• Independence Palace - Once the residence and office of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu during the war, the Independence Palace, now known as the Reunification Palace, stands as a treasured historical monument in Vietnam. It has witnessed numerous pivotal events in Saigon’s history. The palace boasts a classic design with hundreds of rooms adorned with exquisite furnishings and decorations, complemented by a spacious and beautiful exterior. It is an ideal destination for travelers interested in Vietnamese history, offering a refreshing atmosphere and showcasing one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most remarkable structures.

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this cathedral is recognized as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals and the sole representative from Southeast Asia on the list. As an architectural icon of Ho Chi Minh City, it draws numerous domestic and international visitors daily, especially those seeking a stunning backdrop for captivating photographs. The cathedral’s solemn and grand appearance is characterized by a unique blend of neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and red-brick exterior are key features that enhance the church’s spectacular grandeur.

• Central Post Office - Situated in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit attraction for any traveler to this vibrant city. Constructed during the French colonial era in Vietnam, it features a stunning facade that showcases the remarkable elements of French architecture, including yellow walls, arched doors and windows, and decorative reliefs. Inside, a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese revolution in the twentieth century, hangs prominently. The post office’s entire length is covered by a dome roof with a sophisticated arched structure supported by rows of pillars on both sides. On the walls, two large, meticulously drawn maps depict Saigon and its surroundings in 1892 and the telegraph network across Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.

• Sơn mài Đại Việt - The art of lacquerware (nghề sơn mài) as a decorative technique likely originated from China in the first century CE. Lacquer is the resin of a tree mixed with colored pigments and solvents, applied in layers to create a shiny and durable finish. Additional materials like eggshell and gold leaf may be added before lacquering, with the final product sanded to reveal the underlying decoration. The high-quality resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, particularly those in Phú Thọ in the north, played a crucial role in the rapid development of this art form, which gained popularity at the Đại Việt court during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes, and trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), can still be found in many temples and pagodas across the country.

• Emperor Jade Pagoda - Built between 1892 and 1900 by Luu Minh, a Chinese immigrant to Vietnam, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) reflects his strong belief in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. He constructed the pagoda to honor Buddha and the Jade Emperor. In 1982, Venerable Buddhist monk Thich Vinh Khuong took residence in the pagoda, which then became part of the Vietnam Buddhist Association. In 1984, it was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu, though locals continue to refer to it as the Jade Emperor Pagoda due to its main chamber dedicated to the Jade Emperor, in line with Chinese religious beliefs. As one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most renowned Buddhist temples, it is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike. The best time to visit is early morning to enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere.

• War Remnants Museum - The War Remnants Museum holds significant historical importance as a testament to the harsh realities of the Second Indochina War and its profound impact on the Vietnamese people. It offers a comprehensive historical perspective. The museum’s exhibits, including unsettling photographs of war atrocities, vividly depict the suffering endured by the Vietnamese population, with many images sourced from the US. The ground floor’s collection of posters and photographs showcasing international antiwar support provides a counterbalance to the horrors displayed upstairs. Exhibits highlighting the widespread destruction caused by napalm bombs and the devastating effects of Agent Orange confront visitors with the stark realities of war. The inclusion of experimental weapons and the Requiem Exhibition, which honors photographers who lost their lives during the conflict, further enhances the museum’s historical significance.

• Entrance fees & Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick up/ Drop off at hotels within district 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• English Speaking Tour Guide

• Tipping/ Gratuities for tour guide & driver or personal expenses

We’ll pause for a snapshot at the Notre Dame Cathedral, demonstrating French colonial design influences, and the Old World allure of the 18th-century Central Post Office, then proceed to explore the historical Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. The latter houses a variety of vintage military paraphernalia and a broad array of photographs from French and American conflicts, dedicated to the memory of American and Vietnamese journalists and photographers.

Among the key highlights is the famed Jade Emperor Pagoda, offering a window into the beliefs and devotional practices of the locals.

Our journey continues with a visit to a lacquerware workshop, where you can observe the daily routines of artisans crafting traditional handmade art products and take in the vibrant hues of handcrafted art.

The tour succeeds in granting an insight into Ho Chi Minh City’s historical landmarks and Vietnam’s intriguing past.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.