18932- Kashyap Travels – Vietnam

Day 2: Saigon

Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre.

A journey of about two and a half hours will bring you to a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. The industrious local residents have found many other uses for the humble coconut, including turning them into household items and cosmetics.

Hop on a bike for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands.

Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorised boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon

Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels (5.5 hours)
Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong, bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4:  Saigon (Breakfast)

Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown) (8 hours)

A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under-renovation, visit outside only) and the Central Post Office. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with the walking through the small hustle  and bustle streets around China Town where and many generation of Chinese living and running the business on the most busy area of Saigon. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

You will have a chance to join with locals to enjoy one of the specialities of Saigonese with the strong and flavourful Vietnamese coffee makes converts as quickly as it raises pulses. French colonists might have introduced coffee to Vietnam, but the morning cup of ca phe soon became a local habit. With variations that make use of yogurt, eggs and even fruit, Vietnamese coffee has developed a style of its own.

Visit Mariamman Hindu Temple (45 minutes )

Visit Mariamman Hindu Temple, the only Hindu temple still in use in Saigon. Although there are only 50 to 60 Hindus in Saigon, all of them Tamils, this temple is also considered sacred by many ethnic-Vietnamese and ethnic-Chinese

Overnight in Saigon

Day 6: Saigon (Breakfast)

Transfer
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to … End of services in Vietnam.

Hotel Details & Tour Cost :    

INR 16,819 x 8 =1,34,552 /- for 08 Adults on Twin / Triple Sharing basis