Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively Chinatown district of Cholon, you will find Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda.
Saigon
7 hours, from US$165 pp
Private Tour
JOURNEYOverview
Overview
Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively Chinatown district of Cholon, you will find Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda.
JOURNEYHighlights
- Observe a range of architecture that reflects key periods in the history of Saigon.
- Reflect for a few moments in serene Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda.
- See the Reunification Palace, which became a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
- Notice the French influence in colonial architecture such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Highlights
- Observe a range of architecture that reflects key periods in the history of Saigon.
- Reflect for a few moments in serene Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda.
- See the Reunification Palace, which became a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
- Notice the French influence in colonial architecture such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.
JOURNEYItinerary
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)–Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a frenetic Asian city of markets. Streets are clogged with scooters, street-side food stalls, foreign restaurants, office blocks, and shopping malls. It is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, and the rate of progress over the last few years has been remarkable. It is an exciting and exotic city where the pace of life never dims, and it is now looking forward with great optimism after its tumultuous 20th century. Though you may still experience some of old Asia, Saigon is a new Asian boomtown whose inhabitants are poised to embrace the 21st-century advances.
Depart from your hotel at 8:00 and gain an overall understanding of Saigon through its landmark architecture, reflecting the changing face of Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively Chinatown district of Cholon, you will find Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda. A haven of tranquility where Taoism and Confucianism merge with Buddhism, the pagoda compound includes ornate tombs, a rare bodhi tree, and an elegant statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Next, visit the century-old workshop hidden in a small alleyway, where locals make Buddha, God, and Saint statues for sale nationwide. Experience the largest wholesale market in Binh Tay, then stop by a local cafe for a traditional Caphe Sua Da, prepared the old-fashioned way. Walk around with your local expert guide inside a 500-year-old Phung Hung market, learn the local ingredients and see all the lively stuff: fish, crab, eels…
For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This modernistic white building was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon offers a glimpse into colonial life, as the French built it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Then visit the must-see War Remnants Museum and the secret weapons bunker in District 3. Stop by the venerable statue of Monk Thich Quang Duc for history lessons, and visit the secret weapon cellar of Mr. Lai before driving back to the hotel.
View full itinerary
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)–Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a frenetic Asian city of markets. Streets are clogged with scooters, street-side food stalls, foreign restaurants, office blocks, and shopping malls. It is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, and the rate of progress over the last few years has been remarkable. It is an exciting and exotic city where the pace of life never dims, and it is now looking forward with great optimism after its tumultuous 20th century. Though you may still experience some of old Asia, Saigon is a new Asian boomtown whose inhabitants are poised to embrace the 21st-century advances.
Depart from your hotel at 8:00 and gain an overall understanding of Saigon through its landmark architecture, reflecting the changing face of Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively Chinatown district of Cholon, you will find Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda. A haven of tranquility where Taoism and Confucianism merge with Buddhism, the pagoda compound includes ornate tombs, a rare bodhi tree, and an elegant statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Next, visit the century-old workshop hidden in a small alleyway, where locals make Buddha, God, and Saint statues for sale nationwide. Experience the largest wholesale market in Binh Tay, then stop by a local cafe for a traditional Caphe Sua Da, prepared the old-fashioned way. Walk around with your local expert guide inside a 500-year-old Phung Hung market, learn the local ingredients and see all the lively stuff: fish, crab, eels…
For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This modernistic white building was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon offers a glimpse into colonial life, as the French built it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Then visit the must-see War Remnants Museum and the secret weapons bunker in District 3. Stop by the venerable statue of Monk Thich Quang Duc for history lessons, and visit the secret weapon cellar of Mr. Lai before driving back to the hotel.
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JOURNEYDates & Prices
Date of operations: We operate this tour daily and on request. We highly recommend booking in advance, ideally 72 hours, to ensure we can provide the best service for you. This trip can be fully tailored to meet your preferred departure time, dates, group size, and travel interests.
Price per person: from US$165 pp; maximum group size: 6
What’s included:
> Experienced, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide escort
> Private transfer on a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
> All admission fees
> Snacks & coffee at local market
> A nice lunch at the local Pho Hoa + 1 unit of drink: mineral water/soft drink/juice/local beer
> Complimentary pick up at your hotel lobby in district 1, 3, or Nha Rong port gate in district 4.
What’s not included:
> Gratuities for your tour guide & driver
> 3.5% extra for tour payment made via Credit card or Payment link
Extra information that you need to know before you book this trip:
> Pick up and drop off will be at hotels in districts 1 & 3, or at the Saigon port gate in district 4
> Guest, to let our travel advisor know if there’s a food allergy or special food request upon placing your booking
> For a group of more than 30 guests, please get in touch with our hotline at (+84) 901-388-555 for booking assistance.
Dates & Prices
Date of operations: We operate this tour daily and on request. We highly recommend booking in advance, ideally 72 hours, to ensure we can provide the best service for you. This trip can be fully tailored to meet your preferred departure time, dates, group size, and travel interests.
Price per person: from US$165 pp; maximum group size: 6
What’s included:
> Experienced, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide escort
> Private transfer on a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
> All admission fees
> Snacks & coffee at local market
> A nice lunch at the local Pho Hoa + 1 unit of drink: mineral water/soft drink/juice/local beer
> Complimentary pick up at your hotel lobby in district 1, 3, or Nha Rong port gate in district 4.
What’s not included:
> Gratuities for your tour guide & driver
> 3.5% extra for tour payment made via Credit card or Payment link
Extra information that you need to know before you book this trip:
> Pick up and drop off will be at hotels in districts 1 & 3, or at the Saigon port gate in district 4
> Guest, to let our travel advisor know if there’s a food allergy or special food request upon placing your booking
> For a group of more than 30 guests, please get in touch with our hotline at (+84) 901-388-555 for booking assistance.
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