Saigon can consume some days to discover its best historic traces, cultural centers as well as enjoy its hustling life. If you feel hard to find a starting point, an orientation tour for just half-day can help you to commence.
ITINERARY
Take the half day trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. End trip.
Climb aboard a three-wheeled bicycle taxi in Hue – known as a "cyclo" – and experience the former imperial capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty via an iconic Vietnamese mode of transport. Vietnam’s version of the trishaw or cycle rickshaw, the 3-wheeled cycles are pedalled by a driver, with you in front!
In the morning, our Cyclo team will pick you up from your hotel and take a circle tour around Imperial City. Check out the central Flag Tower, then take a walk to discover the Imperial & Forbidden City, including the South Gate, Thai Hoa Harmony Supreme, the Royal Theater, The Mieu Temple and Nine Dynasty Urns.
Continue by car to Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda or Linh Mu Pagoda). This ancient site houses the most fascinating pagoda in Hue city. Return to the city by Dragon boat trip before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, continue the tour by exploring the King’s philosophy of geomancy and how this affected royal life. Visit the magnificent Minh Mang Tomb and see how the architectural design harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings.
Continue to Khai Đinh's tomb, and compare the Western-influenced architecture with what you have already seen today. Khai Dinh's tomb probably least resembles traditional oriental architecture.
The tour finishes at your hotel.
Hoi An, known as Faifo, with more than 2,000 years history, was once the principal port of the Cham Kingdom. It controlled the strategic spice trade with Indonesia from the 7th to the 10th century and was a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries. After it's glory days, it became a beautifully preserved, charming town that has become one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. This Essence of Hoi An 2 days 1 night will uncover the history and beauty of this sleepy riverside town.
This tour is combination of discovering modern city – Saigon and learning about Vietnam’s history. You will be taken to the highlights of Saigon and then go beneath the ground lie 200 km of tunnels.
ITINERARY
Private option:
Start the tour from the Post Office in colonial-style and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Go on to visit Thien Hau pagoda and a specific section that does not exist in any other city of Vietnam - a bustling China Town, where every board is in two languages: Chinese and Vietnamese, and so is the communication of the inhabitants. In the center of this exciting area is a grandiose market: "Cho Lon", i.e. The Big Market. A lot of Chinese living in this quarter have obtained great trading success with their know-how, wisdom and dynamic.
After lunch in Saigon, head northwest to Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the very few remaining monuments to the Vietnam War. 200km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerillas during the conflicts, are beneath the ground in Cu Chi.
At its peak, prior to the Tet Offensive in 1968, the tunnel complex was a base to almost 10,000 troops. To this day, it remains one of the most impressive examples of how fierce the War was. Return to Saigon in late afternoon.
Joining option:
In the morning, we will pick you up in the hotel lobby and start the trip by visiting the most highlights of the city, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum. With our knowledgeable tour guide, you will learn more about this interesting city.
After having lunch in a local restaurant, we will head to Chi Tunnels, 60km far from city center. This network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. You will spend the next hour exploring the tunnels. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war). We will return to Sai Gon in late afternoon
Start this Hue city tour at 8am, when your guide and driver pick you up at your hotel. Our first stop will be Dong Ba Market where you can shop and catch a glimpse the daily lives of local people.
Next, take a boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda – the historic pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River. Apart from the scenic riverside and hilltop location, the Thien Mu Pagoda and area is rich in history, standing witness to almost four hundred years of tumultuous nation-building in Vietnam.
Head back to Hue City for the rest of the tour. The massive Kinh Thanh Citadel is the most well known and iconic site in Hue. Begun in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is a sprawling complex comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and lovely gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles.
We also visit the Forbidden Purple City, originally built in the early 1800s for the personal use of the emperor and staffed by eunuchs who posed no threat to the royal concubines. We'll then head to Hue Royal Antiques Museum to see a collection of ornaments from the Nguyen Dynasty.
After lunch, visit the magnificent and formal Minh Mang Tomb and see how its architectural design harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings.
Last stop today will be Khai Dinh Tomb, symbolic of the decline of Vietnamese culture during the colonial era. Unlike Hue’s other tombs, the grandiose concrete structure, built between 1920 and 1931, is a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. Even the stone faces of the Mandarin honour guards are endowed with a mixture of both features.
The tour finishes at your hotel at 5 pm.
The day begins with a guided boat trip on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Hue. Next, visit the magnificent Imperial Citadel, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, visit the Imperial City and Forbidden City, the majestic home of previous Emperors. Enjoy exploring the various palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences, colleges and other landmarks.
Next, leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Thanh Toan village, a settlement founded in 1741 by military officials under King Le Thanh Tong. The village is home to many historical shrines and ancestral houses of local families. Stop at Thanh Toan eco restaurant for a welcome drink and cooking class with our chef. Learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese special foods. After the lesson, enjoy what you have cooked for lunch!
After lunch, visit the ancient national heritage bridge "Thanh Toan Bridge" and an agriculture tools museum, a unique community museum in Vietnam where you'll find farming and fishing tools together with many interesting stories of rural village life.
The last stop of this tour will be Khai Dinh tomb - a visual representation of the decline of Vietnamese culture during the colonial era. Unlike Hue’s other tombs, the grandiose concrete structure, built between 1920 and 1931, is a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements.
The tour ends at your hotel.
Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and is now listed as a World Heritage Site. Sitting on the banks of the delightful Perfume River, the Complex of Hue Monuments is what remains of the fully defended feudal capital after the ravages of war and decay have taken their toll.
Many of the sites can be reached from the Perfume River, making it perfect for a boat trip. This one day adventure in Hue will uncover a rich tapestry of history and culture.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Book this trip and explore Hanoi on a motorbike. Experience the hidden charms of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, along with an experienced driver. The tour starts from Hanoi's Old Quarter at 5:30 am after your guide picks you up from your hotel in the morning.
Enjoy the fresh morning air of Hanoi as you travel through its roads and alleys. Visit some of the most famous destinations of the city. See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founding father of modern Vietnam; and the Long Bien Bridge, a cantilever bridge across the Red River that connects Long Bien and Hoan Kiem, two of Hanoi's districts.
Beside visiting the city's famous destinations, you also have the chance to trying a special Vietnamese drink, egg coffee, a frothy beverage prepared with whisked egg yolk mixed with coffee. We will drive you back to your hotel after the tour is over.
This packed full-day tour is sure to give you insight into Hanoi's history, culture and way of life.
Between 7:45 and 8:15 am, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi. Then we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. The structure has since become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue on to the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, at West Lake. Then visit Bat Trang pottery village (on Mon, Wed & Fri only) before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we'll visit the Ethnology Museum (on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat only), the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam. We'll also be sure to see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070. It’s gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We'll then head past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters and beauty of Ngoc Son temple.
Later in the afternoon, we'll journey through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you will have a chance to shop and explore. The tour ends around 15h30 - 16h00.
When people think of Asia, and especially Vietnam, the rickshaw (locally called a cyclo) usually jumps to mind. This tour allows you to sit back and relax as you watch the local culture and nightlife slowly pass you by while enjoying a ride in your cyclo.
The tour will take you along Tran Phu street. This is the longest seaside street in Nha Trang and one of the best roads in the city for a night tour as it comes alive as night falls.
You will also visit XQ historical village which houses an embroidery gallery/workshop, a craft which Nha Trang is famous for.
Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a restaurant with the sea nearby. After dinner, head back in the cyclo to one of the busiest streets for nightlife, locally nicknamed "foreign street." Here there are several shops, bars and restaurants. You will be able to explore this area at your convenience.
The trip ends at your hotel in Nha Trang around 9:00 pm. We hope you enjoyed your nightlife adventure and hope to see you soon!
See the major sights, landmarks and attractions of Ho Chi Minh on this comprehensive full-day city tour.
In the morning, the tour starts with a visit to the imposing Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat). Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Next, we will go to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the most famous landmark in Vietnam, as the twin bell towers can be seen from a long distance. In the same square is the famous Saigon Post Office, the largest functioning post office in Vietnam. What makes this post office so extraordinary is that it was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel who also designed and built the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. It is a building not to be missed.
Afterwards, 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 has been preserved 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.
In the afternoon, we head out to Cho Lon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a brief visit to Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of goods. Continue to visit Thien Hau Temple, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End your tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
This half-day tour in Ho Chi Minh City reveals Saigon’s turbulent past and showcases the fascinating diversity of the city which appears to be ever evolving. The fusion of traditional and contemporary features give Saigon create a city full of intrigue and charm.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Page 13 of 180 Trips in South East Asia with 670 Reviews