Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 12-day travel plan covering Top attractions and For kids

Start Day 2 at Saigon Central Post Office at 9 AM; allow 30 minutes to admire the architecture. Walk 10 minutes (approximately $1 USD) to Ben Thanh Market, and spend 2 hours exploring local goods and cuisine from 10:30 AM. At 12:30 PM, take a 15-minute taxi (~$3 USD) to Jade Emperor Pagoda, where you can spend an hour soaking in the spiritual ambiance.

Day 3 begins at the HCMC History Museum at 9 AM - allow 1.5 hours to explore. Travel by taxi (estimated fare ~$5 USD, 10 minutes) to Independence Palace at 11 AM for a 2-hour visit. Afterward, take a 10-minute taxi ride (around $4 USD) to Tone Lab - Saigon's Finest Guitar Store at 1:30 PM, where you can spend the next 2 hours browsing.

Start Day 4 at Suoi Tien Theme Park (9 AM - allow 4 hours), the best family-friendly attraction near the city center. Travel via taxi (approximately 30 minutes, ~$10). At 1:30 PM, head to Tao Dan Park (1-hour visit); it’s a 15-minute taxi ride (~$5). Finally, conclude your day at Binh Tay Market (3 PM - allow 1.5 hours). Travel by taxi (20 minutes, ~$7) to enjoy local shopping and street food.

Day 5 starts at Saigon Opera House (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for exploration. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to reach Independence Palace by 11 AM, spending another 90 minutes there. After lunch, travel for 15 minutes by taxi (~$5 USD) to the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine at 1 PM - allow 60 minutes before wrapping up your day.

Day 6 starts at Phú Mỹ Hưng at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore the modern urban area. Take a 20-minute taxi ride (approx. $6 USD) to Dam Sen Water Park by 11 AM, where you can spend 4 hours enjoying attractions. Afterward, take a 15-minute taxi ride (approx. $4 USD) to Tân Định Market by 3:30 PM for 90 minutes of shopping and local culture.

Day 7 starts at Thao Dien Village at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore local cafes and boutiques. Take a 20-minute taxi ride (approx. $5 USD) to The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for a 11 AM show, lasting 90 minutes. After the performance, enjoy lunch at a nearby café then head to Parkson Saigon Tourist at 1 PM for 2 hours of shopping. Expect a 15-minute taxi ride (~$3 USD) for a smooth transition.

Day 8 starts at Vincom Center Dong Khoi (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for shopping. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to Bến Nhà Rồng - Bảo tàng Hồ Chí Minh, arriving by 11:30 AM for a 1-hour visit. At 1 PM, take another 15-minute taxi (~$7 USD) to Trung tâm nhà hàng tiệc cưới Crystal Palace; enjoy a leisurely 2-hour lunch.

Start Day 9 at Ben Nghe Street Food at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for tasting local dishes. Next, take a 15-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to Dam Sen Cultural Park by 11:30 AM, enjoying 3 hours of fun activities. Wrap up your day with a 15-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens at 3 PM, allowing 2 hours to explore the gardens and animal exhibits.

Start Day 10 at Ben Thanh Market, closest to the city center, at 9 AM; allow 2 hours to explore local goods. Next, take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to Ride Café for lunch at 11:30 AM; spend 1.5 hours enjoying coffee. Finally, head to the Children's House of Ho Chi Minh City at 1:30 PM, a 15-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD), for a 1.5-hour visit to experience its educational exhibits.

Day 11 starts at Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore the exhibits. Take a 15-minute taxi ride (~100,000 VND) to Vinhomes Central Park by 11 AM, perfect for a leisurely stroll and lunch, allowing 2 hours. At 1:30 PM, take a 10-minute taxi (~80,000 VND) to Tropic Garden for a relaxing afternoon among nature, allowing 2 hours before concluding your day.

Day 12 starts at KizCiti at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for the interactive fun. Travel via taxi (~$5) for a 15-minute ride to Bonsai River Cruise, starting at 11:30 AM for another 2 hours of scenic exploration. Afterward, take a 10-minute taxi (~$5) to the Hoa Túc Cooking Class at 2 PM, also lasting 2 hours. Enjoy a balanced day mixing excitement and relaxation.