Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh city full day (L, D)
8.00: After breakfast, start your tour with a visit to The Reunification Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in the city. This was the place that saw the end of the American Vietnamese War. In April 30th, 1975, the T54 tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through its gates and hoisted the National Flag on the top of this palace to unify North and South Vietnam.
Your next stop is War Remnants Museum, a poignant display of the futility of war and formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is the only museum in Vietnam are brought into the system with more than 60 "Museums for Peace" in the world by UNESCO. Established in September 1975, Museum is the place to record the history, artifacts, and everything related to war and aspiration for peace in Vietnam. Visiting this museum, you can learn about Vietnam's history along with the war as well as the invaders' crime.
Before having lunch at a local restaurant, you will have time to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. Situated next to each other in District 1, these are the examples of French colonial architecture in Saigon that are the most attractive destinations in the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral was built in 1877 - 1880 by French, with 57m high its surprise that every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. With two 40m bell tower, it's not only a place for Catholic worship but also is a familiar and favorite site of locals and visitors. Besides, built-in 1886 - 1891 the Old Post Office is the biggest post office in Vietnam that is the combination between Euro and Asia architecture. Especially, it-s also famous for its dome system inside that makes the building higher and suitable for service so many people.
12.30: Have lunch, then you will have the chance to visit Giac Lam pagoda.
Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Saigon, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam. It contains much documentation about history, culture, architecture, and sculpture of religion. The pagoda has 113 old statues with almost made by wood and only 8 bronze statues. You can see the cultural exchange with other countries, especially Southeast Asia on the characteristics of these statues' architectures. You should not 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.
Next, you will visit Cho Lon, including Thien Hau pagoda. Cho Lon was created by Hoa people in 1778 after they came here to avoid the Tay Son - Nguyen Anh War. With a large area including District 5, District 10, a part of District 11 and District 6, this is the largest market and China Town in Vietnam that has many beautiful temples and pagodas. Located in District 5 and built-in 1760, Thien Hau pagoda is one of the city's oldest pagodas made by Hoa people with their typical architecture.
Your final stop today is the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is very popular with tourists. This is not only the center Market of Ho Chi Minh City but also is the trade center of the South. Sometimes, the Ben Thanh Market with the O'clock Tower is considered as the Saigon's symbol. Join in the market you can see the wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais. The tour today will finish in the late afternoon when you are transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in HCM.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi (L, D)
8:00: Our private car and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel then head to Tay Ninh Province.
10:00: Arrive in Tay Ninh, visit Cao Dai Temple - the sacred temple of Caodaism - Vietnam's own religion incorporated aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Catholicism. You have a chance to understand more about the Vietnamese religion.
12:00: Have lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00: After lunch, leave Tay Ninh and travel to Cu Chi Tunnels. Watch a short video introducing soldiers’ lives during wartime and take a look at the system of the underground tunnels, where supplies were transported, the injured were treated and people were living during some of the most strategic operations in the war.
After visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, our car picks you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh (B, L)
08.00: After breakfast at your hotel, your driver and guide will be waiting for you in the lobby. Today, you will be away from the hustle and bustle of Saigon to visit Ben Tre where a sleepy waterfront and dreamy pace provide a welcome retreat.
On arrival in Hung vương Pier. Boating on Tien River in Ben Tre – one of the tributaries of Mekong river- is along mangrove tree from town to country. Witness lively activities in the morning as fishing, coconut cargo boats carrying on the river... Stop at traditional brickwork to see how to make bricks by hand. Boating on the river and turn on Cai Son canal winding through coconut jungle, visit coconut workshop, have a looking stage of coconut processing from husk off, prize out to peel out by hand. Go on the small waterway and stop at a local house to see feeding bee, enjoy honey tea.
Walking along the canal to coconut candy workshop, have a look at them making candy by hand, try some sweet, enjoy some fruits and listen to local music as well. Go on by boat and walk to a farmer's house who making sleep mats. Hop on Xe Lôi - a kind of motorized rickshaw to discover the country and stop at a riverside restaurant for a lunch with local food. After lunch, take a short cycling tour to explore the surrounding fields before boarding a sampan for a tranquil trip along the picturesque canals. Come back to the port visit Ben Tre local market before back to Saigon.
Arrive Saigon, drop off at your hotel. End of services.
Inclusion
– Accommodation
– Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles
– Local English-speaking tour guide
– Meals as mentioned ( B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
– Water on the car
– Boat, bike, horse - cart, coconut drinks, fruits, water, sight-seeing fees in Ben Tre
Exclusion
– International in/out flights
– Travel insurance
– Early check-in and late check-out surcharges at accommodations
– Beverage
– Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities for guides and drivers
– Other services not mentioned above