Departure Day:
Every day
Time:
1 Day
Schedule
Ho Chi Minh
Transport
Walk + Private Car
After breakfast at hotel, transfer (no guide) to Danang airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, pick up by our local guide.
Set off with your guide for a half-day excursion taking in some of the important sites of the city such as the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Flower Street market, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market….
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. 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.
Continue to visit the wholesale Flower Street market, the biggest in Ho Chi Minh City which bursts with blooms from the beautiful Da Lat Mountains and from along the mighty Mekong — a guaranteed treat for the senses! Take some beautiful pictures when people are so busy to purchase for their business. Then we will head to Secret Weapon Cellar.
“The NLF dug numerous secret cellars in the heart of Saigon to store weapons and explosives brought from rural bases such as Cu Chi for fighting against the South Government, particularly the 1968 Tet Offensive. Early in 1967 the house’s owner, Trần Văn Lai, dug two cellars underneath the house to store pistols, rifles, grenades and over 350kg of TNT were transported there in hollowed-out boxes and specially-adapted wickerwork baskets and plant pots. After visiting this historic place, we will head to the memorial of Thich Quang Duc who shocked the world by burning himself to death in 1963.”
A short drive or walk away is one of Saigon’s most historic landmarks, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction from Paris. 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.
Wander along with the many tantalizing shops of Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, the boulevard where the high society flocked and shopped in colonial times. Conclude your visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market to enjoy shopping and discover your bargaining power and come away with unusual items that will always remind you of this exciting day.
Walking distance: 3-4km, on the flat terrain, around downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
*The program could change a bit depending on your physical health and the weather of SAIGON.
*Please take along with you sun cream and a hat/ umbrella.
Adrian & Helen Cooper –
Wow! This was a great introduction to Ho Chi Minh city. Lot is really organised, knowledgeable and great fun! We particularly loved our visit to the flower and fruit markets – it’s so refreshing to get away from the main tourist sites and get a better understanding of local culture.