Project Description
Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Embrace the spirit of Saigon with a day trip from Ho Chi Minh city soaking up the rich tapestry of history and culture. Visit the iconic landmarks of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, and hear the tragedy of war at Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Cruise the laneways of Cholon by cyclo and haggle for a bargain at Binh Tay Market.
Destinations included:
Notre Dame Cathedral – Reunification Palace – War Remnants Museum
We pride ourselves in creating personalised travel experiences that suit all your preferences and needs.
With this tour you can:
- Choose your own departure date
- Select the comfort level of accommodation
- Adjust activities to cater to special interests
- Modify any aspect of the tour as needed
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Experiencing the vibrancy of Saigon on a full-day guided tour
- Visiting iconic city highlights such as the Reunification Palace and Opera House
- Learning about the history of Saigon at the War Remnants Museum
- Exploring Saigon’s unique and bustling Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Tours as mentioned and air-conditioned transfers
- Sightseeing and permit fees during guided times
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- Service charges and government VAT tax
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY BY DAY
Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.
From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.
Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.
Head to Cho Lon – the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!
Note: Binh Tay market, an 88 year old structure is going under a comprehensive 365-day-restoration project starting from Nov 2016. During this renovation time, the visit will be arranged at temporary market, located on Thap Muoi Street, just opposite the existing market, with space for up to 1,077 stalls.
