Ho Chi Minh City Half Day Tour: Morning or Afternoon

During the past war, this place functioned as South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's residence and office. Having witnessed many significant changes in Saigon's history, the Independence Palace, which is called as Reunification Palace nowadays, is considered one of the most precious historical monuments in Vietnam.
The Independence Palace possesses a classic design. It has hundreds of rooms with top-notch furnishings and decorations, and a spacious and beautiful exterior. It is the ideal place for travelers to learn about Vietnamese history, enjoy the fresh cool air, and explore one of Ho Chi Minh City's most spectacular constructions.

Standing out in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is recognized as one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals and the only Southeast Asian representative on the list. This timeless masterpiece, regarded as an architectural icon of Ho Chi Minh City, attracts a large number of both domestic and foreign visitors every day, especially those who are in search of a magnificent background to take charming photos.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral’s solemn and grand overlook is formed by a distinctive mix of neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and red-brick exterior are some prominent features that significantly contribute to the spectacular magnificence of the church.

Saigon Central Post Office, situated in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is unquestionably a must-see attraction for any traveler coming to this beautiful city. It was built during the French colonial period in Vietnam, has a stunning facade that feature the spectacular characteristics of French architecture with yellow walls, arched doors and windows, and decorative reliefs.
Entering the post office, you will see a hanging huge portrait of President Ho Chi Minh in the center, who was the great leader of the Vietnamese revolution in the twentieth century. Covering the whole length of the post office is a dome roof created in a highly sophisticated arched structure and supported by a row of pillars on the two sides.
On both sides of the post office’s walls, there are two large meticulously drawn maps, one depicts Saigon and its neighborhoods in 1892, while the other illustrates the network of telegraph lines across Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.

The art of lacquerware (nghề sơn mài) as a means of decorating objects was probably introduced from China during the first century CE. The lacquer itself is actually the resin of a tree which is mixed with coloured pigments and solvents and applied layer after layer to the object's surface, producing a shiny and durable finish. Other substances, such as eggshell and gold leaf, may be applied to the surface before the lacquer is applied, in which case the finished product is sanded down to reveal the decoration beneath. The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, notably those of Phú Thọ in the north, was a crucial factor in the rapid development of this art form, which became very popular at the court of Đại Việt during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes and trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), may still be seen at many temples and pagodas throughout the country.

Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng ) was built from 1892 to 1900 by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, who left China and went to Vietnam for living and doing business. He strongly believe in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, so he wanted to build a pagoda to worship Buddha and Jade Emperor.
In 1982, Venerable Buddhist monk Thich Vinh Khuong came to live in the pagoda. From that, the pagoda has pertained to the Vietnam Buddhist Association.In 1984, Jade Emperor Pagoda was changed into Phuoc Hai Tu. However, local people still call ”Jade Emperor Pagoda” because the main chamber of Pagoda is a place to worship the Jade Emperor according to Chinese religious belief.
Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in Ho Chi Minh City, that is always busy with locals and foreign tourists daily. So the Best Time to visit Jade Emperor Temple is in the early morning to avoid the crowd and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere here.

The War Remnants Museum holds immense historical significance as a testament to the brutal realities of the Second Indochina War and its profound impact on the Vietnamese people. It provides a broader historical context. Its exhibits, including disturbing photographs of war atrocities, present a vivid portrayal of the suffering endured by the Vietnamese population, with many images coming from US sources.

The ground floor's collection of posters and photographs showcasing international antiwar support offers a counterbalance to the horrors depicted upstairs. With exhibits featuring widespread destruction caused by napalm bombs and the devastating effects of Agent Orange, the museum confronts visitors with the harsh realities of war. The inclusion of experimental weapons and the Requiem Exhibition, which pays tribute to photographers who lost their lives during the conflict, further contribute to the museum's historical significance.