This is one of the most extensive Southern Vietnam itineraries. Discover the Mekong Delta, relax in the beach paradise of Mui Ne and visit the dynamic city of Saigon. Take an excursion to the historic land of the Cu Chi Tunnels and experience the authentic life of a Mekong Delta native. You will have the chance to enjoy long stretches of beach and warm clear water all year round...
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city center (District 1). The drive takes approximately 60 minutes.
After arriving at the hotel, you'll check in* and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure.
Notes: Hotel check-in time is at 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee.
9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.
Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.
Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, you will take a few walks to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.
Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.
End of the day, visit the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.
Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax
8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. You will also have a chance to visit Ben Duoc memorial temple nearby but far less touristic built in 1993 in memory of the Vietnamese killed at Cu Chi.
Continue to visit one of the most sacred attractions in Vietnam - the Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. On a visit, you can attend the midday mass.
Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to hotel in the afternoon.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.
Visit craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasty seasonal fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.
Back to Saigon in the late afternoon
Pick up by private car for 4.5-hour transfer on the national highway to Mui Ne, the paradise of beaches and sand dunes in the South of Vietnam. When arrival, check in your hotel and enjoy your beach escape holiday.
Unplanning in advance is the best way to explore Mui Ne. It’s easy to rent a motorbike or tuk tuk at any time. We advise you to go to sand dunes for sportive activities, leisurely visit town’s highlights or just free and easy on the white sandy beaches with blue water.
Meet at your hotel for a private transfer back to Saigon. Enjoy 4.5-hour journey crossing many cities and villages in the South of Vietnam. Make stop for pictures as you commends. Arrive in Saigon, check in your hotel. (Hotel is not included on this day yet)
Option: It is available to drop off at Tan Son Nhat airport (in Saigon)