Morning:
A vehicle will pick you up at the designated meeting point to begin your tour of Saigon’s iconic landmarks. First, visit the INDEPENDENCE PALACE—a special national relic renowned for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. It blends modern design with traditional Eastern influences and features various functional spaces, including meeting rooms, offices, and a command bunker, all preserved in their original state. This site marks the historic events of April 30, 1975—the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country—and has served as the venue for numerous important conferences.
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral, with construction beginning in 1877 and concluding in 1880. Beyond being a symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam, the cathedral stands as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most unique architectural landmarks and a popular destination for visitors.
SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE: Visit the Saigon Central Post Office, constructed between 1886 and 1891 under the guidance of the brilliant French architect Gustave Eiffel. It is a highly sought-after "check-in" spot for travelers visiting the city. The building is striking for its classic architectural style, featuring intricate decorative patterns and a signature yellow hue.
WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs detailing the atrocities and consequences of the wars in Vietnam—primarily the resistance against French and American forces.
Lunch: A vehicle will take you to a restaurant for lunch, where you will also have time to rest. Afternoon: You will be transported by vehicle, accompanied by a tour guide, to the Cu Chi Tunnels—located approximately a 1.5-hour drive northwest of the city center. This extensive network of tunnels was constructed by Vietnamese soldiers and civilians during the 1940s and 1960s as a defense against French and American forces.
En route, the group will stop at the Lam Phat handicraft workshop. Here, individuals with disabilities—many suffering from the long-term effects of the war, such as exposure to Agent Orange—create and sell lacquer paintings and various handicrafts. This offers a meaningful opportunity to support their craftsmanship and gain insight into the enduring legacy of the war.
Upon arrival, you will explore the Ben Dinh section of the Cu Chi Tunnels—a significant historical site within the 250-kilometer-long network used during the resistance against the United States (1955–1975). This area served as a vital base for guerrilla operations in the Saigon region.
Your experience will include:
Documentaries & Exhibitions: View historical documentaries detailing the role of the tunnels during the war, and examine exhibits featuring improvised weapons, bamboo traps, and tools used by the Viet Cong to counter a better-equipped and more powerful adversary.
Life Underground: Discover how guerrilla fighters excavated, lived, and fought within this subterranean system—which included living quarters, hospitals, and command centers—even while enduring intense aerial bombardment.
Resilient Spirit: Gain an understanding of the determination and ingenuity that enabled the Vietnamese to resist modern American weaponry, utilizing tactics such as concealed trapdoors and hidden booby traps. Tunnel Crawling (Optional): Experience the cramped conditions of the tunnels by crawling through a safe, widened section, gaining insight into the harsh living environment once endured by the fighters.
Shooting Range (Optional, additional cost): Try firing an AK-47 at the on-site shooting range (650,000 VND for 10 rounds per person; not included in the tour price).
Taste Historical Rations: Sample steamed cassava—a staple food for guerrilla fighters during the war—typically served with salt and peanuts to sustain their energy.
17:00: Depart for the return trip to the city. You may choose to be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market or the Pham Ngu Lao area.
Please note:
- Drop-off times may vary depending on traffic, weather, or other conditions and could be later than scheduled.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations; visitors may view and take photos from the outside.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- TRANSPORTATION: Modern, air-conditioned tourist vehicle with comfortable seating for the entire journey.
- MEALS: 01 main meal.
- TOUR GUIDE: A Vietnamese and English-speaking guide to provide commentary and assist with meals, accommodations, and sightseeing.
- SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary are included.
- INSURANCE: Comprehensive travel insurance with a maximum coverage of 20,000,000 VND per incident.
- AMENITIES: 1 bottle of drinking water per person, per day.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:
- Personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Shooting range fees at the Tunnels.
- 10% VAT (if an official value-added tax invoice is requested).
CHILD PRICING:
- Under 1m: Free of charge; parents are responsible for any admission fees incurred for the child (each two adults may be accompanied by one child free of charge; a second child will be charged 80% of the tour price).
- Between 1m and 1.4m: Charged at 80% of the tour price. (If a child is measured to be taller than 1.4m, the family must cover the additional cost).
- 1.4m and above: Charged at the adult tour price.
