1. One-Day Trips from Saigon Focused on Nature
1.1. Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh
Ba Den Mountain is located in Tay Ninh City, Tay Ninh Province, approximately 100 km from central Ho Chi Minh City. It takes around 2 to 3 hours by car via National Highway 22, making it suitable for a one-day trip from Saigon. With an elevation of 986 meters, Ba Den Mountain is a prominent mountain in Southern Vietnam and is locally recognized as the highest point in the region.
Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh is the highest point in Southern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)
Visitors to Ba Den Mountain can use the modern cable car system operated by Sun World Ba Den Mountain. The system includes two main routes, Chua Hang and Van Son, allowing visitors to reach the summit more quickly and with less physical effort than hiking. From above, the cable cars offer panoramic views of the Southern Vietnamese plains, Dau Tieng Lake, and the surrounding area, creating an open natural experience during a one-day trip from Saigon.
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1.2. Tri An Lake, Dong Nai
Tri An Lake is located in Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province, approximately 70 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a large artificial lake built to support hydropower generation and water regulation. The surrounding area features melaleuca forests and extensive green spaces, making it a familiar destination for outdoor activities near the city.
Tri An Lake in Dong Nai features a vast water surface and lakeside areas suitable for outdoor activities. (Source: Collected)
The large water surface creates an open setting for outdoor activities. Many groups of friends and families choose the lakeside for picnics or camping. Popular activities include SUP, fishing, and landscape photography. Sunrise and sunset often create particularly peaceful scenery.
1.3. Dau Tieng Lake, Tay Ninh
Dau Tieng Lake is a large artificial lake located across Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc provinces. The lake has a water surface of approximately 270 square kilometers and a large storage capacity. Most of the lake area is located in Duong Minh Chau District, Tay Ninh Province. Its vast water surface creates an expansive natural landscape.
Dau Tieng Lake features a vast body of water and green grasslands along the lakeside. (Source: Collected)
The lakeside has numerous grassy areas and open spaces suitable for outdoor activities. Visitors often stop to take photos or enjoy a short picnic. The spacious surroundings provide unobstructed views across the lake. As a result, the area is suitable for a one-day trip outside the city.
2. One-Day Trips from Saigon Combining Culture and Spiritual Experiences
2.1. Cao Dai Holy See, Tay Ninh
Cao Dai Holy See in Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh Province, is a prominent religious complex built during the first half of the 20th century. Its architecture combines various Asian and European influences with distinctive decorative elements associated with Cao Dai religion. Visitors can attend religious ceremonies held at scheduled times during the day. The solemn atmosphere can add cultural and spiritual depth to the trip.
Cao Dai Holy See offers a solemn religious setting where visitors can learn about Cao Dai beliefs. (Source: Collected)
Many visitors combine a visit to the Holy See with nearby attractions. One of the most popular destinations is Ba Den Mountain. The relatively short distance between the two locations makes transportation convenient. As a result, a one-day itinerary can include a wider variety of experiences.
2.2. Buu Long Pagoda, District 9
Buu Long Pagoda is located in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, and is notable for its architecture influenced by Thai Buddhist styles. The pagoda offers a peaceful setting away from the bustle of the city. Its spacious grounds feature a lake and numerous walking paths, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It is a familiar stop for trips around the outskirts of the city.
Many visitors come here for sightseeing and worship. The tranquil environment makes the trip more relaxing. The pagoda's architecture features numerous intricate decorative details, making it a popular location for photography as well.
2.3. Tan Lap Floating Village, Long An
Tan Lap Floating Village is located in Moc Hoa District, Long An Province, approximately 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tourist area is known for its wooden walkway running through a melaleuca forest within a wetland ecosystem. The waterways and natural landscape reflect the distinctive character of southwestern Vietnam. This makes it a suitable destination for a one-day trip outside the city.
The wooden walkway through the melaleuca forest at Tan Lap Floating Village surrounded by lush greenery. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can walk along the wooden bridge to explore the melaleuca forest. Other activities include taking a motorboat ride or photographing the natural scenery. The ecosystem is home to numerous bird species. The landscape offers an experience that is distinctly different from the urban environment.
3. One-Day Trips from Saigon for Entertainment and Recreation
3.1. Suoi Mo Tourist Area, Dong Nai
Suoi Mo Tourist Area is located in Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, approximately 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is known for a natural lake surrounded by rocky valleys and lush greenery. The spacious setting provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. It is a familiar destination for day trips.
Suoi Mo Tourist Area features a natural lake surrounded by a rocky valley and lush greenery. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can swim in the lake or participate in water-based activities. The ecological area is also suitable for picnics and group activities. The combination of greenery and water creates a relaxing setting. Therefore, the destination often attracts families and groups of friends on weekends.
3.2. Tre Viet Tourist Village, Nhon Trach
Tre Viet Tourist Village is located in Nhon Trach, Dong Nai Province, approximately 30 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tourist area is characterized by a riverside setting and lush green surroundings. It offers various light outdoor activities, making it suitable for a day of recreation.
Visitors can go kayaking or ride traditional round basket boats on the river. Some light recreational games are also organized around the waterfront. The open setting makes the trip more relaxing, which is why the destination is often chosen by groups of young travelers.
3.3. Long Hai Beach, Ba Ria
Long Hai Beach is located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, approximately 90 to 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey usually takes around two hours by car. The long beach and open coastal setting provide favorable conditions for seaside walks. This makes it a convenient choice for a one-day trip.
Long Hai Beach with its long stretch of sand and open coastal landscape. (Source: Collected)
Visitors often swim or take a walk along the beach in the morning. Afterwards, they can enjoy seafood at restaurants along the coast. The seaside atmosphere provides a gentle and relaxing experience. Therefore, Long Hai is a popular choice for a short getaway.
4. Tips for Planning a One-Day Trip from Saigon
4.1. Choose the Right Direction
The Tay Ninh route is suitable for itineraries combining nature with cultural and spiritual experiences, featuring familiar destinations such as Ba Den Mountain and Cao Dai Holy See. If you prefer open spaces and outdoor activities, the Dong Nai route, with destinations such as Suoi Mo and Tri An Lake, is suitable for a day of outdoor recreation. Meanwhile, a coastal route such as Long Hai is appropriate for a relaxing trip involving seaside walks and seafood, making it suitable for a one-day trip from Saigon.
4.2. Plan Your Time Carefully
Leaving before 6:00 a.m. is a time many people choose when planning a one-day trip from Saigon, as traffic at major gateways such as National Highway 1A, National Highway 22, and the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway is generally lighter at this time. Starting early can reduce travel time by approximately 30 to 60 minutes compared with leaving after 7:00 a.m., particularly on weekends or public holidays. In addition to avoiding traffic, an early departure allows travelers to make better use of the morning light for sightseeing and photography while avoiding the intense midday heat.
Planning a suitable travel itinerary for a complete experience on a one-day trip from Saigon. (Source: Collected)
On the return journey, the period from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is often a time when traffic volume increases significantly on roads leading into the city center. Therefore, finishing sightseeing before 5:00 p.m. and starting the return journey early can help reduce the risk of prolonged congestion, especially at major intersections. Planning the return trip carefully helps make the one-day trip from Saigon more comfortable without causing excessive fatigue at the end of the day.
4.3. Estimate the Basic Costs
Fuel and toll costs for a one-day journey generally range from VND 200,000 to VND 400,000, depending on the distance and mode of transportation. Food and dining expenses are estimated at around VND 300,000 to VND 800,000 per person, depending on the choice of eateries, restaurants, or seafood options. In addition, entrance tickets to attractions such as Sun World Ba Den Mountain and recreational service fees at Suoi Mo should also be included in the overall travel budget.
With a wide range of destinations located just a few hours from the city center, a one-day trip from Saigon is a practical option for a busy weekend. By choosing a suitable destination and planning ahead, travelers can enjoy a complete getaway without needing to stay overnight.
