Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting place, but how many days should you spend there? For most travelers, two to three days is enough to explore the city's key attractions, try local food, and experience its fast-paced energy. However, if you have extra time, you should definitely take a day trip to see a different side of southern Vietnam.

This "Top 5 Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City" guide will introduce you to the most exciting and worthwhile destinations near the city. Whether you’re looking for history, nature, adventure, or a relaxing escape, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the best places you can visit in just one day!

Top 5 Best Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh City

Can Gio

If you want to escape the noise of Ho Chi Minh City and experience nature, Can Gio is the perfect place. Known as the "green lung" of Saigon, this coastal district is covered with lush mangrove forests, diverse wildlife, and peaceful beaches. It is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve and a great spot for a relaxing day trip.

How far is Can Gio from Ho Chi Minh City?

Can Gio is about 50 km (31 miles) south of Ho Chi Minh City. The trip takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

How to get to Can Gio?

By motorbike or car: Take Huynh Tan Phat Street to Binh Khanh Ferry. After crossing the river, follow Rung Sac Road straight to Can Gio.

By bus: Take bus No. 20 from Ben Thanh Market to Binh Khanh Ferry, then board bus No. 90 to Can Gio.

By tour: Many travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City offer day tours to Can Gio, which include transportation, meals, and a guide.

What to see and do in Can Gio?

• Vam Sat Mangrove Forest: Take a boat ride through the mangroves and see wild monkeys, crocodiles, and rare birds. You can also climb the wildlife observation tower for a panoramic view of the forest.
• Monkey Island (Lam Vien Can Gio): This area is home to thousands of wild monkeys. They are fun to watch, but be careful—they love to steal food and small items!
• Rung Sac Military Base: A historical site that shows how Vietnamese soldiers hid and fought in the mangrove forest during the war. The site includes underground tunnels and realistic wax figures.
• Can Gio Beach: The beach here is not the most beautiful in Vietnam, but it is quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants while watching the waves.
• Local Seafood Market (Hang Duong Market): This is one of the best places near Ho Chi Minh City to try fresh seafood. You can pick live crabs, shrimp, and fish, and have them cooked on the spot.

Tri An lake

If you love camping, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, Tri An Lake is a perfect day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a huge artificial lake that supplies water to the Tri An hydroelectric power plant, surrounded by forests and small islands. The lake offers a peaceful escape from the city, making it a favorite spot for locals who enjoy outdoor activities.

How far is Tri An Lake from Ho Chi Minh City?

Tri An Lake is about 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It takes around 2 hours by car or motorbike.

How to get to Tri An Lake?

By motorbike or car: Take National Highway 1A towards Dong Nai Province. Once you reach Bien Hoa, follow the signs to Tri An Hydropower Plant.

By tour: Some travel agencies organize camping and trekking tours to Tri An Lake, which include transport, meals, and activities.

What to see and do at Tri An Lake?

• Camping and BBQ: Many locals come here to set up tents by the lake, enjoy a BBQ, and spend the night under the stars.
• Boating and Kayaking: You can rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake and its small islands.
• Fishing: The lake is full of freshwater fish, and fishing here is a favorite activity. You can even cook your catch!
• Hiking in Ma Da Forest: Near the lake, the Ma Da Forest is great for trekking and exploring Vietnam’s wildlife. It was also a historical site during the Vietnam War.
• Visiting Dong Truong Island: This small island in the lake is quiet and scenic, perfect for a short boat ride and picnic.

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is one of the closest beach destinations to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a lively coastal city where you can enjoy sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and great viewpoints. While it’s not the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, it’s a convenient getaway for a quick seaside break.

How far is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?

Vung Tau is about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours.

How to get to Vung Tau?

By bus: Buses to Vung Tau leave frequently from Mien Dong Bus Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

By motorbike or car: Take National Highway 51 straight to Vung Tau.

By ferry: The Greenlines Ferry from Bach Dang Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City takes around 2 hours and offers a scenic ride.

What to see and do in Vung Tau?

• Relax at the Beach: The two main beaches are Front Beach (Bai Truoc), which is near the city center, and Back Beach (Bai Sau), which is better for swimming.
• Christ the King Statue: This giant Jesus Christ statue on a hill offers an amazing panoramic view of Vung Tau. You have to climb 800 steps to reach the top, but the view is worth it!
• Lighthouse Viewpoint: Vung Tau’s French-built lighthouse is another great spot for a city and ocean view.
• Try Fresh Seafood: Vung Tau is famous for its cheap and delicious seafood. Don’t miss the local specialty, banh khot (mini crispy pancakes with shrimp).
• Visit Ho May Park: This amusement park on a mountain has cable cars, waterfalls, and fun rides, making it a good spot for families.

Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain (Núi Bà Đen), also called Black Virgin Mountain, is the highest mountain in southern Vietnam at 986 meters (3,235 ft). It’s famous for hiking, cable car rides, and Buddhist temples.

How far is Ba Den Mountain from Ho Chi Minh City?

Ba Den Mountain is 110 km (68 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to get there.

How to get to Ba Den Mountain?

By bus: Take a bus to Tay Ninh Province, then a taxi or motorbike to the mountain.

By motorbike or car: Follow National Highway 22 toward Tay Ninh, then take local roads to the mountain entrance.

What to see and do at Ba Den Mountain?

• Hike to the Summit: The hike takes about 4-5 hours, but it’s a great challenge with rewarding views.
• Take the Cable Car: If you don’t want to hike, the cable car takes you up in just 10 minutes, offering scenic views.
• Visit Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple: A famous Buddhist temple halfway up the mountain. Many locals come here to pray.
• Enjoy the View: At the top, you get an amazing 360-degree view of Tay Ninh’s landscapes

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most famous historical attractions in Vietnam. These underground tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War for hiding, living, and fighting.

How far are the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

The tunnels are about 70 km (43 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The trip takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

By bus: Take bus No. 13 from Ben Thanh Market to Cu Chi, then transfer to bus No. 79 to the tunnels.

By tour: Most visitors book a half-day tour, which includes transport and a guide.

By motorbike or car: Take National Highway 22 toward Cu Chi District.

What to see and do at the Cu Chi Tunnels?

• Crawl through the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic).
• See the underground bunkers and traps.
• Watch a documentary about the war history.
• Try shooting a gun at the firing range (optional).

Honorable Mentions

Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam’s best national parks and a perfect escape for anyone who loves wildlife, jungle trekking, and adventure. It’s home to rare animals like gibbons, Asian elephants, and sun bears, as well as hundreds of bird species.

How far is Cat Tien National Park from Ho Chi Minh City?

Cat Tien is 150 km (93 miles) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Because of the park's location, a day trip isn't feasible. We'd recommend opting for a 2-day trip instead!

How to get to Cat Tien National Park?

By bus: Take a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station to Cat Tien. It takes 4-5 hours, and you need to take a boat across the river to enter the park.

By car/motorbike: Driving is the most convenient option, as it allows you to stop along the way and enjoy the scenery.

What to see and do at Cat Tien National Park?

• Jungle trekking—Walk through lush forests and spot rare plants and animals.
• Wildlife watching—Join a gibbon tour early in the morning to hear them sing.
• Night safari—Take a jeep tour at night to see deer, civets, and wild boars.
• Crocodile Lake (Bau Sau)—A hidden lake where you can see wild crocodiles and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Ben Tre and My Tho

The Mekong Delta is famous for its lush greenery, floating markets, coconut groves, and river life. If you want to see authentic countryside life, a day trip to Ben Tre and My Tho is a great choice.

How far are Ben Tre and My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?

My Tho: About 70 km (43 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ben Tre: About 85 km (53 miles) away, around 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

How to get to Ben Tre and My Tho?

By bus: Take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to either My Tho or Ben Tre. From there, hire a boat tour to explore the rivers.

By motorbike or car: Take National Highway 1A towards My Tho, then continue to Ben Tre.

By tour: Many tours include boat trips, visits to local farms, and cycling through the villages.

What to see and do in Ben Tre and My Tho?

• Boat trip through coconut canals—Take a traditional sampan boat through the small canals.
• Visit a coconut candy factory—Ben Tre is famous for its handmade coconut candy.
• Explore fruit orchards—try fresh tropical fruits and honey tea at a local farm.
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda—one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the Mekong Delta.
• Watch traditional music performances—Enjoy a live Don Ca Tai Tu (Mekong folk music) performance.

Tay Ninh

Tay Ninh is a fascinating mix of culture, history, and spirituality. It’s home to the Cao Dai Holy See, the most important temple of the Cao Dai religion, which blends Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. It’s also near Ba Den Mountain, so you can combine both in one trip.

How far is Tay Ninh from Ho Chi Minh City?

Tay Ninh is 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.

How to get to Tay Ninh?

By bus: Take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to Tay Ninh City, then a taxi to the temple.

By car/motorbike: Take National Highway 22 straight to Tay Ninh.

By tour: Many tours combine Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels in one day.

What to see and do in Tay Ninh?

• Visit the Cao Dai Holy See —the most colorful and unique temple in Vietnam, with a mix of different religious symbols.
• Watch the noon prayer ceremony —the best time to visit is 12:00 PM, when you can see Cao Dai followers in white robes praying.
• Combine with Ba Den Mountain—If you have extra time, hike or take the cable car up Ba Den Mountain for amazing views.

Conclusion

With so many amazing places near Ho Chi Minh City, you don’t have to go far to see something unique and exciting. Whether you want to learn about history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, relax on the beaches of Vung Tau, explore the Mekong Delta, or trek through Cat Tien National Park, there’s a perfect day trip for you.

Planning transport and logistics can be tricky, so the easiest way to enjoy these trips is by booking a guided tour with Vietnam Original Travel. That way, you can sit back, relax, and focus on the experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore beyond the city and make your trip to Vietnam truly unforgettable!

>>> Can Gio