Saigon stopover
3 days
3 days
Saigon, officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, is the largest city in Vietnam. Still commonly referred to as Saigon, however, it is a city moving forward in leaps and bounds. The French influence is readily seen in the old colonial buildings, such as the Opera House and City Hall, which serve as a contrast to the luxury hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and modern office buildings that are rapidly growing in number. There are many ubiquitous scenes that play out everyday, such as the throngs of motorbikes zipping about the city, and the hustle and bustle of the busy marketplaces selling goods of all kinds. Outside on the streets, young professionals chat on their cellphones, while inside the quiet temple courtyards worshippers pray amdist clouds of incense. Saigon is also a gourmet's delight, with a wide range of restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese and international cuisines, the French influence still being seen in various dishes as well as in the hot, fresh baguettes expertly prepared at the bakeries.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Saigon. Arrive at Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon. Full-day private tour of Saigon. Begin with a visit to the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, the old Opera House, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Tour the Reunification Palace, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum, and then the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. In the afternoon explore bustling Cholon (Chinatown), with visits to Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Ben Thanh Market. (breakfast).
Day 3: Depart Saigon. Transfer to Hanoi International Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (2).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $370.
Day 1: Saigon. Arrive at Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon. Full-day private tour of Saigon. Begin with a visit to the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, the old Opera House, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Tour the Reunification Palace, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum, and then the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. In the afternoon explore bustling Cholon (Chinatown), with visits to Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Ben Thanh Market. (breakfast).
Day 3: Depart Saigon. Transfer to Hanoi International Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (2).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $370.
Our deluxe Vietnam tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
