Looking for places for going weekend holidays near Saigon city (HCMC)? Ho Chi Minh is a young, dynamic and exciting city, which is now attracting more and more tourists thanks to its combination between the animation and ancient beauty. Recently, Ho Chi Minh has become a destination not to be missed of many travelers when they are coming to Vietnam. This following article will help you to have a meaningful and enjoyable trip with a list of attractions which is suitable for your duration.
1) Weekend holidays near Saigon city – Day trips
Ben Thanh Market
The first place that you cannot miss in the list of weekend venues in Ho Chi Minh city is Ben Thanh Market, located in Cua Nam – the intersection of Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton and Quach Thi Trang Streets, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 and this is the oldest market in Ho Chi Minh.
The market mainly sells clothes, fabrics, footwear, fashion, handicrafts, fresh food, fruit and flowers. In addition, the market is very rich with snack bars, dishes of regions in the south. Although not acting as an economic lever, Ben Thanh Market is a big trading center, reflecting the development of this land and people.
This place is not only a normal business market as other markets but also the witness of the history’s ups and downs, experiencing all the wars with the city. Therefore, Ben Thanh Market has been considered as the symbol of the city. Although not as soon as many other buildings, architectural form is not too unique, Ben Thanh market is considered as one of the milestones in the development of Ho Chi Minh city. Historical factors of Ben Thanh Market are recognized in the form of design and construction techniques, decorations, systems of sectors,…
Sai Gon River
Being a favorite weekend venue in Ho Chi Minh city that many people love, Sai Gon river is a river holding a long and valuable historical value. The head-water of the Sai Gon River originates from Hon Quan (Binh Phuoc), which flows through Dau Tieng Lake (Tay Ninh), through Binh Duong Province and flow into Ho Chi Minh City. The total length of Sai Gon river is 256 km, the reach going through Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 80 km. Saigon River is the historical witness of Saigon’s past and present. Saigon River is charming as a romantic and lovely point of the city. Watching the sunset on the river always gives visitors an unforgettable experience.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Thao Cam Vien)
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Many people consider this place as one of the must-go attraction when they have time during weekend trips in Ho Chi Minh city. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens were constructed in 1864, caring and preserving thousands of animals, plants and flowers. Coming to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, tourists can take part in excursions by train and tram, participate in enjoyable games for people at many ages as well as admire the dynamic performances,… All gathered into a beautiful space to fascinate people, everything at the zoo will make your soul relaxed, as if you were in a world completely separate from the noises, smog, traffic jams and worries of normal life.
Starlight Bridge (Anh Sao Bridge)
A wonderful place for weekend trips in Ho Chi Minh city is the Starlight Bridge, located in Phu My Hung new urban area, District 7. The bridge has this name because when admiring this bridge from a long distance, the bridge is like a strip of stars in the galaxy. On the floor of the bridge deck and at the bottom of the bridge girder, the backlight will be illuminated by the LED light at the foot of the pedestrian. In addition, the two sides of the bridge were installed a seven-color continuous light change combining sprinkler system along the bridge. Bridge lighting systems used solar panels and electric storage batteries on the side. From there, it is making people on the bridge feel like they are walking on thousands of bright stars in the middle of the night. Anyone who has come here and stepped on the bridge may be impressed by this special light.
To the East of the Starlight Bridge, there is a hall symbolizing the sun, the west has a lobby symbolizing the moon. These lounges are mainly for pedestrians who stop by for a short while. Although this is not a superficial work; the sophistication, modernity and environmental friendliness in design has made this bridge become a unique landscape.
Chinatown (Cholon)
If you want to find a place with an exclusive space, culture and architecture, then you should go to Chinatown – a large concentration of Chinese living in Saigon to experience a pleasant weekend. It is not just a popular tourist spot in Ho Chi Minh city, where every visitors coming to Ho Chi Minh always chooses Chinatown to visit, when you come here, you can also feel the different colors of a new culture in the land of Vietnam. The images that visitors encounter most are the old red brick house, located close together, it seems that visitors are lost in a real town of Chinese people. Consequently, visitors cannot only live in the ordinary living space of the Chinese, but also we can enjoy the beauty of the hundred-year-old temples bearing Chinese style and architecture.
Dam Sen Park
Dam Sen Park is a complex of buildings built and designed in a variety of ways, including outdoor landscape and plentiful activities for all participants, green gardens, zoos, aquariums, theaters, restaurants … satisfying the entertainment needs of visitors. Dam Sen Park opens all days during a week, between 07:30 am to 06:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 07:30 am to 09:00 pm during weekend days. It is said that Dam Sen Park is a suitable place for you and your family on weekend days. This is a favorite place of many tourists, with innovative games designed in a modern technology to serve all visitors. Presently, Dam Sen is offering roughly more than 40 games, with about 10 thrilling games. Dam Sen Park is one of the most fascinating destinations that this article want to introduce in the list of weekend destinations in Ho Chi Minh city.
Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is one of the most attractive spots in Ho Chi Minh City for those who love art and architecture. This structure was designed by Ngo Viet Thu – a Vietnamese architect. The Independence Palace has special interior architecture system, with a stateroom, residence of the President’s family, and a basement. Today, the Independence Palace becomes one of the indispensable tourist destinations of every citizen when coming to Ho Chi Minh City. It not only has historical significance, but also stimulates the neoclassical architecture of Vietnam in the 60s.
Throughout the ups and downs of history, the Independence Palace has become a highly valuable architectural monument and a place to preserve many historical landmarks, at the beginning of the French colonial rule in Vietnam and Indochina and the next phase is the intervention of American imperialism.
The auxiliary system inside the Independence Palace has been equipped with air conditioning system, fire prevention, communication, warehouse. In addition, the front side of the Palace is decorated by the bamboo screen in the style of the paintings of the Vietnamese houses and patterns of the ancient temples in Vietnam; the rooms are decorated with many picturesque lacquer paintings and oil paintings. Besides the architecture, inside the Palace area, there is a large garden with more than 60 species of trees, including precious woods.
2) Weekend holidays near Saigon city – Overnight trip
Ben Tre
Ben Tre is considered as the weekend travel destination near Ho Chi Minh city that you should not miss. Ben Tre is a green island between the four corners of rivers, which has become an attractive destination for those who like to explore the green space. This is a province in the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre has many canals, and coconut gardens. Tourists should visit Ben Tre in the summer, from June to August, so that we can go sightseeing as well as enjoy the delicious specialties.
From downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre city center, you will have to go about 80 km, it will take you about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to drive by car. Travelers can rent a car or buy tickets from some bus companies to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh at the western coach station.
Ben Tre has favorable conditions to develop ecotourism, because it also maintains the pristine nature of the hick town, keeping the ecological environment of Ben Tre fresh in the green of the coconut gardens. When you have chance to visit Ben Tre, you should participate in ecotourism activities, stay in the family of local people and enjoy the fresh air.
Nowadays, there is a range of options for tourists to visit when coming to Ben Tre, such as: Tuyen Linh Temple, Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, Phung Islet,… Each tourist destination has its own attractions, waiting for visitors to explore and experience.
Can Tho
Can Tho city is located in the center of the Mekong Delta, which is bordered by five provinces: An Giang, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang and Vinh Long. With a mild climate, visitors can come to Can Tho at all seasons of the year, however, if coming in summer, visitors will enjoy the delicious fruits. There are so many activities to join with your family and friends at the weekend that it will not be enough to spend just a day in Can Tho.
The distance from Ho Chi Minh city to Can Tho is about 170 km. You can choose to travel by plane or by passenger car to Can Tho. From Can Tho airport to center or Ninh Kieu wharf, you can get in a taxi. With buses from Ho Chi Minh city, you can choose Phuong Trang, Kumho Samco and Mai Linh. You should contact them for the pick-up point (at the western coach station, or buy tickets at Le Hong Phong, from here there will be a shuttle bus to the coach station).
We will recommend you a list of beautiful tourist spots to admire and experience when coming to Can Tho. You should not miss Ninh Kieu Wharf, Binh Thuy ancient house, Ba Bo Flower Village, Cai Rang floating market, Bang Lang stork garden, Orchards, Tay Do night market, Can Tho Museum, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery, My Khanh eco-tourism village,…
Vung Tau
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is roughly 125 km and there are many routes for you to choose. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by car or motorbike, or you can choose passenger car by buying ticket at coach station (with coach operators such as: Phuong Trang, Thien Phu, Rang Dong, Kumho, Hoa Mai,… and the travel time is about 2 hours). Another option for you is hydrofoil. Some operators offering this route are GreenLines and Vina Express.
Vung Tau is a city in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. This is the economic, financial, cultural and tourist center of the Southeast Vietnam. Owning many beautiful beaches and infrastructure is invested completely, Vung Tau is a famous tourist destination.
Standing out from the mainland like a strip of land, from here, people can look at the East Sea when it is at sunrise and sunset. Vung Tau is surrounded by the sea, having pristine forests, high mountains, in addition, there are rivers and many large lakes help climate cool year round. In the city, green trees and flowers are grown everywhere. Beside the values of natural landscape, Vung Tau is also a land of ancient tradition.
Vung Tau is a beautiful and poetic land, if anyone has ever been to this land, it is hard to forget its lyrical attractiveness. Let’s explore the most beautiful tourist destinations of Vung Tau in this following list: Con Dao, Front Beach, Back Beach, Statue of Jesus Christ, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Ho May Cultural and Ecological Park,…
Not only attracts visitors by the beautiful beaches, entertainment areas, Vung Tau also attracts you by the special festivals, bringing the characteristics of the coastal city, such as: Dinh Co Festival Festival at Dinh Co Shrine, Nghinh Ong Festival, Tran Temple Festival,…
From Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes you about 2 hours, then you can reach the territory of Vung Tau city. Let’s take advantage of the weekend days to relax with your family or friends with this beautiful coastal city, surely you will have memorable holidays.
Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet city is the heart of the province of Binh Thuan, has long been known as the tourist city, which is extremely glamorous. Phan Thiet is located in the key economic region of the Southeast, and it is an important traffic center. Phan Thiet is about 183 km from Ho Chi Minh city and the route is quite easy. You can choose from several options, such as by train (normal and high quality train) or by passenger car. If you want to travel by passenger car, then you can select out from some reliable coach operators, which are Phuong Trang, Kumho, Hoang Long, Sinh Café,…
Not only possessing beautiful natural scenery, this land is also a charming cultural tourism destination with diverse communities of Chinese, Cham people … What are you looking for in your upcoming trip? A lively coastal city with moments of peace to relax after hard working days? A little sunshine, a little wind, with white sand blue sea to spoil yourself into the cool water? Then you should come to Phan Thiet.
The most common and familiar destinations in Phan Thiet that you should not miss are: Cu Lao Cau island, Ke Ga Island, Mui Ne Fishing Village, White Sand Dunes (Aka Bau Trang Sand Dunes), Phu Quy Island, Fairy Stream, Co Thach Beach, Duc Thanh School, Mui Ne Sand Dune (Red Sand Dunes Mui Ne), Poshanu Cham Tower,…
Da Lat
The distance from the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat is about 307km and depending on the route, it will be able to shorten about 10km. You will have two basic directions, one for cars and one for cars and motorbikes. If you do not have your own car and you do not want to drive a motorbike, then there are a lot of passenger cars moving from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat. Another option for you is traveling by air plane (from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh city to Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat).
Today, Da Lat has become a destination for honeymooners and this is a perfect retreat for those who want to escape from the noisy and dusty cities like Ho Chi Minh City. This might be your excellent stopover on your itinerary during the weekends. Da Lat is mentioned with many names such as: The city of flowers, The land of love, The sad city or The land of cherry, … And Da Lat is also remembered with the most romantic destinations for couples, and a paradise for those who love adventure travel, exploring, conquering the masterpiece of nature. Besides, Da Lat is also a museum of unique ancient architectural works in Vietnam.
With a cool year-round climate, friendly people, poetic landscapes, attractive tourist attractions, diverse dishes and special flavors … Da Lat is definitely the destination for all people of all ages.
Some must-see places in Da Lat that tourists should not ignore are: Cam Ly Waterfall, Datanla Waterfall, Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Station, Langbiang Mountain, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Linh Son Pagoda, Domaine De Marie Church, Mong Mo Hill, Da Lat Flower Gardens, Tuyen Lam Lake, Hang Nga Guesthouse, Strawberry Gardens, …
Cat Tien National Park
If you do not know where to go for the weekend, then you can discover interesting and unique places near Ho Chi Minh city. Among them, you should not ignore Cat Tien National Park, which is located in five districts of Tan Phu, Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai), Cat Tien, Bao Loc (Lam Dong) and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc), about 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City. To come to Cat Tien National Park, tourists can travel by passenger car, by your own car or motorbike. Green space with many interesting points of Cat Tien will definitely bring you a journey full of memorable experience.
Cat Tien has been recognized as an international biomass reserve by UNESCO and Bau Sau was recognized as the Wetland of International Importance by the RAMSAR Convention Secretariat. Cat Tien National Park is the area that preserves many kinds of rare animals and plants; it is important to maintain the forest ecosystem with the forest cover in this area is up to 80%. If you are a nature lover and like exploring natural plants and animals, Cat Tien National Park is a destination not to be missed.
Coming to Cat Tien National Park, you can try various amazing and enjoyable activities, here are some suggestions for your trip: discovering Bau Sau, having fun with different types of animals, walking in the jungle, looking at the unique vegetation and learning about the life of the indigenous people here.
Suoi Mo Park
Only about 100 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Suoi Mo Park is one of the new attractions that young people love to explore and also a destination for many families to choose to rest and enjoy the green space on every weekend. Situated in Tra Co Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Suoi Mo Park is considered as the “sea on the forest” with amazing natural tones with clear streams, cool waterfalls combined with a large pool. The stream water here is quite special, extracted from the groundwaters.
It will take you about 3 hours to come to Suoi Mo Park. Tourists can drive a car, motorbike or getting on a local bus. There are some bus operators offering this service, such as: Thien Phat Dat, Quoc Cuong, and Dong Hiep. If you travel by motorbike, you can start along the National Route 1A, you go along the Da Lat direction to come to Suoi Mo. Another option is that you can travel by taxi, however, the price is much higher.
Previously, Suoi Mo was not planned and also quite wild, therefore, very few people know about this place. Currently, this place has been re-planned, which is more beautiful and especially safer. Besides sightseeing and saving the beautiful photos at Suoi Mo Park, you can also participate in many camping activities, BBQ party, organizing teambuilding games … Especially, in addition to swimming, you and your friends and family can join and participate in recreational activities such as bicycle riding, sliding, playing water ball, kayaking … or rest and relax to enjoy the space.
Suoi Mo Park opens on all days of the week including Lunar New Year, sightseeing activities last from 7:30 am to 05:00 pm. In addition, this park is relatively large, with many beautiful landscapes, you can rent a bike or go for a walk around the scenic natural scenery.
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