From Saigon Streets to Phu Quoc's Coast: Eight Days Through Southern Vietnam
Eight days. Two sides of Vietnam. Three nights in Ho Chi Minh City. Motorbikes, rooftop drinks, hidden speakeasies and a speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels before the crowds arrive. Then, on to Phu Quoc for four nights of beachfront living and private snorkelling through the clearest reefs in Southeast Asia. Perfect for mates, couples or solo travellers.
Overview
The lowdown
Southern Vietnam moves at two speeds. This trip shows you both. Three days in Ho Chi Minh City where the traffic never fully stops, the food is addictive and the nightlife catches you off guard and keeps you out later than planned. You land, get picked up and within hours you're on the back of a Vespa weaving through the city's organised chaos with a bowl of something incredible waiting at the other end. Day two takes you underground, a speedboat down the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels before the crowds arrive, then back into the city for a cocktail experience through hidden bars and speakeasies most locals have never heard of. Day three heads out to the Mekong Delta by boat, by rowboat, by Xe Loi (motorised rickshaw) and on foot through riverside villages and coconut workshops that haven't changed in decades. Then the whole trip changes gear. A domestic flight drops you into Phu Quoc, calm, warm and entirely different. Four nights at a boutique beachfront property with nothing on the agenda except a private speedboat snorkelling trip through Half-Moon Reef and Coral Mountain, some of the clearest and most biodiverse reef systems in Southeast Asia. Up to eight travellers. Domestic flight included. English-speaking guide throughout.
Highlights
The best bits
Saigon by Vespa After Dark
You've barely put your bags down and you're already on the back of a Vespa moving through Saigon's traffic at pace with the city noise all around you. The Vespa nightlife tour starts with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar before weaving through Ho Chi Minh City's backstreets to two local restaurants. All food and drinks included, all dishes completely authentic. The night closes at a live music venue where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind after work. This is the best possible way to arrive in Vietnam and see it, completely alive.
Itinerary
The day to day
Day 1
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Vespa Nightlife Tour.
Day 2
Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat. Cocktail Experience.
Day 3
Mekong Delta Full Day to Ben Tre.
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc.
Day 5
Explore Phu Quoc at your own pace.
Day 6
Private Snorkelling at Half-Moon Reef and Coral Mountain.
Day 7
Final day in Phu Quoc
Day 8
Departure
Location
The setting
Host
The experts
ARRIVAL's Local Legends
We’ve teamed up with the legends on the ground – the local fixers, guides, and magic-makers who make sure your trip runs smoother than a cold beer on a hot day. Think private hosts, behind-the-scenes logistics wizards, and all-round good sorts who bring the place to life while keeping things seamless in the background.
Accommodation
The quarters
A four-star hotel in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, walking distance to the nightlife, restaurants and attractions that make the first three days of this trip work. Contemporary in design and central in location, the right base for a city where you want to be in the thick of it. Trendy Deluxe rooms. Breakfast included.
Sanouva Hotel Ho Chi Minh City (or similar)
Lý Tự Trọng, Thành phố Hồ...
A boutique beachfront property on Phu Quoc's western coast with the kind of relaxed atmosphere that the second half of this trip is built around. Garden cottages surrounded by tropical planting, beachfront access and a setting that makes the transition from Saigon's energy to island time feel immediate and earned. Breakfast included.
Cassia Cottage (or similar)
Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Phú...
Activities
The fun stuff
Ho Chi Minh City Rooftop sunset drinks, two local restaurant stops with all-you-can-eat food and drinks included, Vespa ride through Saigon's traffic and a live music venue to close. Starts approximately 6pm, finishes late. Dinner and all drinks included.
Evening Vespa Nightlife and Street Food Tour
Ho Chi Minh City, VN
Saigon River and Cu Chi Early morning speedboat departure down the Saigon River arriving before peak crowds. Guided exploration of the tunnel network with historical context provided throughout. Riverside lunch included before speedboat return to Saigon. Entrance fees included. Lunch included.
Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat
Ho Chi Minh City, Củ Chi,...
Ho Chi Minh City Three-hour walking tour through Saigon's hidden bars, speakeasies and experimental cocktail venues. All drinks included throughout. Starts evening, exact timing confirmed with the group.
Evening: Mixologist Secrets Cocktail Experience
Ho Chi Minh City, VN
Ben Tre, Mekong Delta Full-day immersion through Ben Tre by motorised boat, rowing boat and Xe Loi. My Long market, coconut jungle waterways, local workshops and riverside villages. Lunch included. Approximately 2.5 hours each way from Ho Chi Minh City. Entrance fees included.
Mekong Delta Full Day
My Hiep, VN
No set agenda these days. Suggested optional activities: additional snorkelling or diving, island hopping, cooking classes, spa and wellness, beach club sunset sessions. Local booking available. The ARRIVAL team can assist with recommendations.
Optional activities in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, VN
An Thoi Port, Phu Quoc Five to six hours on a private speedboat visiting Turtlehead Rock Beach, Half-Moon Reef, Coral Mountain and a secluded island with beach bar. All snorkel gear included. Morning or afternoon departure subject to water conditions.
Private Snorkelling, Half-Moon Reef and Coral Mountain
Phú Quốc, VN
No set agenda these days. Suggested optional activities: additional snorkelling or diving, island hopping, cooking classes, spa and wellness, beach club sunset sessions. Local booking available. The ARRIVAL team can assist with recommendations.
Optional activities in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, VN
Fine Print
The small stuff
Cancel 65+ days from departure for a 80% refund. Within 64 days of departure, we’ve locked in logistics, so no refund can be offered. Thanks for understanding – it keeps things running smooth for everyone. Please make sure your dates are correct before booking, and we strongly recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind.
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