!
Ben Thanh Market
First on my agenda: to grab a Vietnamese breakfast.
After dropping my bag, I triumphantly crossed my first Vietnamese street towards Ben Thanh Market for breakfast.
All markets are worth exploring anywhere in the world, even the supermarkets. Markets are where locals go for their groceries. Strolling through the aisles of stalls or shelves tells you what the people here eat.
While Ben Thanh Market has gradually become a tourist attraction, you could still get your meal fixed and do souvenir shopping. Remember to haggle and negotiate if something catches your eye. Ask around to find a ballpark figure.
I had my breakfast, an average bowl of beef pho, for 60k dong, but enjoyed my experience of eating in the market.
Cafe Apartment, Partea
Since my check-in time was at 1 PM, I walked to the next attraction of Ho Chi Minh City: a colourful block by Duong Nguyen Hue, or the walking street of Saigon.
Within this building, which reminds me of Lego blocks, are numerous small eateries and cafes.
The ten-story block has an elevator and an old stairwell. From what I’ve read, sometimes a security guard waits by the elevator on the ground floor to collect fees. I saw no one while I was there.
As I wandered through the different floors, one particular cafe struck me as being unusual.
Cafe Partea, located on the 4th floor of the building, is decorated like an English-style tearoom.
The cafe has a wall decorated with whimsical teapots and cups, and another with glass bottles of tea leaves. You get to sniff and pick the tea you’d like, have it in the teapot and cup that caught your eye, and pair it with one of their pastries/ cakes behind the glass shelf.Since that morning was awfully warm, I settled with a cold matcha latte instead of hot tea and had a slice of matcha cake. Cost: 150k dong.
Reunification Palace
With the check-in done, it was back to navigating the roads of Ho Chi Minh City on foot to the next attraction in the afternoon.
The Reunification Palace played a pivotal role in the history of Vietnam. It used to be the residence of the French Colonialists. When the French left, the palace became the fortress of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem.
But the president was unpopular to his people, and the supporting US government. His army tried and failed multiple attempts to kill him, eventually succeeding in 1963.
The next president took over during the Vietnam War but fled for his life shortly after in 1975 – the year the war ended and President Ho Chi Minh took over. The palace physically embodied the end of the war with the dramatic entrance of a North Vietnamese tank rolling through the iron gates of the Palace.
President Ho unified Vietnam in 1976, and Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honour.
While the palace is no longer a residence and serves mainly as a museum, it is closed at times to hold diplomatic receptions.
Check out the underground bomb shelter and war rooms with large maps while you’re there. Of all the attractions, I found the two most intriguing with respect to the wars.
The palace opens every day from 8 AM to 3.30 PM. Ticket costs 65K dong, including the Norodom exhibit. Audio guides are available for rent from the counter. Buffer two hours to make your visit worthwhile!
If you prefer a more personalised experience with a guide, check out this affordable tour with excellent reviews exploring the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
Location: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Saigon Central Post Office
Just two streets or 450 m away from the Independence Palace lies the stately-looking Saigon Central Post Office.
Vietnam’s largest and oldest colonial structure began as a communication building in the late 19th century when the French colonialists established its presence in the state. Featuring a mix of French architecture and Vietnamese designs, the post office commanded a presence despite the crowds when I visited that rainy afternoon.
Within the yellow walls, arch doors and windows, and a clock that claimed to have been running for more than a century is a deep dome chamber with a giant portrait of Uncle Ho (as the locals call him) at the far end.
You could still send a postcard home here, shop at the souvenir shops by the periphery of the chamber, or marvel at the old building from the rows of wooden chairs.
Location: 02 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon
Situated next to the Post Office lies the Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon.
Established by the French in the late 19th century, the Catholic Church was said to be made as a replica of the Notre Dame in France. It underwent several reconstructions over the centuries but has remained intact and a religious stronghold amidst its fast-changing environment.
My visit to this magnificent cathedral over a century old led me to relate to a later visit to another basilica in Cebu City, Basilica del Santo Nino, which was said to be the oldest in the Philippines!
The cathedral was partly covered by scaffoldings during my visit in Nov 2022. As I last checked in July 2024, the cathedral is still under wraps. The church holds a mass every day at 5.30 PM.
Location: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
With the rain eased, I walked along Dong Khoi Road to see if there were any shows in the Opera House.
But the building was decked in red with dancers rehearsing on a temporary stage. They even have cameras on long cranes swivelling around and police patrolling the area!
Designed by the French, the Saigon Opera House, also called the Municipal Theatre, has been operating since 1898.
While I did not catch any shows during my short trip, I learnt that there’s a frequent showing of the Vietnamese version of Cirque du Soleil – the A O show – in the theatre!
Location: 07 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam
Tran Hung Dao Statue
Since I was already so close to the Saigon River, I braced myself to cross the extremely busy Cong Truong Me Linh road to an ‘island’ where the imposing statue of Tran Hung Dao stood.
Tran Hung Dao was a brilliant Vietnamese commander-in-chief responsible for stopping Kublai Khan and his Mongol armies in the 13th century. He inhibited their advances not once but three times!
The charismatic military leader’s ability to arouse the public and thwart foreign threats inspired the North Vietnamese troops centuries later in the Vietnam War. When Saigon was unified under Vietnam, a statue of the general was erected overlooking the Saigon River.
The sight of towering buildings behind the dwarfed statue might be at odds at first sight. It could have been feng shui or maybe just coincidence, but the effect of having modern skyscrapers behind the god-like 13th-century general does create an impression of the man ushering the city towards greater heights.
Location: Công trường Mê Linh, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa
With dinner around the corner, it is time to search for an affordable great nom for a solo traveller in this metropolis!
I called a Grab motor and stopped at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, a 5-minute walk from my hostel.
Looking at the Google review, more than 3,000 people have rated it an average of 4 stars!
When I was there, the queue was almost non-existent, contrary to what others commented, and the only people queuing together with me were the GrabFood riders.
You have to takeaway as it’s just a stall with no seats.
Even though the shop has thousands of reviews, it serves only one variant of Banh Mi. The baguette cost 62K dong (2022) and could feed two adults. I was starving as I rushed back to the hostel with my Banh Mi, but could only finish ¾ before surrendering.
Packed within the crusty baguette were lots of pates and porky slices. The sandwich is so stuffed with meat, that they couldn’t fit in the vegetables and had to pack them separately in a bag.
Along with the sandwich were a glove, a toothpick and a packet of wet tissue.
Thus far, Banh Mi Huynh Hoa serves the biggest Banh Mi I’ve ever encountered.
Location: 26 Đ. Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Bùi Viện
Since the night was still young, I took another Grabmotor to the party street Bui Vien to see what the street looks like in the evening and enjoy an hour-long massage at Coco Care Spa.
The massage was mediocre, and they expected tips. If it’s a relaxing massage you’re looking forward to, have them at Yuri Spa (near the stately statue) given their good reviews.
Crowds started streaming closer to 10 pm, which was high time for nightlife. I saw men in black polos with the word ‘security’ etched behind inviting passersby into their clubs, scantily dressed women dancing on table tops, and heard music booming through the speakers.
Bui Vien was closed to traffic, but a few motorbikes still whizzed through.
Location: Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 2: Mekong Delta
On my second day in Ho Chi Minh City, I booked a day tour to visit the Mekong Delta.
We visited some of the islands in the delta and took part in activities like sampling some exotic whisky, learning how coconut candies were made, and ‘rowing’ down one of the tributaries of the Mekong Delta to the sea.
In all, a day well spent from Ho Chi Minh City.
You could visit the Mekong Delta independently by taking the bus to Can Tho, and then rent a scooter or get around by tuk-tuk. It is impossible to do it within a day via public transport when the bus takes 3 – 4 hours.
In hindsight, the Mekong Delta is best visited as an overnight trip from Ho Chi Minh City, as then you’d be able to visit the Cai Rang floating market in the morning when it is the liveliest.
Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the evenings, I met up with a friend living there, and we had fried rice for dinner by a roadside stall. We walked around the city, with the promenade now transformed into a busy place with buskers and people.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels + War Remnants Museum
On my last full day in Ho Chi Minh City, I booked a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
The Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 45 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-visit as a history lesson to understand the pivotal role the tunnels played in Vietnam’s history: the fight against the French and the Vietnam War.
We dove through the complicated narrow tunnels, learnt about booby traps, and how people then coped with living underground, away from detection and bombs.
My trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels later inspired me to visit another set of tunnels in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) of Vietnam, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a year later. Vinh Moc served the same purpose, but was dug as deep as 30 m underground!
Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa
It was 2 pm when I had lunch at yet another Banh Mi eatery behind my hostel.
Unlike Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Banh Mi Hong Hoa has a variety of sandwiches. I went with their crispy roasted pork.
Their sandwich costs half of Huynh Hoa’s at 35k dong, with comparatively lesser filling but just enough to fill me up.
Location: 54 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
War Remnants Museum
What better way to spend the second half of the day after the Cu Chi Tunnels than to visit the War Remnant Museum and continue the learning journey.
As the article in Lonely Planet puts it, the War Remnants Museum is a space where the victims of US military violence have a place to voice their side of the story.
There are many exhibition rooms within, but the stories and photos, especially those relating to Agent Orange and the US’ secret weapons, are depressing.
Tickets cost 40k dong, and the museum is open from 7.30 AM to 5 PM.
If you prefer a more personalised experience with a local guide, have a look at this tour that explores the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.
While the generational impact of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War has been diluted to none, or at least no longer claiming victims now, the same cannot be said for the bombies left in Laos from the Vietnam War. Hidden unexploded bombs in the farms and forest of Laos are still active and claiming victims of those born after the war, decades later, as I’ve learnt from the COPE museum in Vientiane.
Location: Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Pho Le
For my last meal in Ho Chi Minh City, I travelled beyond District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, where most attractions are, to District 5 for the best pho in town.
You could tell that Pho Le is one of the eateries tourists frequent when the eatery has an English and Chinese menu.
I was tired from the sun and rain combination plus a 150 m crouch dash in the tunnels that day and found my big bowl of pho with generous beefy goodness a comforting meal. The bowl of pho comes with a complimentary free flow of vegetables.
The price errs on the expensive side, at 85k dong, but this is no common pho like the one I had on my first day. This bowl can feed two mildly hungry folks.
Location: 415 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 7, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Other Attractions
Cho Lon Chinatown
There are a handful of cultural attractions I did not visit in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Chinatown, which is in District 5.
Tue Thanh Assembly Hall is one of the oldest Taoist temples in the city. Surrounding the temple are a few more temples and a catholic church with a touch of Chinese influence. At the edge of District 5 is a temple with ten thousand Buddhas worth an exploration.
You’re bound to find lots of yummy Chinese food within District 5.
Tan Dinh Church
I bookmarked Tan Dinh Church, located in District 3, but did not visit due to time constraints.
The church, built in the 1870s, looks beautiful and different from all the other churches in District 1 with its pink facade.
Location: 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show
The Water Puppet Show is a must-watch in Vietnam simply because it is part of their heritage and culture.
I caught mine in Hanoi and heartily enjoyed the performance on Vietnamese folklore. There were musicians at the back playing traditional Vietnamese music, while the puppeteers skillfully manoeuvred their puppets in water. The stage would be lit with firecrackers or shrouded with smoke at times, creating a dramatic display.
In all, a fabulous way to end the evening and a show you should definitely watch while in Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Skydeck
Unlike Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with skyscrapers. With that, there’s bound to be some offering their top levels for panoramic views.
Journey up to the 49th level of Bitexco Financial Tower to Saigon Skydeck and enjoy the unparalleled visage at the top. Make your visit even better by targeting the hour before sunset, when the city is painted a luminous golden, allowing you to experience the view of Ho Chi Minh City before and after dusk.
Aside from Saigon Deck, which can be crowded given its convenient location, there’s also a similarly tall Landmark 81 slightly away from the central.
Accommodation
I can’t praise enough about the hostel I stayed in at Ho Chi Minh City for 3 nights. 9 Hostel and Bar is centrally located within walking distance to most attractions. That was how I got around on my first day! I stayed at their female dorm. The hostel has private rooms too. Vy Da is another hostel in a central location, but not ideal for me since they do not have female dorms.
Those who have had enough of staying in hostels and are looking for affordable rooms, check out Jan Central Point. I find their rooms cosy. Daystar Hotel and 60 Inn Saigon are both located near the Reunification Palace and are highly reviewed for their comfort and hospitality.
And if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City on a pampering vacation, the city is replete with 5-star hotels. I might have gone with the rooms of 4-star Fusion Suites or that of La Siesta – just look at their rooftop pool and immaculate interior!
For ultimate bliss, check out the rooms of The Reverie. The beautifully decorated rooms sure make one live in a state of reverie while in Ho Chi Minh City.
Conclusion/ Rambles
My 3D2N short trip to Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore was a good break from work and my first solo trip after two years when I embarked on my New Zealand adventure! I still get the jitters travelling solo, but Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis and easy for a solo female to navigate in despite not knowing how to speak Vietnamese.
Now that I’ve been to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, I’d have to say that both Vietnamese cities are vastly different. If I were pressed to choose one, Hanoi wins for featuring many well-preserved temples and old houses, and delicious eateries.
Sample Itinerary
If you have 2 -3 weeks to spare for a vacation in Vietnam, here’s an itinerary I’ve thoughtfully put up for your perusal! Book your bus, train or flight tickets with 12Go or BaoLau to hop to the next destination:
- Hanoi. Spend at least two days here to fully appreciate the metropolis of North Vietnam. Hanoi is a great base to jump off to other parts of North Vietnam, like the famed loop of Ha Giang, the beautiful limestones of Ha Long Bay, and the mountainous view of Fansipan at Sapa.
- Phong Nha. Spend a day in Phong Nha to visit their majestic caves. I took a day trip visiting two caves in Phong Nha before diving into Hang Son Doong for the next 4 days.
- Hue. At least a day here too, to tour the intricate tombs and learn about this ancient capital. Between Phong Nha and Hue, I visited the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Vietnam to broaden my learnings of the Vietnam War. You could spend another day in Hue and take a day trip to visit the site.
- Da Nang. To be honest, there’s not much that appeals to me in Da Nang. I took a sightseeing bus from Hue to Hoi An that covers the Marble Mountain alongside several sites. You could spend a night in Da Nang and visit Ba Na Hills the next day or head straight to Hoi An.
- Hoi An. Two to three days here. You could even spend five days in Hoi An to thoroughly explore the region. For example, 1 day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a day to Cham Island or the beach, a day to Ba Na Hills, and one to two days to the outskirts like My Son, Marble Mountains, or do some pottery/ cooking/ silk weaving.
- Da Lat. Two to three days here, depending on your interests. Known as the City of Eternal Springs, visit Da Lat to enjoy the countryside, do some hiking, canyoneering, or kayaking, and swim in its beautiful waterfalls.
- Mui Ne. Visit Mui Ne for the sand dunes.
- Ho Chi Minh City. Three days at least, like what I did, unless you’d like to do it slowly and stay a night in the Mekong Delta.
- Phu Quoc. Best to take a direct flight from HCMC to Phu Quoc. The island is closer to Cambodia than Vietnam on the south, and is a diving destination, at least according to the Vietnamese guides I met. At least two days here, three if you’d like to scuba dive 24 hours before and after a flight. Phu Quoc has one super long non-stop cable car ride that beats the one in Ba Na Hills at 7899.9 m!
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