The history of Ho Chi Minh City has many layers, telling a tale of decades of external influence from the Chinese and the French. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, start your visit today by exploring
Cholon, the city’s Chinatown and widely regarded as the largest one in the world by area. The city used to be known as Saigon-Cholon until Vietnam’s independence from France in 1955. From here continue to the
Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai and regarded as one of the most interesting pagodas in the country. Built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century, it is still busy with worshipers. Filled with smoky incense, the pagoda with its elaborately carved figurines and decorated panels of carved gilt woodwork, is dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist deities. If you only visit one pagoda in the city, this should be the one. Finally, head over to
Dong Khoi Area in the center of the city where the French colonial presence can be felt at the
Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic Basilica commissioned entirely of imported French building materials. End with a visit to the
Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
Head into the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City today to spend half a day exploring an incredible feat of perseverance and war time engineering, the famed
Cu Chi Tunnels. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, gain important insight into the prolonged struggle against invading armies, and appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The residents of Cu Chi took the war underground into a highly developed network of tunnels that at its height stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens and triage areas. Imperceptible from the ground, opposing armies could roll their tanks over the bunkers without causing damage to the tunnels below. Living conditions were harsh – in addition to fighting the war, residents battled food and oxygen scarcity, venomous insects, and cramped living quarters.
After the tour transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our driver
(no guide) will escort you to hotel for check-in and rest on your own leisure.
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