It’s an early start today on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, departing by 07:30 to make the most of this adventure in the countryside. Relax on the drive to Tay Ninh, watching the landscapes change from concrete buildings to rice paddies and villages dotted with wooden houses. At Tay Ninh visit the Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy. Admire the whimsical statues and colorful paintings covering this remote temple building. Learn about the origins and beliefs of this unusual religion, which blends the world’s major faiths into a unique mosaic. 

Following a lunch break, drive further through the countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend the afternoon exploring this incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Learn how the Vietnamese resistance fighters constructed the tunnels during the French and American wars. Crawl underground and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons. This insightful day in the countryside concludes in the late afternoon with a drive back to the city 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. 

Around 08:00 am, leave the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and drive deep into the Mekong Delta on this Cai Be day tour. Upon arriving in Cai Be, board a private boat and start exploring the Delta. Pass by trading boats laden with fresh produce while cruising past river islands, coconut groves, and fish farms. Go ashore at small family-run workshops making local specialties such as rice popcorn and coconut candy. After this introduction to the Mekong Delta, get a closer look at the lives of its residents. 

Take a short walk through a local village and flourishing fruit gardens. Arrive at the home of Mr. Kiet and his family. The house has been lived in by more than four generations and is a great example of traditional ‘Mandarin’ architecture. A delicious home-cooked Vietnamese meal will be served for lunch in the family’s house. Then take a walk through their fruit orchard to see the fresh seasonal fruits on the trees. Say farewell to the host family and continue to Tan Phong Island. Take a local row boat through the narrow canals around the island, appreciating the tranquility and lush landscapes of this part of the Delta. As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky it is time to return to Cai Be and onwards to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. 

Around 08:30 am, explore the many wonders of Vietnam’s southern metropolis on this guided Ho Chi Minh City one day tour. Start with a trip to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city’s most significant pagodas. Continue on with a visit to Tan Dinh Market, which is said to be the oldest market in all of Ho Chi Minh City. Dating back to the 1800’s, this typical Vietnamese market sells all sorts of goods, though is particularly known for its local foods and fabrics. Enjoy a much more local market experience here, a place where tourists seldom visit. 

Take a closer look at Vietnamese culture with a visit to the FITO Museum. This museum has an impressive collection of 3,000 items related to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine. See implements used to prepare indigenous herbs, objects commonly found in traditional pharmacies as well as ancient books and documents on traditional Vietnamese medicine. 

After the museum visit, fuel up with a local lunch at Propaganda Restaurant. Delicious dishes are accented by unique, propaganda-themed artwork from throughout Vietnam’s recent history. Continue the history-themed experiences with a more poignant walk into Vietnam’s past with either the War Remnants Museum or the History Museum (based on personal preference). Then take a walking tour from the historic Presidential Palace through the city centre. See the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall and learn about Vietnam’s colonial past. If time permits, wrap up the walking tour with a stroll through the classic Ben Thanh Market. Having gained a greater understanding of Ho Chi Minh City’s culture and history, return to the hotel late this afternoon. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. 

Free time for last minute shopping or optional visit before transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.