2-Day Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

SAI GON CITY TOUR

At around 9.00, begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam - American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.

After lunch time, we head to Chinatown to visit Cho Lon (CHINATOWN). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a brief visit to Binh Tay market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T-shirts to electronics.

Continue to Thien Hau pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.

End of the day and free at your own leisure.

HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNELS

After breakfast, depart about 1 and a half hours to Cu Chi Tunnels.

You can expect a lot of history to be discovered today. After breakfast in the hotel, we will visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi tunnels are surprisingly dug manually by Viet Cong soldiers, with the view to making it a secret military base. If you want to learn about the Vietnam war, this destination is a not-to-miss.

End of the tour and free at your own leisure.