Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, situated in the southern part of Vietnam, is still called Saigon by most of the natives. This modern city used to be considered as the Pearl of the Orient by the French.
At 08:00, you will be picked up at your hotel, you will visit: The Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. Travel along Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee Building: Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. Continue to visit The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam (This palace can be closed for meeting).You will enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit: The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Thien Hau Pagoda: Located in Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown, this pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The most impressive features of this structure are the intricately friezes and the carved tableaus towards the front of the pagoda. The impressive incense coils in the interior also make for some great photos.
Binh Tay Market: The name ‘Cho Lon’ can be roughly translated as ‘Big market’. Although the whole district lives up to its name a visit to this market really drives the point home. Selling everything from hats to dried squid, you are sure to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market. Visit a Lacquer ware workshop.
17:00h: End of the tour.
- Admission fee
- English speaking guide
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Personal expenses (not mentioned above)
- Tip.