Saigon - War Relics & Shopping

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city. With its plethora of historic landmarks, French-influenced architecture, world-class shopping and authentic cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Your full day of discovery begins with a 1.5-hour scenic drive through the countryside and along the Saigon River from port to "the Pearl of the Orient."

A visit to Reunification Hall is an opportunity to see the city's most significant landmark. It was here on April 30, 1975, that tank number 843 belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was then the Presidential Palace of the Republic of South Vietnam, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. You'll visit the second floor and the basement of the palace, which used to be the headquarters of South Vietnam's Army.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum that displays poignant photographs, as well as a courtyard filled with artifacts of the war. This popular museum offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese side of the conflict. The displays are quite graphic, but the overall experience is both powerful and moving.

For a change of pace, reboard the motorcoach and enjoy a sightseeing tour of some of the city's architectural highlights. Drive past the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Ho Chi Minh Park and the Rex Hotel, home of the infamous "Friday Night Follies." See the Central Post Office, the country's largest, built from 1886 to 1891, and the spectacular, spire-topped Norte Dame Cathedral, which is directly across the street. City Hall (the People's Committee Building) was once a lavish French colonial style hotel and is fronted by manicured gardens and a lovely park.

Your next stop is the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum, which displays remnants from the campaign of North Vietnam during the war. Here you'll find exhibits of weapons, medals, uniforms and photographs that illuminate the periods of communist struggles.

You'll have no doubt worked up an appetite, and a stop at one of the deluxe hotels is your chance to savor authentic Vietnamese delicacies accompanied by traditional live music and dancing.

Refreshed, your next stop is the Saigon downtown center for a short period of independent exploration and souvenir shopping. You'll experience first-hand the bustling streets and Ho Chi Minh City's frenetic energy.

Return to the motorcoach at the designated time and relax chatting with your fellow travelers on the ride back to port.