On arrival at the airport, welcome by the local tour guide and transfer to the city center to check in hotel. Afternoon, we start the city tour at the Reunification Palace, the witness of the fierce Vietnam War ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall of official receptions. Nearby the Palace are the colonial-styled Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Have a walking tour on Nguyen Hue street to take the photos of the Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh Committee (outside). From here, walking to Ben Thanh Market to experience the daily life of the locals and do shopping the hand-made goods there.
Night activities suggestion: Downtown in District 1, rooftop bars, high rolling casinos and smooth jazz bands are the choices of nightlife entertainment in Saigon. But move a few kilometers west into District 3 and the backpacker street of Pham Ngu Lao for its boisterous street bars, cheap eats and good time vibe.
Morning drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70km from Saigon. The system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10 000 people who lived underground for years. During the Vietnam - American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors.
Lunch at the local restaurant. Then we continue city tour by discover eastern side of the city. Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest one in Ho Chi Minh City with huge Buddha statues system which was built on 1774. Then ride to Cho Lon (Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda which located inside China Town, it’s a place of great historical and cultural importance many of temples, pagodas in surrounding area.
Leaving the bustling city of Saigon behind, you depart to the Mekong Delta considered Vietnam’s biggest rice basket. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre and embark your boat to cruise along Ben Tre River, a tributary of the great Mekong, to explore the local lifestyle and the daily hustle and bustle. Stop at the brickfield belonging to Mr. Tu Lo to see how bricks are made by hand in Vietnam and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal to witness the process of making this local candy and other souvenirs. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow amply in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm tree. Cruise back to the pier and disembark. Return to Saigon for the night
Today you are free at your own leisure for shopping in Saigon in the last minutes
Saigon is considered as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia. New shopping malls are springing up all over downtown Saigon, bringing with them international fashion brands to please the most demanding of fashionista. Markets in Saigon are also highly recommended as they still play a central role in the daily lives of locals and visitors – truly a shopping experience you won’t forget quickly.
You are free until being transferred to the airport for departure flight.
Please note: Standard check out time is 12:00.
Day 01: Saigon arrival - city tour
Day 02: Cu Chi tunnels - Saigon city tour
Day 03: Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon
Day 04: Saigon - free & easy