Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has a fascinating history rooted in the Vietnam War. Filipinos interested in history can explore sites like the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Besides, Vietnam is known for its rich cuisine, and Ho Chi Minh City is a foodie's heaven. Filipinos may eat great street food like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and other local favorites.

We've put together a detailed 4-day Hanoi itinerary that includes the city's biggest sites, the greatest day trips, and some hidden treasures. You will also find all of the helpful ideas and information you need to organize your Vietnam itinerary.

The flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh only takes about 3 hours with a direct flight using Vietnam Airlines, but if you want to have a layover experience in several countries, you can choose airlines such as; Air Asia, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, or Cebu Pacific.

For accommodation options, there are various types of hotels that you can choose according to your preferences, budget, and location. Hotel Nikko Saigon The best evaluations are given to Hotel Nikko Saigon due to its excellent location, amenities, and customer service. This hotel is the best option if you're searching for cozy accommodation.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most colorful city in Vietnam. Depending on your preferences, on the first day, whether you rest at the hotel or try to explore the accommodation, make sure you try the local pho restaurant. To unwind after the flight, we suggest trying Vietnamese-style relaxation at Sa Spa Saigon Massage Treatments, trying Saigon Street Food by Scooter, and experiencing some of the best street food in town with a scooter tour.

On the second day, it was time to explore Ho Chi Minh City in more depth. We recommend that you visit Vinh Nghiem Temple. The most magnificent temple in southern Vietnam, it has seven levels. It was the country's first concrete pagoda constructed in the traditional style of Vietnamese architecture. A sizable standing Buddha monument may be found here, and upstairs is a gorgeously decorated pagoda. To explore Ho Chi Minh in more depth, we recommend that you take the Buddhist Pilgrimage Motorbike Tour to see firsthand the most famous and venerated Buddhist temples in Sai Gon, as well as dive into the local lifestyle and culture, which will make you remember this experience.

Furthermore, don't miss trying the buffet at Market 39 - InterContinental Saigon, to enjoy typical Vietnamese food in style and the casual atmosphere that this place provides after a day of traveling around Ho Chi Minh City.

It won't be complete if you don't take part in class activities in Ho Chi Minh City to improve your skills, especially if you can learn new things in another country. How about trying to learn to cook local Vietnamese dishes? Hoa Tuc Cooking Class is a culinary class that offers a day class as you learn and cook native delights in this Vietnamese culinary class.

In addition, we suggest enrolling in the Vietnamese Coffee and Tea Brewing Experience Class, which teaches you how to make Vietnamese coffee using a filter and taste various varieties at a small shop in the center of Saigon. You can also learn about the philosophy of tea and prepare a proper cup of tea for yourself in a charming, hidden tea house. Vietnamese coffee is well-known to be highly popular worldwide, therefore, this is a fantastic chance to learn how to prepare it from a pro. Finally, your adventure on the third day in Ho Chi Minh City—spend your night with Saigon Foodie by Night—is over. Enjoy the bustling nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City and typical Vietnamese food.

You should go shopping in the Takashimaya neighborhood on your final day in Ho Chi Minh City. Reputable Japanese retailer Takashimaya built a mall in Ho Chi Minh City with food vendors and coffee shops alongside worldwide fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and beauty brands like M.A.C. Shopping here will certainly satiate your shopping addiction, so make sure to take advantage of it before leaving for the Philippines.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Vincom Center, which is conveniently situated in the middle of the town, and provides a wide variety of affordable, locally and internationally-inspired cuisines to suit the needs of a wide range of patrons. This massive shopping center offers stylish clothing from a variety of well-known brands, in addition to cuisine.

It is suggested to choose a flight time in the afternoon to maximize your last day in Ho Chi Minh City. Considering the heavy traffic in this city, you should be at the airport 2 hours before departure to avoid unwanted situations. Book Manila to Ho Chi Minh flight via Traveloka to get promotional deals and desired flight times.