SG44 Ho Chi Minh – BEN TRE- CAN THO

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: SPECIAL WELCOME- DISCOVER THE COLORFUL COUNTRY BY 1/2 CITY TOUR

Located on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still called by all, is Vietnam’s major port and largest city, and still survives in wide downtown avenues flanked by pristine colonials and hidden charms.

Upon arrival, you are special welcomed by our local guide.

Set off with your guide for a half-day excursion taking in some of the important sites of the city. 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 many 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.

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. Take some beautiful pictures when people are so busy to purchase for their business.

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.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2: LEARN ABOUT CU CHI TUNNELS, THE UNIQUE SYSTEM MADE BY VIETCONG SOLDIERS  

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a 1.5-hour drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through urbanized areas and typically lush southern Vietnamese countryside. Originally dug to serve as a base for organizing guerrilla actions against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network intended to protect guerrillas from Viet Cong French air and ground raids. Visit the extensive network of underground passages to gain insight into the history of the tunnels, life in the tunnels, and the tenacity and ingenuity of the Vietnamese during battle.

Are you tired after being inside the tunnels? Let’s fill up our stomach by cooking class in the countryside. Let’s get ready with your bamboo baskets in your hand, it is time to collect organic herbs and vegetables in a local’s farm. Have a chat with a farmer and be a chef for your own food. No matter how good or bad cook you are, you would really enjoy a simple delicious meal.

“While Vietnamese cuisine abroad still flies under the banners of phở and bánh mì, the full spectrum of Vietnamese food is a symphony of delightfully textured, bright and piquant flavours.

The Vietnamese love their food and cooks make the most of each region’s abundance produce and special ingredients to make their meals. Northern food is known for its simplicity; the dishes of central Vietnam are generous in spice and quantity; Southerners like to add sugar. “

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Notes:

• Duration of the excursion: Full day (08:00-17:00) depending on the traffic.

• The Cu Chi Tunnels have been widened in places for Western visitors, but they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside, so please take this into account if you don’t like enclosed spaces. For those who choose to stay above ground, there are many easily accessible rooms and excavated areas to visit.

Day 4: 03 Apr 24: SAIGON – BEN TRE- CAN THO (B, L)

This morning, drive 2 hours towards Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta, famed for its tropical fruit gardens, coconut groves traditional products made of coconuts.

Upon arrival, board a local wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit at a local family-run workshop to learn how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 3-4km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “Xin chao” as you pedal by. Stop at local families and chat with the local farmers to understand their daily farming activities while enjoying the opportunity to taste fresh fruits and local tea with honey. Board a traditional rowing sampan for close up views of the water palm-lined waterways of the Delta

After feasting on Mekong Delta specialties, you may wish to take a stroll around the orchard to see how the fruit is cultivated. Then, transfer directly to Can Tho. 

Notes:
• The cycling distance is 3-4km, depending on the physical ability and length your desire  

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 4: 04 Apr 24: CAN THO – SAI GON (B)

Wake up early morning and board a local boat to visit Cai Rang floating market. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats, you will see an interesting trading activity by using a traditional “offering pole”-exchanging consumer goods hanging on the pole for Mekong fruit and vegetables with local sellers. Stop in a hammock café for some fresh air before heading back to Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.