SGNSIC14 – SAIGON CITY TOUR

SAIGON CITY TOUR (Full day)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about the Vietnam War at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum
• Admire the French colonial architecture of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.
• Visit to Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Explore the old quarter of Saigon by visiting Chợ-lớn (China Town).
• Local experience with riding a cyclo throughout alleys and local markets.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Small-group tour ensures personalized attention

WHAT TO EXPECT

We will visit the following places of interest in the morning:

The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30^th, 1975 the Vietnam War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

Jade Emperor Pagoda: Built in 1909 in honor of the supreme Taoist god, this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in HCMC, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings.

After lunch at a local restaurant; we’ll take a cyclo to some of the bustling markets where Sài Gòn life thrives: Flower market, pet market, and second-hand market, even the market where accessories and parts for motorcycles are sold… and Bình Tây wholesale market, one of the biggest markets in Hồ Chí Minh city.

Your visit to Thiên-hậu temple, to gain insights into Vietnamese spiritual practices, will be the perfect finale for this enlightening and entertaining tour!

***Please note that timing and itinerary are subject to change without notice. However, we will do everything we reasonably can to make sure everything goes according to plan.