Day trips from Saigon provide an excellent opportunity to see the diverse culture, history, and nature just a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you want to visit tunnels, beaches, floating markets, or traditional villages, there are many accessible options perfect for a single day away from the city's hustle and bustle.
What are the best historical day trips from Saigon?
For history lovers, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum are must-see places near Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Saigon, allow visitors to walk through the underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Entrance fee: 110,000 VND (~$5 USD). Recommended visiting hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It is best to go early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Tours typically last 3-4 hours.
Address: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Another historical site is the Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, which can be combined into a day trip for a broader cultural and historical understanding.
For more information on local history, visit our Cu Chi Tunnels guide.
Entrance fee: 110,000 VND (~$5 USD). Recommended visiting hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It is best to go early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Tours typically last 3-4 hours.
Address: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Another historical site is the Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, which can be combined into a day trip for a broader cultural and historical understanding.
For more information on local history, visit our Cu Chi Tunnels guide.
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Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Map of Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
Which natural attractions can I visit on day trips from Saigon?
If you want to get out of the city and enjoy nature, the Mekong Delta and Vung Tau Beach are popular choices.
The Mekong Delta, about 2-3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, includes floating markets like Cai Be and Cai Rang, fruit orchards, and river canals. A typical day trip costs between 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND ($25-$45 USD) per person, including boat rides and meals.
Vung Tau Beach is a coastal city about 95 kilometers southeast of Saigon. It offers sandy beaches and hilltop views. Public buses run from the city center for 70,000 VND (~$3 USD) one way. Key attractions include the Jesus Christ Statue on Small Mountain and Back Beach (Bai Sau).
For beach recommendations and how to get there, check our Vung Tau guide.
The Mekong Delta, about 2-3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, includes floating markets like Cai Be and Cai Rang, fruit orchards, and river canals. A typical day trip costs between 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND ($25-$45 USD) per person, including boat rides and meals.
Vung Tau Beach is a coastal city about 95 kilometers southeast of Saigon. It offers sandy beaches and hilltop views. Public buses run from the city center for 70,000 VND (~$3 USD) one way. Key attractions include the Jesus Christ Statue on Small Mountain and Back Beach (Bai Sau).
For beach recommendations and how to get there, check our Vung Tau guide.
Vung Tau, Vietnam
Map of Vung Tau Beach near Ho Chi Minh City
How can I get to the Mekong Delta for a day trip from Saigon?
The Mekong Delta region is accessible by bus, private car, or organized tours. Buses depart from Mien Tay Bus Station (Address: 395 Kinh Dương Vương, Bình Trị Đông B, Bình Tân District) with prices starting at 100,000 VND (~$4.30 USD) one way to towns like My Tho or Ben Tre.
Private car hires and group tours typically include hotel pickup, boat rides, and meals. Prices vary, but a full-day group tour costs around 700,000 - 900,000 VND ($30-$40 USD).
Tips:
Private car hires and group tours typically include hotel pickup, boat rides, and meals. Prices vary, but a full-day group tour costs around 700,000 - 900,000 VND ($30-$40 USD).
Tips:
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around orchards and markets.
- Carry cash for small purchases in local markets.
What cultural sites are worth visiting on day trips from Saigon?
Aside from the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Cao Dai Temple and the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh Province are culturally significant sites less than 3 hours from the city.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with ceremonies held at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM where visitors can observe colorful rituals.
Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated. The temple is located at 12 Lê Quý Đôn, Tây Ninh City.
Nearby, the Black Virgin Mountain (Núi Bà Đen) offers easy hikes and panoramic views.
For a full cultural itinerary and travel tips, see our Cao Dai Temple guide.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with ceremonies held at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM where visitors can observe colorful rituals.
Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated. The temple is located at 12 Lê Quý Đôn, Tây Ninh City.
Nearby, the Black Virgin Mountain (Núi Bà Đen) offers easy hikes and panoramic views.
For a full cultural itinerary and travel tips, see our Cao Dai Temple guide.
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“I recommend visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Walking through the narrow tunnels gives you a powerful sense of the history and hardships faced. Don’t forget to bring water and wear light clothes.”
Nguyen Thanh Long/ Tour Guide
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