Monday Dec 8 2025 - Ho Chi Minh City
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STEPS
WEATHER
TOUR DAY 13 whole day with lunch
ITALICS TOUR DESCRIPTION
After breakfast, you will leave the city toward the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels that was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers in the war. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US troops during the Vietnam War, despite its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City. John did this in 2015.
After lunch included at a local restaurant, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon guided city tour. You will start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which contains exhibits related to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Then, you will see the Reunification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Continuation toward the city center, where you will notice a lot of buildings dating back to the French colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, the Municipal Theatre, and the City Hall. We did all this in 2015.
After the visit, you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast-Lunch)
We had ensured that Jason was aware that we would not be joining the full day tour. I also asked M to message me with tomorrow's details.
Group pic from their tour.
We are delighted to be on our own and took our time before heading out.
It is HOT!
Another poser! It is 32C and she is wearing a fur jacket!
Saigon Opera House, officially named Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony, Orchestra and Opera was built in 1897 and is one of the city's most recognisable buildings. Officially known as the Municipal Theatre, the Opera House captures the flamboyance of France’s belle époque. Performances range from ballet and opera to modern dance and musicals.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building, formerly known as the Hôtel de Ville or City Hall of Saigon.
The building is a notable example of French Colonial architecture and was built between 1901 and 1908.
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The Bitexco Financial Tower, a prominent skyscraper that stands at a height of 262.5 meters (861 ft) with 68 floors above ground.
The tower's design was inspired by the shape of a lotus bud, the national flower of Vietnam, symbolizing beauty and growth.
Diamond Plaza shopping center, decorated for the holidays.
It is stifling hot as we sit for lunch in The Waiting Lounge. We met a couple from Maryland that had come for a wedding of an employee of theirs.
We continue our trek slowly. We commented that we were glad not to be on the city tour today as it would be hot and steamy in the tunnels in the jungle.
BOOK STREET ✅off my list, by accident!
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (also known as Nguyen Van Binh Book Street) is a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of the bustling city, perfect for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The Saigon Central Post Office (Vietnamese: Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn, French: Poste centrale de Saïgon) is a post office next to the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's cathedral.
The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. It was constructed between 1886 and 1891 and is now a tourist attraction.
The cathedral is under major renovations.
Every day life goes on among this big label stores and hotels.
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7 Bridges
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People watching from our window seat.
A guide (Alan?) meets us at the hotel and then gets the car and driver to take us to our dinner cruise. We could have walked more quickly than the drive took.
The driver took us as far as he could then Alan escorted us to the ship and even came on board and checked on us a few times!
Quite the sight! We took a golf cart to our boat.
We had also booked a single table.
The menu read well, however, the food was cold. It was also very windy.
Interesting contrast.
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John thought that this guy, from France, looked like Denzel Washington.
Then a magician appeared out of nowhere, he was very good.
Alan was right by our side as we disembarked and took us back to the car and hotel.
The Elisa is too large to sail, so it’s just permanently docked as a restaurant boat.
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