• The 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 significant historical monument in Vietnam. It has witnessed many pivotal moments 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 a chance to explore one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most remarkable structures.

• Central Post Office - Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit for any traveler. Built during the French colonial era, it features a stunning facade that showcases the grandeur of French architecture with its 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, hangs prominently. The post office’s dome roof, with its sophisticated arched structure, is supported by a row of pillars on either side. The walls display two large, meticulously drawn maps: one depicting Saigon and its surroundings in 1892, and the other illustrating the telegraph network across Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is recognized as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals and the only representative from Southeast Asia on the list. This timeless masterpiece, an architectural icon of the city, attracts numerous domestic and international visitors daily, especially those seeking a stunning backdrop for photos. The cathedral’s grand and solemn appearance is a result of its unique blend of neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Notable features include twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and a red-brick exterior, all contributing to the church’s spectacular magnificence.

• Emperor Jade Pagoda - The Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng), constructed between 1892 and 1900 by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, who moved to Vietnam for a new life and business, is a testament to his strong belief in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. He built the pagoda to honor Buddha and the Jade Emperor. In 1982, Venerable Buddhist monk Thich Vinh Khuong took residence in the pagoda, affiliating it with the Vietnam Buddhist Association. In 1984, it was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu, but locals still refer to it as the Jade Emperor Pagoda, as the main chamber is dedicated to the Jade Emperor according to Chinese religious beliefs. This famous Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City is always bustling with locals and tourists. The best time to visit is early morning to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

• PHUONGNAM LACQUERWARE - The art of lacquerware, likely introduced from China in the first century CE, involves decorating objects with lacquer, a resin mixed with colored pigments and solvents, applied in layers to create a shiny, durable finish. Additional materials like eggshell and gold leaf may be added before lacquering, with the final product sanded to reveal the decoration beneath. The high-quality resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, especially those in Phú Thọ, contributed to the rapid development of this art form, which gained popularity at the court of Đại Việt during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes, and trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), can still be seen in many temples and pagodas across the country.

• War Remnants Museum - Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum offers a profound exploration of Vietnam’s turbulent history. Established in 1975, it provides a compelling look at the Vietnam War’s impact through haunting photographs, poignant personal artifacts, and military equipment like tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets. The museum’s most striking feature is its collection of graphic imagery and detailed accounts of wartime atrocities, highlighting the resilience and suffering of the Vietnamese people. More than just a historical archive, the War Remnants Museum serves as a sobering reminder of war’s horrors and a powerful call for peace. Visitors leave with a deep understanding of the war’s lasting legacy and an appreciation for the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome.

• Ba Thien Hau Temple - Situated in the bustling heart of Cholon (Chinatown), the Thien Hau Pagoda is a spiritual masterpiece and one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest Chinese temples. Built around 1760 by the Cantonese congregation, this architectural gem is dedicated to Thien Hau (Mazu), the “Lady of the Sea,” revered for protecting sailors and fishermen from ocean perils. Upon entering, visitors are transported into a mystical world of silence and smoke. The temple is renowned for the hundreds of giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling of the open courtyard. These coils, lit by devotees, burn for weeks, carrying prayers and wishes heavenward in curling smoke, creating an atmosphere that is both ancient and sacred. The roof ridges are adorned with incredibly detailed porcelain dioramas depicting dragons, phoenixes, and scenes from Chinese legends. Thien Hau Pagoda is not just a historic relic; it is the living spiritual heart of the local Chinese-Vietnamese community.

• Binh Tay Market - Dive into the vibrant chaos of Cholon at Binh Tay Market, the largest wholesale trading center in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike the tourist-centric Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay offers an authentic glimpse into local commerce where the city’s real trading occurs. Constructed in the 1920s by the wealthy Chinese merchant Quach Dam, the market is an architectural masterpiece blending French colonial techniques with traditional Chinese designs. The building features a distinctive “Bagua” (eight-sided) roof adorned with dragon motifs and a central clock tower. Inside, a peaceful open-air courtyard contrasts with the bustling aisles, providing a unique spot for photos. As you navigate the maze of over 2,300 stalls, your senses will be awakened by the rich aroma of exotic spices, dried seafood, and medicinal herbs. From colorful fabrics to candied fruits, Binh Tay is a sensory overload and a living symbol of the industrious spirit of Saigon’s Chinese community.

• Secret weapon bunker in Saigon - Hidden in a narrow alley of District 3 lies one of the Vietnam War’s most incredible “hidden gems”: The Secret Weapon Cellar of the Saigon Rangers. From the outside, the house appears like any ordinary local residence. However, beneath its tiled floor lies a story of unimaginable bravery and ingenuity. In 1966, a Viet Cong commando named Tran Van Lai, posing as a wealthy contractor, purchased this house. During renovations, he secretly dug a reinforced bunker by hand to prepare for the 1968 Tet Offensive. For years, he smuggled nearly 2 tons of weapons—including B-40 rocket launchers, AK-47s, and explosives—hiding them right under the noses of the enemy police stationed nearby. Today, visitors can step inside this living museum, experiencing the thrill of lifting the camouflaged trapdoor and descending into the tiny, suffocating space where history was made. The original weapons, secret escape routes connected to the city’s drainage system, and vintage artifacts from the 60s are all on display.

• Entrance fees & Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking tour guide
• Pick up & drop off within district 1 - Centre of City as mentioned

• Tipping/ Gratuities for tour guide & driver or Personal Expenses

We’ll take a pause for a photo at the architectural gem of the Notre Dame Cathedral his nod to French colonial influence, followed by a stop at the historical Central Post Office, dating back to the 18th century. We’ll then explore the Reunification Palace, a testament of the country’s past, as well as a curated collection of wartime relics at the War Remnants Museum, paying homage to fallen American and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who reported on the French and American warfare. Our journey continues to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most distinguished religious sites that provides a glimpse into the devotion and beliefs of locals. Following this, we’ll stop by the lacquerware factory to witness the everyday life of artisans creating renowned traditional handmade arts and to see the vibrant assortment of their craftmanship. This tour will enrich your understanding of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural landmarks and Vietnam’s intriguing history.

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