9 days in southern Vietnam: Saigon, two Mekong nights and Phu Quoc

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

• Saigon street-food tour on scooter · 4 h

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

• War Remnants Museum · 2 h. Graphic in parts — preview before taking kids.
• Independence Palace & Central Post Office · 2 h
• Ben Thanh Market · 1.5 h. Bargain; prices start high.

Local tip: Graphic in parts — preview before taking kids.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: 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.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: 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.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc · Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc, Domestic flight ~1–2h

• Grand World canals by night · 2.5 h

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Hon Thom cable car & Kiss of the Sea show

Phu Quoc

• Hon Thom cable car & Kiss of the Sea show · 6 h. Combo with the round-trip cable car saves vs separate tickets.

Local tip: Combo with the round-trip cable car saves vs separate tickets.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc

• Vinpearl Safari · 4 h. Pair with VinWonders next door the same day.

Local tip: Pair with VinWonders next door the same day.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Explore Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc

• Sao Beach · 3 h
• Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge at golden hour · 2 h

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Depart from Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.