Saigon Stopover

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day, you are on your own.

Overnight hotel in Saigon.

Saigon is a vibrant metropolis with energy, activity, and motion. You can see the convergence of traditional and modern life anywhere you look at in Saigon.

We begin 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 (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (you may view both from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Afterward, dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It is still 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.

Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area. You will begin with a walking tour from Tran Hung Dao Street through Nguyen Trai and Soai Kinh Lam market (cloth wholesale market) and visit Cha Tam Church. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.

We conclude the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Overnight at the hotel.

From Saigon, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels (30 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes). Never discovered by American forces, these tunnels were an important Vietcong guerrilla base during the American War. Stretching over 125 miles, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see cleverly disguised entrances, and elaborate booby-traps. And even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

We return to the city and take the walking tour of Old Saigon. This walking tour takes you through old streets to uncover the hidden secrets of Saigon. We first visit a local bustling and vibrant market that plays a significant role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here, we stroll through the colorful back alleys lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut flowers. And then enter the street of the mechanics specialized in repairing vintage Vespa scooters. We stop for a cup of refreshing traditional iced coffee in a hidden café, usually frequented by locals. This is the oldest coffee shop in Saigon, with a colorful history of more than seven decades. 

The walk continues through the street of locally made guitars and then to the street of urban working-class people where we will have a chance to see their daily life. Nearby is a museum with a collection of more than 3,000 artifacts related to the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. We conclude our tour here and transfer back to the hotel.

Late afternoon, we retrace our drive to Saigon.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in time for a flight to your next destination.