I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on a Thursday night, expecting food stalls and scooter traffic. And yes, I got that—but what I didn’t expect was how deeply one weekend could change the way I see Vietnam.
Here’s how it happened.
How I Discovered the Real Vietnam in Just One Weekend From Ho Chi Minh City?
Day 1: Crawling Through Time in Cu Chi
Friday morning, I joined a small group and headed north—away from the city—to a place I’d only read about: Cu Chi Tunnels.
But this wasn’t the usual tourist spot. It was Ben Duoc, a quieter, more authentic site. No crowds. Just dense jungle, echoing stories from the past. I crawled through narrow tunnels, touched relics, and stood in the silence of history.
Our guide didn’t recite facts—he told stories. About people. About survival. It was unforgettable.
Day 2: The Mekong Gave Me Its Heart
We left the city behind again, this time heading south—to the Mekong Delta.
The road gave way to rivers. We boarded boats, then hopped on bicycles. We tasted fruit straight from the trees. We shared tea with villagers. We arrived at a local homestay—just a simple house, with warm smiles and a home-cooked meal waiting.
That night, I slept beside the river. No air-conditioning. Just crickets, laughter, and a ceiling fan. It was perfect.
Day 3: Folk Games, Floating Markets & Farewells
We woke up early to catch the Cai Rang Floating Market—where locals sell, chat, and bargain right on the water. It wasn’t staged. It was alive.
Later, we joined a village celebration and learned folk games. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. It reminded me how joy crosses all languages.
What Made It Special
This wasn’t a tour. It felt like an invitation—into someone’s backyard, someone’s kitchen, someone’s childhood. Innoviet made it personal, honest, and human.
Want to experience it too?
If you’re in Saigon and looking for something deeper than another Instagram stop, this is it.

Choose from:
- 2-Day Mekong Homestay + Cu Chi
- 3-Day Cultural Immersion & Cycling
- Cu Chi Ben Duoc Small-Group Half-Day Tour
Slow down. Go local. And feel Vietnam—like I did.
Ready to travel differently?
Explore our slow travel tours from Ho Chi Minh City Now!
Go slow. Go deeper. Go with purpose.
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
1-day Mekong tour from Can Tho | The Myst Mekong
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Rural Life
Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour - Ben Tre boat and bike experience
Mekong Delta homestay 2 days tour with cycling trip in non-touristy villages
Mekong Delta tour 3 days with homestay - cycling - Cai Rang floating market

We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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