- 1. Where to go for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City? – The suburbs
- 2. Recommended day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to other provinces
- 2.1. Vung Tau – An excellent choice for a beach getaway
- 2.2. Dong Nai
- 2.3. Da Lat – A great destination for cool weather near Saigon
- 2.4. Tay Ninh
- 2.5. Mui Ne – Perfect for day tours from Ho Chi Minh City
- 2.6. Binh Duong
- 2.7. Long An – Ideal for a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
- 2.8. Tien Giang
- 3. Other suggestions for short trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Discover the 15 top destinations for day trips from Saigon (Source: Collected)
1. Where to go for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City? – The suburbs
1.1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels are a historically significant site that offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese people during the Second Indochina War. It is located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can explore the narrow passages and see various underground rooms, such as living quarters and kitchens. Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, you can enjoy the local dishes at nearby eateries, particularly boiled cassava served with salt. Fresh coconut water from the surrounding groves offers a refreshing drink to complement your meal.
1.2. Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO, is a sprawling area of mangrove forests, wetlands, and wildlife. It is situated about 40 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City and is known as the “green lungs” of the city due to its dense mangrove cover. Visitors can explore the unique ecosystem, spot various bird species, and encounter wild monkeys or crocodiles. The reserve also has Vam Sat Ecological Center, which provides educational insights into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Go on a one-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio Biosphere Reserve (Source: Collected)
1.3. Thanh An Island
Thanh An Island is located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the Ho Chi Minh City map. This island offers a peaceful retreat for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors can experience the simplicity of the local life and the beauty of nature. Its untouched landscapes provide a stark contrast to the urban environment of Ho Chi Minh City. The island’s culinary offerings are centered around fresh seafood, which is a staple of the local diet.
1.4. Binh Quoi Tourist Areas
Binh Quoi Tourist Areas consist of two areas: Binh Quoi 1 and Binh Quoi 2. Visitors can take leisurely walks or boat rides along the Saigon River, enjoying the scenic views and fresh air. The areas are designed to resemble a traditional Vietnamese village, with rustic houses and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into the country’s cultural past. Moreover, dining at Binh Quoi Tourist Areas is a delightful experience, offering a true taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
1.5. Hoc Mon District
Hoc Mon District is located about 20 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Hoc Mon takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a convenient destination for a day trip. Hoc Mon District offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions, combined with a tranquil rural atmosphere. One of the main attractions here is Hoc Mon Eco-Tourism Park. Additionally, Hoc Mon’s markets are vibrant places to experience the local culture, offering a wide range of goods.
Hoc Mon District is a common option for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)
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2. Recommended day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to other provinces
2.1. Vung Tau – An excellent choice for a beach getaway
Vung Tau is a coastal city located about 100 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. This city provides stunning ocean views and a variety of beach entertainment options. Bai Truoc (Front Beach) is ideal for those seeking a more vibrant experience, while Bai Sau (Back Beach) offers a more serene setting. In addition to its natural beauty, Vung Tau is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the iconic Vung Tau’s Jesus Statue, the White Palace, and Vung Tau Lighthouse.
2.2. Dong Nai
Dong Nai Province is located to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 35 kilometers away. This province is home to several notable natural attractions, including Cat Tien National Park, Tri An Lake, and Giang Dien Waterfall. They offer a refreshing escape into nature. Dong Nai is also known for its fresh fruits, particularly rambutan and durian, which are grown locally. Roadside stalls and markets provide an authentic taste of the region’s flavors.
Enjoy the best trips from Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai (Source: Collected)
2.3. Da Lat – A great destination for cool weather near Saigon
Da Lat is approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it offers a refreshing escape from the heat of Saigon. Da Lat is surrounded by rolling hills, lush pine forests, and vibrant flower gardens, making it a haven for nature lovers. Key attractions include Xuan Huong Lake, Datanla Waterfalls, and the iconic Crazy House. Visitors can enjoy hearty Vietnamese dishes such as banh can, banh trang nuong, and lau ga la e.
2.4. Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh is located approximately 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This province is renowned for its unique spiritual sites, particularly Cao Dai Temple. Ba Den Mountain is another prominent landmark in Tay Ninh. Visitors should not miss out on goi cuon Tay Ninh, which are made with the local ingredients and served with a tangy dipping sauce. For a refreshing drink, try sugarcane juice.
2.5. Mui Ne – Perfect for day tours from Ho Chi Minh City
Mui Ne is located about 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a variety of attractions, from picturesque natural landscapes to charming local markets. In particular, Mui Ne is famous for its pristine beaches, where visitors can relax on the soft, sandy shores and take in the stunning ocean views. The nearby sand dunes are also perfect for adventurous activities like sand boarding and riding dune buggies. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fresh dishes at beachfront restaurants, including grilled seafood, fish cakes, and seafood hotpots.
Going on day trips from Ho Chi Minh City? Consider Mui Ne (Source: Collected)
2.6. Binh Duong
Binh Duong is located about 30 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, making it a convenient destination for a day trip. The drive typically takes around 1 – 1.5 hours by car, or a bit longer by bus. Here, visitors can visit Dai Nam Van Hien Theme Park and Hoi Khanh Pagoda. Dining in Binh Duong offers a delicious taste of the local flavors and adds to the enjoyment of the trip, with dishes like banh beo bi, goi ga mang cut, and bo nuong ngoi.
2.7. Long An – Ideal for a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
Long An Province is located about 50 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This province is known for its rich agricultural production and picturesque countryside vistas, providing a relaxing escape from the city. Tan An City, the capital of Long An, is known for its numerous cultural sites. Many ancient pagodas and temples, such as Ton Thanh Pagoda, Thien Phuoc Pagoda, and Ngu Hanh Temple, offer insight into the local spiritual practices.
Go on tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Long An (Source: Collected)
2.8. Tien Giang
Tien Giang, about 70 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its lush landscapes and vibrant fruit orchards, which are typical of the Mekong Delta region. This province offers a range of attractions, from scenic boat rides to cultural sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda and local markets like Cai Be Floating Market. Here, visitors should try hu tieu (a noodle soup with various meats and vegetables) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).
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3. Other suggestions for short trips from Ho Chi Minh City
If your schedule allows, consider taking a short trip that lasts 2-3 days to one of these top tourist destinations near Ho Chi Minh City.
3.1. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is located about 300 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey typically takes about 1 hour by plane, with several flights available daily. This island offers a myriad of activities, from participating in water sports to exploring historical sites. For entertainment, VinWonders Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, and Grand World Phu Quoc are among the most popular attractions. For accommodation, visitors can choose Vinpearl Phu Quoc’s hotels and resorts for luxurious amenities.
VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam
Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc for a fun trip
Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc for the best deals
3.2. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is approximately 450 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes about 1 hour by plane, with frequent flights available. Nha Trang’s beaches are renowned for their clear blue water. They are a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Vinpearl Nha Trang is an excellent choice of accommodation for visitors to enjoy the city’s sea breeze. Meanwhile, the amusement park of VinWonders Nha Trang offers all sorts of thrilling games and captivating shows.
Stay at Vinpearl Nha Trang for a pampering retreat
Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket to unwind
Book rooms in Vinpearl Nha Trang for a flawless stay
3.3. Can Tho
Can Tho is situated approximately 170 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes around 3 – 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which takes about 2.5 hours. Can Tho is known as the largest city in the Mekong Delta and is famed for its picturesque river scenery. The city offers a mix of traditional life and modern vibes, making it an engaging destination for a short trip.
Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich diversity of Southern Vietnam. These excursions provide a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to escape the bustle and discover the authentic charm of Vietnam. So, pack your bags and set out to explore these captivating destinations, making the most of your time in this region.