Heritage and Harmony – Discovering Saigon and the Mekong Delta

• Historical and cultural immersion: Learn about Vietnam's history, culture, and traditions.
• Natural beauty: Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
• Local experiences: Interact with locals and gain insights into their daily lives.
• Unique adventures: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and experience the vibrant atmosphere of floating markets.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Saigon SGN Tan Son Nhat Airport (flight details tbc).

Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to the city, which takes around 45 minutes. Check in hotel then free at your leisure.

Your guide will be with you for this transfer.

Meals included: None

Day 2: SAIGON NOW AND THEN 

We’ll begin with a short orientation tour (walking / driving) of Old Saigon Streets and Iconic Buildings. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon.

Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.

WARTIME SAIGON

We begin this story with a visit to The Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past.

This is the location where the two North Vietnamese army tanks crushed the gates of the palace on 30th April 1975 and signaled the end of the conflict, by taking the surrender from Duong Van Minh, who had been president of South Vietnam for only three days.

We'll continue to visit the site of the wartime offices of the US Information Service (USIS). This is now The War Remnants Museum (formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes). This museum is a disturbing experience. It graphically recounts the Vietnam War from the perspective of the victors. The Requiem gallery, depicting the images taken by many international War Photographers during the conflict, is especially graphic and moving.

ONWARD TO THE WARTIME

Cu Chi is about 40 km northwest and around one and a half hours drive. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an elaborate underground community made up of about 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city. The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over
the American soldiers. 

Despite all the bombings in their town, the Cu Chi people were able to continue day-to-day living beneath the soil, where they slept, ate, planned attacks, healed their sick, and taught their young. Some even wed and gave birth underground, but over 10,000 lost their lives here.

NOTE: Depending on season, we may visit Cu Chi in the morning and the city in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: MEKONG DELTA (Cai Be, Vinh Long and Can Tho)

Start today no later than 7.30 am for our day exploration of the Mekong Delta.

Driving around 2.5 hours to the small Delta town of Cai Be. Here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre Provinces.

We'll cruise by the former small floating market. Nowadays, this is primarily a wholesale market, and there maybe a few traders moored. Their boats have usually have a bamboo pole, with a sample of the produce they sell, tied to the top - to indicate to buyers.

Lunch will be taken en-route on one of the Delta islands. Visit local gardens and houses to see orchards, rice crisped producing process etc.

Cruise along the river and canals of An Binh island to see the peaceful and tranquil life of local villagers, admiring the marvelous natural setting of the Mekong Delta region. Around 3 pm, the boat will arrive at Vinh Long, where you have a chance to explore the land market before the 45 minutes drive to Can Tho, which will be your overnight stay.

After check-in at your hotel, take a guided orientation walk along the riverside.

Later, you may wish to explore this lively area yourself. There are a number of restaurants, street food vendors and an authentic local night market, all within walking distance.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: CAI RENG AND THE DELTA AROUND CAN THO 

A visit to Cai Rang floating market on a small boat from Can Tho is a definite Mekong Delta highlight. It's one of the most photogenic spots in southern Vietnam. Floating markets have long thrived in the delta since they're the most convenient way for traders who transport everything on the river, to trade their wares.

Cai Rang market is best visited very early. Leave Can Tho at around 7am to arrive at the market around 8am when things will be in full swing with hundreds small boats converging to buy and sell.

Stopping by Le Binh market on the way back to Can Tho is recommended. It's a superbly chaotic local market with plenty of the delta's fish bounty on display alongside fruits and vegetables.

For the remainder of today - it's a flexible day of touring depending on your interests. We can use a mixture of transport including private boat, bicycle, walking and car.

The Ong Temple enjoys an especially scenic setting, overlooking the river banks, and is to be found within the Guangzhou Assembly Hall. Dating back to the latter part of the 19th century, this religious landmark is especially interesting and was constructed as a place where locals could worship Kuang Kung, the Chinese God of War. 

Constructed in the mid-1940s, the Munirangsyaram Pagoda is a little gem in the centre of the city and was built for the local Khmer community. This Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagoda has some fantastic ornamentation and a noticeable
lack of Taoist spirit decorations, which are so commonplace in pagodas of the Vietnamese Mahayana style.

Take a private boat to cruise the small canals that are typical of this region.

We’ll visit gardens and local houses, with a stop here and there for a drink of tea. There will also be the opportunity to see some local cottage industry, where methods are relatively unchanged over generations.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: TRANSFER BACK TO SAIGON 

After checking out hotel, we'll drive around 4 hours back to Saigon, expected arrival around mid-afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: DEPARTURE 

Private transfer to Ho Chi Minh - Tan Son Nhat Airport (flight details tbc).. Your guide will be with your transfer. This service marks the conclusion of your 6-day, 5-night journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

SERVICES INCLUDED

• 5 nights in good hotels with breakfast each morning
• Bottled drinking water while on tour
• Qualified and licensed English-speaking tour guides
• Meals in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary. (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch)
• A/C private transportation with driver
• All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
• All tolls and taxes

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
•  Other meals where not mentioned in the program
•  Personal expenses
• Travel and medical insurance
• Items not listed in the itinerary
• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers