SAIGON SURROUNDINGS IN 5 DAYS

Post date: Jul 2, 2014 4:52:49 AM

HO CHI MINH - MEKONG- CU CHI-VUNG TAU

Ho Chi Minh City- still called Saigon by many locals, is biggest city at Vietnam. Saigon is center : economy, entertainment, sport, tourism,…

Vietnam's 'rice-bowl' the Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of flat farmland interlaced with thousands of waterways and tributaries of the mighty Mekong. Known locally as Cuu Long, or the 'River of Nine Dragons', the Mekong splits into two reaches as it makes its final path through Vietnam before finally dissipating into the sea. The river provides a lifelong flurry of activity and commerce among its waters and is interspersed with seemingly endless ricefields, colourful floating markets, isolated villages accessed only by boat, and a populace of constantly smiling people. Travel the bustling highway into the surrounding countryside where you will pass lush rice paddies carefully tended, before boarding your motorised sampan for a unique experience on the mighty Mekong Delta waterways. You will see how, to the people of Delta, the water is a lifeline - the focus of all daily activity - as you journey through a maze of tributaries and fruit plantations. Enjoy a sample of delicious fruit in the shade of a fruit farmer's garden before continuing via even smaller waterways to lunch, where the speciality is a remarkable dish of 'elephants ear fish'.

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.

Vung Tau, there is long beach. It is distance from Ho Chi Minh city 120Km. You can relax at this beautiful beach.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 – ARRIVE HO CHI MINH ( NO MEALS )

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to visit Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

DAY 02: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI - VUNG TAU (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Cuchi, passing paddy fields. Enroute you will have the opportunity to make villages and witness how rice paper is made. In Cu Chi you will explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war which is a 250km long underground tunnel made by the Vietnamese army to fight U.S. troops. After lunch you will go to Vung Tau. Evening you will enjoy dinner-style seafood and after that you will be invited to shop at the Imperial Mall or the Night Market. Overnight in Vung Tau.

DAY 03: VUNG TAU - HO CHI MINH (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit to the Summer Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai, the Jesus Monument, which overlooks the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh after lunch. Upon arrival, check in Hotel for rest. Free time for shopping. Dinner will be served at local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 04: HO CHI MINH - MEKONG RIVER (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we begins with a visit at the Reunification Palace, Old Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. After that proceed to MyTho , just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards on Thoi Son Island. For lunch sample the local delicacy, Elephant's Ear Fish. Visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. Back to the city and enjoy dinner Cruise along the Saigon River. Overnight in Hochiminh.