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26 May 2026Updated last time

10 best places for weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Weekend Getaway Overview from Ho Chi Minh City

This trip is designed for travelers looking to escape Ho Chi Minh City for a refreshing weekend filled with nature, beaches, culture, and a little adventure. You can start with the cool highlands of Dalat for a relaxing change of scenery, then head to Vung Tau or Ho Tram for easy coastal breaks with fresh seafood and ocean views. For something more active and scenic, Phan Thiet and Mui Ne offer dramatic sand dunes, windswept beaches, and water sports that are ideal for a short but memorable escape. If you want to reconnect with nature, Can Gio Mangrove Forest provides a unique eco-adventure close to the city, while Cai Rang Floating Market gives you an authentic taste of life in the Mekong Delta. For travelers seeking quieter and more special experiences, Con Dao Islands and Phu Quoc Island deliver pristine beaches, clear waters, and a peaceful island atmosphere. Mui Dinh Lighthouse adds a rugged, picturesque stop for photography and coastal exploration. Together, these destinations create a balanced weekend itinerary that combines relaxation, local culture, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, making it easy to choose the perfect getaway based on your mood and travel style.


Recommended Activities

  • Dalat is a charming and romantic highland city in Vietnam. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' it offers a cool climate, gorgeous landscapes, and beautiful French colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the stunning Xuan Huong Lake, visit colorful flower gardens, enjoy adventurous activities like hiking and canyoning, and indulge in delicious local cuisine.
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  • Vung Tau is a popular coastal getaway near Ho Chi Minh City. With its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and vibrant atmosphere, it's an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend trip. Visitors can soak up the sun on Back Beach or Front Beach, explore the historic Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda, visit the famous Jesus Christ Statue on Mount Nho, and enjoy panoramic views from the Vung Tau lighthouse.
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  • Phan Thiet is a coastal city renowned for its pristine beaches, sand dunes, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, explore the vibrant fishing village of Mui Ne, witness the mesmerizing Fairy Stream and Red Sand Dunes, and savor fresh seafood delicacies.
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  • Mui Ne is a famous beach resort town with stunning sand dunes and clear blue waters. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sandboarding. Visitors can also explore the Fairy Stream, a unique natural formation with colorful landscapes, and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
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    Can Gio Mangrove Forest

    Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located near Ho Chi Minh City. It's an ecological treasure offering a unique experience in nature. Visitors can take boat tours through the dense mangrove forest, spot wildlife like monkeys and birds, visit the Can Gio Museum, and enjoy bird-watching at the Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Zone.
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    Con Dao Islands

    Con Dao Islands are a hidden gem in Vietnam, known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural beauty. They offer a serene and tranquil getaway, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the diverse marine life. Visitors can also visit historical landmarks like the Con Dao Prison, learn about the islands' history, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
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    Ho Tram Beach

    Ho Tram Beach is a beautiful and peaceful beach destination located near Ho Chi Minh City. With its pristine sandy shores and clear waters, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Visitors can relax on the beach, enjoy water activities like swimming and sunbathing, explore the nearby fishing villages, and savor delicious seafood dishes.
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    Cai Rang Floating Market

    Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta region and offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can witness local traders selling fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. Taking a boat tour through the bustling market, enjoying traditional Vietnamese dishes, and interacting with friendly vendors are some of the highlights of this vibrant attraction.
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    Mui Dinh Lighthouse

    Mui Dinh Lighthouse is a picturesque landmark situated in Phan Rang-Thap Cham, overlooking the stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can climb up the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the turquoise sea and rocky cliffs. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
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    Phu Quoc Island

    Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Visitors can unwind on the white sandy beaches, go snorkeling or diving to explore vibrant coral reefs, hike through the dense Phu Quoc National Park, visit unique attractions like the Dinh Cau Night Market, and indulge in fresh seafood delicacies. With its serene atmosphere and stunning scenery, Phu Quoc Island is the ideal destination for a tranquil and rejuvenating getaway.
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Restaurants

  • Hẻm Quán

    Hẻm Quán is a hidden gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering a unique dining experience in a narrow alleyway. Indulge in authentic Vietnamese street food while immersing yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.
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    Binh Quoi Village

    Binh Quoi Village

    Binh Quoi Village is a fascinating riverside dining destination located in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a buffet-style feast featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a rustic and scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waterways.
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    Secret Garden Restaurant

    Secret Garden Restaurant

    Located on a rooftop in Ho Chi Minh City, Secret Garden offers a delightful escape from the busy streets. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a hidden oasis adorned with lush plants and a charming ambiance.
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  • Tung Garden

    Tung Garden is a unique floating restaurant located on the Mekong Delta, near Can Tho. Feast on delicious Vietnamese seafood while dining on a traditional sampan boat, cruising along the picturesque river.
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    Tree House Restaurant

    Tree House Restaurant

    Nestled amidst the lush forests of Da Lat, the Tree House Restaurant offers an enchanting dining experience. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine while perched up in treetop dining pods, surrounded by nature's beauty.
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    Bai Dai Floating Restaurant

    Bai Dai Floating Restaurant

    Set on a floating platform in the middle of the sea, Bai Dai Floating Restaurant is a unique and memorable dining experience in Phu Quoc Island. Feast on delectable seafood dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise waters.
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    Cuc Gach Quan

    Cuc Gach Quan

    Located in an old French villa in Ho Chi Minh City, Cuc Gach Quan offers a rustic and charming atmosphere. Delight in traditional Vietnamese dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms.
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    Bun Cha Huong Lien

    Bun Cha Huong Lien

    Visit Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant where former U.S. President Barack Obama enjoyed a meal during his visit to Vietnam. Taste the famous dish, Bun Cha, and experience a piece of history in Hanoi.
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Hotels

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    Hang Nga Guesthouse

    Hang Nga Guesthouse

    Hang Nga Guesthouse, also known as the 'Crazy House,' is a unique and unconventional hotel in Dalat. With its whimsical and surreal architecture, staying here is like stepping into a fairy tale.
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    The Imperial Hotel

    The Imperial Hotel

    The Imperial Hotel is a historic and grand hotel in Vung Tau, offering a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities. Experience luxury and elegance while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the sea.
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    Princess d'An Nam Resort & Spa

    Princess d'An Nam Resort & Spa

    Princess d'An Nam Resort & Spa is an exquisite beachfront resort in Ke Ga, featuring luxurious villas and a tranquil ambiance. Experience ultimate relaxation and indulge in world-class amenities and services.
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    Six Senses Con Dao

    Six Senses Con Dao

    Located on the pristine Con Dao Islands, Six Senses Con Dao offers a luxurious and eco-friendly hideaway. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, exceptional spa experiences, and impeccable hospitality.
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    Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort

    Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort

    Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort is a secluded eco-resort on Phu Quoc Island, perfect for those seeking a sustainable and rejuvenating retreat. Stay in rustic bungalows, relax on the beach, and immerse yourself in nature.
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    Azerai La Residence

    Azerai La Residence

    Azerai La Residence is a charming boutique hotel in Hue, housed in a colonial mansion. Experience a blend of French elegance and Vietnamese hospitality while exploring the rich history and culture of the city.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Gondwana

    Gondwana

    Gondwana en Concierto
    Map IconFrontón México in Ciudad de México (817.37 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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    Fitz and The Tantrums

    Fitz and The Tantrums

    Fitz And The Tantrums en concierto
    Map IconFrontón México in Ciudad de México (817.37 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Oct 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour

    Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1988.17 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Lil Man J

    Lil Man J

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1988.17 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Peso Peso

    Peso Peso

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1988.17 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Steve Hofstetter

    Steve Hofstetter

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is reserved seating.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1988.17 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Mountain Grass Unit Summer Tour

    Mountain Grass Unit Summer Tour

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1988.17 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Aug 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    More looking for beach town vibe, good food, chill etc etc Share ... Phan Thiet is a ~3 hour drive away and a beach town. Mui Ne is right there with beaches too and has the re...

    Help Wanted! Weekend (Beachy) Trip from HCMC??

    More looking for beach town vibe, good food, chill etc etc Share ... Phan Thiet is a ~3 hour drive away and a beach town. Mui Ne is right there with beaches too and has the re...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Check out Phan Thiet market. Also heap of sand dune in Mui ne, but you might get sun burn( I do) lol. ... I think you shouldn't been 1 week in Phu Quoc cuz it is a small ...

    Is 2 weeks in Ho Chi Minh too much?

    Check out Phan Thiet market. Also heap of sand dune in Mui ne, but you might get sun burn( I do) lol. ... I think you shouldn't been 1 week in Phu Quoc cuz it is a small ...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Vung Tau = dirty sexpats ... Da lat will always get my recommendation. ... Quy Nhon--Clean, developed, and few international brands are there. ... Are you traveling by motorbi...

    Where to stay to break up a trip from Da Nang to HCMC?

    Vung Tau = dirty sexpats ... Da lat will always get my recommendation. ... Quy Nhon--Clean, developed, and few international brands are there. ... Are you traveling by motorbi...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    You can always take the river boat to Vung Tau for the day its a nice ride down the Saigon river and you spend a day eating good food and walking the beach More replies ... if...

    HO CHI MINH

    You can always take the river boat to Vung Tau for the day its a nice ride down the Saigon river and you spend a day eating good food and walking the beach More replies ... if...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm planning a 6-day, 5-night relaxing ... Tau and Phu Quoc. I'm looking for a mix of chilling on the beach and some fun water activities. ... Relaxation: Beautiful ...

    Vung Tau or Phu Quoc for 6 Days of Relaxation & Water Adventures from HCMC? Hey !

    I'm planning a 6-day, 5-night relaxing ... Tau and Phu Quoc. I'm looking for a mix of chilling on the beach and some fun water activities. ... Relaxation: Beautiful ...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    I was thinking Phu Quoc but something relaxing to end the trip. ... Not a nightlife person. Da Nang didn't really appeal to me even though im a city and beach girl. I&#x2...

    Recommendations for where to go after Ho Chi Minh

    I was thinking Phu Quoc but something relaxing to end the trip. ... Not a nightlife person. Da Nang didn't really appeal to me even though im a city and beach girl. I&#x2...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    i went to Phan Thiet Mui Ne and it was pretty diappointing too... Stayed at a resort and the area was filled with Russian residents. Which is fine but i'm in vietnam, not...

    Skip Mi N!!!!

    i went to Phan Thiet Mui Ne and it was pretty diappointing too... Stayed at a resort and the area was filled with Russian residents. Which is fine but i'm in vietnam, not...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Or take the boat to Vung Tau for the day, have lunch near the beach and take the boat back again. (Some of the route is just HCMC city skyline and not exciting but some of it ...

    What else to do / where else to go in/near Ho Chi Minh

    Or take the boat to Vung Tau for the day, have lunch near the beach and take the boat back again. (Some of the route is just HCMC city skyline and not exciting but some of it ...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue- Hoi An - Da nang / HCMC - Mekong - Vung Tau - Phu Quoc - Mui Ne - Da Lat I lived in Saigon 2 years but traveled up north. I found the North more inte...

    Where to spend more time: Saigon or Hanoi?

    Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue- Hoi An - Da nang / HCMC - Mekong - Vung Tau - Phu Quoc - Mui Ne - Da Lat I lived in Saigon 2 years but traveled up north. I found the North more inte...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Avoid Dalat as well since it is not gonna be sunny in the Fall. Your best bet is Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Vinh Hy, Binh Hung or Binh Ba Island (I don't know if it is still open ...

    Which city/town should I go to? I don't like saigon

    Avoid Dalat as well since it is not gonna be sunny in the Fall. Your best bet is Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Vinh Hy, Binh Hung or Binh Ba Island (I don't know if it is still open ...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    I am keen to visit beach destination as well but we have already visited phu quoc. Could you guys suggest me beautiful beach destination as well. ... If you are looking for mo...

    Beach destination recommendation apart from Phu Quoc

    I am keen to visit beach destination as well but we have already visited phu quoc. Could you guys suggest me beautiful beach destination as well. ... If you are looking for mo...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    As my suggestion, you can spend one week in HCMC, then go to Da Lat for 2-3 days, then go to Nha Trang for 3-4 days. Book a train to Hue, stay for 2 nights, then go to Da Nang...

    Please advise on the trip: HCM, Dalat, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hoi An

    As my suggestion, you can spend one week in HCMC, then go to Da Lat for 2-3 days, then go to Nha Trang for 3-4 days. Book a train to Hue, stay for 2 nights, then go to Da Nang...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Try the Mekong Delta, you can take a guide. Among others: Chau Doc, Ben Tree or Can Tho. ... You will love Da Lt. ... Mui Ne is great, but the food is disappointing. Spent 2 w...

    8 days in Vietnam. Apart from Saigon, where else would you go?

    Try the Mekong Delta, you can take a guide. Among others: Chau Doc, Ben Tree or Can Tho. ... You will love Da Lt. ... Mui Ne is great, but the food is disappointing. Spent 2 w...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    4 days is fine in Saigon. But you can take private car or sleeper bus to Vung Tau or Phan Thiet for half or one day.

    Need some recommendation please !

    4 days is fine in Saigon. But you can take private car or sleeper bus to Vung Tau or Phan Thiet for half or one day.

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    8 days is indeed too long for HCMC. Can Tho is a good option, maybe 2 days. Perhaps a shit idea, but theres also Vung Tau for a change of air

    8 days in HCMC Is it too much? Looking for side-trip recommendations!

    8 days is indeed too long for HCMC. Can Tho is a good option, maybe 2 days. Perhaps a shit idea, but theres also Vung Tau for a change of air

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    But honestly i don't think vung tau is a good beach destination. The ferry works well to saigon though. Take a flight to con dao if you want restful beach ... I spent a l...

    Is Vung Tau Worth It?

    But honestly i don't think vung tau is a good beach destination. The ferry works well to saigon though. Take a flight to con dao if you want restful beach ... I spent a l...

    /r/VietNam
  • Reddit Icon

    Been to Vung Tau once, wasn't really impressed, it's OK but very sleepy. I'm in Mui Ne at the moment and it has a much more casual "holiday" beachside town vibe...

    Vung Tau worth a day trip?

    Been to Vung Tau once, wasn't really impressed, it's OK but very sleepy. I'm in Mui Ne at the moment and it has a much more casual "holiday" beachside town vibe...

    /r/saigon