Saigon Day Trips: Top 5 Experiences Within 2½ Hours of the City

Saigon has a vibrant culture that’s a ton of fun to lose yourself in, but it can become overstimulating after a while, especially for first-time visitors. Luckily, there are several day trips near Saigon that can give you some time to “catch your breath”. They’re a great way to experience some authentic Vietnamese culture, away from the progressive urban jungle of Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve rounded up five of the best Saigon day trips here. A few are favourites for tourists (along with tips to give you a more local, authentic experience) and a few are trips to local hotspots Saigon residents would actually travel to themselves – but that most travellers will never even hear about. I define a “day trip” as somewhere 2.5 hours or less from Saigon that can be taken (at least, at a surface level) in 4-8 hours. Saigon day trips: quick reference 1. Mekong Delta The Mekong Delta is the most popular rural destination in Southern Vietnam, and for good reason: the culture and landscape are the best showcases for South Vietnam’s trademark brand of laid-back vibrancy. The vibe is a tropical cocktail that’s impossible to describe in just a few paragraphs, but hopefully my Mekong Delta exploration g...