1-Day City Tour: Saigon Chinatown, Must-See Icons & Cyclo Ride in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

*History & Insights: Gain a clear understanding of the Vietnam War period.
*Chinatown Discovery: See the famous architecture and heritage of Chợ Lớn.
*Authentic Travel: Experience local life on a cyclo through markets and alleys.
*Total Comfort: Enjoy the convenience of private pickup and return to your hotel.
*Private Guide: Receive dedicated attention with a tour just for your group.

Itinerary

This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Asiana Link Travel - Day Tours, 29A Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam

Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to be Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Saigon’s history is only 300 years old. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Indochina. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. This FULL day city tour unravels Saigon’s turbulent past and also provides a glimpse into the fascinating variety the city has to offer.

Stop At: Independence Palace, 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

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

The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th, 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.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 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.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, 01 Cong xa Paris Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

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. 

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Central Post Office, At the top of Dong Khoi St opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam

The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office. 

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Emperor Jade Pagoda, 73 Mai Thi Luu, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

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.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Binh Tay Market, 57 Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

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!

Your driver will complete the excursion by taking you back to your hotel (District 1 only) or drop-off somewhere at city center as request.

Duration: 45 minutes