5 Days In Vietnam (Southern Vietnam)

PROGRAM DETAIL

Day 1: WELCOME TO SAIGON (no meal)

Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport, you will be transferred to your hotel downtown. As the largest of Vietnam’s cities, the hustle and bustle of life co-exists with 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of a mixed colonial-orient culture. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 02: SAIGON HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B, L)

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at local restaurant. Then back to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 03: SAIGON – CU CHI TUNNELS – SAIGON (B)

The tunnels are a great destination located 70 km from the Ho Chi Minh City Center to the Northwest.  Cu Chi was known as the “area of steel” in the war time, and the tunnel systems were over 200km, which was considered the unbreakable underground village in the Vietnam-American war. 

Pick up at your hotel and depart to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. 

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Return to Saigon.  Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 04: SAIGON – CAI BE FLOATING MARKET – SAIGON (B, L)

Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Depart for Cai Be by car/van via Trung Luong Express Highway.  On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Then wander into the small villages and visit the orchard and fruit plantation, accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.

Keep cruising to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy your cooking experience and learn how to prepare special Vietnamese dishes. Food cooked by yourself, and fresh river food served in the heart of the garden. Relax in the hammocks to get back your energy.

Cycle around the village path with fruit orchards and bonsai garden. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City for a good night’s sleep.

DAY 05: SAIGON DEPARTURE (B)

There is a free time to relax or further explore Saigon. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure.