Discover the city’s fascinating sights on this essential half-day tour. Start at the elegant Historical Museum and trace the country’s history from the ancient Dongson period until recent time. Admire an enchanting performance of traditional Water Puppetry. En route, see the twin-spired Notre Dame Cathedral, the finest example of French colonial architecture and the City Hall. Explore the old inspiring Presidential Palace with its remarkable network of underground bunkers. Venture through bustling Chinatown, locally known as Cholon, with its colorful atmosphere and mysterious temples.
Visit the lively Thien Hao Pagoda, with the enormous burning incense-coils that never fail to impress. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to visit the War Remnants Museum. The Museum contains fascinating remnants and photographs of the Vietnam War including US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons. Continue on to the Art Museum which houses many interesting collections and revolutionary art.
Last stop will be the colorful Benh Thanh Market (Cho Benh Thanh Market); seeing skillful artisans at work in a Lacquer-ware factory, visit art galleries, and indulge in the splendors of a Vietnamese Silk Shop. Stroll along the many tantalizing shops of Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, the boulevard where the high society flocked and shopped in colonial times. Shop for bargains, discover your bargaining power and come away with unusual souvenirs that will always remind you of this exciting afternoon.
Meeting/pick-up point: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh.
Duration: 8 hours.
Start/opening time: At 9am.
End/closing time: At 5pm.
Languages: English.
Others: Included are the round trip transfers to and from hotels in Ho Chi Minh, English speaking guide, admission fees, lunch at local restaurant (food only), 1 cold towel and 1 bottle of drinking.