view cancellation policy
Physical rating:
rating definitionsCulture shock rating:
rating definitions
Trip Valid:1 Sep 2009 to 31 Dec 2010
Duration:4-5 hours
Pickup location:
Pick up at centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Pickup time:8.00 AM
Drop-off location:
At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Drop-off time:12.00 PM
Highlights:
Experience Ho Chi Minh City from a cyclo, Relive the American War at the War Remnants Museum, Marvel at the graceful Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, See the historic Opera House, City Hall and Continental Hotel, Practise bargaining skills at Ben Thanh market.
Trip Code:VUG Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12 Price:USD 15.00 Style:Local Life & Culture, Heritage & History, Local MarketsJump on board a Ho Chi Minh cyclo for an adventure winding through the sights, sounds and smells of this historic metropolis. Whiz past Tao Dan Park en route to the War Remnants Museum, and then pedal past the Reunification Palace before touring the ornate Notre Dame Cathedral. Leaving the cyclos behind wander through local markets for an insight into local life.
Itinerary
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 power 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 drivers behind we walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French during the colonial era. It and our next destination, the General Post Office, 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 Antique shop street and shoe street.
Our final visit for the day is the Ben Thanh market where your local guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel or alternatively you are free 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.
At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Inclusion
English speaking guide, Transport & Entrance fees as indicated.Exclusion
Items of a personal nature,Tips or gratuities for drivers or guides.Voucher Exchange details
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.Confirmation of booking
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.Your trip
This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.Dress Standard
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.Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Urban Adventures destinations.Children policy
Children must be between 6 and 11 yearsof age inclusive.
Language
English- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
Top DestinationsCheck out our top destinations this month more ...
Sign up now for our great deals and news
- Buy gift certificates
- Use gift certificates
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment. Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey.
more ...
