Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Our 5D4N Kid-Friendly Itinerary

If you haven’t been to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, for a family trip, you’re seriously missing out. When I visited recently, I was struck by just how perfect it would be for families with young kids.

The whole journey ticked every box: cheap flights, hotels that didn’t break the bank, and a non-stop line-up of things for the young ones to see and do.

If you’re dreaming of a holiday where your money stretches further and the whole family’s entertained, keep reading — this 5D4N itinerary with plenty of fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City absolutely delivers.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City and how to get there

Flights to Ho Chi Minh City

Getting to Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore couldn’t be easier. Direct flights take just around 2 to 2.5 hours, so you’re on the ground and ready for pho before lunchtime.

Prices are crazy wallet-friendly — think around S$150 return if you buy early. Even if you decide to pack up and leave tomorrow, round-trip flight prices rarely go beyond $200.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation in HCMC is a dream for parents on a budget. You’ll easily find clean, comfortable family-friendly hotels at around $50 - S$60 per night. Want a bit more luxury? Even 4-star hotels in the city often come in under S$150 a night.

Tip: Plan ahead, and wait for events like the 8.8 or 11.11 sales to book your hotel stay on platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com for greater savings.

Best districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

For easy sightseeing, District 1 is where most travellers (especially families) stay — it’s central, packed with attractions and close to major parks and walking streets. You’ll be near Ben Thanh Market, the City Museum, and kid-friendly places like Tao Dan Park. District 3 is another popular and slightly quieter option, with leafy streets and plenty of cafes.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

The easiest way to explore? Download the Grab app. It’s cheaper than taxis, safe, and cash-free — according to my experience, rides can cost less than a dollar — which is even cheaper than taking the MRT in Singapore. And it works for food delivery, too. Roads can be busy, but it’s usually quick to get around, and you don’t have to worry about language barriers or local payment quirks.

Pro tip: When it comes to discovering HCMC, local tours are the way to go, and they are pretty affordable at around S$20-ish per person, max. Save yourselves the hassle of planning and navigating the city. More on the tours later.

Now that we’ve got this cleared, on to the itinerary. 

Our 5D4N Itinerary For Things To Do With Kids In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Day 1 — Arrive, settle in & explore your neighbourhood

After your arrival in HCMC, skip the taxi queues and book a Grab straight to your hotel. If you want a taste of affordable luxury, consider staying at Harmony Hotel Saigon. Its largest executive suite (40 m²) goes for around $120 per night and comes with a jacuzzi roomy enough for two adults and two little kids, making it perfect for some post-flight relaxation.

The rate also comes with a free mini bar, breakfast and afternoon tea. 

Once you’re settled, take time to explore the neighbourhood. Harmony Hotel is in District 1, so you’re close to both tourist favourites and local gems. Ben Thanh Market is a top spot to kick off your street food adventure and shop for Vietnamese snacks or souvenirs.

If you don’t want to risk street food on your first night, head to Pizza 4P’s near Ben Thanh Market for dinner instead. It’s a reliable favourite among travellers and locals alike — serving up charcoal-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and fusion pastas in a cool, kid-friendly setting.

The menu is diverse and the ingredients are top-notch, so everyone from fussy eaters to foodies will find something to love. After that, you can enjoy the lively market sights after dinner without worrying about any tummy trouble.

Day 2 — Cu Chi Tunnels tour 

Set aside a day for the Cu Chi Tunnels, about two hours from the city, and trust me — this is a must-do for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City. 

The tunnels are an extraordinary piece of Vietnam’s history: an elaborate underground network built by the Vietcong for hiding, fighting, and surviving during the war. Only a fraction of the original tunnels remain, but two preserved sections have been transformed into one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

Kids (and adults!) will love crawling through the tunnels, checking out booby-trap demonstrations, and discovering how the Vietcong survived underground for months. It’s genuinely fascinating for all ages — offering a hands-on sense of history you simply won’t get from a textbook.

But beware! Those with claustrophobia may want to skip going into the tunnels themselves, as the underground passages can feel tight and confined (at least I felt that way). You’ll also encounter plenty of insects, so bring a good insect repellent to stay comfortable. It can get very hot and humid, so carrying a small portable fan or cooling towel can make the experience much more pleasant.

Additional tips: wear lightweight, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and crawling. A UV jacket and long pants did the trick for me — I emerged without any bites or a sun tan. Don’t forget to stay hydrated as well! 

For example, this Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Group Tour via Agoda costs just S$18 for adults and S$14 for kids, and covers everything you need:

- Insurance
- Entrance fee
- Transportation service & pick-up/drop-off (for hotels in District 1)
- English-speaking tour guide
- A bottle of water
- Special tea and cassava snacks

The average tour to Cu Chi Tunnels lasts at least five hours, so it’s best not to pack your evening with extra plans. Trust us, you’ll be pooped.

Also, we highly advise against booking tours that combine the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta in one day. The journey from Cu Chi Tunnels to the Mekong Delta itself is already a four-hour bus ride. Both attractions deserve time and energy on their own, and squeezing them together can be exhausting (especially for families). For a more enjoyable experience, save them for separate days.

Pro tip: One thing to love about tours in Vietnam is the flexibility — you can often book excursions like the Cu Chi Tunnels tour just a day before. It may also be cheaper to just head into any travel agency along the roads in HCMC and book a tour. So if your itinerary is still up in the air, feel free to play it by ear and secure spots last-minute. This makes planning stress-free and lets you adjust your family’s schedule on the go.

Day 3 — Explore Saigon City

After a good rest, spend your third day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s classic attractions right in the heart of town.

All within short walking distance or Grab rides, you can visit: 

- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh)
- Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
- Saigon Opera House
- Tao Dan Park
- Vincom Center mall
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum
- Cafe Apartment (for quirky cafes and city views)

If you’re too lazy to map it all out, simply join a half-day tour with a guide and transport for just S$19 per adult and S$16 per kid. 

This three-hour tour covers the city’s top attractions — Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum — allowing you to easily see the highlights. Plus, you’ll get insight into the city’s history, integration, and rapid development in recent years, making sightseeing a hassle-free experience.

Day 4 — Mekong Delta adventure

Dedicate your fourth day to exploring the lush, lively Mekong Delta — a true highlight for visitors who want a taste of the rural side of Vietnam. Tours typically pick you up in the morning and whisk you away to a world of winding rivers, floating markets, fruit orchards, and small villages.

Expect a gentle boat ride along the waterways, where you’ll spot locals selling produce from their boats, sample exotic fruits right from the garden, and even watch traditional music performances or coconut candy making. Kids especially love hopping between stops, seeing wildlife along the riverbanks, and cruising under rows of palm trees.

Most Mekong Delta day tours like this one include transport, a local lunch, and a guide to help you navigate every scenic stop. For just $25 per adult and $18 for your child, it’s a chance for families to unwind, experience a slower pace, and enjoy nature up close — without having to plan out each detail. By evening, you’ll return to HCMC full of new stories (and probably with snacks and souvenirs from the markets).

Day 5 — Bye bye Vietnam!

On your final day in Vietnam, take it easy and savour the last moments of your trip.

Conclude your adventure with a relaxed shopping spree at Central Market, an underground shopping and dining area located right in the center of HCMC.

Here, you can pick up last-minute souvenirs, snacks, and gifts. Wander the bustling aisles, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and let the kids choose a few treats or toys to remember their holiday by.

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