Shore Excursion Day Trip To Burstling Saigon

The Saigon Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1966, it served as the presidential residence of South Vietnam. The palace is famed for its modernist architecture, grand meeting halls, secret command bunkers, and iconic role in ending the Vietnam War when tanks crashed its gates on April 30, 1975.

The Saigon Opera House, officially the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a striking French colonial landmark built in 1898. Designed by architect Eugène Ferret, it reflects the flamboyant Belle Époque style. Today, it hosts concerts, ballet, and cultural performances. Its elegant façade, ornate interiors, and central location make it a cultural and architectural icon of the city.

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1880, is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed with red bricks imported from Marseille, it features twin bell towers rising 58 meters. The cathedral is a symbol of the city’s history and spirituality, attracting visitors with its serene atmosphere and impressive neo-Romanesque design.

Saigon City Hall, officially the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, was constructed in 1902–1908 in French colonial style. Its ornate façade, arched windows, and bell tower reflect European elegance. Though not open to the public inside, it remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. At night, its illuminated beauty dominates Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, symbolizing Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage.

Bến Thành Market, built in 1914, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most vibrant landmarks. Located in District 1, it offers a bustling atmosphere with hundreds of stalls selling local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Its iconic clock tower makes it instantly recognizable. The market is both a shopping hub and a cultural symbol of Saigon.

Vietnamese cà phê phin is a traditional drip-brew coffee made using a small metal filter. Hot water slowly passes through dark roasted grounds, creating a strong, bold flavor. Often enjoyed black (cà phê đen) or with sweetened condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá), it embodies Vietnam’s coffee culture—unhurried, aromatic, and deeply social, inviting conversation over every sip.

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City offers a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s history, focusing on the Vietnam War. It houses photographs, artifacts, and military equipment, highlighting the war’s impact on civilians. Outdoor displays feature tanks, planes, and helicopters, while indoor exhibitions tell poignant stories of resilience, loss, and peace. It’s both sobering and educational.

Vietnamese lacquerware art is a centuries-old craft blending tradition and elegance. Artisans apply multiple layers of resin from lacquer trees, polishing each to achieve a glossy finish. Designs often depict landscapes, folklore, and daily life, enhanced with mother-of-pearl, eggshell, or gold leaf inlays. The result is durable, luminous pieces—bowls, vases, and paintings—symbolizing patience, artistry, and cultural pride.

The Emperor Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, built in 1909, is a vibrant Taoist temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor. Its intricate woodcarvings, statues of deities, and incense-filled halls create a mystical atmosphere. Visitors admire turtles in the courtyard pond and ornate altars inside, making it a spiritual landmark blending Chinese heritage and Vietnamese devotion.

Dong Khoi Street in Ho Chi Minh City is a historic and bustling avenue, once the heart of French colonial Saigon. Lined with luxury shops, cafés, and colonial landmarks like the Opera House and Continental Hotel, it blends old-world charm with modern energy. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the city’s cosmopolitan spirit.