[LATEST] Enjoy a Fun and Budget-friendly 4-day 3-night Saigon Trip

Best Time to Visit Saigon

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) experiences two main seasons, rainy and dry. However, the weather here is almost hot and sunny throughout the year, though not as intense as Hanoi's summer. The average temperature in Saigon ranges from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius, with a stable climate and minimal occurrence of storms.

The dry season in Saigon lasts from November to April, while the rainy season starts from May to October. You can travel to Saigon at any time of the year because the dry season is not excessively hot, and the rainy season has moderate rainfall with sudden, short downpours.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is vast and modern

Packing Tips for a 4-day 3-night Saigon Trip

What to prepare when traveling to Saigon for 4 days and 3 nights? The following tips will help you pack your luggage for the upcoming journey:

- Personal documents are the most important things to organize first. When you book a flight or hotel, documents like ID card, Citizen ID, or passport will be necessary for check-in, room pickup, and rental procedures. If you're traveling with children under 14, bring their original birth certificate or a certified copy for the procedures.

- Clothing for a 4-day 3-night trip to Saigon will require about 4-5 sets, or more stylishly, you can prepare a few favorite outfits for some 'Instagrammable' moments in Saigon. Remember to bring at least one modest and polite outfit in case your itinerary includes visits to temples or historical sites.

Prepare essential luggage for a trip to Saigon

- Bring sun protection accessories such as thin long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, hats, and sneakers to avoid the intense Saigon sun during your trip. Also, pack sunscreen, moisturizer, and mosquito repellent.

- Prepare some basic medicines such as headache pills, motion sickness pills, and stomachache pills to prevent situations where you feel dizzy from the sun or get upset stomach from unfamiliar food.

- If you're a photography enthusiast, you'll undoubtedly not forget to bring your camera, phone, or video camera to capture impressive moments in Saigon. Additionally, remember to bring charging cables and specialized waterproof, shockproof bags for your accessories.

Means of transportation when traveling to Saigon

Transportation options to get to Saigon

Airplane

Airplane is the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation chosen by many travelers. Airplane tickets to Ho Chi Minh City are often reasonably priced as this is a popular domestic route. You should book tickets early to ensure availability and be able to flexibly change flight dates if needed.

Airplane ticket prices to Ho Chi Minh City range from 299,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND depending on the booking time (prices do not include taxes and fees). Sometimes, you can even find promotional tickets for only 9,000 VND, 99,000 VND, etc. So, always update ticket prices regularly for the best deals.

Reasonably priced airplane tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (ticket prices do not include taxes and fees)

Train

Train travel to Saigon is also a preferred mode of transportation, especially suitable for travelers who enjoy the journey from the North to the South, taking in the beautiful scenery across the country.

Train ticket prices range from 300,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per ticket, depending on the length of the journey and the seat class you choose. The advantage of the train is that the destination is Saigon Railway Station located in District 3 – one of the central districts of Saigon, making it very convenient for you to move around the city.

Coach

Bus is a means of transportation to Saigon that many tourists choose. Mytour recommends using this mode of transportation if you are in neighboring provinces and want to travel to Saigon. However, if you are in the Central or Northern regions, it's better to use the train or plane, as long-distance bus travel can be quite tiring and time-consuming.

Transportation in Saigon

Scooter

Scooter is the most popular means of transportation in Saigon, especially for independent travelers. You can rent a scooter for prices ranging from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per day, depending on the type of scooter. There are many scooter rental points across districts in Saigon. A small note is that traffic in Saigon is always congested, so you may find it uncomfortable to move around. Additionally, if the scooter you rented breaks down in the middle of the road, call the rental place for assistance instead of trying to fix or replace parts on your own. This is to avoid potential conflicts with the owner when returning the scooter.

Scooter is the favored mode of transportation in Saigon

Taxi

Both traditional and tech-based taxis are popular modes of transportation in Saigon. Taxi fares are fixed at around 9,000 VND – 11,000 VND per kilometer, so you can rest assured that there won't be any overcharging here. Taxis are suitable for large groups or families with small children. Moreover, taxi drivers are very friendly and cheerful; they will enthusiastically guide you to prominent tourist spots in Saigon or recommend delicious dining places for you to experience.

Bus

Buses in Saigon are the affordable public transportation option. With over 100 bus routes and thousands of buses serving Ho Chi Minh City residents daily, you can quickly reach your destination for just 7,000 VND per trip. Additionally, there are many bus routes with stops at prominent tourist destinations in Saigon. You can purchase a map of bus routes or install the Busmap app on your phone, which will display maps and guide you to the desired bus routes.

Bus is the economical public transportation in Saigon (@1phutsaigon)

Where to stay during your 4-day-3-night trip to Saigon?

Being a key economic, political, and tourist city, Saigon offers countless hotels and guesthouses of various sizes, room categories, and price ranges. Below are some Ho Chi Minh City hotels in the central or nearby areas that you can consider:

For your trip to Saigon, Mytour recommends a little tip for saving money: book a Ho Chi Minh Combo, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodation in Saigon. It will be much more cost-effective than booking each service separately.

Where to go and what to do during your 4-day-3-night trip to Saigon?

Day 1: Explore downtown Saigon

Mytour shares with you the 4-day-3-night Saigon travel experience according to the following itinerary. On the first day, dedicate the entire day to exploring all the destinations in downtown Ho Chi Minh City; you surely can't miss:

- Independence Palace, a special national monument built by the French and once the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Independence Palace exhibits French architectural influences and witnessed crucial historical events in Vietnam in 1975. Also known as Reunification Palace, Whole Authority Palace, it is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe, District 1.

- Ben Thanh Market, an icon of Saigon and one of the largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, located in the central District 1. Established and operational since the early 17th century, Ben Thanh Market is a wholesale market for various items, including clothing, footwear, household goods, etc. Explore Ben Thanh Market, besides shopping activities, you can also check in at the market's entrance for the most vibrant and Instagrammable photos when visiting Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market is an icon of Saigon (@vietnamese_architecture)

- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a famous attraction in Saigon, featuring impressive Gothic architecture from France. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a place of prayer and activities for the majority of believers living in the city. The cathedral is open from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm daily, so you can visit anytime during the day, but please avoid disturbing the church during weekend ceremonies!

- Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a place you should visit in the evening or on weekends when it becomes lively and bustling. On Nguyen Hue Walking Street, various entertaining activities, fashion shows, street art performances, etc., take place. Although the walking street is only about 1 km long, it still attracts many tourists and locals who come to enjoy the cool atmosphere every night.

- Zoo and Botanical Garden is a fun destination for families with young children traveling to Saigon. Located in the heart of the city, the Zoo and Botanical Garden nurture and conserve various rare and wild species in a fresh and cool environment. You can come here to relax your mind after hours of wandering in the bustling streets.

Travelers checking in at Zoo and Botanical Garden (@nhaimen)

- Explore and experience renowned shopping centers in Saigon such as Vincom, Bitexco Tower, Landmark 81,... are exciting sightseeing and shopping activities favored by many tourists.

Day 2: Visit attractions near Saigon for 2 days and 1 night

- Tan Lap Floating Village is one of the most beloved destinations near Saigon for a 2-day-1-night trip. It's approximately 100km away from the city center, and the travel time is about 2 hours. Tan Lap Floating Village is famous for its diverse ecosystem and rich fauna. The entrance fee to Tan Lap Floating Village is 55,000 VND/entry. Additionally, you can visit the Thanh Hoa agricultural market on the way to buy and enjoy delicious tropical fruits.

- Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang Province, only about 60km from Ho Chi Minh City, is a favorite destination for many travelers who love the river region. Cai Be Floating Market trades fruits, agricultural products, and food on the river, representing a unique cultural feature in Tien Giang, especially, and the river region in general, which is hard to find in other places. For an overnight stay, it's recommended to book a hotel in My Tho City, Tien Giang for easy travel to the floating market and explore the modern My Tho city at night.

A corner of Cai Be Floating Market (@hoangminh.dg)

- In addition to the mentioned places, traveling near Saigon for 2 days and 1 night also includes interesting destinations like Mui Ne, Ke Ga Cape in Binh Thuan, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Thanh An Island in Can Gio District, Vung Tau seaside city,... all of which are extremely fascinating places that you shouldn't miss on your journey.

Day 3: Enjoy activities at eco-tourism areas, fruit gardens near Saigon

- Going about 20km through Tien Giang province is the famous land of Ben Tre with towering coconut groves. Ben Tre is renowned for eco-tourism areas like Con Quy, Con Phung, Con Phu Da,... and its specialties such as fresh coconuts, coconut worms, coconut-based dishes, which are already famous and undoubtedly attract you when visiting this unique land. Tien Giang and Ben Tre are also among many fascinating destinations for tours in the Mekong Delta that are highly favored by tourists.

- If you don't visit Ben Tre, you can consider heading to Can Tho - the largest city in the Mekong Delta, not far from Saigon. Here, there are famous eco-tourism areas like Ong De Tourism Area, My Khanh Tourist Village, Phong Dien Eco-tourism Area,... with many folk games and interesting local specialties. Besides, you also have the opportunity to explore the most beloved fruit orchards in Can Tho with hundreds of varieties of tropical fruits hanging heavily on the branches. Don't miss the experience of visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, which is a must-do activity on the third day in Saigon.

Enjoying at My Khanh Tourist Village Can Tho (@langdulichmykhanhcantho)

Day 4: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the famous landmarks in the Saigon region, about 70km west of the city center. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground resistance base with interconnected facilities such as medical stations, warehouses, kitchens, meeting rooms, and workspaces, all connected by an ingenious ventilation system in the forest.

The Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a historical monument in Vietnam, welcoming hundreds of visitors every day. This site played a crucial role in the glorious victory of our people against the US military in the 20th century.

To explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can choose an exciting Ho Chi Minh City tour that includes this destination or travel independently following the provided map. Besides touring the tunnels, you can participate in various entertaining activities like firing real bullets, enjoying fruits in the Trung An orchard, visiting the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, and relaxing at the simulated East Sea beach.

Traveler checking in at the Cu Chi Tunnels (@kimuchihiro1066)

Dining experiences while traveling in Ho Chi Minh City

- Saigon is renowned for its delectable and diverse snail dishes, such as stir-fried conch with salted eggs, salt-roasted razor clams, and baked mussels with cheese. Must-try snail spots in Saigon include Oc Nho in District 12 and other fantastic options in District 3 that will make you forget the way back home.

- Saigon broken rice, especially with grilled ribs, stands out as one of the delicious specialties of Saigon. Fragrant broken rice, flavorful grilled ribs, added with crispy pork skin, shredded pork skin, and a drizzle of spicy fish sauce, makes it a must-try dish in Saigon that many tourists savor.

Signature Saigon broken rice (@saigon.district)

- Saigon noodle soup, known as Hu Tieu, features a sweet and clear broth from bone broth, accompanied by fish cake or thinly sliced ​​pork, along with fresh vegetables like chives and basil. There are various types of Hu Tieu, such as Nam Vang Hu Tieu, My Tho Hu Tieu, and Sa Dec Hu Tieu, available in breakfast eateries throughout Saigon. In the evening, you can enjoy Hu Tieu Gõ, served only from 10 pm until the morning, representing a cultural aspect of Saigon's nightlife.

- In addition to the mentioned delights, don't miss out on other street foods such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, crab soup, dried beef salad, Saigon baguette, all of which are among the top 15 affordable and delicious street foods in Saigon that many tourists adore.

Traveling to Saigon for 4 days and 3 nights, here are some important notes:

- When visiting Saigon, check the weather forecast beforehand. If you're traveling during the rainy season, be sure to prepare a small umbrella or a travel raincoat to cope with sudden rain showers.

- Saigon has a notable issue of snatch theft, so be cautious about your personal belongings. Ensure valuable items are always on you, and if unfortunately targeted, shout loudly; the people of Saigon will be ready to assist you in such situations.

- When strolling through the streets of Saigon, try to avoid peak hours for smoother mobility. If you venture out during rush hours, be prepared to stand still for hours due to heavy traffic congestion.

- If you're exploring Saigon independently and using a motorcycle for transportation, be cautious of one-way streets. Saigon has many one-way roads, and traffic police are often present to enforce rules. If fined, explain that you are a tourist unfamiliar with the streets; the officers will likely be understanding and provide directions, but it's crucial to follow the rules.

- While shopping in local markets, feel free to bargain for items you like, ensuring a fair deal for both parties. However, avoid bargaining in the early morning as vendors are superstitious about it. Additionally, refrain from returning or exchanging items in the morning to ensure a smooth business day for Saigon's small traders.

>> Explore everything about Saigon tourism for a truly comprehensive journey.

After going through this article, you've probably saved the 4-day 3-night Saigon travel experiences compiled by Mytour, right? Start planning now to not miss out on any exciting moments in the lively land of Saigon. Feel free to contact Mytour for answers to any questions about your upcoming Saigon trip. Wishing your journey to be filled with joyful and memorable moments.

Thao Chi

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