Please, join us on a remarkable journey through the bustling heart of Vietnam with the Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral. This cultural trip is aimed at providing outstanding insights into the history of such a political and cultural center as Ho Chi Minh City. Including the tour to the War Remnants Museum and the central point of Notre Dame Cathedral, it will offer the perfect balance between education and contemplation of the sights.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the main goal of this trip is to make people understand the value offshore a place as Ho Chi Minh City and see it from a different perspective. Instead of contemplating it as a tourist destination, people will be able to see the reality and define the mission of every building and sight there. Whether you are passionate about history, adore architecture, or are just a curious tourist, this trip will add outstanding emotions.
Highlights of Activities in the Ho Chi Minh City Tour Includes Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral
War Remnants Museum
One of the most important memorials characterized by a long history and vivid memories is the War Remnants Museum, established in 1975. There, one can observe a significant collection of artifacts, photographs, and military equipment related to Vietnam and its tragic past. Among key displays, one should mention the Requiem Exhibition which includes about 300 photographs of 134 journalists from 11 different nationalities. Another important detail is the photographing machine and the prisons of the Government Army of South Vietnamese, called the tiger cages, where political prisoners were kept.
Independence Palace (Dinh Doc Lap)
Another important landmark of Ho Chi Minh City is the so-called Independence Palace, also known as Dinh Doc Lap. It used to be the presidential palace of South Vietnam in times of war and is a good example of perfect 1960s architecture, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thụ. The site is open for visitors to see different rooms and surroundings, from which one can observe the function rooms for receiving guests and conducting negotiations, as well as private places and a basement with a command bunker. This place is remembered as the symbol of a new beginning of the peaceful life of Ho Chi Minh City; in 1975 on April 30, an NVA tank entered its gates, and the war was over. The event’s demolished track is preserved in one of the tanks that are now open to the public as an exhibition.
Notre Dame Cathedral
A rather important place that visitors should see is the Notre Dame Cathedral, considered as Basilique Notre-Dame. This roman-catholic church was constructed by French colonists in 1863-1880 as a place for their prayers. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh as it is designed to fit only the neo-Romanesque style of France with two 58-meter-high bell towers and the material for this construction, red bricks, using all 5000 differing sites of Marseilles. The church is still operational and serves as a place for daily and special masses as well as a sightseeing place with surrounding parks.
Central Post Office
Built in 1886-1891, it is one of the most fashionable examples of French architecture, which was built by the project of Gustave Eiffel from wrought iron. At the front Central Post Office fascia, one may observe the elements of gothic, renaissance, and French influences, while the whole building interior is covered by a vaulted roof and arched windows. The bright yellow painted wax still looks beautiful and is used as a central post office and a heritage of a colonial past.
Detailed Itinerary of the Ho Chi Minh City Tour Includes Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral
Morning Schedule:
08:00 AM: Pick-up from a designated location
A comfortable bus will be waiting at your pick-up point every morning to pick you up. It will arrive at the hotel by 7.45-8.00 and wait about 10 minutes. The guide coming with the bus to the place you specified during the reservation will accompany you throughout the tour. You will start your day by touring the city with a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
08:10 AM: Visit War Remnants Museum
The first stop on our Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is the War Remnants Museum, which was achieved, capturing almost the rawness of war. In addition, the body parts and photos of the Vietnamese who lost their lives during the war create a potent compendium. During the visit, starting with the tools used in the war and showing the details numerically in an interactive way, you can learn all the statistics of the Vietnam War along with many memories and tools.
09:20 AM: Explore Independence Palace
The independence palace, called the Dinh Độc Lập, which you will visit after the War remnants Museum, will also leave a mark on your memory. It seems that an ordinary palace is waiting for you at the entrance. But in this modest architectural structure built in the 1960s, which is not too much, the former president of southern Vietnam worked and lived. The rooms, courtyards, and meeting rooms of the buildings belonging to the post-recipe will be opened for our visit and inspection. The underground shelter where all the important South Vietnam officials hid during the bombing, the phone exchanges that are still working, and the helicopters on the terrace will give some insight into history.
10:00 AM: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
A highlight of the Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is undoubtedly the visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral. This is a Roman Catholic cathedral, built by French colonists. It is remarkable with its neo-Romanesque architecture and twin bell towers. Enjoy the actual beauty of the building and the colorful, intricate stained glass windows. Take a photo, and you may also be lucky enough to witness a wedding. Someone is going to learn a lot about Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in general while spending some time near these magnificent buildings and discovering the cultural collisions within the city.
10:30 AM: Stop at Central Post Office
Another city’s attraction is adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and that is the Central Post Office. It also belongs to the French colonial time. The construction of this building was designed by Gustave Eiffel and combines elements of the Gothic, Renaissance, and French architectures. The massive yet elegant grand hall is gorgeously tiled, and people still send mail from one of the older buildings in the city.
11:30 AM: Lunch at a local restaurant
After a morning of discovery, we will have lunch at a local diner. Enjoy the unique taste of real Vietnamese cuisine and prepare for what awaits you in the evening.
Afternoon Schedule:
Independence Palace
01:00 PM: Visit Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Wharf
Our Ho Chi Minh Tours will continue with a trip to the Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Wharf. This museum is devoted to the glorious figure of President Ho Chi Minh. Various expositions tell about his life, his path from his young years to the leader and ideologist of the national liberation movement. You can also apply here to a Ho Chi Minh mausoleum for a visit visa.
02:30 PM: Tour Giac Lam Pagoda
Our next destination is the Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest and most beautiful temple of Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in 1744 and today is a quiet and peaceful place that allows a better understanding of the psychology of the followers of Vietnamese Buddhism. Here you can amble through the territory to the sound of clanging pace, admire the statues of virtue, walk along the bas-reliefs, brightly painted thanks for the wisdom and mercy of the goddess of mercy Quan Am.
03:30 PM: Explore Thien Hau Temple
The final stop on our Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral the Thien Hau Temple. Being one of the most extraordinary and colorful places of worship in the city, the temple is devoted to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. An abundance of elaborate carvings, delicate sculptures, and a somewhat serene atmosphere inside the temple can certainly fascinate you against your will.
04:30 PM: Return to pick-up point
At 4:30, it is the time to return to the pick-up point. You can think about everything experienced during the day and the variety of things from the history of Ho Chi Minh City that you have managed to learn.
Souvenirs and Local Specialties to Buy During the Ho Chi Minh City Tour Includes Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral
Central Post Office
Starting the Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral will not only allow you to see the historical and art sightseeing, and the place of segregation and agitation but also get some unusual souvenirs and unique local goods to bring to your hometown or family. Some of the locally-made products are listed below.
Recommended Local Specialties
Coffee
Coffee of different types is one of the most known local goods that are also a national Vietnamese product. Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of different coffee types and sorts that will satisfy the requirements of everyone. The products can vary from hard and rich black fried beans to sugary creamy and sweet iced coffee. Be sure to try Cà phê sữa đá, a refreshing iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk.
Silk Products
Vietnam is famous for its high-grade silk of a great deal of colors. The local silk is worked up into a variety of products starting from the wonderful scarfs and ties to the silk traditional long dresses also known as Áo dài. Not only these products are very chic, but they are also of great cultural importance.
Lacquerware
Being a traditional craft of Vietnam, Lacquerware can be found in any shop in Ho Chi Minh City. Culturally rich, this craft piece is handmade and exquisitely drawn. Therefore, plates, bowls, and especially decorative boxes are the most popular. The process of preparation, which requires multiple layers and coloring, results in a bright and unique product. You cannot miss the rich Southern tradition of the atmosphere.
Vietnamese Snacks
Secondly, no trip can be fully professional in the city of Ho Chi Minh without local snacks such as bánh tráng trộn or dried fruits. They can not only be perfectly eaten with pleasure but also taken home as a great souvenir reminding you of Vietnamese flavors. The food is cheap and can be stored for up to a month. Nothing has been done.
Tips on Where to Buy
Ben Thanh Market, is the most famous and crouched circuit offering all the above-mentioned specialties! Be prepared and carry all of your bargaining with joy as this fabulous place tests your merchant’s affinity!
Local Specialty Shops But if you want to enjoy more work and buy high-quality parts, use some specialty shops besides that! Not as fancy as Ben Thanh, these places offer a quieter shopping experience along with a more comfortable range of products.
Useful Tips and Information for the Tour
Giac Lam Pagoda
To make the most of your Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, here are some useful tips and information:
Best Times to Visit Each Attraction
- War Remnants Museum: In the morning, as there are fewer visitors and you can fully see all displays.
- Independence Palace: In the late morning, so that you can also walk the palace gardens.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Around noon time, when there is good lighting for photography and few mundane visitors.
- Central Post Office: Any time of day, but I’ll go in the early afternoon to meet fewer people.
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable Clothing: Tropical weather presumes that you wear something made of thin and light materials that will let your body breathe. Don’t forget to layers, because there can be some premises with air conditioning.
- Water Bottle: You will probably need it during the hottest time of the day.
- Camera: No doubt that you will like the sights of the place and would like to remember it. So, the wisdom of carrying a camera with you is obvious.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
- Dress Modestly: When visiting religious sites like pagodas and temples, it’s important to dress modestly. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
- Politeness: Vietnamese people value politeness and respect. A friendly attitude and a smile go a long way in creating positive interactions.
Safety Tips
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Ho Chi Minh City is reasonably quiet, but caution is identifying some still of the sense. This is particularly true for women who can get some hype as free views.
- Secure Your Belongings: Pickpocketing is a problem, especially in the markets and in the Giles, where the tourists are attracted.
- Use Reputable Transport: Use the local taxi in Ho Chi Minh City only in exceptional cases, for example; if it is impossible to achieve the desired area by any other means. In all other cases, use phone services.
Conclusion
The Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, which is a mesmerizing trip along the history, culture, and architectural wonders of this thriving city. Whether it is a stark exhibition at the War Remnants Museum or the flamboyant, neo-Romanesque façade of Notre Dame, each location of the hop-on and hop-off trip will leave you with precious memories and insights.
Impress Travel encourages you to sign up for this program and have a memorable time. For questions or booking, you are welcome to visit the company’s website, send an email, or dial the number. We are looking forward to seeing you on one of the most interesting tours in one of the most interesting cities in Vietnam. 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 to book your Ho Chi Minh City tour includes visiting Notre Dame Cathedral? Contact us today:
- Website: Impress Travel
- Email: info@impresstravel.com
- Phone Number: (+84) 912 379 189