Although not the capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon) is the second largest city and certainly the most commercial city. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Ho Chi Minh City’s history is only 300 years old.
In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurs. And yet the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly in Cholon, its Chinatown. Here dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. The French also left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Tour Program:
AM: Pick up from your hotel in Saigon for departure. We will visit Re-unification palace, the former head quarters of anti-communism in the south.
We take a short walk to visit the war remnant museum, full of relics from Vietnam war, scary but really worth to visit. Then stroll around the central market Ben Thanh and sit back to enjoy a traditional noodle soup lunch in a famous restaurant in the city.
PM: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral or Nha Tho Duc Ba - the most popular Catholic Church in Ho chi Minh City then visit China Town which has a population of over 1 million Chinese people. The highlight of China Town is the Binh Tay market where you can see busy merchants from every corner of this part of the city. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda and a handicraft factory before heading back to your hotel.
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