• Independence Palace - Once the residence and office of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu during the war, this site has witnessed numerous pivotal events in Saigon’s history. Now known as the Reunification Palace, it stands as one of Vietnam’s most treasured historical landmarks. The Independence Palace boasts a classic design, featuring hundreds of rooms adorned with exquisite furnishings and decorations, along with a spacious and beautiful exterior. It is an ideal destination for travelers to delve into Vietnamese history, enjoy the refreshing atmosphere, and explore one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most remarkable structures.

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Prominently located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this cathedral is recognized as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals and the sole representative from Southeast Asia on the list. This timeless masterpiece, an architectural icon of Ho Chi Minh City, draws numerous domestic and international visitors daily, especially those seeking a stunning backdrop for captivating photographs. The cathedral’s solemn and grand appearance is characterized by a unique blend of neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and a red-brick exterior are notable features that significantly enhance the church’s spectacular grandeur.

• Central Post Office - Situated in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Central Post Office is an essential attraction for any visitor to this beautiful city. Constructed during the French colonial era in Vietnam, it features a stunning facade that showcases the remarkable elements of French architecture, including yellow walls, arched doors and windows, and decorative reliefs. Upon entering the post office, visitors are greeted by a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, the esteemed leader of the Vietnamese revolution in the twentieth century. The post office’s entire length is covered by a dome roof, crafted in an intricately arched structure and supported by a row of pillars on both sides. On either side of the post office’s walls, two large, meticulously drawn maps are displayed, one depicting Saigon and its surroundings in 1892, and the other illustrating the network of telegraph lines across Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.

• Sơn mài Đại Việt - The art of lacquerware (nghề sơn mài) as a decorative technique likely originated from China during the first century CE. The lacquer itself is the resin of a tree, mixed with colored pigments and solvents, and applied layer by layer to the object’s surface, resulting in a shiny and durable finish. Additional materials, such as eggshell and gold leaf, may be applied to the surface before the lacquer, with the finished product sanded down to reveal the underlying decoration. The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, particularly those in Phú Thọ in the north, was a key factor in 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 found in many temples and pagodas throughout the country.

• Emperor Jade Pagoda - The Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) was constructed between 1892 and 1900 by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, who relocated to Vietnam for a new life and business opportunities. A devout believer 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, which then became part of the Vietnam Buddhist Association. In 1984, the Jade Emperor Pagoda was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu, yet locals continue to refer to it as “Jade Emperor Pagoda” because the main chamber is dedicated to worshiping the Jade Emperor according to Chinese religious beliefs. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most renowned Buddhist temples, bustling with locals and tourists daily. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere.

• War Remnants Museum - The War Remnants Museum holds significant historical importance as a testament to the harsh realities of the Second Indochina War and its profound impact on the Vietnamese people. It offers a comprehensive historical perspective. Its exhibits, including unsettling photographs of war atrocities, vividly depict the suffering endured by the Vietnamese population, with many images sourced from the US. The ground floor’s collection of posters and photographs showcasing international antiwar support provides a counterbalance to the horrors displayed upstairs. With exhibits highlighting the widespread destruction caused by napalm bombs and the devastating effects of Agent Orange, the museum confronts visitors with the stark realities of war. The inclusion of experimental weapons and the Requiem Exhibition, which honors photographers who lost their lives during the conflict, further enhances the museum’s historical significance.

• Entrance fees & Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick up/ Drop off at hotels within district 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• English Speaking Tour Guide

• Tipping/ Gratuities for tour guide & driver or personal expenses

We’ll pause for a snapshot at the Notre Dame Cathedral, demonstrating French colonial design influences, and the Old World allure of the 18th-century Central Post Office, then proceed to explore the historical Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. The latter houses a variety of vintage military paraphernalia and a broad array of photographs from French and American conflicts, dedicated to the memory of American and Vietnamese journalists and photographers.

Among the key highlights is the famed Jade Emperor Pagoda, offering a window into the beliefs and devotional practices of the locals.

Our journey continues with a visit to a lacquerware workshop, where you can observe the daily routines of artisans crafting traditional handmade art products and take in the vibrant hues of handcrafted art.

The tour succeeds in granting an insight into Ho Chi Minh City’s historical landmarks and Vietnam’s intriguing past.

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