Vietnam Cambodia Overland Family Tour From Saigon To Angkor

Welcome to HCM city which is formerly named as Saigon and nowadays becomes the Vietnam’s financial hub. The city is not only known as the most important economic center in Vietnam, but also has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel for check- in and tour briefing. If time permits, take an orientation walking tour around and a chance to acclimatize ourselves. Free evening. Overnight in Saigon.

Begin your exploration of this frenetic city with a visit to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until April 30, 1975, the former US Embassy where the last rescuing helicopter left. The site photo shows the fall of Saigon. We then make a quick stop at the nearby Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its counterpart in Paris to admire the imposing colonial architecture Continue to 891 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5 to join the noon ceremony at the spectacular Cao Dai temple, the Cathedral of the religion of the same name. This sect, originating in Vietnam, draws freely from other philosophies of Christianity and Confucianism. The architecture of the cathedral is stunning, neither Eastern nor Western. After having lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be driven to a place where the famous Buddhist Thich Quang Duc self- immolated in June11, 1963.  After his funeral, where his remains were finally reduced to ashes, Quang Duc’s heart, which had not burned, was retrieved, enshrined, and treated as a sacred relic. His self- immolation begins people’s up-rising movement largely, which lead to the fall of President Diem regime. Next, we will visit the War Remnants Museum before strolling through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels, 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, created since 1948 to assist the Viet Minh to combat the French. This is an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon shops, field hospitals and command centers. During the Vietnam War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a fire free zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been opened for visitors. Lunch is served at the local restaurant that is the best available before going back to HCM City and spend the rest of day on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.