Day 1: Ho Chi Minh
Saigon (Lunch)
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Half-day visit, also in cyclo, of the district of Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown. We visit Thien Hau, the most revered temple of the Cantonese community, dedicated to the Celestial Lady protector of merchants and sailors. We then take a walk along Trieu Quang Phuc St., known for its traditional Chinese herbalists. We reach the Catholic church of Cha Tam, built in 1900, in a peculiar style that blends European baroque and classic Chinese architecture. We then proceed to the bustling shopping area that runs from Dong Khoi Street, the "Rue Catinat" of the French era, to the large Ben Thanh market square. Return to the hotel.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh
Saigon (Breakfast, Lunch)
Departure to reach the famous Cu Chi tunnels, the Vietcong's underground network of warehouses, dormitories, armories, kitchens, infirmaries and command posts resistant to US bombardments and symbol of Vietnamese resistance. In the nearby bushes, some structures are made accessible to the public and evocative mannequins mount the guard at strategic points. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the heart of Saigon, starting from the War Remnants Museum, a sad reminder of all wars in which Vietnam has been involved. After a brief stop at the central square to admire the Post Office building, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the neo-Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, we visit Ngoc Hoang, the Jade Emperor's pagoda, dedicated to the Taoist cult. The interiors are surprisingly rich and fascinating. Return to the hotel.
Day 3: Can Tho
Saigon - Can Tho (Breakfast, Lunch)
Transfer towards Can Tho. During this varied journey, one can admire the photogenic scenarios of the Mekong Delta, a unique ecosystem. We arrive at Cai Be River port to board a smaller local boat more suitable to navigate the narrow canals. Passing through crowded shores, full of life and commerce, we reach the local fresh market, where a myriad of people on boats convey fruits, vegetables and handicrafts from various areas of the delta. We visit a family-run business specializing in the traditional production of rice cakes, palm sugar candies and a variety of local desserts. Lunch in a typical restaurant. We go back to the main boat and continue navigating the small channels of the Mekong River, finally reaching Can Tho in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 4:
Can Tho - Saigon (Breakfast)
In the morning we visit the so-called "Capital of the Delta", going by speedboat to the two great floating markets of Cai Rang. After visiting the markets we return to Saigon. Arrival and transfer to the hotel/airport.
