How much can you see in Ho Chi Minh City in one, two or three days? More than you might think, if you skip the taxi queues and let a driver handle the traffic. In short: spend day 1 on the sights of central Saigon, day 2 at the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cholon, and day 3 in the Mekong Delta. This Ho Chi Minh City itinerary covers the city’s main sights, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, with drive times and the right car for each day. For vehicles and booking, see our Ho Chi Minh City car rental page.
Ho Chi Minh City itinerary at a glance
| Day | Plan | Driving time | How to book the car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | City center: Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market | Short hops between sights | By the hour, quoted per itinerary |
| Day 2 | Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning, Cholon (Chinatown) in the afternoon | 1.5 to 2 hours each way to Cu Chi | Half day to Cu Chi from 1,300,000 VND |
| Day 3 | Mekong Delta: My Tho and Ben Tre | 1.5 to 2 hours each way | Day trip from 1,300,000 VND |
Fares (as of October 2026) are for a 4-seat car with driver and include fuel, tolls and parking. If you have only one or two days, you can also see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta on the same day (see Day 3 below).
1-day itinerary: the best of central Ho Chi Minh City
With one day, stay in the center. The main sights sit close together in District 1 and District 3, so the driver can drop you at each one and wait nearby.
Morning. Start at the Independence Palace, where the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Next, walk a few minutes to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, which stand side by side. The post office’s vaulted hall is still in use, so you can send a postcard home.
Midday. After that, have lunch near Ben Thanh Market, then browse the stalls for coffee, snacks and souvenirs.
Afternoon. Visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the most visited museums in the city. Allow at least two hours. Afterward, rest at your hotel during the hottest part of the day, then head out again when it cools down.
Evening. Ask your driver to drop you at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, then walk to the Saigon River. In the evening, the street fills with families and street performers.
A car for the day lets you move between sights in air-conditioned comfort and keep your bags in the car. Since hourly hire depends on your stops and timing, send us your plan for a quote. Check opening hours before you go, because museums often close by late afternoon.
2-day itinerary: add the Cu Chi Tunnels
On the second day, head northwest to the Cu Chi Tunnels, about 70 km from the city center. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so leave around 7 or 8 am. Starting early helps you avoid both the heat and the traffic leaving the city.
At the tunnels, you can walk through the forest, see the hidden entrances and try a short section underground. Most visitors spend two to three hours there. A half-day trip costs from 1,300,000 VND in a 4-seat car; see the Cu Chi Tunnels by private car page for details.
Back in the city by early afternoon, spend the rest of the day in Cholon, the old Chinatown in Districts 5 and 6. Visit Binh Tay Market and the Thien Hau Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city.
3-day itinerary: add the Mekong Delta
On the third day, drive south to the Mekong Delta. My Tho and Ben Tre are 75 to 90 km away, or 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Here, you can take a boat along the river and its narrow canals, visit fruit orchards and watch coconut candy being made by hand.
A day trip to the Mekong Delta by private car starts at 1,300,000 VND in a 4-seat car. With your own car, you can stop at a riverside restaurant for lunch and return when you are ready.
Short on time? You can see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta in one long day. It costs 2,000,000 VND in a 4- or 7-seat car, 2,700,000 VND in a 16-seat van and 3,500,000 VND in a Limousine van. Expect to leave early and return in the evening.
Which vehicle for your itinerary?
For any Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, choose the car by group size and time on the road:
- 1 to 3 passengers: a 4-seat sedan, the most economical choice for city sightseeing.
- Up to 6 passengers: a 7-seat SUV or MPV, or a Kia Carnival for extra comfort.
- 10 to 15 passengers: a 16-seat van such as the Ford Transit or Hyundai Solati.
- Longer days on the road: a Limousine van with reclining seats, from 7 to 28 seats, makes the Cu Chi and Mekong day much easier.
- Large groups: 29-seat and 45-seat coaches.
If you are flying in, add a Tan Son Nhat Airport pickup on arrival day so your trip starts as soon as you land.
Tips for planning your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary
- Start early. Mornings are cooler, and the roads out of the city get busier after 8 am.
- Plan around the rain. The rainy season usually runs from May to November, with short, heavy showers in the afternoon. Keep outdoor sights for the morning.
- Dress for temples. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Share your plan in advance. Send your stops and any fixed times to your driver the day before.
- Mix and match. Swap a day for Vung Tau, Can Gio or Tay Ninh. See more day trips from Ho Chi Minh City for ideas.
Still choosing who to book with? Read our guide on how to find a private driver in Ho Chi Minh City.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days is enough for most visitors. For example, in a 3-day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, one day covers the main sights in the city center, a second day adds the Cu Chi Tunnels and a third day adds the Mekong Delta.
Can you see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta in one day?
Yes, with a private car and an early start. As of October 2026, the full day costs 2,000,000 VND in a 4- or 7-seat car, 2,700,000 VND in a 16-seat van and 3,500,000 VND in a Limousine van, with the driver, fuel, tolls and parking included.
How much does a private car cost for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
As of October 2026, a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or a day in the Mekong Delta starts at 1,300,000 VND in a 4-seat car. Hourly hire inside the city depends on your stops and timing, so it is quoted per itinerary.
Is it better to book the car day by day or for the whole trip?
Booking the whole trip at once is easier. You send one plan, get one quote for all your days and keep the same contact throughout. You can still change the stops on the day.
Plan your days in Ho Chi Minh City
Send us your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, your dates and the number of people. Then we will suggest a vehicle and send a fixed quote. Call or message us 24/7 by phone, WhatsApp or Zalo, or contact us online.
