Notre Dame Cathedral

After breakfast transfer to Cu Chi, the most devastated district, bombed and poisoned by Napalm during the Vietnam War.

We visit Cu Chi tunnels, the famous underground network of tunnels that has played a crucial role in the survival of many people. The first works date back to the 1940s, when the Vietnamese began digging tunnels to escape compulsory conscription, French attacks and to keep in touch between villages. In the 1960s, the Viet Cong extended the tunnels to over 250km and since then they have become legendary during the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon we visit Saigon, the former Royal Prey Nokor capital at the time of the Khmer Kingdom, later capital of the French Colony, or Cochinchina, as well as of the Independent Republic of South Vietnam until 1976 when it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City by the homonymous leader.

Among the main highlights we visit the Post Office, built in the 19th century with Renaissance and Gothic influences, Notre Dame Cathedral built during the French colony, and the Thien Hau Pagoda, an excellent example of the Chinese architecture dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

We end the day with a visit to the War Museum, a permanent exhibition of the atrocities of the Vietnam War.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Delta Mekong

Our journey moves on to Vietnam’s southern provinces to the Mekong Delta. For thousands of years, it has played an important role, initially in trade due to its advantageous geographical position on the sea route between India and China, and today above all in the economic field, to the point that it has been named the “rice bowl of Vietnam“.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre, we visit the rural areas to learn about the daily activities that are still carried out following ancient traditions. Fishing and agriculture are without doubt the key sectors in this area. Along the way, we stop to observe some production processes that give us an insight into the lifestyle of the Mekong people.

We also stop to see a kiln used for traditional brick firing, a workshop for processing coconut and other derivative products and a weaving house where straw mats are still made by hand.

We board a sampan, the traditional wooden boat, through the narrow inlets of the Delta and dock in a village to visit a local house and taste the delicious South Vietnamese cuisine.

In the afternoon we continue cruising the canals for a special visit to the home of Mr. Khanh, a passionate collector of antiques and very special artefacts relating to the history of Vietnam, as well as original family photos from the French colonial period.

Afterwards transfer to Can Tho.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, boats, lunch and private transportation 

Floating Market

Early in the morning we visit the famous Cai Rang floating market, one of the most picturesque in the Mekong Delta. The local markets are traditionally held at dawn and are a must to admire in amazement the hard work of Vietnamese traders.

We embark at the Can Tho jetty and cruise through the crowded water bazaar, surrounded by boats of different sizes used by local traders.

Exotic fruits, vegetables and flowers in huge quantities contribute to enhance this vibrant colourful scenery. Afterwards we visit some local houses.

In the afternoon we visit the Ba Cong fruit farm and the old Binh Thuy house, the setting for the famous film ‘L’Amant’, released in 1992.  On the way we stop to visit the Long Dinh village.

Afterwards transfer to the hotel in Saigon.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, boats and private transportation 

Transfer to Saigon airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast and private transportation