Mesmerizing Vietnam Package

Upon your arrival at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to check into your hotel. Being the heart and soul of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is a bustling, dynamic and industrious city. It is not only the largest city but also the economic capital and trendsetter of Vietnam. In the afternoon, Ho Chi Minh City tour starts with imposing Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat). Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (hotel De Ville). Next we will go to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the most famous landmark in Vietnam as the twin bell towers can be seen from a long distance. In the same square is the famous Saigon Post Office, the largest functioning post office in Vietnam. What makes this Post Office so extraordinary is that it was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel who also designed and built the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. It is a building not to be missed. Afterwards drive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War remnants museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions, outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Dinner at the local restaurant and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will take the drive to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City for a visit to the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels, a well-known historical vestige of the Vietnamese revolution. As a distinctive architecture, this cobweb-like tunnel complex is a network of underground dug-outs of over 200 kilometers long, consisting of many layers and turnings with meeting, living and fighting quarters where we learn the first hand how the Viet Cong survived the extraordinary underground existence during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, we head out to Cho Lon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a brief visit to Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of goods. Continue to visit Thien Hau Temple, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End your tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Dinner is served on a boat floating on the Saigon River. Overnight stay at hotel.

We leave Ho Chi Minh City for a beautiful scenic drive through the Mekong River Delta, home to the richest agricultural lands in Vietnam. Enjoy a boat trip to an island that houses orchard gardens and the beautiful Cai Be floating market, a famous place in the Mekong Delta. The Cai Be floating market is a magnificent site to see as hundreds of small merchant boats anchor alongside the banks of the river trading their commodities. We continue with our cruise through the maze of canals that crisscross around Binh island. Lunch is served at the old house. We can enjoy the delicious fresh tropical fruits of the Delta as we continue to cruise through islands and cross the Mekong River to Vinh Long (2km). On our way back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy dinner with delicious dishes at the local restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, we take a car drive to Vung Tau, known as Cap Saint Jacque in French whose name means anchorage as during the 14th and 15th centuries, Vung Tau was a swamp which European trading ships visited regularly. Upon arrival, drive to visit the Jesus Christ Statue by walking up the 847 stairs and meeting the 32 meter-tall (105 feet) statue of Jesus, considered one of the tallest statues of Jesus Christ in Asia. Its outstretched arms span a little over 18.4 meters. Originally started in 1972 but the construction was only completed in 1993. The adventurous travelers are welcome to climb up to the top of inside Christ arms and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Vung Tau City. Continue to visit Whale Temple and Bach Dinh (the White Palace) built as a retreat for French Governor General Paul Doumer at the beginning of the 20th century. We then have a visit to the lighthouse for panoramic views and drive along the Coast to stop at the Back beach and the Front Beach. After dinner overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, take the transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. Have lunch at local restaurant. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the departure flight.