Are there any interesting places on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit?

Question

Will be travelling to HCMC in mid July for 5 days and was thinking of spending a couple of days in the city and a few days outside the city.

Are there any hidden gems just outside of the city?

From what I've read, one can see the whole of HCMC in a span of 2 - 3 days.

Thanks in advance for your help! :o)

Answer 1

Mekong Delta, floating market., Cap St Jacque ( Vung Tau).  I would skip the Cu Chi tunnel, it's a claustrophobic tourist trap.

Answer 2

The mall

Answer 3

Well you have the Mekong delta and the Cu Chi tunnels for starters some beautiful sights to be seen there.

Answer 4

Id reccommend visiting Vung Tau. Its a coastal town with some decent beaches. It was also Australia's logistics base during the Vietnam War so there's a little history to the place.

It can be reached via hydrofoil from HCMC. Best of all the Lonely Planet advised people not to go there so it's a great place if you're looking to get off the well worn backpacker trail and experience some local culture.