5 days Southern Vietnam Package Tour

Saigon is a city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to modern businesses and boutiques. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and from 1956 until its demise in April 1975, it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam.

Saigon’s history is only 300 years old but today, renamed Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the American War, is very much the heart of Vietnamese business. However, the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly in Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown. Evidence of the French occupation can still be seen in the architecture of many of the buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Even if you have no interest in the war history, the Cu Chi Tunnels complex, 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-see. The incredible tunnel system, covering nearly 250km is an amazing feat of engineering and it provided shelter to over 16,000 communist guerrillas during the American war. Visitors are able to crawl around in the safer parts of the tunnel system and some tunnels have now been made larger to accommodate the larger size of Western visitors. Low-power lights have been installed in several of the tunnels to make traveling through them easier. Underground conference rooms, where campaigns such as the Tet Offensive were planned in 1968, have been restored and visitors may enjoy a simple meal of food that Viet Cong fighters would have eaten.

The Mekong Delta is often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam as it produces three harvests a year. The fertile Mekong Delta is also well-known for its tropical fruits and flowers. The Mekong Delta area marks the end of the Mekong Rivers 4,500km journey made through six countries to reach the ocean. Traditional transportation in the Mekong Delta is by boat along a vast network of canals and channels.

On your 2 days 1 night cruise Mekong, you will glide through the lush green forest and enjoy the rich diversity of vegetation. Get up close to every-day life on the Mekong River where local merchant boats will offer you an abundance of fresh fruits, and the floating markets in Can Tho and Cai Be will take your breath away with their hectic pace, exotic aromas and orchestra of sounds.

All tours in Ho Chi Minh City are fully guided private tours with highly experienced English speaking guides ensuring you are in safe hands all the way.

Night 1 – Arrival Ho Chi Minh City (D)

A driver will meet you on arrival at Tan San Nhat airport and transfer you to your hotel in district one. The rest of the day is free and you can relax or explore the area around your hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B / L)

Soak up cultural delights of bustling Ho Chi Minh City on your full day adventure. Ramble though the streets of Chinatown and discover the real Ho Chi Minh City, from its traumatic past to its beautiful French-colonial architecture and discover the cultural heart and hidden treasures that dot this busy city.

08h00 – 08h30 – Your City tour will start from your hotel with a local guide by first heading to Chinatown for a walking tour through back streets of China town near Cho Lon market to experience the local daily life.

Next is a stop to visit Thien Hau temple which was built in the early 19th Century and is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of seafarers. We then move deeper into Chinatown, visiting the amazing Cho lon and Binh Tay Markets for an insight into where locals shop and be amazed at the wide range of goods for sale. Then you will enjoy a short stop at a local café for a coffee and to watch the hectic pace of life pass by in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Following your market visit, it will be time for a traditional local Vietnamese lunch of “Pho” or noodle soup.

Once you finish lunch you visit the haunting but very interesting War Remnants Museum and take a walking tour to Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post office, Opera house and downtown Saigon. The War Remnants Museum was originally opened in September 1975, it displays items from the American War. In the courtyard there are some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. The Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace was the sight of South Vietnam’s surrender in April 1975. Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Opera House are beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period.

The trip is designed to give you an insights into the history, culture and the daily life activities of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City.

Return to your hotel at approximately 16:30 and overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi tunnels ( B, L, D)

The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes. Housed in the tunnels were hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters.

08h00- 08h30 – You will be picked up at your hotel and leave Ho Chi Minh City for Cu Chi and the famous system of tunnels. Hidden deep underground, the 3 floors of tunnels is a intricate labyrinth of winding ways with a total length of approximately 250 km.

On arrival you will watch a presentation video and get to see the tunnels. It is very interesting to discover how the tunnels were constructed and how the habitants combated two foes, the invading troops and the confines of the tunnels themselves.

Visit, Hoang Cam’s smoking less store, some of the secret hide-outs, fighting bunkers, and view many of the dangerous booby traps.

For the adventurous, you can have the opportunity to try firing an AK-47 assault rifle which was the weapon of choice for the North Vietnamese Army during the American war. (fees not included)

There is also the opportunity to taste boiled tapioca, drink hot local tea and visit the rice paper village where you can try to making it by yourself.

Return to your at your hotel at approximately 14h00 and relax until time for your dinner cruise on Saigon River.

17h00 – A driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you join your peaceful dinner cruise on Saigon River. Along the way you will enjoy the fresh gentle breezes and pastoral scenery as the boat takes you along the River for a set menu dinner and live show. It is time to watch a fascinating cultural show presenting a traditional music instruments with a bridal procession on water, solemn rituals and vibrant dances. You will enjoy an elaborately prepared Vietnamese dinner served on Board on Saigon River while cruising before returning to your hotel by car at approximately 21h30.

Overnight in the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong River Cruise 2 Day (B,L,D)

Explore the vastness of the Mekong Delta on board a vessel that was once a traditional rice barge but has now been converted into a luxurious river cruiser with 15 cabins artfully decorated by skilled craftsmen of the Mekong Delta, a spacious restaurant and bar area, a panorama lounge, a large sun deck and outdoor restaurant.

Your vessel combines regional boat-building traditions with modern comforts to become the perfect holiday vessel to cruise the Mekong Delta in style. All cabins are air conditioned and have a private bathroom and shower.

08h00 –08h30 your transport will arrive at your hotel and you will depart by road to either Can Tho or Cai Be in Mekong delta to board your comfortable wooden river cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink and a tour of on-board facilities, you will be shown your well-appointed cabin. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people while lunch is served and cruise gets underway.

In the afternoon, you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a lovely local village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. You will meet with the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.

Back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong River. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner.

The cruise boat will anchor for the night and you stay overnight on Cabin with peaceful night time sounds in the Mekong Delta.

Day 4 – Cai Rang – Cai Be Floating Market ( B/L)

Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 06h30 the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. You will enjoying an early breakfast and watch the river come alive as the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards.

After breakfast, you will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. You will be amazed at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skillfully handcrafted regional products. You will pull up to the boats and have the opportunity to bargain for local produce and that special gift to take home. You will also visit some of the local sweets and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, orchards and ship-building yards.

After brunch or lunch it will be time to start your return journey back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5 – Shopping and Departure (B)

Your last day in Ho Chi Minh City is free for you to go souvenir hunting or relax ready for journey home or onto your next destination.