Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as one of the few remaining 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 elements such as an all-red brick façade (imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers with six bronze bells that still chime today, 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 well-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, maintaining its late 19th-century charm.

The Independence Palace - Known as Reunification Palace, this site served as the base for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963 and 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 is a must-see for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, appearing as a time capsule from 1975. Visitors can see two original tanks used in the palace’s capture, which are displayed on the grounds. The palace, once the residence and workplace of the French Governor of Cochin-China, features lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furniture, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh City, including APEC summits.

People’s Committee Building - Located in central Ho Chi Minh City, the People’s Committee Building 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 is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Positioned at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, the building comprises three structures 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.

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 long 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 conventional bomb weighing 6,800kg. These weapons were used by American troops against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.

Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House, an elegant colonial building located 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 information is advertised around the building and can also be found at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.

Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s largest Chinatown, dates back to 1778 and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Chinese minorities sought refuge here from the Tay Son and had to rebuild the area twice after attacks, with an estimated 70% perishing while attempting to escape by boat. Those who survived began selling various Chinese products. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors. Cholon offers a glimpse of classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. The Binh Tay market, located at the center, is busy and crowded, with narrow aisles selling a wide range of goods. While some tourists may find the market’s offerings less varied compared to other markets in Ho Chi Minh City, the main attraction of Cholon is its authentic Chinese atmosphere, which has persisted for centuries. It is 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 by flying on a mat or cloud. Mazuism incorporates elements of both Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. The temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, approximately a twenty-minute drive from the city center.

• Private Comfortable Vehicle
• Private English Speaking Tour Guide
• Flexible Timing and Customized Itinerary
• All Tickets and Entrance Fees
• Vietnamese Cuisine Traditional Lunch
• Bottled Water

• Personal Expenses

Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City is not only the most bustling urban center in the country but also boasts many unique cultural features not found elsewhere in Vietnam. Saigon captivates every tourist with its blend of magnificent and charming elements alongside simple, yet familiar and close-knit experiences. The list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City seems endless, featuring numerous attractions, iconic sights, war relics, pagodas, markets, foods, and lifestyle experiences. Tourists can explore every aspect to the fullest within their available time budget. While one day in Ho Chi Minh City may be too short, it certainly promises a wonderful experience.

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