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Ho Chi Minh City Highlights: Explore Cultural Landmarks and Local Lifestyle
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Ho Chi Minh City
Discover the vibrant cultural landmarks and local lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City. Immerse yourself in the bustling urban center, visit iconic sights, explore war relics, indulge in delicious food, and experience the unique charm of this Vietnamese city.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as one of the few bastions of Catholicism in predominantly Buddhist Vietnam. Situated in Paris Square, it was named Notre Dame following the installation of the ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ statue in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican elevated its status to a basilica, officially naming it Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. The cathedral, nearly 60 meters tall, features distinctive neo-Romanesque architecture, including an all-red brick façade (imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers with six bronze bells that still chime, and a serene garden setting in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1.
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautifully preserved relic of French colonial times and arguably the grandest post office in Southeast Asia. Located adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering a glimpse into life in Vietnam during the Indochinese Empire. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the building features arched windows and wooden shutters, reminiscent of its late 19th-century prime.
- The Independence Palace - Reunification Palace served as the headquarters for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963. It gained global recognition in 1975 when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it’s a must-see for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace remains a time capsule from 1975, with two original tanks used in its capture still on display. Formerly the residence and office of the French Governor of Cochin-China, it boasts lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furniture, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh City, including APEC summits.
- War Remnants Museum - Opened to the public in 1975, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a stark reminder of the prolonged and brutal Vietnam War. Formerly known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes,’ it displays graphic photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft, and a 6,800kg conventional bomb. These weapons were used by American forces against the Vietnamese from 1945 to 1975.
- People’s Committee Building - The People’s Committee Building in central Ho Chi Minh City showcases well-preserved French colonial architecture within a spacious garden setting. Originally built as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now functions as a city hall and stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it features three buildings adorned with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate bas-reliefs, and a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. The best time to visit is in the evening when these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
- Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House, an elegant colonial structure at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, is close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. This restored three-story, 800-seat Opera House, built in 1897, hosts a variety of performing arts, including opera, ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance, and plays. Performance details are advertised around the building, and additional information is available at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.
- Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is Vietnam’s largest, with roots dating back to 1778. It holds significant historical and cultural value, having served as a refuge for Chinese minorities fleeing the Tay Son. The area was rebuilt twice following attacks, with an estimated 70% of the population perishing while attempting to escape by boat. Survivors settled and began selling various Chinese goods. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Today, it attracts tourists and many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors. Cholon offers a glimpse of classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. The Binh Tay market, located at its center, is busy and crowded, with narrow aisles selling a wide range of goods. While some tourists find the market less varied than others in Ho Chi Minh City, the main attraction is the authentic Chinese atmosphere that has persisted for centuries. It’s especially enchanting at night.
- Ba Thien Hau Temple - Ba Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess believed to protect and rescue ships and people at sea. Mazuism incorporates elements of both Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. The temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, about a twenty-minute drive from the city center.
What's Included
- Private, customized and flexible tour
- All fees and/or taxes
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Professional tour guide
- Lunch at local restaurant - Vietnamese Cuisine
- Bottled water and cold tissues
What's Not Included
- Personal Expenses
Additional Information
Not only is Ho Chi Minh city – Saigon the most bustling city within the nation, it’s also the cradle of unique cultural elements not found elsewhere in Vietnam. Saigon captivates every traveler, offering a blend of the grand and enchanting alongside the humble and familiar. The extensive checklist of activities in Ho Chi Minh City encompasses numerous attractions, symbolic places, remnants of war, pagodas, markets, food, and lifestyle… Visitors can delve into every aspect of the city according to their available time. Although a single day in Ho Chi Minh City may be brief, it doesn’t preclude you from having a delightful day with us.
Location
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
01 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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Nveale3238
Nov 13, 2023
Excellent!!! - Anna was an amazing tour guide…very friendly and knowledgeable. She went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed our visit. We learned a lot…ate good food…visited the city highlights and overall had a wonderful day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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