Vietnam tours - Ho Chi Minh City, former name is Saigon, as the city is still frequently
referred to, is Vietnam 's largest city with a population in excess of 6
million. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors
selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style
bars and boutiques. Saigon's history is only 300 years old, less than a
third that of the capital, Hanoi . In 1859, the city was captured by the
French and became the capital of Cochin china. From 1956 until its
dramatic demise in April 1975, Saigon was the capital of the US-backed
Republic of Vietnam.
8:30am. Start the trip from your hotel. Today Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurs. The city's skyline is rapidly changing, reflecting the sharp influx of foreign trade within the last decade. And yet the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly in Cho Lon, the city's Chinatown . Here dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. The French left their mark here – as the city has many street cafes and patisseries where fresh croissants can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
This city tour unravels HCMC's turbulent past and also provides a glimpse into the fascinating variety the city has to offer. The tour is split into a morning and afternoon schedule, with a tasty lunch in between!
In the morning we visit:
- The Reunification Palace : This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as 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 .
- War Remnants Museum : Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes , this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem' exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The exhibit includes the last shots these photographers had taken before their deaths. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
- Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office : Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam . Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city's skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country's largest post office.
After lunch at local restaurant we continue to visit:
- Giac Lam Pagoda: This is HCMC's oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam . Inside, 98 pillars and 113 statues and myriad mini-Buddhas vie for your attention. Don't miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.
- Cholon, including the Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam 's largest market, the Binh Tay, is located here. The district is home to the city's 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.
- Ben Thanh Market: This bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai (Traditional long dress). Tour finishes at 5:30pm at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour Cost included:
Meal as mentioned in the itineraries: Vietnamese food, Asian Food basic.
Private Transfe including pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
All entrance and sightseeing fees
All taxes & services charge.
Tour Cost Non Included:
Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program.
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tipping/ Gratuities
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.
| Number in Group |
Validity until 30th of September 2011
Price per person in US$ in party of |
| 1 |
2-3 |
4-6 |
7-10 |
11-15 |
16-20 |
| Price |
93 |
55 |
45 |
40 |
35
|
30 |
Tour Cost included:
Meal as mentioned in the itineraries: Vietnamese food, Asian Food basic.
Private Transfer including pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
All entrance and sightseeing fees
All taxes & services charge.
Tour Cost Non Included:
Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program.
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tipping/ Gratuities
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as
natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or
cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.