Half-day Saigon Sightseeing Bustling City

Half-day Saigon Sightseeing Bustling City

Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to be Vietnam’s largest 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. Saigon’s history is only 300 years old. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Indochina. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. This half day city tour unravels Saigon’s turbulent past and also provides a glimpse into the fascinating variety the city has to offer.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: The Independence Palace, 106 Nguyen Du District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th, 1975 the Vietnam War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Emperor Jade Pagoda, 73 Mai Thi Luu, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

Jade Emperor Pagoda: Built in 1909 in honor of the supreme Taoist god, this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in HCMC, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Central Post Office, 125 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam

The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

Centrally located, Ben Thanh and its surrounding streets comprise one of HCMC's liveliest areas. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is piled high, and souvenirs can be found in equal abundance. Vendors are determined and prices usually higher than elsewhere (restaurant stalls are reasonable), so bargain vigorously and ignore any 'Fixed Price' signs.

Duration: 40 minutes