Hochiminh city (formerly known as Saigon) is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motorbikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés....The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale! We then transfer out to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200 km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Turn back to Hochiminh city in the afternoon.

 

 

What to take: We suggest a small, lightweight daypack for cameras, spare film, drinking water, flash light, respectable clothes for temple visiting and comfortable walking shoes.