HOCHIMINH – CUCHI TUNNEL – VUNGTAU – MEKONG DELTA – HOCHIMINH FOR MUSLIM

Meals: Dinner on Saigon river cruise

Accommodations: at hotel

Transfer: Private vehicle

Activities for today:  You are warmly welcomed by our tour guide, transferred to your hotel (check in at 14:00PM, free early check in subject to availability). City Tour: Visit Mosque, Saigon Central Post Office, Lam Son Square, Opera House. Dinner on Saigon river cruise. Overnight in Hochiminh.

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+ Saigon Central Post Office: The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. It was constructed between 1886-1891 and is now a tourist attraction.

+ Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret, following the “flamboyant” style of the French Third Republic. It was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two door layers, in order to prevent traffic noise.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at Halal restaurant, Dinner at local restaurant

Accommodations: at hotel

Transfer: Private vehicle

Activities for today:

After breakfast, a one and half hour drive takes you to Cu Chi where human knowledge has been enriched by experiencing an web-like tunnels system of more than 200km in length which used to be the shelters of guerrillas during the war against American troops. Return to Ho Chi Minh for lunch. Afternoon, transfer to Vung Tau, situated 125km southeast of Ho Chi Minh city. It is a famous beach resort with long white sandy beaches and warm water whole year round. Have dinner at local restaurant (no Meats). Overnight in Vung Tau.

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+ Cu Chi Tunnels: This tunnel system was established and used by the Vietcong during the war of independence. From 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for Vietnam tours visitors. This gigantic underground network connects villages around, making it a wonderful destination for all kinds of Vietnam tours.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at local restaurant and Dinner at halal restaurant

Accommodations: at hotel

Transfer: Private vehicle

Activities for today:

After breakfast, take Vung Tau city tour including Christ Hill (St. Jacque Janerio), 18 meters high Goddess of Mercy, Thuy Van beach and Whale Temple dedicated to whales considered as the rescuing gods for Vietnamese fisherman in the east sea. Lunch at local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh city with visit to War Museum, China Town, Thien Hau Temple, lacquerware factory and handicraft center. Stop for shopping at Ben Thanh Market then having dinner at real local Halal restaurant. Overnight in Hochiminh.

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 + Christ Hill The Vietnam Catholic Association built the statue in 1974 and it was completed in 1993. The statue is the largest Christian statue across Asia since 2012, and since its restoration of 1993, it has been a major pilgrim destination for Christians across Vietnam as well as Christian vacationers.

+ The Whale Temple (Long Ong Nam Hai) is a temple to Whales which are respected like Gods by most fishermen. Legend has it that a massive whale was washed up on a Vung Tau beach and it was too big for the locals to do too much with it and they did not want it decomposing on the beach so they carried it to the site of where the Temple is now and burned the whale and then stored the bones in the Temple. Today if a whale gets washed-up on Vung Tau beaches then there is a big festival where the Whale is walked through the streets and the whale is burned at the temple for 3 days and the bones are also stored at the temple. Worth a look. Entrance is via Hoang Hoa Tham Street.

+ War Museum: War Remnants operated by the Vietnamese government, the museum was opened in September 1975. The museum comprises a series of eight themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment located within a walled yard.

+ The Thien Hau Temple The temple was first erected 1760 by the Cantonese community in the city. It was saw major repairs or expansions in 1800, 1842 (and possibly also 1847), 1882, 1890, and 1916.

+ Ben Thanh Market: The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at halal restaurant

Accommodations: at hotel

Transfer: Private vehicle and private boat trip

Activities for today:

After breakfast, a two hour drive to My Tho will expose the colorful outskirt life as well as picturesque rice fields along the journey. Upon arrival, get on a boat trip up Mekong River with islet stop at Thoi Son to taste seasonal fruits, enjoy traditional folk songs. Then, visit the authentic life of the local and challenge your bargaining power at cottage handicraft shops. An adventurous sampan ride in palm shading creeks will be the next experience of the riverside region. Lunch to be served with the Mekong Delta specialty – Deep Fried Elephant ear fish. Return to ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. A Short sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Saigon city Hall and Ben Thanh Market. Dinner at Indian restaurant. Overnight in Hochiminh.

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+ Notre Dame Cathedral: Constructed by the French in the 1800s, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City appears strangely out of place with its Gothic and Roman-style architecture. Twin towers reaching to 190 feet capture the interest of people strolling by.

+ Saigon Central Post Office: The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. It was constructed between 1886-1891 and is now a tourist attraction.

+ Saigon City Hall was built in 1902-1908 in a French colonial style for the then city of Saigon. It was renamed after 1975 as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Transfer: Private vehicle

Activities for today:

Have breakfast at hotel, free time for shopping before transferring to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure.