Full Day Ho Chi Minh City Discovery

• We start our trip with our local guide with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City's oldest pagoda Giac Lam, built in the 17th century it is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. We then visit Chinatown with stops at Cholon and Binh Tay markets to see the locals bartering for wares. We also stop off at the Thien Hau temple and Nha Rong wharf, where Ho Chi Minh first left Vietnam in 1911. The Thien Hau temple was built in the early 19th Century dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of seafarers.
• The last stop of the morning is at the Ben Thanh Market, its original location close to the Ben Nghe River and the old fort of Gia Dinh was where it derived its name (Ben meaning "pier" and Thanh meaning "Fort"). The market was destroyed in 1859 during the French invasion of Saigon. It was rebuilt and later moved to its present location in 1899. For the shoppers amongst us it's a chance to practice our language and bartering skills. Following our market visit, we will have lunch at a traditional local Vietnamese restaurant, where our local guide will explain the local specialties.
• After lunch we visit the War Remnants Museum, take a walking tour to Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post office, Opera house and downtown Saigon. The War Remnants Museum was originally opened in September 1975, it displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. In the courtyard we will find some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. The Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace was the sight of South Vietnam's surrender in April 1975. Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Opera House are beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period. This trip with our local guide will give us insights into the history, culture and the daily life activities of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City. At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.