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 small villages, rice paddy fields, oil and rubber trees.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you'll first visit the National History Museum of Vietnam. Explore a collection that traces the cultural history of Vietnam, including exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art, ceramics and traditional costumes. Afterward, visit the Dat Viet Lacquer workshop.

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 Reunification Hall.

For lunch, you'll head to a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for an east-west buffet with both western and Vietnamese dishes accompanied by soft drinks and beer. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese entertainment while you dine.

After lunch, head to one of Saigon's busiest streets, formerly Rue Catinat of Author Graham Greene's Vietnam, Dong Khoi Street has regained its prestige. Explore the many shops and try your hand at bargaining for porcelain figurines, cinnamon boxes and other souvenirs. You'll have time to shop on your own before re-joining the motorcoach for the drive back to the pier and your cruise ship.