8 days in southern Vietnam: Saigon and three Mekong Delta nights, with an Angkor option
8 days, 7 nights: Ho Chi Minh City (4N), Mekong Delta (3N). Best time to go: Best Nov–Apr dry season; May–Oct brings short afternoon downpours.
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
- Independence Palace & Central Post Office · 2 h
- Ben Thanh Market · 1.5 h. Bargain; prices start high.
Local tip: Bargain; prices start high.
Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum · 2 h. Graphic in parts — preview before taking kids.
- Saigon River sunset dinner cruise · 2.5 h
Local tip: Graphic in parts — preview before taking kids.
Day 3: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi Tunnels half-day · 5 h. Hot and cramped — skip with young kids.
Local tip: Hot and cramped — skip with young kids.
Day 4: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta · Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Road ~2–3.5h
- Cai Rang floating market at sunrise · 3 h. Needs a night in Can Tho — the market winds down by 9am.
Local tip: Needs a night in Can Tho — the market winds down by 9am.
Day 6: Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho / Ben Tre)
Mekong Delta
- Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho / Ben Tre) · 9 h. Sampan canals, coconut candy and fruit orchards in one day from HCMC.
Local tip: Sampan canals, coconut candy and fruit orchards in one day from HCMC.
Day 7: Explore Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta
Free day in Mekong Delta — wander, café-hop, or ask us to add something.
Day 8: Depart from Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Ho Chi Minh City (4 nights): District 1. Walk to museums, markets and the river.
- Mekong Delta (3 nights): Can Tho riverside. Positioned for the sunrise floating market.