Excursion Ho chi ming city tour (full day incl. lunch) tour at Ho Chi Minh

Begin the day with the visit to the History Museum, set in the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Built in 1929 by the Societe des Etudes Indochinoises, it was known as 'Musée Blanchard de la Bosse' until 1956, when it was renamed the Saigon National Museum. In 1975, it was expanded, renovated and renamed the Historical Museum. The Museum now houses an excellent collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of Vietnamese culture from ancient times (approximately 300,000 years ago) up to the 1930s, when Vietnam's Communist Party was founded.

Then visit the Reunification Palace, one of the most historic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The building is preserved almost as it was under the old regime with elegant interiors decorated with fine Vietnamese arts and crafts.

Continue to the Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (it is closed for renovation until 2019 so only a photostop outside of the Cathedral). Your next stop will be to visit the classic 19th century French colonial Post Office. The largest post office in Vietnam, it is an important communications hub for most of the city's inhabitants. Inside, the building has huge vaulted ceilings with vast maps of Vietnam on both sides of the main hall.

After lunch, explore Cholon, "Chinatown", a prosperous bustling area which has been engaged in trading activities since the 17th century. Known for its Chinese delis, ancient quarters, old temples and pagodas, the area reflects original architecture and age-old rituals. Transfer to visit a Quan Am pagoda built in the 18th century. Unchanged for hundreds of years, the pagoda offers a serene escape from the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown. Meet with Mr Duong Ngoc Dung, ta Dr of Religious Studies to learn more about Vietnam culture and religions. Dr. Duong Ngoc Dung holds a PhD in religious studies from Boston University (2001) and an MBA from UBI, Brussels (2008). He was honored to be the guide of President Obama when he visited in May 2016.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: History Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Saigon City Hall, Thien Hau Temple, Psot Office, China Town.

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking and some steps to climb to see all sites. Guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair can remain on the bus. Most venues are not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on/off the coach with minimal assistance. Dress in comfortable walking clothing and bring sun protection; anticipate hot and humid weather. Order of sites seen or visited may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases; US dollars and credit cards are accepted in many stores.