HOCHIMINH CITY 3DAYS 2NIGHTS TRIP

Post date: Jun 30, 2011 4:06:40 AM

Surely one of the most evocative names in Asia, Saigon is definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. The most Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use its official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. Golf courses, bowling alleys and shopping malls vie for space with fruit and vegetable markets, pagodas and karaoke rooms. Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy - all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerizing chaos that is Saigon. And yet there are the elegant colonial French boulevards and buildings, the Cathedral, the riverfront, the quiet moments at a sidewalk cafe watching the world literally go by you at breakneck speed.  Saigon. A city that is almost indescribable and completely unforgettable.

Duration: 3 days

Private tour - departure daily

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, pick up, dinner(D)

Day 2: Hochiminh full day tour(B/L/D)

Day 3: Departure(B)

RATE: This rate is quoted in USD per person, based on Double/Twin occupancy. Applied for the private tour

Inclusive of:

- Accommodation 3* hotel with daily breakfast

- Private transportation with good aircon

- English speaking guide ( bahasa di Hochiminh)

- Full board meals as per itinerary

- Entrance fees

- Boat trip

- Daily drinking water on tours

Exclusive of:

- Tipping

- Flight tiket

- Visa to Vietnam

- Personal expenses

Hotel use:

Choice of 3* hotels:

- Kingston hotel www.kingstonhotel.com.vn 

- Hoang Hai Long 2 hotel www.hoanghailong2hotel.com 

- Le Duy hotel www.leduyhotel.vn 

- Kelly hotel www.kellyhotel.com.vn 

Additional cost to upgrade hotel:

To Tan Hai Long hotel & Spa 3*: additional USD7/pax ( Deluxe new wing room) www.tanhailonghotel.com.vn 

To Liberty central 4*: additional USD45/pax ( Promotion until end of September, 2011) 

To Windsor Plaza 5* ( China town): USD40/pax www.windsorplazahotel.com 

To Moeven Pick hotel Saigon 5* ( near airport): USD45/pax www.moevenpick-hotels.com ( Promotion until end of September, 2011)

To New World hotel Saigon 5* ( Benthanh Market): USD90/pax www.newworldhotels.com 

To Sheraton hotel Saigon 5* ( Dong Khoi area): USD105/pax www.sheraton.com/saigon  ( promotion, subject to availability on booking, 2011)

Trip map:

Video:

Full itinerary:

DAY 01 : ARRIVAL HOCHIMINH CITY (Dinner)

Meet on arrival at Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport by our driver and transfer to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Hochiminh city

Surely one of the most evocative names in Asia, Saigon is definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. The most Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use its official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. Golf courses, bowling alleys and shopping malls vie for space with fruit and vegetable markets, pagodas and karaoke rooms. Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy - all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerizing chaos that is Saigon. And yet there are the elegant colonial French boulevards and buildings, the Cathedral, the riverfront, the quiet moments at a sidewalk cafe watching the world literally go by you at breakneck speed.  Saigon. A city that is almost indescribable and completely unforgettable.

DAY 02 : HOCHIMINH CITY –CITY TOUR – CUCHI TUNNELS (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 

After breakfast, have a half day city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, Discover the contrasts of bustling Ho Chi Minh - amongst the grand old buildings, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Neo-classical structure dating back to the 19th century, the beautiful Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquer ware factory and War Museum, shopping at the colorful Ben Thanh market selling everything from chilies to French bread and, of course, be surrounded by an endless stream of bicycles, cyclos and motorbikes.  

Have lunch at local restaurant then leave Ho Chi Minh for Cu Chi tunnels. Here you will have the opportunity to witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war

The Cu Chi area is famous for its 200 kilometer network of underground tunnels, which were used by the Viet Cong forces to fight against both the French and later the Americans.  From the mid 19940’s onwards, the Viet Cong managed to dig up to 12 meters down on hard soil, using only rudimentary tools.  Most tunnels were only 60-70 centimeters wide, and 1.5 meters high, with thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs weighing up to 100 kilograms.

Before visiting the tunnel system, you will be shown a video explaining the history of the tunnels and their design.  The Viet Cong used them as a base from which they could launch strategic attacks on the Americans and then seemingly disappear.  Unknowingly, the Americans even built a base camp on top of an existing tunnel network, suffering extensive casualties until they discovered their mistake.

The tunnel entrances are well hidden.  Many rooms have been opened and ventilated so that you can more easily experience the underground meeting rooms, kitchen, hospital and sleeping areas.  More adventurous tunnel explorers can experience an unlit tunnel passage which has not been enlarged for the comfort of visitors! Back to Hochiminh city for dinner. Overnight in Hochiminh city

DAY 03 : HOCHIMINH CITY – DEPARTURE (Breakfast) 

At leisure until transfer out

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