The Best of Ho Chi Minh City

Overview

On arrival to Phu My Port, disembark the ship, take the shuttle bus to the entrance and meet your guide. Transfer to the famous Saigon city.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has everything from historic Pagodas to stunning sky scrapers making it one of the most intriguing destinations in all of Vietnam. Dive into the depths of Vietnamese history as you make your way to the Reunification Palace which was once home to the president of South Vietnam and stands as the site where the Vietnam war ended. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the North Vietnamese tanks that crashed through the palaces gates back in 1975 and still serve as a reminder today. Once inside you will be able to explore the many rooms that appear to be untouched creating an atmosphere hard to find at other monuments. Make sure to take a look in the war command room which is littered with campaign maps and old communication equipment.

Your panoramic city tour continues with photo stops at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. The historic cathedral is located at a picturesque corner in downtown Ho Chi Minh city and will leave you standing in amazement at its unique French Colonial design. It most recently made the news in 2005 when thousands of people stopped traffic in its square with the belief that tears were falling from the Virgin Mary statue just outside its doors. Just a short distance away is the cities Central Post Office. You will quickly see why this isn't your typical mailing grounds and represents one of the most visited sites in Ho Chi Minh city. Charmed by its vaulted interior, glass canopy and towering portrait of Ho Chi Minh, visiting your post office back home will give you flashbacks to this famous structure.

Following your lunch at delicious local restaurant you will take a short drive to District 5 and visit the Thien Hau Temple. Dedicated to the Lady of the Sea this temple represents the Chinese influence on the region and serves as a home to worshipers from the local Chinese community. Don't miss out on a chance to take part in a local custom as you make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the many incense coils.

Your day in Ho Chi Minh City will wrap up with some free time at the Ben Thanh Market or Dong Khoi as you find some items to commemorate your visit before returning to the cruise port in plenty of time for your ship's departure.