Best of Southern Vietnam

Morning

The tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning, ready to take you on an exciting journey to explore the most iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City.

Reunification Palace

The first stop is the Reunification Palace, a historic site that holds significant importance in Vietnam’s past. The building showcases modern 1960s architecture and features notable areas such as the banquet hall, meeting rooms, and the basement, which once served as a strategic command center. Here, you will learn about pivotal historical events, especially the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam War.

War Remnants Museum

Next, the tour takes you to the War Remnants Museum. The museum houses over 20,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs showcasing the devastating consequences of the Vietnam War. Highlights include rare photographic archives and war relics such as tanks and fighter planes. This is an educational and emotional stop, offering deep insights into the sacrifices and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Then, you’ll visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an emblem of French colonial architecture in the heart of the city. Nearby is the Central Post Office, a stunning blend of European classical design and Vietnamese character, perfect for taking memorable photos.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Giac Lam Pagoda

In the afternoon, your first stop is Giac Lam Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its serene courtyard, intricate carvings, and ancient Buddha statues. It’s a peaceful retreat that offers spiritual tranquility.

Thien Hau Temple

Continue your journey to Cho Lon, the vibrant Chinatown of Saigon, known for its rich cultural heritage. Visit the Thien Hau Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the city. Admire its exquisite carvings and the tranquil atmosphere as locals pray for peace and prosperity.

Finally, the tour ends at Ben Thanh Market. The iconic Ben Thanh Market is a bustling hub where you can find everything from handicrafts and clothing to mouthwatering street food. Be sure to sample local delicacies such as banh mi and grilled pork noodles or shop for unique souvenirs to take home.

After a full day of exploration, you will return to your hotel.

After breakfast, we will leave the bustling city and head to Ben Tre, the “land of coconuts” in Vietnam. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the serene beauty of the countryside, with lush fruit orchards and winding canals.

Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Wharf, we will embark on a boat journey along the Tien River. The calm, picturesque river will lead you through lush coconut groves, offering a peaceful and scenic experience.

Tourists visit brick factory in Ben Tre.

Our first stop will be a traditional brick-making workshop. Here, you’ll witness the process of creating handcrafted bricks, from molding to firing in unique kilns typical of the Mekong Delta.

Next, we’ll visit a local coconut processing workshop, where skilled workers will demonstrate how they peel coconuts using traditional methods, providing insight into this local craft.

Tourists learn to make coconut candy.

After the coconut workshop, we’ll take a short walk to a coconut candy workshop. You’ll get a chance to see the candy-making process firsthand and even try your hand at wrapping the candies. Don’t forget to sample the fresh, delicious coconut sweets!

Traditional way of making mats.

The next stop of the morning is a traditional mat weaving workshop. Here, you’ll marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans as they weave mats by hand. If you’re curious, you can try your hand at weaving under the guidance of friendly locals, creating a unique memory to take home.

Continue your exploration with Xe Loi, a unique vehicle that will take you through peaceful village roads, coconut gardens, and lush green landscapes. It’s the perfect way to experience the tranquil rural life of Ben Tre.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, we’ll continue our adventure by cycling through the village. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, pass by vast rice fields, and interact with the friendly locals as you pedal through the beautiful countryside.

Before we head back, we’ll stop by Ben Tre Market. It’s the perfect place to shop for local products such as coconut candy, handmade coconut crafts, and fresh tropical fruits to take home.

After a day of exploration, we’ll depart Ben Tre and head back to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the tour with fond memories of a wonderful day.

We hope to see you again on future adventures!