Itinerary

Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are two of Vietnam's most vibrant destinations, each with its own unique charm. Here’s a fun and engaging 6-day itinerary that will let you soak in the culture, history, and delicious food of both places!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hoi An

Morning:

• Arrive in Hoi An! Check into your hotel or homestay. I recommend a place near the Ancient Town for easy access.
• Grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, like pho or banh mi, at a local café.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Ancient Town. Stroll through the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and pop into some of the charming shops.
• Don’t forget to stop by the Hoi An Market for some local snacks!

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Try the local specialty, cao lau.
• After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful lanterns lighting up the night.

## Day 2: Hoi An Culture and Cooking

Morning:

• Join a cooking class! Many classes start with a market tour where you can learn about local ingredients. Then, you’ll get hands-on experience making traditional dishes.

Afternoon:

• After your cooking class, relax at An Bang Beach. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the sun.

Evening:

• Head back to the Ancient Town for dinner. Try a different local dish, like mi quang.
• If you’re up for it, take a boat ride on the river and release a lantern for good luck!

## Day 3: Day Trip to My Son

Morning:

• Take a half-day trip to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ancient Cham ruins and learn about their history.

Afternoon:

• Return to Hoi An and have lunch at a local eatery.
• Spend the afternoon shopping for tailor-made clothes. Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors!

Evening:

• Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Consider trying white rose dumplings.
• If you’re in the mood, check out a traditional music performance or a cultural show.

## Day 4: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

• Have breakfast and then take a flight or a bus to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight is quicker, but the bus ride can be scenic!

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel and grab lunch at a local spot. Try bun thit nuong (grilled pork with noodles).
• Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam’s history.

Evening:

• Head to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and street food. Sample local delicacies like goi cuon (spring rolls) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
• Explore the nightlife in District 1. You could visit a rooftop bar for stunning views of the city!

## Day 5: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to the Reunification Palace. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of history.
• Next, check out the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Central Post Office, both beautiful examples of French colonial architecture.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at a local café. Try a Vietnamese iced coffee!
• Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a stunning temple filled with intricate carvings and statues.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the bustling Bui Vien Street area. It’s lively and full of energy!
• If you’re up for it, catch a live music performance or a cultural show.

## Day 6: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning:

• Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. You can book a tour that includes a boat ride through the canals, visiting local villages, and tasting fresh tropical fruits.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Delta, often served on a banana leaf.
• Continue exploring the Delta, visiting local workshops and learning about traditional crafts.

Evening:

• Return to Ho Chi Minh City and have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Treat yourself to some delicious seafood or a fusion dish.
• Take a final stroll through the city, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Departure

• Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you head to the airport.

And there you have it! A delightful mix of culture, history, and culinary experiences in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌏✨