SAIGON FULL DAY CITY

Tour Itinerary

Transfer to China Town. Start walking through the vibrantly colored Soi Kinh Lam textile market. The market is well-known for its long-established role as a crucial distribution product not only for the city but entire southern Vietnam. Continue walking past by the scenes of daily life on the way and get a chance to observe the street life of the area by venturing through Cho Lon’s busiest streets. Stop at Cha Tam Church where president Ngo Dinh Diem was seized after taking refuge, after fleeing the Presidential Palace. From here hop on a local cyclo for a leisure ride around the China Town area, offering a great opportunity to admire the Chinese architecture through the local houses, pagodas, and temples, explore the sights and sounds of China town with your guide explaining everything along the way. This is an authentic place where the local people live their tranquil life away from the noise of the city. Then we’ll enjoy a moment of zen at Thien Hau Pagoda, the oldest temple in Vietnam, located in the heart of Chinatown. Having enjoyed the tranquillity of this ancient site, it’s back to the action!

The starting point of this guided walking tour is at the City Hall, a French colonial style monument which is popular for its great photo opportunities. Continue to Saigon Opera House, a beautiful French colonial-era building from the late 19th and early 20th century. Wander along Rue de Catinat “Dong Khoi Street” to CIA building where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975, you can choose to experience the most ancient elevator, built in the French colonial period.

The next stop is Notre Dame Cathedral (outside visit only), a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction from Paris and then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.

Visit the War Remnants Museum which presents a partial yet vivid view of the American War through the Vietnamese’s eyes as it contains fascinating remnants and photographs of the past including US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, and infantry weapons. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic and sensitive). Or wind your way to one of the most significant historical sites of the city, the Reunification Palace which is former Residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the down fall on April 30, 1975. It is called the heart of Sai Gon for its own reasons by locals. Take a stroll around the Palace and admire the amazing work of its architecture while learning from your guide the untold stories connected to great changes in Ho Chi Minh City’s history.

Walk on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, passing by The Supreme Court that is set in a bright yellow French colonial building—one of the most recognizable in the city. Turn right at the corner of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street and Le Thanh Ton Street and continue your leisurely walk past by Ben Thanh market.

Make a stop at a local street coffee shop where Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had a casual cafe with the locals. Afterward, continue your walk past Nguyen Van Hao’s building. It used to be the house of the richest businessman during French colonial times.

After taking some pictures at this special building, opt to stop at Maison Marou where you can opt to taste the best Vietnamese chocolate (own account) and learn the history of the artisanal, single-origin chocolate maker. Leaving Maison Marou, have a leisure walk on Le Thi Hong Gam Street, move on to the stunning French building built in the late twenties – originally a mansion and now Fine Arts Museum.

If you are antique lover, experience walk on the 300-meter Le Cong Kieu Street, even though the street is close to Ben Thanh Market, the hustle and bustle of the city life does not exist here. The small street exudes history. The ceramics, wood, metal, and glass objects that can be found here are either antique or have been made to look old.

Return to your hotel by private vehicle after the tour.