🌆HCMC to Mũi Né: A 4-Day Escape

I thought this trip would be all about cafés, street food, and temples—but what really stayed with me was the moment I stood at the top of Vietnam’s tallest building, and the day I walked across glowing white sand dunes that felt like they belonged in another world. Ho Chi Minh City surprised me again and again. This 4-day itinerary mixed fast-paced streets, quiet balconies, stylish corners, and a day out in the dunes. If you’re looking for a city trip with a little extra soul—and a little sand in your shoes—this one’s for you. 🌙 Day 1 – Straight Off the Plane, Into the Party We landed at night and went straight into it. 📍Bùi Viện Walking Street was alive—neon lights, street performers, packed bars, and people dancing in the middle of traffic. It’s not for everyone, but if you want to feel the pulse of Saigon fast, this is where you go. 🌸 Day 2 – From Morning Markets to Skyline Views We kicked off the day at 📍Ben Thanh Market—a mix of morning hustle, food stalls, and souvenirs. We grabbed a quick bite and did some money exchange before moving on. 📍Tan Dinh Church (yes, the famous pink one) was glowing under the sun. We crossed the street to 📍Oromia Café, which had a quiet rooftop with a perfect view of the church. A peaceful moment in a busy city. Then we wandered through: 📍Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh) – leafy and lined with indie bookstores 📍Notre-Dame Cathedral – red-brick and postcard-worthy 📍Central Post Office – still functioning, still beautiful In the evening, we went to the top of 📍Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. The panoramic view was stunning—glass walls, a glowing skyline, and the Saigon River stretching far into the haze. We didn’t stay long, but that quiet moment high above the city stuck with me. 🏜️ Day 3 – A Day of Sand and Sky in Mũi Né We booked a one-day tour to Mũi Né with hotel pickup, and it turned out to be the most unexpected highlight of the trip. 📍White Sand Dunes were unreal—vast, windy, and glowing in the sunlight. It didn’t feel like Vietnam at all. We climbed to the top, stood in silence, and just watched the dunes shift under the breeze. So simple, so beautiful. After that, there was a quick beach stop before we headed back. The drive was long, but easy—and the change of scenery made it more than worth it. 🛍️ Day 4 – Chill Cafés & Hidden Shops Our last day was all about slowing down. We started at 📍The Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyễn Huệ)—an old building full of narrow staircases, mini cafés, and creative corners. We took our time with drinks and balcony views. Then we explored: 📍The New Playground – underground fashion and local brands It was the perfect wind-down after all the walking, riding, and climbing. This trip gave me everything—rooftop views, pastel churches, a sea breeze, and the unexpected silence of sand dunes at sunset. Four days wasn’t enough, but it was unforgettable. #hochiminhcity #saigontravel #vietnamtrip #wandervietnam #asiatravel #vietnamitinerary