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

Your excursion begins at the pier where you'll board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the approximately one and half hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. The route follows the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through a landscape of small villages, rice paddy fields, and oil and rubber trees.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll visit the National History Museum of Vietnam. Their collection traces the cultural history of Vietnam with exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art, ceramics and traditional costumes.

You'll drive past the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Park and the site of the U.S. miltary's weekly updates at the Rex Hotel, home of the infamous "Friday Night Follies." You'll stop for photo opportunities at Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Colonial Post Office and an inside visit of Reunification Hall.

Drive through Chinatown past the vast Binh Tay Market for a visit to Thien Hau Temple, home to the sea goddess who travels on the clouds rescuing seafarers from storms and shipwrecks. Explore the interior of this historic pagoda before lunch.

Next, you'll head to a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a lunch buffet where both western and Vietnamese entrees will be available. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese entertainment.

After lunch, you'll stop at Dat Viet Lacquer Factory. See the art of lacquerware-making, one of Vietnam's most popular exports. Take in a brief demonstration of the lacquering process and see a variety of lacquerware pieces, ranging from small boxes to large pieces of furniture. You'll have a brief time to shop before heading back on the return route to the pier and your cruise ship.