As you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the energy of Vietnam’s largest metropolis greets you with a blend of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Your private driver and guide will warmly welcome you at the airport and whisk you through the bustling streets to your hotel. After checking in and refreshing, your adventure begins with an afternoon exploring the cultural and historical gems of the city.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Your first stop is the majestic Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, standing proudly in the heart of the city. Although the interior is closed for renovation, you can still admire the grandeur of its neo-Romanesque architecture. Built by the French in the late 1800s, the red-brick cathedral’s towers rise above the city skyline, a symbol of the enduring French influence on Vietnam.

Saigon Central Post Office

Just across the square, you’ll visit the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel. As you step inside, you’re transported back in time. The grand hall, with its vaulted ceiling and beautiful mosaic floors, feels like a cross between a European railway station and a 19th-century post office. Marvel at the giant maps of Saigon and admire the classic French colonial design as your guide shares stories of its construction.

War Remnants Museum

Next, prepare for an emotionally powerful experience at the War Remnants Museum. Here, you’ll delve into the tragic and triumphant history of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The museum’s exhibits are filled with haunting photographs, weaponry, and artifacts from the Vietnam War, offering a sobering reminder of the cost of conflict. You’ll also see the renowned ‘Requiem’ photo gallery, a moving tribute to war photographers who lost their lives capturing the human side of the war.

Ben Thanh Market

To end the day on a lighter note, enjoy free time at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where the air is thick with the aroma of spices, fresh herbs, and sizzling street food. Wander through the vibrant stalls selling everything from silk scarves to handmade lacquerware, or try a local dish like pho or banh mi from one of the market’s famous vendors.

Overnight at Caravelle Saigon 5*, where your Opera Room offers a comfortable retreat from the city’s lively streets.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the city behind and journey into the countryside for a half-day exploration of the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. As you drive through rural landscapes, your guide will paint a vivid picture of Vietnam’s past, explaining the vital role these tunnels played in the country’s resistance efforts during the Vietnam War.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Upon arriving at the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll be amazed by the ingenuity and complexity of this underground network, which stretches over 200 kilometers. These tunnels were once a hidden world, where the Viet Cong lived, worked, and fought, evading enemy forces through an intricate system of narrow passageways and secret entrances.

Your guide will lead you through widened sections of the tunnels, allowing you to experience firsthand what life was like underground. You’ll see living quarters, storage areas, weapons factories, and even makeshift hospitals where injured soldiers were treated. The tunnels were designed to be self-sufficient, with kitchens that cleverly dispersed smoke to avoid detection from above.

As you crawl through sections of the tunnels, you’ll feel the cramped and claustrophobic conditions that soldiers endured. The experience brings history to life in a way that no textbook ever could, offering a glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people.

Rifle Range (Optional)

For those interested in a more hands-on experience, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the nearby rifle range, where you can try firing an AK47 or MK16—the weapons famously used during the war (additional cost).

After an unforgettable journey through the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon. Reflect on the stories of courage and survival as you drive back through the peaceful countryside.

5:00 PM: Conclusion of Tour

Your tour concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel or a location of your choice in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ve spent two days immersed in Vietnam’s rich history, from the colonial grandeur of its architecture to the hidden world of its wartime tunnels. As you say goodbye to this incredible city, you’ll carry with you a deeper understanding of its past and a profound respect for its people.