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Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

Nov 14 - Nov 16

This itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City families balances engaging, hands-on experiences with opportunities for relaxation and cultural immersion. It thoughtfully combines free public spaces with exciting, worthwhile ticketed attractions, ensuring a budget-conscious yet unforgettable weekend. From animal encounters and theme park thrills to cultural shows and creative play, every activity is chosen to be genuinely captivating for children and provide quality family time. Remember to check for any last-minute event updates or special promotions closer to the dates.

Ho Chi Minh City view
1

Friday Evening - Kids Cultural Charm

Friday, November 14
1.1
4:30 PM
VND 0 for whole family (excluding purchases)

Book Street Stroll

Start your weekend with a leisurely visit to Ho Chi Minh Book Street, a charming pedestrian area dedicated to books, stationery, and small cafes.

It often features a children's playground area where kids can unwind and interact with other children. Families can browse through both Vietnamese and English titles, discover unique stationery, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Perfect for families looking for a relaxed start to the weekend. Kids will enjoy the small playground and the chance to pick out a new book or a fun souvenir. Restrooms and cafes are available. Stroller accessible sidewalks. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.

Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Easily accessible by taxi/Grab. Parking for motorbikes is available nearby. It's centrally located and walkable from many District 1 areas.

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1.2
6:30 PM
VND 600,000 - 800,000 for a family of 4 (e.g., 2 adults + 2 children aged 3+)

Water Puppet Show

Experience the enchanting Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form.

Puppets glide and dance across a water stage, depicting folk tales and daily life scenes, accompanied by live traditional music. It's a unique cultural experience that captivates both children and adults.

Highly engaging for children aged 3 and up, with colorful puppets and lively music. The shows typically last around 50 minutes, perfectly timed for young attention spans. Restrooms available. Stroller access to seating areas may vary, consider carrying smaller children. Shows are held regularly, but checking specific times closer to the date is advised.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The theater is centrally located and easily reached by taxi or Grab. Limited street parking might be available for motorbikes.

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2

Saturday - Family Adventure Day

Saturday, November 15
2.1
10:00 AM
VND 200,000 - 400,000 for a family of 4

Saigon Zoo Exploration

Spend your morning at the historic Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Thao Cam Vien Saigon), one of the oldest zoos in the world.

Home to diverse animal species and lush botanical collections, it offers a refreshing green escape within the city. Kids will love seeing elephants, tigers, birds, and playing in the dedicated children's playground. You can also take a tram tour.

Excellent for energetic kids. Features spacious walkways, animal exhibits, a botanical garden, and a playground. Restrooms are available throughout the park. The park is generally stroller-friendly. Best to visit in the cooler morning.

2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Accessible by taxi or Grab. Parking for motorbikes and cars is available at the entrances. Several bus routes also serve the area.

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2.2
12:30 PM
VND 200,000 - 400,000 for family lunch

Zoo-side Lunch

Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly lunch either with a packed picnic to enjoy in the zoo's many green spaces or at one of the cafes and food stalls located within or just outside the Saigon Zoo.

This allows flexibility and caters to kids' preferences.

Kids will appreciate the freedom to eat outdoors or choose from simple, local favorites. Look for options like banh mi, pho, or spring rolls. There are also designated picnic areas within the zoo. Ensure hygiene when choosing street food.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens (or nearby local eateries), 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

No additional transportation needed if eating within or immediately outside the zoo.

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2.3
2:30 PM
VND 700,000 - 1,000,000 for a family of 4

Dam Sen Park Fun

Dive into an afternoon of diverse entertainment at Dam Sen Cultural Park.

This expansive park offers a mix of gardens, cultural displays, a small zoo, an aquarium, and various rides and games. It's a great place for kids to burn off energy and explore different zones.

Provides a wide range of attractions suitable for various ages, from gentle boat rides to more thrilling games. Plenty of shaded areas and restrooms. Note that Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Park are separate entities, although located adjacent to each other. Focus on the Cultural Park for this itinerary.

Dam Sen Cultural Park, 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City

Reachable by taxi or Grab (approx. 20-30 min from District 1, depending on traffic). Parking is available. Public buses also serve the area.

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2.4
5:00 PM
VND 300,000 - 600,000 for whole family

Casual Family Dinner

Enjoy an early, casual family dinner at a local restaurant near Dam Sen Cultural Park or head back towards your neighborhood for familiar comfort food.

Vietnamese cuisine offers many kid-friendly options like pho, com tam (broken rice), or fresh spring rolls.

Look for restaurants with spacious seating and kid-friendly menus. Early dinner allows for a relaxed meal before heading home for bedtimes. Many local eateries offer excellent value and authentic flavors.

Local restaurant in District 11 or your neighborhood

Easy walk from Dam Sen, or a short taxi/Grab ride to your preferred dining spot.

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3

Sunday - Relaxed Family Day

Sunday, November 16
3.1
10:30 AM
VND 90,000 for a family of 4 (e.g., 2 adults, 2 children aged 6-16)

Art Museum Visit

Explore the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a stunning colonial-era building.

While it's an art museum, its beautiful architecture, open courtyards, and diverse collections (including sculptures and ceramics) can be surprisingly engaging for children. Encourage them to 'hunt' for specific animals or colors in the artworks.

A calmer activity suitable for a Sunday morning. Children under 6 enjoy free entry, and ages 6-16 get a 50% discount. The quiet environment is good for strollers. Restrooms available. Focus on the visual appeal and history of the building for younger kids. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Centrally located and walkable from many key areas in District 1. Accessible by taxi/Grab. Limited parking for motorbikes nearby.

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3.2
1:30 PM
VND 340,000 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children)

Tini World Play

Head to one of Tini World's indoor play centers for an afternoon of active, climate-controlled fun.

Tini World offers a variety of play zones including ball pits, slides, climbing structures, and creative corners suitable for children aged 0-12, providing an excellent escape from the afternoon heat or a rainy day.

Perfect for energetic kids to jump, climb, and engage in imaginative play. Multiple restrooms are available. The entire facility is designed for children and is stroller-friendly. Adults can relax in lounge areas. Unlimited playtime with entry.

Tini World Now Zone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Located within Now Zone shopping mall, easily accessible by taxi/Grab. Mall parking is available.

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3.3
4:00 PM
VND 0 for whole family

Tao Dan Park Play

Wind down your weekend with some free outdoor play at Tao Dan Park, a large green oasis in the city center.

It features a good playground area for children and plenty of space to run around, kick a ball, or simply enjoy the fresh air before the school week begins.

An ideal, free option for kids to get some last-minute outdoor energy out. The playground is suitable for a range of ages (3-12). Public restrooms are available. Stroller accessible paths throughout the park.

Tao Dan Park, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Centrally located and easily walkable from many District 1 areas. Accessible by taxi/Grab, with some motorbike parking available along the perimeter.

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