You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute ride to the center of the first stop will be the Museum of Vietnamese History housed in a fine example of Sino-French architecture. It contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty. Continue your drive to the Reunification Palace. This important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, with the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. The palace is now a museum. You will walk through a green park to reach the Notre Dame Cathedral which dates back to the late 19th century. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office.  After lunch, you will spend the afternoon exploring the hustle and bustle of China Town. Here you will find Mandarin speakers, ancient pagodas and Chinese script adorning shopfronts. Begin your exploration of the area with a visit to Thien Hau Temple. It is not uncommon for the photogenic large coils of incense that hang from the ornate ceiling of this temple to burn for up to three months at a time. Drive back downtown and experience an unprecedented 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck – Bitexco Financial Tower. Drive back downtown and experience the unprecedented 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck 614 feet above the city at the Bitexco Financial Tower. Experiencing the elevator there, which travels at 23 feet per second. At a height of 860 feet and spanning 68 floors, the Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. Drive back to the port (or you may wish to be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market for shopping then make your own way back to the port). Your last stop today is Ben Thanh market to explore a lively local market and shopping. Drive back to the port.

 

Please note: Guests are welcome to stay on the motor coach if the tour becomes too strenuous. Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. The museum visit will include a 20-minute water puppet show. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.

You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute ride to the center of the first stop will be the Museum of Vietnamese History housed in a fine example of Sino-French architecture. It contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty. Continue your drive to the Reunification Palace. This important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, with the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. The palace is now a museum. You will walk through a green park to reach the Notre Dame Cathedral which dates back to the late 19th century. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office.  After lunch, you will spend the afternoon exploring the hustle and bustle of China Town. Here you will find Mandarin speakers, ancient pagodas and Chinese script adorning shopfronts. Begin your exploration of the area with a visit to Thien Hau Temple. It is not uncommon for the photogenic large coils of incense that hang from the ornate ceiling of this temple to burn for up to three months at a time. Drive back downtown and experience an unprecedented 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck – Bitexco Financial Tower. Drive back downtown and experience the unprecedented 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck 614 feet above the city at the Bitexco Financial Tower. Experiencing the elevator there, which travels at 23 feet per second. At a height of 860 feet and spanning 68 floors, the Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. Drive back to the port (or you may wish to be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market for shopping then make your own way back to the port). Your last stop today is Ben Thanh market to explore a lively local market and shopping. Drive back to the port.

 

Please note: Guests are welcome to stay on the motor coach if the tour becomes too strenuous. Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. The museum visit will include a 20-minute water puppet show. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.

Experience an authentic moment in Ho Chi Minh City that most travelers rarely have the chance to enjoy. Start with a relaxing ride in a cyclo (pedal-powered rickshaw) to one of the city's beautiful green parks. Take a peaceful stroll through the park, before joining a tai chi session led by an experienced master. Many locals gather here to engage in their daily routines, with activities like walking, jogging, tai chi, and the slow-motion shadow boxing style called Thai Cuc Quyen being especially popular. Next, explore the vibrant flower market and indulge in a traditional bowl of pho at one of the city’s best noodle shops, paired with a refreshing iced coffee, known locally as “Ca Phe Sua Da.” Continue your journey to discover Saigon’s beautiful colonial architecture and iconic landmarks. In Chinatown, you’ll find a blend of modernity and history, where century-old shophouses stand amidst contemporary buildings. Stroll through a bustling wholesale market filled with the sights and smells of tropical fruits, dried fish, and fragrant herbs, before visiting a traditional Chinese temple. Admire the unique fusion of French and Chinese architectural styles as you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere of this colorful district. Your adventure concludes with a scenic ride along the Tofu Canal, before returning to the city center and heading back to your ship.

 

Please note:  Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.