See the best of Saigon in this one day tour. Visit the iconic landmarks of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, and hear the tragedy of war at Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Cruise the laneways of Cholon by cyclo and haggle for a bargain at Binh Tay Market.
Description
Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favored backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.
From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theater.
Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature.
Head to Cho Lon - the city's Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!
Bottled water
Transportation fee
Admission fee
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Schedule
Pick Up at Your Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Begin your whole day tour by visiting French-designed famous Ho Chi Minh landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Both structures were designed by Gustav Eiffel in the 1800s.
Opera House and Reunification Palace
Other historical sites worth checking out are the French colonial designed Opera House and the Reunification Palace. The Opera House served as the Lower House Assembly in the 1950s, while the palace served as a symbol when a tank crashed the palace gates and signaled the end of Vietnam War.
The War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum contains plenty of war artifacts, memorabilia, and some graphic photos of victims of the Vietnam War.
Cho Lon Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda
After an insightful historical landmarks tour, head on to Cho Lin, Ho Chi Minh's china town and the Thien Hau Pagoda for some down time. Take notice of the intricate art carvings and unique incense coils surrounding the pagoda.
Cyclo Ride to Binh Tay Market
Finally, end the tour on a light note by enjoying a cyclo ride going through streets to Binh Tay market. Cyclo is a three-wheel bicycle that first appeared back in the French colonial period. In Binh Tay, practice your haggling skills on local vendors that sell almost anything under the sun!
Drop-off at Your Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Price & Options
Notes
Please call the activity provider 24 hours before your activity to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Note: Binh Tay market, an 88 year old structure is going under a comprehensive 365-day-restoration project starting from Nov 2016. During this renovation time, the visit will be arranged at temporary market, located on Thap Muoi Street, just opposite the existing market, with space for up to 1,077 stalls.
You can book a minimum of 2 and maximum of 2.
You can book a minimum of 3 and maximum of 3.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellations made between 6 business days (18:00:00 local time) to 3 business days (18:00:00 local time) prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
Any cancellations made within 3 business days of your activity (after 18:00:00 local time) will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
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