Essence of Southern Vietnam: Culture, History & River Life

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! Welcome to HCM City, Vietnam.

A warm greeting awaits at Tan Son Nhat International airport, your private guide and driver will meet you at EXIT GATE – COLUMN 10 and transfer you (45 minutes) to your hotel in city centre.

Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard. While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 02:00pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Vietnam eVisa (unless otherwise arranged). Please ensure to pack this in your carry-on luggage. Your Vietnam eVisa must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

Overnight in HCM City

Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Accommodation: Aquari Hotel or Similar

The Cu Chi Tunnels, located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, are one of Vietnam’s most remarkable historical sites. Known during the war as the “Land of Steel,” this vast network stretches over 200 km and once functioned as a self-contained underground village during the Vietnam–American War. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and ingenuity, attracting visitors from around the world.

07:30 – 08:00 Pick up from your hotel and depart for Cu Chi (approximately 1.5 hours by road).

Upon arrival, begin with a brief introduction and an informative video explaining how the tunnels were constructed and how people survived under the harsh conditions of wartime. You will then explore sections of the tunnel system, including cleverly designed living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, weapons workshops, field hospitals, and command centers—offering insight into daily life underground. Discover hidden trapdoors and defensive mechanisms used for protection within this intricate maze.

After the visit, enjoy a simple tasting of tea and cassava—once a staple food for guerrilla fighters. There will also be time to relax or, for those interested, try shooting activities (optional, at your own expense).

Return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 14:30. End of tour.

Notes:

• Return time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• Pick-up and drop-off apply to centrally located hotels in District 1 only.

Overnight in HCM City. 

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Aquari Hotel or Similar

07:30 – 08:00: A shared van will pick you up from your hotel for a morning city tour. Begin with a visit to the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), built on the site of the former Norodom Palace and one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu.

Continue to admire the elegant French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside due to ongoing restoration) and the historic Central Post Office. Then visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful and thought-provoking insight into the Indochina wars through its extensive exhibits.

Return to the hotel at 12:00. End of the trip.

Notes:

• Notre Dame Cathedral can currently be viewed from the outside only due to restoration.
• Return time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• Pick-up and drop-off apply to centrally located hotels in District 1 only.

Overnight in HCM City. 

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Aquari Hotel or Similar

07:30 – 08:00 Leave the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you depart for My Tho, a peaceful town on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple dating back to the late 19th century, known for its unique blend of architectural styles. Then board a traditional sampan and cruise along the Mekong, passing the four islets known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Stop at Unicorn Island, where you’ll stroll along quiet country lanes, visit orchards, and enjoy fresh tropical fruits accompanied by traditional folk music performed by local artists. Continue to a fruit plantation to learn more about local agriculture.

Next, ride a hand-rowed sampan through the narrow canals of Thoi Son, taking in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Visit a local family business, a honey-bee farm where you can taste honey tea, and a coconut candy workshop to see how this regional specialty is made.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a short break.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely bicycle ride around Tan Thach Village, meeting local residents and experiencing daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer to relax, unwind in a hammock and enjoy the gentle river breeze.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 17:30. End of tour.

Notes:

• Return time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• Pick-up and drop-off apply to centrally located hotels in District 1 only.

Overnight in HCM City. 

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C, Shared boat
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Aquari Hotel or Similar

Departure Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for check-out. Your private car (without guide) will be waiting in the lobby to transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight home.

Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver with A/C
Meals: Breakfast