Day 1: Saigon arrival
Arrive at Saigon airport, our guide and driver will pick up and transfer to hotel for check in
Meal: None
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Saigon
Day 2: Saigon – My Tho boat trip – Saigon (L)
The Mekong Delta or Cuu Long in Vietnamese, with it riche agricultural soil, is one of the nation's rice baskets. The surrounding area is comprised of low lying rice paddies and the rivers are bordered by dense mangroves and palms.
The tributaries of Mekong River provide a comprehensive network of canals and channels. Travel by river is the best way to explore the region at a leisurely pace as it offers opportunities to experience the truly unique Mekong River lifestyle. Cruising on the roof of a boat as the sun sets over distant coconut trees is truly remarkable experience.
8:00 am Our guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby to depart to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Guests will take time to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with mixture structure of many styles.
Then take a boat trip round 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix , and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life.
Stops on the way can be made upon request for particular visits or photos making. Visit traditional house at Quoi An village (all make from coconut). See coconut collection set and how locals make handicrafts from trunk and shell, guests can see that they waste nothing, coconut even useful from wedding to funeral.
Enjoy seasonal fruit and listening to traditional music. Take horse cart on village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard, taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky. Take rowing-boat on water palm creek. Take boat to visit coconut candy factory. Enjoy a special lunch at local restaurant before coming back to Saigon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Saigon
Day 3: Explore Cu Chi tunnel & Ho Chi Minh city tour
Breakfast is at the hotel
Meet our tour expert at hotel lobby, travel to Cu Chi. Located about 70 km from Saigon, Cu Chi tunnel is the former stronghold of the Viet Cong during the American war. With a network of tunnels three levels deep stretching over 200 km.
Then return to Ho Chi Minh city for a half day city tour of Saigon’s highlights includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and the Museum of History to see some interesting displays and photographs following the path of the revolution. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the democratic regime of former South Vietnam.
The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American 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.
At approximately 1pm we shall take lunch at the renowned Pho 2000 near the Ben Thanh Market.
Cholon & Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. The district is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.
Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Departure Ho Chi Minh city
Breakfast is at the hotel,
You are free at leisure until being transferred to the airport for boarding your onward flight
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Saigon