If this is your first time in Vietnam and want to fully explore the country, there is enough to see, eat, and experience in Vietnam for 3 weeks.

There is no need to plan for any other destinations, Vietnam offers you a wide range of experiences in culture, cuisine, and sceneries.

Ben Thanh ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city

This central market is the symbol and soul of Saigon, with over 1,500 booths trading wholesale and retail items ranging from food and apparel to fabric and cosmetics. Here, you can spot interesting souvenir picks like embroidered wallets, lacquerware, and silk scarves.

135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Surrounded by royal palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this government building and the eerie mood that accompanies a walk through its deserted halls make it an intriguing spectacle. This site marked the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.

97A Pho Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city

Spread across three elegant colonial-era mansions, this museum is home to Saigon’s most impressive collection of contemporary and historical art. Bursting with period details such as charming vintage elevators, the museum regularly hosts exhibitions of Vietnam’s most celebrated and cutting-edge artists.

5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh city

View from above, the Saigon River flows calmly with a lot of winding sections looking like a soft scarf. The main color of the river water is red because it is rich in alluvial; however, the color may change according to the color of the sky and the sun.

One of the most interesting things you may consider when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City is to take the city boat on the Saigon River. The tours on the Saigon River are also divided into short tours at different times throughout the day. The scenery on both banks is so stunning and astonishing when the sun sets. That moment becomes a not-to-miss moment for anyone who has a chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Opera House: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Discover a captivating blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern circus arts.

This extraordinary performance showcases breathtaking acrobatics and contemporary dance, all set against the backdrop of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Witness the magic of bamboo, live music, and mesmerizing storytelling as talented dancers and acrobats take you on an unforgettable journey. Don't miss this must-see show in Saigon!

Link here.

City sightseeing tour

The pace of life in Saigon can sometimes be fast, but a slow-paced tour is still the best way to explore the city. Traveling by xich lo (cyclo, or cycle rickshaw), or by hop-on bus uncovers the secrets of Saigon’s tangled alleyways – from hidden pagodas to local coffee shops and ornate colonial landmarks.

Mekong Delta Tour

This tour allows you to break away from city life and experience Vietnamese culture in a very traditional way. You may float on boats between the mangroves on the river; see children riding on the backs of buffalo; boats laden with fresh produce plying narrow, muddy streams; and locals cycling down dusty back roads.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Besides being the hustle and bustle of an economic hub, Saigon embraces historical vestiges appealing to both domestic and international tourists. Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most significant relics of the city, offering first-hand experiences inside the massive underground cave and interesting insights into the lives of Vietnamese soldiers during the war.

*Please contact your hotel in case they have package tours, or you can check on Klook for the best price.

Famous for its history, French colonial architecture and motorbike-buzzing downtown, Saigon is also the culinary capital of the South offering a smorgasbord of dining experiences.

In a city as blessed with fantastic dining options as Saigon, deciding on the right one can be daunting. Here are some local restaurants ideal for a first encounter with Southern Vietnamese cuisine:

- Cục Gạch Quán - link here

- Quán Bụi - link here

- Laang Saigon - link here

- Hoa Tuc - link here

- Hum Vegetarian - link here

- Cơm Niêu Sài Gòn - link here

- Ốc Đào (Vietnamese seafood, remember to try snails): 212B/D48 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

With hundreds of bars and clubs to choose from, Saigon offers a fantastic nightlife. You can visit Bui Vien Street, mingle with the crowd on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or take a sip at a local bar. The sleepless streets are always a must-try for newcomers.

Below are some suggestions for bars & clubs in Saigon:

- Sorae Restaurant & Lounge - link here

- The Refinery - link here

- Layla Eatery & Bar - link here

- Boheme - link here

- BamBam - link here

For ladies:

· Nail salons

o Kolour de Beauty

o Anachuo

o Salin Beauty

o Lisa Nails & Spa

o Crown Nail & Eyelash

o Letty Beauty

o POSH Nails

· Hair salons

o A new day

o Ace london

o Jfirst Saigon

o Hair Salon Vũ Hoàng

· Massage & hairwash & spa

o An Miên Spa

o Rhoto Aohal

o Grace Skincare Clinic

· Make-up for the wedding

o Hứa Mỹ Dung (if you like, our wedding planner can arrange a make-up artist to come to Mai House for you)

o Thuy Nguyen

For men:

· Tailored suits

o Simon Silhouette

o Vietnam Bespoke Shop

Shrouded in mist, Sapa - a captivating mountain gem in Vietnam's north - unveils emerald rice terraces cascading down slopes. Diverse ethnic cultures, like Hmong and Dao, weave a vibrant tapestry with their traditions, textiles, and markets. Escape the heat and dust of Saigon, go to Sapa to admire the breathtaking rice terraces and learn about the fascinating life of Vietnamese minority groups. Either you are adventurous and want to hike up the mountains, or ride a motorbike up and down the slopes; or you just simply want to soak in the peaceful beauty - Sapa has something unforgettable for everyone.

Nestled south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a place where nature and history collide. Imagine emerald rice paddies stretching beneath towering limestone cliffs, and ancient temples hidden within grottoes. Cruise down the scenic Trang An River, explore historical sites like Hoa Lu, or hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views. Ninh Binh offers a captivating escape for every adventurer.


One interesting fact about Ninh Binh is that it is where King Dinh came from. And yes... you got it right! Nadine came from the Dinh family.

Da Lat is the City of Flowers with lovely French villas, fresh air, beautiful waterfalls, and gorgeous lakes that sit in a lush and green valley. Unlike any other place in Vietnam, this place is an ultimate hideaway for all kinds of visitors who are fancy of spring-like weather, exquisite scenery and a blend of diverse ethnic groups.

The charming ‘yellow town’ is an old fishing village that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small, quiet, touristy, and amazing food. Famous for tailor-made clothing, jewelry, shoes, and bags and especially the Hoi An Impression Water Show - ready to be mesmerized as you explore the traditional themed village that represents the port town's 400-year history.

Phu Quoc is known to be an island paradise, and in recent years, it's become a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back atmosphere. Only a 40-minute flight from HCMC, you can have good swimming here (or diving if you are into it)!

Hue, nestled on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, is a city steeped in history and imperial charm. Once the capital of Vietnam for over 200 years, Hue boasts a legacy of emperors, scholars, and exquisite architecture.

Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, boasts over 1,000 years of history, evident in its ancient streets and French colonial architecture. This cultural hub offers a captivating mix of tradition (think water puppet shows and vibrant markets) and modern energy (bustling cafes and trendy bars). Immerse yourself in this vibrant tapestry, whether you wander through time-worn temples or sip coffee at a modern cafe.

One suggestion from Joe & Nadine: when in Ha Noi, remember to visit Train Street! It is said to be "forbidden" from tourists, but... when in Vietnam, there's always a way if there is a will. Just show up and talk to some coffee shop owners, they have a system (and safety protocols) and will take you to one of their shops, where you may enjoy a beer and scream with everybody else when the train arrives... It's amazing!

*** Remember to ask for the train schedules so that you know when to show up and plan your adventure!