Spirit of Saigon City Tour

After breakfast, at 8.00 we greet this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, stroll 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.

Afterward, 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.

Continue to the well-known War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam-American War. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. After lunchtime, we head to Chinatown to visit the Cho Lon area. 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 & electronics.

Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. Continue driving to the historic center to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas, then Giac Lam. Tour ends at your hotel at around 5.30 p.m.