As you step off the plane and into the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, the fusion of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks welcomes you. Your private driver and guide will greet you at the airport, ready to escort you to your hotel, where your adventure in this bustling metropolis begins.

Afternoon Exploration

Once settled in at your hotel, it’s time to explore the cultural and historical treasures of the city. The afternoon is packed with iconic sites that reveal both the city’s colonial past and its wartime struggles.

+  Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: Your first stop is the grand Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Though the interior is closed for renovation, the exterior still exudes the charm of its neo-Romanesque design. Built by the French with bricks imported from Marseilles, the twin bell towers rise majestically above the city, offering a stunning backdrop for photographs.

+  Saigon Central Post Office: Just a short stroll from the Basilica is the Saigon Central Post Office, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, designed by Gustave Eiffel. As you step inside, you’re transported to a time of colonial grandeur. The high vaulted ceilings and giant maps evoke the feel of a European railway station, while the friendly hum of locals and tourists reminds you of the city’s vibrant present.

+  War Remnants Museum: Prepare for an emotional journey at the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll explore powerful exhibits detailing the brutal realities of the Vietnam War. The outdoor displays of U.S. military tanks, helicopters, and aircraft contrast with the sobering indoor galleries, filled with photographs, documents, and personal stories of those affected by the conflict.

+  Ben Thanh Market: To cap off your afternoon, dive into the vibrant world of Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most famous shopping destinations. Wander through stalls overflowing with local produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Here, the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, tempting you to sample some traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh mi.

Overnight at Caravelle Saigon 5*, in an Opera Room, where you can unwind in luxury after your first day of discovery.

The second day of your journey takes you away from the bustling city to the tranquil waters and lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, this region is a world of its own, with life revolving around the mighty Mekong River.

Morning Journey

After breakfast, your private driver and guide will take you on a scenic drive through the countryside to the Mekong Delta. The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the city behind, with vast rice paddies, orchards, and quiet villages stretching to the horizon.

+ Cai Thia Village, Tien Giang Province: Your first stop is Cai Thia Village, nestled along the peaceful Mekong River. Here, you’ll visit Mrs. Năm, a local expert in rice paper making, who has been practicing this craft for over 60 years. Watch as she demonstrates the age-old technique of creating delicate rice paper sheets, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll even have the chance to taste some freshly made rice paper, paired with local specialties.

+ Optional Biking Tour: For those looking to explore more of the Mekong Delta’s charm, an optional one-hour biking tour through Hoa Loc Mango Village is available. Pedal down quiet lanes shaded by fruit trees, past wooden houses built on stilts, and wave to locals as they go about their day. The peaceful rural scenery is a perfect antidote to the busy city.

Afternoon Exploration

After a refreshing bike ride, it’s time to head back to the water. You’ll board a traditional sampan boat to cruise along the winding canals of the Mekong.

+ Fruit Tasting & Tea: As you glide along the tranquil waterways, stop at a local home to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and a steaming cup of hot tea. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the warmth of Mekong hospitality, as your hosts share their way of life with you.

+ Boat Cruise & Lunch: Continue your journey with a leisurely lunch on board, feasting on fresh, flavorful dishes while surrounded by the lush greenery of the delta. Your boat will take you to Út Trinh garden, where you’ll explore a traditional orchard and sample more of the region’s bounty. You’ll also stop at a local workshop to see how coconut candy and pop rice are made by hand.

+ Pottery and Floating Houses: As you return, you’ll pass by brick kilns where traditional pottery is still crafted, as well as floating houses where families make their living raising fish in the waters beneath their homes.

Evening Return

By late afternoon, you’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in time for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Overnight at Caravelle Saigon 5*, in an Opera Room, offering a luxurious retreat after your day of rural exploration.

On your final day, you’ll delve deep into the history of the Vietnam War with a visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning Journey

After breakfast, your driver will take you on a scenic drive through the countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll learn about the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of the Viet Cong fighters during the war.

+ Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: As you arrive, your guide will take you through the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network stretching over 200 kilometers. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, living quarters, supply routes, and even hospitals. Your guide will lead you through widened sections of the tunnels, explaining the ingenious techniques used to evade detection and survive in the harsh conditions of war. As you crawl through the narrow passageways, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the realities of life underground.

+ Optional Rifle Range: For those interested in experiencing the firepower used during the war, there’s an optional visit to a nearby rifle range, where you can try your hand at shooting an AK47 or MK16 (additional cost).

Afternoon Return

After your time at the tunnels, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon, where you can reflect on the powerful history you’ve explored over the past few days.