Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively district of Cholon, you will browse the bustling Binh Tay Market and a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a modernistic white building that was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon presents a glimpse into colonial life, as the French constructed it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Saigon is also known for its artisans, especially those that make lacquerware, a traditional skill that you will observe in a workshop.

Explore a vast underground network of tunnels that hid and protected thousands of Viet Cong troops during the Vietnam War. The section that you will tour lies beneath the Cu Chi district in the countryside north of Ho Chi Minh City. Communist forces began digging the tunnels in the late 1948, when they were fighting the French for independence. As you will discover, the tunnels span thousands of miles and once hid an underground city of sorts with living quarters, smokeless kitchens, hospitals and schools. The tunnels were typically five feet high and not even three feet wide, with air passages to the surface camouflaged to look like natural holes from tree roots or animals. The tunnels that you will traverse have been expanded somewhat for safety and convenience. Digging the tunnels was an incredibly arduous and time-consuming endeavor, as they were often dug by hand. Before abandoning them, the Viet Cong left booby traps for the invading troops.

Visit the preferred popular beach resort destination of the residents of Saigon, Vung Tau, also known as Cap St. Jacque during the French occupation. Enjoy the views of the hillsides dotted with attractive villas now converted into guesthouses and the many good sandy beaches for swimming and sightseeing. Your tour takes you on a scenic drive around large Mountain with a stop to visit the Buddhist Pagoda and fishing village for photo opportunities. Visit the White Villa that is Vung Tau ancient museum, built for the French Governor and later used as an exile place for the Vietnamese King Thanh Thai. The villa houses a collection of artifacts from the XVIII century, rescued from a sunken merchant ship. You’ll enjoy the panoramic view of the beach and city from the former king’s room. Drive to the Whale temple, where locals come to pray to the South Sea God of fishermen. Visitors are welcome to visit and admire its impressive display of all things whale, from paintings and bones to statues. Before going back to the ship, visit a market in Vung tau.

Explore sites that best illustrate the American military presence in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a time period depicted in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam.” One of the most indelible pictures from the Fall of Saigon in 1975 was that of American helicopters helping evacuees from the roof of the U.S. Embassy before communist troops took over. You will see that iconic building, as well as various quarters for the soldiers, including the residence of General William Westmoreland, Commander of the U.S. forces in the late 1960s. You will reach an even deeper understanding of the Vietnam War by browsing the War Remnants Museum. Your drive will pass the former USA embassy, some McVI offices. Continue your journey to the Women’s Museum, where you’ll learn about the significant contributions women made in ending the Vietnam War. Before or after your visit to Saigon, take a drive to the mangrove commando tunnel, a network dug by the Viet Cong in the countryside outside the city for defense and strategic operations. Explore the tunnel, the war memorial, and the cemetery where Viet Cong guerrillas were laid to rest during the conflict. You’ll also have the chance to sample local snacks that the Viet Cong guerrillas relied on during their battles

Sample a selection of organic teas while conversing with the woman that founded the company that produces them and then enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City – also commonly known as Saigon – you will meet Nguyen Thu Ngoc, who created Hatvala Tea, which sources its organic products in the Vietnamese Highlands. The teas are grown without fertilizers or chemicals to enhance their tastes and preserve their health benefits. As you will discover, the teas are extraordinarily flavorful and the stories behind their production are intriguing. The sampling may include a spicy black Jasmine tea, an elegant white tea infused with honeysuckle and a green tea that becomes salmon-colored during its complex roasting cycle. Similarly, your vegetarian lunch will be representative of the local cuisine. Although the menu frequently changes, it often features a pomelo salad appetizer and an entrée of oyster mushrooms steamed in a lotus leaf.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meet the founder of an organic tea company and sample several of its unique teas.
• Gain an understanding of the benefits of organic teas and how they are produced.
• Enjoy a vegetarian meal that reflects the cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling Chinatown that lend a historical perspective to the neighborhood and reflect how it has changed since being founded in 1778. Known locally as the Cho Lon quarter, Chinatown is extraordinarily atmospheric with its narrow alleyways, countless stores selling traditional medicines and temples such as Ba Thien Hau, which is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of the sea. For a deeper look into religious life, you may see sacred rites and customs being performed at Ha Chuong Guildhall, a temple that features carved pillars wrapped with painted dragons. You will also stop to browse a colonial French and Chinese-style wet market with an array of exotic merchandise. The aromas wafting from the food stalls will be absolutely tantalizing. Another highlight will be watching artisans create Buddha amulets and statues. This immersion into life in Chinatown is sure to be eye-opening.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive and walk through Chinatown and come away with a genuine feel for the area.
• Pause at a characteristic temple and at a wet market with seemingly endless merchandise.
• Watch artisans make statues of Buddha and amulets with his image.
• See historical landmarks and newer attractions that reflect contemporary life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Get a good grasp of country life by visiting characteristic attractions in a variety of rural areas. In the village of Ba Ria, you will see how rice is grown in vast paddies. Much of that rice will then be sold in markets like the one you will browse in the village. As you wander at a local market among open stalls displaying most everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to tobacco and whole fish, you will be treated to a genuine look at daily life. You will also make a stop at a local Cao Dai temple, where worshippers honor Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, and Laozi. Then, visit a farmer's home where they produce moonshine for the local community. On your way back to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break at a countryside coffee shop and savor a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee.

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