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Unique Experience at An Dong Market: Ho Chi Minh City’s Gem

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into one of the most fascinating Ho Chi Minh City tours has to offer! On this adventure, we will experience the right blend of a unique blend of culture and commerce, as it takes us through vibrant An Dong Market, a leisurely walking tour through the bustling streets of Chinatown, historic temples, and tasting authentic local food. This whole tour is a snapshot of the dynamic energy of the city, from traditional markets to rich cultural heritage. Dive into Ho Chi Minh City and find those hidden treasures that make this tour simply unforgettable!

The Unique Experience of Shopping at An Dong Market

An Dong Market in Unique Experience at An Dong Market

An Dong Market

Once one steps into the An Dong Market, it’s no longer just any ordinary marketplace’s about to become a Unique Experience at An Dong Market. It is one of those highly loaded markets that fashion, textiles, and crafts are found in, among many other things, and you immediately find yourself thrown into a world of creativity and craftsmanship.

  • Fashion and Textiles: The fashion enthusiast has much to look forward to! What this marketplace is truly well-known for is selling an array of Vietnamese attire: traditional, like the famous Ao Dai-right to more modern designs reflective of the contemporary Vietnamese style. From hand-woven silks to beautifully embroidered fabrics, the colors will dazzle you, and the designs amaze you. Be it a custom-tailored outfit or simply an unusual souvenir, An Dong Market will have something to satisfy any fashion enthusiast.
  • Crafts and Souvenirs: Fashion aside, An Dong is one of the hotspots for handmade goods and traditionally made art pieces. From intricately made lacquerware and ceramic pottery to hand-whittled wooden statues among other artisan merchandise you can just about get anything. These are ideal to take a little souvenir of Vietnam back home with each item telling its story of generational local craftsmanship.
  • Wholesale vs. Retail: While wholesale shopping is what An Dong Market is more famous for, tourists should not feel wary of engaging in some retail shopping if that is what they want. If you would want to make purchases in bulk, this is the place to get great deals. Keep in mind, though, that even if you are after just that one item, the vendors are very happy to help you find what you need. And here is a pro tip: bargaining forms part of the experience! Do not be obtuse, starting to negotiate, for you surely will walk away with that bargain and thus make your visit even more memorable.

Be it for unique fashion, handicraft souvenirs, or just the local atmosphere An Dong Market promises an unforgettable experience that is never to be missed in Ho Chi Minh City.

Detailed Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Tour with Focus on An Dong Market

8:00 AM – Start at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

The adventure of the morning begins at the crack of the day with a tour of one of Ho Chi Minh’s most attractive features: Ben Thanh Market. This sprawling marketplace has been through times of age, being traditionally and continuously the cultural and commercial center, ever since its development in the early 20th century. As it serves as the gateway to most Ho Chi Minh City tours, Ben Thanh is a perfect starting point for this tour; right in the action of the local life, with state-of-the-art stalls selling anything from the freshest produce to traditional souvenirs. It’s a historical gem, and one will be afforded an excellent opportunity to take that shot before we put our legs into gear again.

8:30 AM – Visit to Chua Ba Thien Hau (Thien Hau Temple)
Further on is Chua Ba Thien Hau, situated in the heart of Chinatown. This stunning temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, is an oasis of quiet contemplation within the hustle and bustle of the city. Over 200 years ago, it was a holy site, not just for the Chinese-Vietnamese localized people, but also for numerous visitors from all over the world. Upon coming in, you will be thrown into a maze of intricate architecture with the spiritual ambiance it carries. This stop on our Ho Chi Minh City tour provides a very apt opportunity to understand the enriching cultural ties between Vietnam and its Chinese heritage.

Chua Ba Thien Hau in Unique Experience at An Dong Market

Chua Ba Thien Hau

9:15 AM – Explore Lương Nhữ Học Lantern Street
Just a short walk from there is Lương Nhữ Học Lantern Street a photographer’s paradise! Famed for its dazzling display of varicolored lanterns, this picturesque street looks especially vibrant during the Mid-Autumn Festival but still is an attractive sight throughout the year as well. Whether you’re seeking the perfect setup for your travel pictures or a unique souvenir to bring home, there is no resistance guaranteed to this stop. One could say, lanterns symbolize light, cheerfulness, and hope-they add magic to your special Unique Experience at An Dong Market.

10:00 AM – Arrival at An Dong Market
And now, the moment of moments, the crowning glory of this Ho Chi Minh City tour: the only An Dong Market! Be prepared to be thrown into a whirlpool of fashion, craftsmanship, and food as we make our way into the frenetic atmosphere of the market.

  • Explore Fashion and Craftsmanship: This is the heaven of fashion devotees! We take you through the stalls fully packed with a great range of clothes from modern designs to traditional Vietnamese garments like Ao Dai. For those interested in local handicrafts, goodies include intricate handicrafts, hand-made lacquer ware, and many more. Pick up something unique here that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
  • Culinary Stops: After some serious shopping, it’s time for refueling. A Dong Market is also famed for food stalls selling everything from Banh Mi to Mì Vịt Tiềm-duck noodle soup. Be prepared to sample bold flavors of Vietnamese street food while learning about the ingredients and traditions behind each dish.
  • Interaction with Local Vendors: An Dong Market is about the interaction with locals in the vending. We’ll share some tips on how to bargain like a local but still keep our friendly and respectful tone. You will walk away with great deals, but also a higher understanding of local commerce and the people who make it all happen.

11:00 AM – Visit China Town (Cho Lon)
After having enough shopping and sumptuous food, we will go to Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, known as Cho Lon. Here, Vietnamese and Chinese cultures blend with poignant architectural expression between food and energetic streets. Lively and animated is this city ward, and you will understand how these two cultural poles melted under unexpected shapes.

11:45 AM – Historical Stop: House No. 5 Châu Văn Liêm
We go to the next stop of meaning, House No. 5 on Châu Văn Liêm Street, which once served as a resident place for President Ho Chi Minh. This house is modest, but it contains so much historic weight since once upon a time, this was the residence of Vietnam’s adored leader before he went on his journey to seek independence for the nation. The following pages will take you through the life of one of the most important figures in Vietnamese history, and you will be able to see some of his hitherto rare artifacts telling the story of his early days.

12:30 PM – End of Tour
As this great tour ends, you will be given the option to spend more time exploring Ho Chi Minh City on your own or go back with the group to your hotel. You can spend more time around Chinatown or visit An Dong Market again, but the Unique Experience at An Dong Market will colorfully fill your albums with visited markets, rich heritage, and memorable local interaction.

China Town

China Town

Useful Tips for Joining the Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Tour: Unique Experience at An Dong Market

Ready to explore An Dong Market in full and make the most of this Unique Experience at An Dong Market? Here is how you can enjoy every moment of this adventure through one of the best Ho Chi Minh City tours!

Best Time to Visit

The market opens quite early, and morning visits are best, as the temperatures are cooler and make for a much more endearing experience. About 9 AM should get you past the main heat of the middle of the day to interact with fresh and energetic vendors. Moreover, you find more room to maneuver than in the later hours of the day.

Bargaining Techniques

One of the most exciting parts of the Unique Experience at An Dong Market. As with most markets, the prices are bargained, so don’t be shy. Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Start Low: Offer about 50-60 percent of the original price and negotiate from there. Vendors always quote higher prices for tourists, but with amiable negotiations, the vendor will always agree to a reasonable deal.
  • Buy in Bulk: When you buy several pieces together, you will have some bargaining power. Mention that you are buying a couple of items and the vendor was sure to reduce the price.
  • Stay Friendly: Smile, be polite, and keep the mood light. Vendors give better deals to people who are nice to them.

This is all part of the bargaining ritual that comes with the Ho Chi Minh City tours, and it is a fun way to relate to the culture.

What to Wear

Visit An Dong Market and the temples in comfortable clothes, yet modestly. Wear light and breathable clothes to keep your convenience of walking good in the market area, but they also should be fitting to visit all the sacred sites, including Chua Ba Thien Hau Temple. Make sure your shoulders are covered, and don’t wear shorts or revealing attire. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be standing for most of the time during the tour!

Language Tips

While many vendors at An Dong Market speak basic English, learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases can go quite a long way to enhance your  Unique Experience at An Dong Market:

  • “Xin chào” (Hello): This is a polite word for hello, which automatically works to warm up the ice between you and local vendors.
  • “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much is this?): This is crucial at the beginning of your negotiation process.
  • “Cảm ơn” (Thank you): Always appreciated when you wrap up your purchases.

These catchphrases help you not only in the easy commuting of the market but also take care of the respect towards the local culture, which makes your Ho Chi Minh City tour even more immersive.

Why Choose Impress Travel for Ho Chi Minh City Tours?

Impress Travel is marked as the most outstanding local travel company for Ho Chi Minh City tours, thanks to our profound knowledge of the local culture, combined with private tour options. Our Unique Experience at An Dong Market is to give you a deeper immersion into vibrant energy, from traditional shopping to cultural landmarks. Our guides are well-informed and friendly, attuned to the needs of every individual to ensure that a tour offers a positive impact not only in the community but also for you by creating a memorable and fulfilling adventure.

Impress Travel also arranges tailored tours based on your interests; in such a way, we have a customized tour as per your demand. Whether local culture, food, or shopping, we have an ideal itinerary for you. Thinking of another vacation? Call us at (+84) 912 379 189 or email us at info@impresstravel.com to make your fabulous journey!

Conclusion

Unique Experience at An Dong Market promises a well-rounded experience with ebullient commerce blended with local culture and a tinge of rich history. From fashion to handicrafts, from traditional to tasty, local food will all be introduced on this food tour. It is an absolute dive right into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Do not miss the opportunity to join our Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Tour with Impress Travel! Book now at (+84) 912 379 189 or drop us an email at info@impresstravel.com. Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel  for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.

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Tours Itinerary

Day 01

WELCOME TO VIETNAM & HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL

  • On arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, our guide & driver – Impress Travel Team will be there to meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
  • Enjoy free leisure time
  • Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

 What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 02

HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR AND CU CHI TUNNELS

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. We will visit the following places of interest:

  • The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th, 1975 the Vietnam War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
  • War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.
  • Jade Emperor Pagoda: Building in 1909 in honor of the supreme Taoist god, this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in HCMC, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also, on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there’s even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range

• Free time & overnight at hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, hotel accommodation

Day 03

HO CHI MINH – MEKONG – MY THO (B,L)

Pick-up time: 8:00-8:30/ End tour 18:00 19:00
Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, and drive 1,5 hours to Mỹ Tho. We will stop along the way for refreshments and toilet.
• Upon arrival, we board a motor-boat and cruise along a vast network of canals and channels to enjoy wonderful views of the Mekong River, including four famous islands “Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix”.
• Stop at one of the floating fish houses, in nets and wire baskets under their house, the villagers cultivate freshwater fish and shrimp – a major export product of the region.
• Cross the River to the other side, you will stop at a traditional workshop to witness a step-by-step process on how to make coconut candy, honey farming… while trying some yourself and listening to traditional music.
• Enjoy what local people offer by hand rowing a sampan along the shady, breezy canal. We will transfer to local transportation called Xe Lôi to travel throughout the villages.
• Lunch will be served at a riverside restaurant with a Vietnamese 5-course set menu. Please request in advance if you have a food allergy, you are a vegetarian, or you observe Halal.
• Take a rest after lunch before boarding the motor-boat back to Mỹ Tho. We drive to Vĩnh Tràng pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem built in the middle of the 19th century. There are many Buddha statues including some that are over a hundred years old.

We drive another 1,5 hours back to Hồ Chí Minh city and drop you at your hotel or somewhere in District 1 on request. End of services.
***Please note that timing and itinerary are subject to change without notice. However, we will do everything we reasonably can to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Inclusions: breakfast, A/C land transfer, lunch, local English-speaking tour guide, entrance fee, boat trip, hotel

Day 04

HO CHI MINH– FAREWELL ( B )

• Your free leisure time may be spent shopping in Ho Chi Minh City center at Supermarkets etc or at Ben Thanh market.
• You will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh city airport via your scheduled flight back home or continue seeing other cities in Vietnam.
• We hope you enjoyed your trip and see you again!

Inclusion:  hotel breakfast, English speaking tour guide, private A/C transfer, hotel accommodation – check out before 12:00 mid-day

What’s included in this trip:

  • Accommodation based on Twin/Double sharing room, ( notice: a single room is surcharged following single supplement policy/ all room night including daily hotel breakfast.
  • All the meals as mentioned in the detailed itinerary
  • Entrance Fee to visit attractive places are mentioned as itinerary
  • Private Car/Van/Bus with air-conditioned and good experienced driver.
  • Boat trip in My Tho
  • Experienced English speaking tour guides as specified ( French-speaking guide/ Chinese speaking guide are available on request )
  • Complimentary drink water and Tissue on Van/Bus/Van as mentioned on itinerary
  • International Ticket Fare with insurance surcharge and Fuel surcharge
  • Arport tax.
  • Visa Fees & Travels insurance
  • Porter Charges & Camera Fees.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) do not mentioned as in this itinerary
  • Tipping for Tour guides, Bus driver, Crew
  • Other personal expenses such as beverages, telephone calls, laundry services, Minibar, etc….
  • Other services are not specifically mentioned in the tour Itinerary and the above Inclusion

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh City 3-star Hotels

Signature Deluxe

 HA HIEN SIGNATURE HOTEL 

Refer:http://hahienhotel.vn

 

4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh City 4-star Hotels

Palace Saigon Suite Room

SAIGON PALACE HOTEL

Refer: www.palacesaigon.com/en/

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh city

Superior Room Sofitel Hotel Saigon

SOFITEL HOTEL SAIGON

Refer: https://sofitel.accorhotels.com/

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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