7 Best Weekend Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

If you want to explore beyond Ho Chi Minh City, consider the top 7 best weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh below for new and exciting experiences in southern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City stands as a bustling metropolis, pulsating with energy and culture. Amidst its labyrinthine streets and dynamic neighborhoods lies a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Yet, just beyond the city limits, a world of enchanting destinations awaits, each offering a unique escape from the urban hustle. These top 7 weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City promise an unforgettable journey into the diverse landscapes and experiences of southern Vietnam.

Top 7 exciting weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City

1. Vung Tau – Coastal Charms and Historic Marvels

Vung Tau is a favorite destination for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Just a two-hour drive from the city, Vung Tau is the closest weekend getaway by the seaside near Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its golden beaches, fresh seafood, and historic landmarks, Vung Tau beckons travelers seeking a quick escape from the urban hustle.

Here, there are several famous beaches including Front Beach and Back Beach. Front Beach is conveniently located and easily accessible, but Back Beach is truly the hidden gem of this place.

Other attractions in Vung Tau include Big Mountain and Small Mountain. You can trek up to the summit of Big Mountain or visit the 105-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ on top of Small Mountain and explore the charming lighthouse.

How to Get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers can go to Vung Tau by personal means such as motorbike, car, or taxi, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Taking a bus to Vung Tau will save costs for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City but take longer approximately 2.5 hours. Additionally, travelers can take a ferry to admire the summit of Big Mountain, with a total travel time of 2 hours.

2. Mui Ne

For those craving adventures and natural beauty, Mui Ne is the ultimate weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Located about four hours away by road, Mui Ne is a small coastal town, that is renowned for its dramatic sand dunes, windswept beaches, and vibrant fishing village.

Weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne allow you to explore the beauty of both red and white sand dunes, where you can try sandboarding or simply admire the spectacular scenery. Adventure-seeking tourists can experience dune exploration by Jeep.

Travelers can admire the stunning red sunset over the sand dunes, and head to Fairy Stream to admire the beauty of prominent red sandstone formations. Don’t forget to visit the bustling fishing village, where you can witness local fishermen going about their daily lives and sample fresh seafood straight from the ocean.

How to get to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers take the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, then can choose 2 options: take a taxi to Mui Ne (it will take about 30 minutes of travel) or take a sleeper bus (it will take about 5 hours of travel).

3. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the perfect weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can choose to visit provinces such as Long An, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Soc Trang, An Giang, … This will be an exciting trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the natural landscape of rivers and waterways.

Begin your adventure with a leisurely river cruise along the meandering waterways, immersing yourself in the timeless rhythms of delta life. Delve deeper into the delta’s cultural heritage with visits to traditional villages like Ben Tre and My Tho.

No trip to the Mekong Delta is complete without a visit to its vibrant floating markets, such as Cai Rang or Can Tho. Here, wooden boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and other goods converge to create a bustling marketplace on the water.

 

For a truly immersive experience, tourists could consider staying in a local homestay or eco-lodge. Here, the visitors will have the opportunity to immerse in village life, participating in traditional activities like rice planting and fishing. It will be a memorable weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City experience in the Mekong Delta.

How to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

The cheapest way to get to the Mekong Delta is by bus, priced at 120,000 VND per ticket. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you can rent a motorbike and travel on your own. Another option to make your weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh easier is to choose a tour package and relax in the Mekong Delta.

4. Phu Quoc Island

For travelers seeking a fantastic island getaway, Phu Quoc Island is an unmissable choice. Here, travelers can relax in luxury hotels, and 5-star resorts, or enjoy the crystal-clear waters and endless stretches of white sandy beaches.

Travelers can also explore other interesting sites such as fish sauce-making villages, pepper farms, snorkeling to admire coral reefs with a breathing tube, or taking a cable car to Hon Thom Island.

When visiting Phu Quoc, tourists must try the fresh seafood dishes. The island’s cuisine is diverse and especially delicious, different from the dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get to Phu Quoc Island from Ho Chi Minh City

Tourists only have one way to fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc International Airport and travel to accommodation in Phu Quoc by taxi.

5. Dalat

As a weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat offers a myriad of experiences to rejuvenate the soul and ignite the senses. Dalat is a favorite destination for young people because it has a cool climate, colorful flower gardens and Dalat-style cafes.

For hikers, trekking through the pine-scented forests of Langbiang Mountain offers breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. For adventurers, canyoning down the cascading waters of the Datanla Waterfall promises an exhilarating experience amidst nature’s wonders.

The architectural works of Dalat are no less attractive than the nature here. Bao Dai Palace was built in French style and Hang Nga Palace was designed by a Vietnamese architect.

You can experience the specialty dishes in Dalat, especially dishes made from fresh fruits, visit the night market to enjoy the food, and go to cafes to take many beautiful photos during this trip.

How to get to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City

Tourists have 2 ways to travel to Dalat for these weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Take a domestic flight to Dalat airport in about 1 hour or choose a more economical way to travel by bus or private car to Dalat.

6. Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park getaways are weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh for those who are passionate about hiking. Adventure awaits around every corner in Cat Tien National Park, with a network of hiking trails and waterways waiting to be explored.

Top attractions include strolling around the Botanical Garden and seeing various animals, as well as strolling in the woodland region to observe tall Uncle Dong and Tung trees. Spending the night in the park’s campground is a unique opportunity to explore the area.

How to get to Cat Tien National Park from Ho Chi Minh City

Taking the bus from Mien Dong Bus Station to Cat Tien National Park takes about 5 hours. You can also catch a sleeper bus to Dong Nai and then take a taxi to the National Park. Motorbikes will be the last choice because the travel distance is quite long.

7. Cu Chi Tunnels

The most mentioned location in the suburbs of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, is perfect for weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh. The Cu Chi Tunnels served as a vital lifeline for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, allowing them to evade enemy detection and move supplies and troops undetected. Explore the complex network of tunnels that stretch for miles beneath the surface, visitors will be amazed by the ingenuity of their design.

For visitors seeking to learn more about Vietnam’s history and the Vietnam War, the visit to Cu Chi tunnels helped gain a new perspective on the war and its impact on Vietnamese society, from the resilience of the Vietnamese people to the challenges of post-war reconstruction and reconciliation.

>> Check out our Vietnam Travel Guide: What To Know Before Your Journey to discover more interesting experiences in Vietnam!

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City

The least expensive way to get to Ben Duoc is by public transportation. It will only set you back a few dollars and take about three hours to complete. If you’re short on time but not short on cash, you can use GRAB or hail a cab. But you’ll have to pay between $50 and $60 USD for it. You won’t have any problems traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels if you own a scooter and are accustomed to riding in Vietnam.

Learn more about cu chi tunnels through Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels – Comprehensive Guide to The “Underground City”

Conclusion

With an array of captivating destinations just a short distance away, Ho Chi Minh City serves as the perfect launchpad for memorable weekend getaways. Whether you’re craving beach bliss, cultural immersion, or nature escapades, these top 7 weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh City promise to satisfy every traveler’s wanderlust. Start planning your next adventure today!

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