However, visiting Vietnam with a toddler requires thoughtful planning. During my journey there with my young child, I found the locals to be exceptionally warm and accommodating towards children, making it a welcoming place for families.

But it’s important to note that the general infrastructure, food, and commuting methods in Vietnam can be quite different from what many Western families are used to. 

In this article, I’ll share essential tips for planning the perfect trip to Vietnam with a toddler. I’ll cover how to prepare, what to pack, and the necessary precautions, as well as suggest family-friendly places to visit in Vietnam.

Traveling to Vietnam with a toddler – what to expect?

Vietnam is extremely toddler-friendly in some departments and not quite in a few others. So let’s quickly go through what to expect on a trip to Vietnam with your young kid. 

Accommodation 

What I was most impressed with was the easy availability of family rooms across all budgets all over Vietnam. Unlike other countries where you have to look for an VRBO or a joint double room to accommodate you and your little one – you’ll find plenty of rooms in Vietnam that come with multiple beds. 

So booking affordable yet spacious accommodation during your time in Vietnam won’t be a challenge. 

Toilets / Diaper Change Facilities

Toilets all across Vietnam – public and private are surprisingly clean. You can easily take your child for a toilet break. 

If your child is not yet toilet trained – you will still find decent availability of diaper changing stations, and family rooms in most tourist places. 

Diapers – in various sizes and types are also available in shops across all the towns and cities in Vietnam. So you can easily buy diapers as you need those on the go. 

Food and water

Major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon have many supermarkets selling baby food or quick meals like cereals, noodles, and pasta for kids. 

Most restaurants all over Vietnam are happy to customize the food for your kid. They can make it less spicy or can even serve kid-friendly options like sandwiches, noodles, rice, or french fries. 

Language barriers may make communication a bit challenging. But if you use Google Translate – you should be able to manage easily. On Halong Bay cruises – children are looked after very well and the staff is comfortable with English. So you can request food that meets your child’s requirements and the staff would gladly oblige. 

Water in Vietnam is not potable and you must buy a bottle of mineral water all across Vietnam. 

Commute

Public transport within towns and cities is not impressive at all. The best way to commute internally within a town is by car or a scooter. 

This is where you may find Vietnam vastly different from Western countries. Most locals don’t use car seats for their kids and take their little ones on scooters. 

So if you insist on using a car seat – carry one yourself or book from a reputed vendor who can provide you with a car that comes with a car seat. 

Even though we traveled in Vietnam on a scooter with our toddler – we don’t recommend it to you if you are not used to driving through insanely chaotic streets. 

Strollers

Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Hoi An are not stroller-friendly due to their busy and uneven streets. Da Nang might be an exception, but overall, it’s better to opt for a baby carrier or toddler reins, especially in crowded areas.

In addition to this, you should note that 

• It is easy to find a doctor or a pharmacist in major towns all across Vietnam
• It is advisable to apply sunscreen and mosquito repellant when traveling to Vietnam with a little one – the sun can be harsh and you’ll find mosquitoes in areas like the Mekong Delta, the outskirts of Ho An, islands like Phu Quoc, etc. 

Places to see in Vietnam when traveling with a toddler

The best way to travel within Vietnam is by moving either from North to South or from South to North. 

Ideally, if it’s your first time in Vietnam, you should visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. If you have some extra time you could visit Sapa, Phu Quoc Islands, Da Lat, etc. 

But since you will be traveling with a toddler, I recommend that you take into consideration the following factors when booking your trip and finalizing your itinerary 

• Do not hop between too many towns and cities. Traveling with a toddler is exhausting and you don’t want to pack and unpack too often. 
• Book a centrally located accommodation to make commuting hassle-free
• Use flights for internal commute. They are convenient and fast. 
• Travel during the dry season (Avoid June- September for most of Vietnam and October-November for central Vietnam regions like Hoi An and Danang) 

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Vietnam with a toddler. 

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is situated in the heart of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The lake and its surrounding area are the best place for you to spend some time with your toddler. Your toddler can walk around at the promenade, ride a two-wheeler by the lane, participate in the toddler-friendly activities conducted here, buy candies and toys during the evening market, or explore the beautiful Ngoc Son temple with you and marvel at the Red Bridge that connects the temple with the mainland. 

2. Water Puppet Show

Next up, if you think your toddler can stay still for about an hour – take your toddler with you for a water puppet show. The Thang Long water puppet show is the oldest and longest-running water puppet show in Asia and is an excellent place for your toddler to feel amused looking at colorful puppets performing in water. 

Your toddler may not be able to understand the story but you will spend a good time creating unique memories. 

3. Rest of Hanoi

In addition to these experiences, take your toddler around with you for sightseeing all across Hanoi. 

Some places like the Hoa Lo prison museum or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum must be avoided when visiting Vietnam with a young kid – you can take your kid with you to temples, churches, and parks. 

Kids even enjoy spending time at the lively Beer Street in Hanoi where buskers and karaoke performers keep the energy vibrant. You can even take your toddler along with you on a street food tour (avoid the bike tour) where your kid can sample some lovely Hanoian desserts while you enjoy pho, banh mi, banh xeo, egg coffee, and more. There are also plenty of Hanoi cafes that are toddler-friendly. 

4. Halong Bay 

Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, offers a serene and picturesque cruising experience. 

But I don’t recommend a day trip to Halong Bay as it can be quite hectic as a one-way trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes about 3 hours. But what I highly recommend instead is an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. 

A family cruise in Halong Bay can be a relaxing way to see the stunning natural beauty of the area, with activities on board catering to all ages, including toddlers. The cruise provides opportunities for families to explore caves on a bamboo boat, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the scenic views from the deck. 

Plus, most cruises are equipped with top-class amenities including high chairs, toddler-friendly 3-person kayaks, clean showers and bathtubs, and a warm and welcoming staff willing to accommodate all your toddler needs. 

5. Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills, near Da Nang city, is a hill station. This is also the place where you will find the spectacular Golden Hand Bridge. 

This location is perfect for families with toddlers due to its combination of outdoor and indoor attractions, including an amusement park with toddler-friendly rides and activities. You can typically spend a full day here, enjoying the various attractions, gardens, and architectural marvels. 

Even the cable car journey to Ba Na Hills offers spectacular views, which can be a delightful experience for the little ones.  

6. Rest of Da Nang

Da Nang, as a whole, is a toddler-friendly place. Its vast coastline ensures that toddlers get to spend plenty of time on the beaches – building sand castles or even running around on the promenades neatly laid out all across the town. 

The dragon bridge is also an exciting attraction for kids – especially if you visit on Saturdays when it spits out fire. 

But places like the Marble Mountains which require climbing over steep steps and slippery roads should be avoided when visiting Da Nang with a toddler. 

7. Hoi An – Ancient Town

Half an hour away from Da Nang is the magical town of Hoi An. Hoi An is particularly toddler-friendly as it turns into a pedestrian town after 3 pm. You can easily walk around with your little ones here after sunset and marvel at the beautiful lighting and the many colorful lanterns. 

A boat ride through the Thu Bon River is also an exhilarating experience for toddlers. Make sure you ask for a life jacket here as commercial boat companies can skimp on basic safety measures. 

You can then visit the Hoi An Night Market and treat your toddler to lovely pancakes. 

8. Rest of Hoi An

The outskirts of Hoi An are also a delight for those traveling with families as there is plenty that you could do with your toddler 

1. Spend a fun day at the An Bang beach 
2. See the coconut village in a fun basket boat with your little one 
3. Go cycling in the lush rice fields 
4. Hop on a buffalo for a short buffalo ride 
5. Attend the majestic Hoi An Memories show with over 500 performers 

9. Cu Chi Tunnels

Seeing Cu Chi Tunnels on this list may come as a shocker to you. The reason why I recommend Cu Chi Tunnels with your toddler is because toddlers can actually explore the entire area. The open spaces, the arms and ammunition, and the old jets are all new for toddlers. Plus,  they don’t even find the tunnels narrow at all for their size, and hence walking across the tunnels is a delightful experience for them. 

So even if they don’t understand the significance of the place, they can give you great company as you see this historically significant site close to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Quick note: Even though many people visit the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta in one day – I find the schedule too hectic for a toddler. There isn’t much for a toddler to admire at the Mekong Delta and hence it is best to keep the trip limited to Cu Chi Tunnels only. 

10. Rest of Ho Chi Minh City

Just like Hanoi, certain places in Ho Chi Minh City are not kid-friendly at all for their disturbing images. One such place you should avoid is the War Remnants Museum. 

But other than that – there is plenty to do in Ho Chi Minh City with your little one. 

• Take a stroll along the Walking Street at night – you’ll find plenty of street performers here. 
• Take your kid to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a fun evening 
• Visit one of the many baby cafes in Ho Chi Minh City where your kid can play on his own while you relax with some snacks and coffee. 
• Visit the book street on a Sunday – it comes to life with many toddler-friendly activities and games conducted all across the street
• Get a thrilling panoramic view of the city from the Bitexco tower. The place also has interactive screens that can keep your toddler amused. 

11. Sa Pa

Sa Pa, located in the northern province of Lao Cai, is known for its terraced rice fields and rich cultural diversity, with several ethnic minorities residing in the area. 

Normally, a trip to Sa Pa involves trekking and can definitely be a bit hectic for those traveling with a toddler. But the area is too scenic to be missed. The best way to plan a trip to Sa Pa is by visiting the place on your own at your own pace instead of booking a round trip from Hanoi. 

Spend some time in nature, take your little one out on walks, interact with locals, and mark the days you spend in Sa Pa for relaxation in an otherwise packed Vietnam itinerary. 

12. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island, situated off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is Vietnam’s largest island, known for its sandy beaches and tropical landscapes. 

The island is particularly suitable for families with toddlers. It has many child-friendly resorts and calm, clear waters, perfect for safe swimming and playing. Visiting this island is excellent for families who are planning a longer vacation in Vietnam or for those who have already visited Vietnam and want a more laid-back vacation. 

Some things to do at Phu Quoc Island with a child are 

• Spending time on the beach
• Exploring the Vin Pearl Safari
• Spend a day at the Vinworld amusement park – one of Vietnam’s largest amusement parks 

Traveling to Vietnam with a toddler – FAQs

Is Vietnam toddler-friendly? 

Vietnam is a toddler-friendly country. From stunning beaches to bustling cities – there are plenty of things to do with kids all across the country. Finding family-friendly accommodation is also not a challenge. The only factors to plan for are the lack of stroller-friendly streets and the unavailability of car seats. 

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam with kids? 

Vietnam is a safe country with hardly any occurrences of major crimes against tourists. The locals are warm and friendly and most are welcoming towards families with young kids. The only extra measures to take in terms of safety are
– drinking safe water as tap water in Vietnam is not potable

– practicing road safety in bustling towns like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi 

– exercising general caution

Guest Author – Vrushali Ketkar is a passionate travel enthusiast and writer with a legal background. On her blog, Couple of Journeys, she crafts detailed and engaging travel content, focusing on helping busy individuals and families maximize their travel experiences. Her insights are aimed at simplifying trip planning and enhancing the joy of travel for all.

Read Next:

What You Need to Know for a Visit to Angkor Wat with Kids

Koh Yao Noi – The Off-Beaten-Path Island in Thailand

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

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With the launch of its first car in 2019, Vinfast has become an up-and-coming player in the automotive industry in record time. They are only four years old and in 21 months they launched three cars. Now, this Vietnam-based company has gained global recognition for their electric SUVs, the Vinfast VF8 and VF9. I had the privilege of going to Vietnam and seeing the Vietnamese car maker in person. They are bringing both of their electric SUVs to market in the United States soon and I got the chance to drive the VF8 for 45 minutes. Let’s take a look at these two vehicles and see if they are worth all the hype.  

Vinfast VF9 – A 3-Row Electric SUV Option

The Vinfast VF9 is an AWD 3rd-row SUV that features a sleek design and quality construction. The interior appears to be spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom for passengers and an adjustable driver’s seat. It also features ample cargo space with an extra storage area on the back side of the vehicle. Underneath, it has an all-wheel drivetrain that helps give it off-road capabilities as well as improved traction in inclement weather. 

The car also comes equipped with advanced safety features such as blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It also boasts impressive performance numbers with its 2.5 liter turbocharged engine capable of outputting 200 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. On top of this, it can get up to 50 miles per gallon as well as having one of the quietest rides on any SUV out there today due to its soundproofing technology.

The VF9 comes with a bigger battery that is built to last 8 – 10 years. If the battery doesn’t last that long, Vinfast will put in a new one. Due to supply chain shortages during the pandemic, Vinfast ended up building its own batteries. The battery comes with a 10-year, 125,000 miles warranty.

Full disclosure: I did not drive the VF9 while I was in Vietnam. I wasn’t even allowed inside of it. This is all information that was provided to me by Vinfast. This picture of it was as close as I got to it. 

Vinfast VF8 – A Spacious Electric Alternative

The Vinfast VF8 is a great choice for those looking for a more spacious electric SUV without sacrificing quality or performance. This model features an exterior design that stands out from other cars on the market while still being understated enough to not draw too much attention when you’re out driving around town. Inside you’ll find plenty of space for passengers along with plenty of cargo room too, thanks to its split rear seats which fold down when you need more room in the trunk. I was extremely surprised at how large the second row was. I think you could get three car sets in it. 

Underneath it has a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine capable of producing 155 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque while still getting up to 40 miles per gallon fuel economy ratings–making it one of the most efficient cars on the market today when it is fully charged! In order to get full acceleration the SUV has to be charged above 80%. Under 80% charge and you will not get peak power.

It also comes equipped with advanced safety features such as blind spot detection, lane departure warning systems, forward collision warning systems, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking which are designed to help keep you safe on your travels around town or down highways alike! There are 11 airbags in the VF8.

I did get to drive this vehicle for just under an hour, but I drove the Vietnamese version of the car, not the American version. I was able to speak to one of the engineers and he shared the following difference you can expect. The American version will have more stability and foam is being added to the tires to achieve less road noise. It will also have one-pedal driving, so when you let off the gas pedal the car slows down, eventually coming to a complete stop. They are also planning to add regenerative braking at some point.

I could never quite figure out how much this SUV was going to cost. I was told three different numbers, but until there’s an American version on the ground for sale we won’t know. One of the numbers I heard was just over 70K but there’s no way, cause it’s not that kind of quality. 

North American Manufacturing is Coming!

Not only are they bringing their electric SUVs to America, but they are also building a manufacturing facility in North Carolina. The first phase will be the vehicle manufacturing plant and the second will be a battery pack manufacturing facility. Due to the pandemic causing chain supply issues, Vinfast ended up making its own batteries. At this point, they make all aspects of the vehicles including everything from the electronics to the plastic!

Vietnam

While I was in Vietnam they took us to experience the extreme uniqueness of the country. And yes, I considered much of what I saw and ate to be much different from other cultures I have been lucky enough to experience. The food was mainly seafood which was a little tough for me since I am allergic to a lot of it. A lot of the seafood they have is not something I’ve ever had before, so since I wasn’t sure what I could eat without issues I basically went borderline vegetarian. Vinfast was very accommodating. I got these baskets of food at each meal which were adorable and tasty.

One of the highlights for me personally was the resorts and hotels we stayed at. It seemed like every time we changed hotels it just kept getting better in various ways.

Vin Pearl Ha Long

The first resort I stayed at was the Vin Pearl Ha Long, situated on its own little island in the world-renowned Ha Long Bay. The views from my patio were incredible. I could see a ton of rock islands not far away. Based on photos I had seen of Ha Long Bay, I assumed you had to venture way out to see them, kind of like you have to do in Thailand in places. I was completely wrong. It’s easy to see from the mainland an extremely short boat ride. Here are the best Halong Bay cruises. 

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

The second place I stayed was in Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. It is an iconic award-winning luxury hotel found right in the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter. I absolutely adored the rooms and the way old-school heritage colonial elements kept it richly decorated. It also had all the modern amenities I happen to need blended in aka Nespresso and a minibar!

From here it was a super short walk to see many things including the famous puppet show, a beautiful park, and tons of street food options. Hanoi is a truly fascinating city. 

Vin Pearl Nha Trang

The third place I stay was another Vin Pearl property but this time I was down south. The Vin Pearl Nha Trang is on one of the best beaches in the entire country. My room was less than ideal, but the patio and the view more than made up for it! It was stunning. One of the days I was able to take a jet ski out into the bay and it was so much fun. I highly recommend it.

It was next to an amusement park that had an epic nighttime show at VinWonders Nha Trang, one of the biggest theme parks in Vietnam.

All in all, both models offer drivers something unique; comfort meets convenience in the Vinfast VF9 while green meets practicality in the Vinfast VF8. Whether you’re looking for something sleek or something utilitarian–there’s definitely something here for everyone! So if you’re looking for a new car that will turn heads down Vietnam’s streets then look no further than either one of these two models from Vinfast!

Read Next:

5-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

18 Virtual Tours of Asia

The post Vietnam with the Vinfast VF8 appeared first on Mommy Travels.

For those willing to take a family trip or private vacation to Ho Chi Minh City, this guide provides you with the necessary information needed to keep your trip from being overwhelming as the best area to stay, places to visit, things to do, and other necessary information will be pointed out in this guide.

Best Time of Year to Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City, just like every other Southeast Asian metropolis is either hot and wet or hot and dry hence the best time I’ll suggest you visit is during the drier months, December to March. This however does not cancel the fact that you can visit Ho Chi Minh City at any time of the year as it is known for its pleasant climate and the rare occurrence of natural disasters unlike other parts of Vietnam.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

There is a large variety of hotels and guesthouses readily available in Ho Chi Minh City due to the large presence of tourists and guests. 

A large majority of the popular hotels are located close to the main attractions that the city boasts of. These hotels are around Districts 1 and 3. 

• The Reverie
• Hotel Nikko 
• Park Hyatt Saigon.
• Villa Song Saigon 
• Papaya Saigon Central Hotel 
• Chez Mimosa boutique 
• InterContinental Asiana Saigon
• Hotel des Arts Saigon- MGallery Collection 
• Caravelle Saigon 
• Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon

5 days in Ho Chi Minh City

This guide aims to expose you to aspects of the city that you would like to explore -the history, the museums and culture, the tunnels, and the various landmarks that the city boasts of.

Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City Culture

Your first day in Ho Chi Minh City should entail you visiting iconic markets and temples. 

Pham Ngu Lao Street 

This street is a very busy area and located on the western edge of District 1 and is popular as a result of the majority of the tourist lodging there. The street, 25- minutes away from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, houses coffee shops, restaurants, tour companies, international bars, motels, hotels, kiosks, pharmacies, and craft shops. 

Pham Ngu Lao Street also provides a nightlife experience as there are a lot of options available for you. You can check out the View Rooftop Bar as it provides an incredible view of the nighttime with a relaxed atmosphere.

Thien Hau Temple 

This temple is dedicated to the Chinese Sea Goddess, Mazu, as she is reputed to providing safety to ships and those on the sea. Colorful dioramas are hung from the ceiling, statues, sculptures, and other artworks that depict Chinese architecture. There are porcelain figurines, courtyards full of burning incense that indicate the mythology and religion of the Chinese.

Bitexco Tower SkyDeck 

Standing as the tallest building in the city at 262m, this tower provides very great views both in the day and at night. The tower houses company offices of financial institutions, shops, restaurants, and a helipad on the roof.

There is a glass observation Sky Desk on the 49th floor which provides viewers with a 360- degrees view of Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River.

Mariamman Temple 

This is the only Hindu temple in the whole city and is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess or Fain, Mariamman. She is believed to bless her visitors with wealth and luck and also protect her own temple. There are various intricately detailed statues of gods and goddesses. The temple is closed between 12 pm and 1 pm so you should plan your time accordingly.

Ben Thanh Market

This is one of the most popular and oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City and is ideal to purchase locally crafted Vietnamese arts and crafts. You can purchase Vietnamese souvenirs and traditional Ao Dai garments here.

There is delicious Vietnamese cuisine, hawker-style food stalls and street eats available. The market provides a lively atmosphere, although it is advisable that you go after the midday sun. 

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City History

Your second day would be spent outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai Temple

This temple is located close to the Cambodian border and showcases a lot of authentic Vietnamese architecture. The temple was built in 1947 and represents Caodaism, a culture that promotes tolerance for all humanity and emphasizes the similarity and equality of all religions. 

Rubik Zoo 

This boasts of a weekend night market in the city. There is lots of outdoor seating, vibrant nightlife, a display of trinkets, clothes, authentic Vietnamese dishes, and others.

Cu Chi Tunnels 

These tunnels boast of underground tunnels that are all networked and were put to use by the Viet Cong soldiers. Some parts of the tunnel have been expanded to accommodate crowds while some others are narrow.

The tunnels are over 120km long and there are various sections that you can visit – underground living quarters, armories, trap houses, and hospitals.

Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City Landmarks

Your third day is to visit the iconic places in the city.

War Remnants Museum 

This is a very important trip as there are exhibits from the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The displays, especially those from the war, are very graphic and serve as a reminder of the damages that war causes and how war changes lives negatively. 

The museum is easy to locate as it is in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Independence Palace

This palace is also known as the Reunification Palace and has a lot of historic symbols. The original palace was built for the then French Governor-General of Indochina in 1868 and it was brought to grounds when it was targeted by the Vietnamese Liberation Army in 1975. This then made way for the Independence Palace to be built on the site. 

Saigon Central Post Office 

This is also the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office and boasts of a well-preserved building. Constructed in the 19th century, the post office stands unchanged. The high ceilings, wooden shutters, arched windows, and other design elements are such a beauty to behold.

Notre- Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

This Catholic cathedral is very popular and located in Paris Square. Fashioned after Notre Dame de Paris, even the materials for her construction were brought in from France. The exterior designs are enough to wow visitors and that is small compared to the interior.

Saigon Opera House 

The Saigon Opera House, also iconic since 1898 has been certified as a National Relic, and is still used to host a lot of performances now including concerts, ballet, bamboo cirque, and cultural performances.

Day 4 – Mekong Delta (a day tour)

Mekong Delta boats of a maze of rivers, islands, and swamps in southern Vietnam. You should visit this part by boat as it houses a couple of floating markets, villages, workshops, farms, pagodas, and friendly locals.

There are tour companies that would show you around for the day, you could use the Mekong Eyes. The tour companies will pick you from your hotel and then take you on a leisurely cruise, explore the traditions of the inhabitants, try out local dishes. The tour costs about USD 110 for adults and USD 80 for kids under 12 and lasts for about 8-9 hours. 

Day 5 – Ho Chi Minh City Food & Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City boasts of a large selection of Pho restaurants. Pho is the famous national dish and you should not leave the city without trying it. Pho is a very delicious meal and made with noodles, broth, chicken or beef, beansprouts and garnish.

Pho 1954 is a very popular spot and there is a guarantee of a tasty bowl of authentic Pho. This restaurant has been in operation since 1954 and has been serving tourists since then, hence the name. 

Asides from the Ben Thanh Market, there is also the popular An Dong Market, famous for its fashion and craft, and also the Bin Tay Market, famous for its array of textile, exotic fruits, and handicrafts.

More Fun Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

• Ho Chi Minh City Hall
• The Café Apartment
• Bai Sai Gon 73
• Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Tan Dinh Church
• Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
• Giac Lam Pagoda
• Bui Vien Street

Getting around the City

This is very important if you want to really enjoy knowing the city. Your trip would take you around the majority of the city and you sure do not want to walk all the way. Ho Chi Minh City provides you with a large network of cheap buses. The fares are low and there are plenty of routes that the buses can access. There are also taxis and motorbikes which are inexpensive due to the low cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City. 

This might probably look overwhelming but I can assure you that a trip to Ho Chi Minh City is one that is full of culture and exciting attractions and this guide has now provided you with all the information needed to make your trip unforgettable.

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Guest Author: Catalin Geangos is the Founder and Editor of TravelTrained and a travel blogger who mainly focuses on nightlife, pub crawls, and party experiences while traveling in Southeast Asia. He moved from Romania to the UK 6 years ago and since then he traveled to over 30 countries. You can follow him on Instagram at https://instagram.com/traveltrained.

The post 5-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.