Jump on board a Ho Chi Minh cyclo for an adventure winding through the sights, sounds and smells of this historic metropolis. Our transport for the first half of today is a traditional cyclo, a three wheeled bicycle with a carriage at the front for the passenger to sit in, while the driver uses pedal power to lead us along. This allows us to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Ho Chi Minh City without the barrier of a car window or the sound of an engine, very environmentally friendly.
Our journey takes us through Tao Dan Park to the War Remnants museum, originally opened in September 1975, the museum displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. In the courtyard we will find some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. From here we continue our journey past the Reunification Palace, previously referred to as the Presidential Palace, it is the sight of the official South Vietnamese surrender on April 30th, 1975. We will not go into the palace however our local guide will provide you with information and a chance to take come photographs.
Leaving our cyclos and cyclo driver behind we walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French during the colonial era. This building and the General Post Office, which we will also see, are fine examples of architecture from the colonial period. We meet our cyclos again and ride to the Saigon Opera House and City Hall, situated in the centre of Ho Chi Minh city where scenes from the movie "The Quiet Amercian" were filmed. Not far from the Opera House we will find the Continental Hotel where Graham Greene, amongst other famous journalists and writers, called home during their stays in Vietnam.
We leave our cyclos behind at the intersection of Ton That Dam St & Huynh Thuc Khang St and dive into a real local food market. Continuing we explore the Antique shop street and shoe street.
Our final visit for the day is the Ben Thanh market where the journey ends although to continue exploring the area. Why not practice your bargaining skills in the Ben Thanh market? The markets original location was close to the Ben Nghe River and the old fort of Gia Dinh was where it derived its name (Ben meaning "pier" and Thanh meaning "Fort"). The market was destroyed in 1859 during the French invasion of Saigon. It was rebuilt and later moved to its present location in 1899.
Pick up/Meeting point: centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. It is very important to please email Ho Chi Minh City Urban Adventures on info@hochiminhcityurbanadventures.com to confirm your pick up hotel at least 24 hours prior to departure.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Start or opening time:8.00-8.30 am
End or closing time:12-12.30 pm
Languages:>/strong> English
Others: Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.
What´s included
Assistance or guided tour
Admissions
What´s not included
Meal
Product price detail
Join Tour English, No Drop Off, No Lunch - Morning
Age of child
Appropriate age for child ticket from 6 to 11 years
