Detailed Itinerary for a 1 Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
Feel the pulsating soul of Vietnam within Ho Chi Minh City, a city where echoes of history blend with modern life. Endowed with dynamic energy, this metropolis offers so much French colonial charm, busy markets, and soaring skyscrapers. With our very well-assisted 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City, history buffs, culture aficionados, and even regular first-time holidaymakers can have a first-hand experience of the best of this city. Come with us to explore all iconic landmarks, unveil hidden gems, and discover more about this rich tapestry that is Ho Chi Minh City!
Ho Chi Minh City
Unique Features of the Detailed Itinerary for a 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
Looking for the perfect mix between historical attractions, cultural sites, and modern ones? Take a look at our 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City. You will pay a visit to the iconic Reunification Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral but also stop by some very local spots: colorful local markets and ancient temples. This tour will definitely give you a taste of real Ho Chi Minh City a feel just like a resident.
Expert-Guided Exploration
It’s the kind of our Ho Chi Minh Tours‘ hallmark: the caliber of our guides. They are vibrant storytellers who take on the vibrant history and culture of this city. Of course, they will accord profound inside information about all sites visited, from the War Remnants Museum all the way to the vibrant Binh Tay Market. They make sure that your experience is not simply educational but a really deep immersion.
Convenient and Comprehensive
The 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City is kind of convenient. Allow us to take good care of everything: from picking you up at the hotel, all the way back, for you to worry about seeing the sights. With comfortable transportation and a well-spaced-out itinerary, you’ll go to all the mains without that rushed feeling. With our guide, this tour is perfect for your first visit to realize the most authentic city in both ancient and modern aspects.
Detailed Itinerary for a 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
08:00 AM – Pickup from Hotel:
Our 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City will start directly from your hotel, whenever it might be situated in the Phạm Ngũ Lão, Đề Thám, Đỗ Quang Đẩu, and Bùi Viện lively districts, for an entire day of exploration and discovery to see what this city has best to offer.
08:30 AM – War Remnants Museum:
Our first stop will be at the War Remnants Museum where you will explore Vietnam’s history. This powerful museum that showcases the remnants of the war, theirs being the most pejorative exhibits against the inhumanity of the Vietnam War, will leave you moved. Guided by our expert, you will understand in-depth the legacy left behind by the War.
10:00 AM – Chinatown & Binh Tay Market:
Binh Tay Market
We guarantee you won’t be disappointed visiting the vibrant Chinatown district and busy Binh Tay Market with us. Come navigate through the maze of stalls selling anything from fresh produce to traditional ware and enjoy the lively ambiance of this cultural hotspot.
11:00 AM – Thien Hau Temple:
Our next visit is to the serene Thien Hau Temple, one of the oldest and holiest in Ho Chi Minh City. Marvel at the enormous architecture and learn about the spiritual practices that have built this temple as a true cultural treasure.
12:00 PM – Lunch in District 1:
Lunch will be a delicious affair in District 1 and will consist of the best of Vietnamese cuisine, from Pho to Banh Mi. The environment is quintessentially typical of the city; it unabashedly marries tradition with modernity in a seamless fusion.
01:30 PM – Reunification Palace:
In the afternoon, we will go to the Reunification Palace, which is the most important site in the Vietnam War period. Take time to visit its essential chambers and listen to the information about the contents of modern Vietnam with the interesting storytelling of our guide.
02:30 PM – Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon:
We then move on to admire the French colonial architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. It is representative of all the East-West cultural exchange that brought along such serenity in the middle of the city.
03:00 PM – Saigon Central Post Office:
Walking a bit further, we reach the Gustave Eiffel-designed Saigon Central Post Office, a beautiful building in French-style architecture with Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences. Surely an edifice not to be missed on your 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
04:00 PM – Return to Hotel:
It concludes with a relaxing drive back to your hotel when you will continue to be preoccupied with the thoughts impressed throughout the day on the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City and its energy; you will simply love this great city by the end of the day.
Post Office
Essential Tips and Useful Information for 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City Consider the weather while designing your 1-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Ho Chi Minh City has a typical tropical climate, with two monsoon seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The best period for visits is in the dry season when temperatures are warm, and the skies are clear, perfect for sightseeing.
However, the rainy season has its own attractiveness, offering cooler temperatures, even though you should be ready for sudden downpours. Light, breathable clothes in light fabrics will keep you comfortable even in the tropical heat while you are in the city, whether you go in the peak season or not. Don’t forget the sunblock, a hat, and some sunglasses to cover you for protection from the sun if you visit in the dry season. When traveling in the wet season, be prepared with a lightweight rain jacket or an umbrella in order to be shielded against a sudden shower.
Navigating the City
With a lot of streets and heavy traffic hustling in Ho Chi Minh City, it can be exciting and overwhelming for a first-time visitor. But don’t worry, we have you covered! You’ll want to keep your wits about you moving around the city, especially when it comes to crossing the street. The trick here is being steady and confident, moving across will allow motorbikes to flow around you, and these people are very skilled.
Hold tight to your bag or purse at all times as a precaution. Using a crossbody bag or a backpack with a closing zipper also discourages the activities of a pickpocket, especially when you’re in crowded places, such as markets. Do not keep any items of value, such as jewelry or expensive gadgets, visible to the general public. Also, things in the front pockets are much safer from pickpockets than hip pockets.
Reunification Palace
Understanding Local Etiquette
When one is in Ho Chi Minh City and wandering around temples, markets, and other places of cultural interest, one should be familiar with local customs and etiquette. Dress modestly at places of worship; that is, shoulder and knee covering is ideal as a mark of respect. Remove shoes when entering sacred areas and keep voices to a low whisper to maintain the tranquility of such places.
Bargaining is common and expected in markets. Dicker is all you like but smile and do so nicely. Vietnamese are very polite and respectful people, so try to learn basic greetings like “Xin chào" (hello) and “Cảm ơn" (thank you). Your efforts will be highly appreciated and warm your trail.
Additional Services Provided for 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
Our 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City is designed for comfort by touching preference. If you have particular preferences for your diet for example, if you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have some allergy please just let us know in advance. We would be glad to help you by making sure you have a good meal in the right place, biting into what could shape your safe bite.
While this tour now inspires you and you want to see more, we will help you to extend these holidays. Whether it’s more Ho Chi Minh tours that you would be excited about, or the rest of Vietnam altogether, just tell your guide or contact our office, and we will put the perfect adventure together for you.
Must-Try Local Delicacies in Ho Chi Minh City
Iconic Street Foods
On your 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City, do not miss the excitement of its vibrant street food. Must-eat dishes include the crispy Bánh mì, the aromatic noodle soup Phở, the local favorite Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), and the refreshing Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls). All of these foods epitomize Vietnam’s culinary scene, the best part of any trip to Ho Chi Minh City.
Unique Dining Experiences
In Ho Chi Minh City, apart from tasty street food, you may also have an excellent meal at traditional Vietnamese restaurants. Whether you are dining in a simple place or at a more lush restaurant like Quan An Ngon or Cuc Gach Quan, you are more than likely to find yourself served with tasteful dishes containing real flavors and fresh ingredients. These convey a good experience of culinary culture.
Culinary Souvenirs
Before the end of your 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City, grab some edible souvenirs of your own, such as aromatic Vietnamese coffee or Bánh đậu xanh (mung bean cakes). For something a bit more savory, pick up a bottle of fish sauce, as it’s used in just about every Vietnamese dish. Head to trusted markets like Ben Thanh or Binh Tay where you know you won’t be collecting any knock-offs of the city’s best Ho Chi Minh City flavors.
Conclusion
As the sun descends and the day-covered 1-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City rounds up, you will have captured a historic city filled with buzzing markets, tranquil temples, and landmarks filled with intrigue. This tour lies on a general platter of Ho Chi Minh City, with such inclusions as the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. If eager for more, you can look for other Ho Chi Minh Tours being offered, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta’s incredible insights into Vietnamese culture. 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.
Ready for more enjoyment? Let’s book your travel tour with Impress Travel at our sites, contact our hotlines at +84 912 379 189, or mail us at info@impresstravel.com. And we would like to receive your feedback upon tour completion. Your experiences certainly make ours the perfect journey day. Thank you to the group of tourists who have required Impress Travel!
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
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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