SG45 Ho Chi Minh – VINH LONG

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: HOI AN -FREE -DA NANG- SAIGON – FLIGHT VN123@12:40/14:25 (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and free time for your own leisure.

The driver (no guide) transfers to the airport to take the flight to Saigon.

Arrival Saigon, our guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to the Hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2: COOKING CLASS- CITY TOUR

ACCOMPAY WITH A CHEF TO MARKET TO BUY INGREDIENTS THEN JOIN A VERY DELICIOUS MEAL MADE BY YOU FOR COOKING CLASS- EXERCISE A BIT BY EXPLORING “THE PEARL OF FAR EAST”, OLD NAME BY SAIGON BY CITY TOUR

In the afternoon, 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).

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.

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. 

Secret Saigon Underground

“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.”

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 3: GET SOME FRESH AIR ALONG RIVERSIDE TIL GET TO SEE THE UNIQUE UNDERGROUND MADE BY VIET CONG SOLDIERS BY CU CHI SPEED BOAT 

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.

Let’s try to shoot a real gun like AK47 or M16 for fun. Of course, it is something different experience out of war. It is a military sport that attracts a lot of visitors to participate in when traveling to Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you can choose the appropriate guns for yourself. Most of the guns had been used during the war and you can use them to try shooting with the animal-shaped target under the staff’s instructions.

 “This tunnels site is the only place in Viet Nam that you could shoot a real gun. All control by the government.”

Notes:

• Duration of the excursion: Full day (07:30-15:00)

• 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.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: MEKONG CRUISE- VINH LONG (B, L, D)

At 8h00: This morning, depart for a 2-hour drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre province. Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the highway as you leave behind the high-energy city. On arrival, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on the charming Apricot boat, a newly tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Gain a glimpse at countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. Shore excursions include the home of a tropical fruit farmer. Have a walk around his orchard and observe how the local farmers harvest the fruits using the traditional method. Stop for a visit at the family-run business where you learn how the coconuts are processed and then enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea and taste the sweet flavor of coconut candy in a rustic yet cozy atmosphere. 

Tour a hidden island by traditional tuk-tuk, passing through sleeping village, local cottage industries, canals, and fruitful orchards. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “Xin chao” as you pass by. Relax while discovering more of the Delta from a small rowing sampan as you are paddled slowly through the maze of small canals covered by water coconut trees. Cap off your memorable trip by a tasty lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at the peaceful Apricot Riverside restaurant. Let’s enjoy the cool breeze from Mekong Delta before heading to Vinh Long.

Overnight in Vinh Long.

Day 5: VINH LONG – SAI GON

In the morning, take a bike tour around to see fruit orchards and plantations. You will meet so many nice people in the countryside, always a smiling face whenever they see you. Don’t be surprised, little children could run along with you just to say “Hello”. 

Free until check out at noon then drive back to Sai Gon.

Overnight in Saigon.