Unseen Saigon – Beyond The Tourist Trail
A trip that provides a genuine glimpse into local life would help you discover the colorful essence of Saigon. Visit museums and historical sites that illustrate Saigon's past as a French colony and as a hotbed of strife during the Vietnam War, and take in the hustle and bustle of busy markets. Take a trip through some of the city's vibrant residential areas and the popular markets with a classic architectural style that offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Saigonese culture. This tour is an excellent way to experience a wholly genuine and unforgettable view of Saigon.
- Departure time08:00am
Tour plan Hide all
Pick up at the hotels and take a short trip by cyclo, a traditional means of transportation in Saigon that is being left behind by sharp urbanization.
Depart to Thich Quang Duc Monument. Thich Quang Duc, a monk who followed the Mahayana Buddhist tradition in Vietnam, achieved worldwide fame in 1963 when he burned himself to death at a bustling intersection in Saigon to protest the mistreatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
Explore Ho Thi Ky Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City's three typical flower markets. Strolling through all of Ho Thi Ky Street's alleys and taking in the beauty of different kinds of flowers.
Later, head to a hidden market – the scooter accessories market, a bustling local marketplace that offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of Saigonese. Take a stroll through rows of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, bargaining with vendors to snag the best deals.
Continue the journey to discover the Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 5, popularly known as Saigon. The market is situated in a remarkable structure with French and Asian architecture.
Visit the Thien Hau Temple, a shrine to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea built in the Chinese - Vietnamese tradition.
Lunch at a local restaurant with “Pho” which is a must-try dish when visiting Vietnam.
After lunchtime, head to a remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum has a considerable display of artifacts from both the Indochina Wars.
Head to Independence Palace, also renowned as Reunification Palace, which was constructed where the former Norodom Palace had been located. Up to the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975, the former president of South Vietnam lived in Independence Palace.
Discover the next point of the tour, Notre Dame Cathedral, which is considered the city's most picturesque location. Notre Dame Cathedral has survived for almost 140 years, through numerous political and historical changes, and it still stands there and defies the passing of time.
Stroll along "Paris Commune Square” to Central Post Office to view the special French architectural structure which is over 100 years old.
Depart at Opera House, a majestic landmark theater in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and one of Saigon's most striking attractions. Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue street to take in the atmosphere of the area.
A cup of coffee at Bach Dang Wharf and admire the dawn
End of the tour, head back to the hotels.
Tour Price
Price (per person) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ |
$158 | $120 | $110 | $99 | $90 | $80 | $75 | $70 | $65 |
Child Policy:
- Infant (under 3 years old): Free of charge
- Kid (from 3 years to under 6 years): 50% of the adult price
- Children (from 6 years to under 11 years): 90% of the adult price
- From 11 years old: 100% of adult price
Inclusion:
- Transfers by Limousine
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Lunch with Pho
- Cyclo trip (1 person/cyclo)
- Mineral water and wet tissues
- Entrance fees to sites stated in the itinerary
- A cup of coffee/soft drink at Bach Dang Wharf
Exclusion:
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Other activities are not mentioned in the itinerary
- VAT
Cancellation:
- If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure: No cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure: 50% cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure: 100% cancellation fee.
Anthony
The Saigon tour was an unforgettable experience. The cyclo ride was a fun and unique way to explore the city, and visiting the Thich Quang Duc Monument was a sobering experience. Exploring the bustling Ho Thi Ky Market and discovering the Binh Tay Market was a feast for the senses. Visiting the Thien Hau Temple was a fascinating glimpse into the city’s culture, and lunch at a local restaurant with “Pho” was delicious. The visit to the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Opera House was a great way to experience the city’s history and architecture.