Daily Information - Vietnam Holiday

Day 1: Saigon

Fly from Auckland to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. (Other flight options are available - just ask us).

Fly from Singapore to Saigon with Singapore Airlines.

On arrival in Saigon you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

Expert tips

The most recent addition to the Odyssea family, as well as the newest 4-star hotel in town, Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel is a cornerstone of true Saigon city living.

Contemporarily designed with modern rooms and suites, the hotel offers guests the utmost in quality, comfort and convenience.

Located in the city centre, Liberty Central Saigon City Point lies within walking distance of Le Loi Boulevard and the Central Business District. Many of Saigon’s main points of interest and thrilling nightlife venues are also in the vicinity.

Activities and Services

Included

Economy Class Flight.
Airline Taxes.
Check in Baggage Allowance.
Arrival Transfer by Private Car.
Overnight Accommodation.

Day 2: Saigon

Enjoy a scenic boat trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cruise along the Saigon River, passing charming riverside villages and colourful rural landscapes. Arrive at the famous Cu Chi tunnels, exploring the underground labyrinth to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s military past.

This tour begins at either 07:30 or 11:00. The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a private speed boat for this scenic Cu Chi tunnels cruise.

Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city as the boat cruises across the water. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighbourhoods and then rural countryside.

After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground (if you wish - the tunnels have been widened) and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels.

Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.

Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Saigon.

In the afternoon, see Saigon’s highlights on an insightful half-day city tour. Glimpse into Vietnam’s military past at Reunification Hall and the War Remnants Museum. Then explore colonial-era buildings and ornate temples for a better understanding of local culture and the city’s rich heritage.

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, Hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.

Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

Activities and Services

Included

Breakfast.
Morning Cu Chi Tunnels by Private Speedboat.
Afternoon Saigon Tour by Private Car.
All Entry Fees.
Private Car, Driver & English Speaking Guide.
Lunch.
Overnight Accommodation.

Day 3: Saigon, Mekong River Delta

Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Saigon behind on this Ben Tre day trip.

Following breakfast, drive south of the city to the Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’.

On arrival in Ben Tre Province, board a local boat for a first glimpse of life on the Mekong Delta’s maze of waterways.

Cruise among the river islands which have whimsical names such as Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. En-route visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut – a material found in abundance in the Mekong region. Also, visit Turtle Island to explore an orchard and taste its fresh, tropical fruits.

Then switch gears and travel by horse-driven cart for a different perspective. Cruise along country roads to a lush garden. Taste the honey that is harvested by the residents and famous throughout Vietnam.

Return to the waterways, this time using a rowing boat. Taking advantage of this boat’s smaller size, cruise up narrow Xep canal which is set amongst a dense grove of palm trees.

Following this Delta adventure, return to land for lunch. Before returning to the big city, stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda. This massive Buddhist pagoda boasts impressive architecture and an incredible collection of statues, including a life-size jade image.

Return to Saigon late this afternoon, filled with fantastic memories of a day in the Delta.