Begin your story in Saigon with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. Visit the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office, filled with the unusual gifts that were once received here. Then, continue to the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by the renowned architect, Gustave Eiffel, and take a moment to send a postcard! Just behind the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Saigon landmark built in neo-Romanesque style by the French between 1863 and 1880.

Next, stroll down Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an unusual history. On the way, you will also visit the former CIA building that was used during the Vietnam War. Here, the evacuation of some Americans and Vietnamese took place, shown in one of most famous photos of the time. 

Your history immersion will then lead you to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. Your final visit will take you to a secret place, unknown to tourists, where you will learn about what daily life was like during war time, from a resident& point of view. End your day with a drink at the top of Rex Hotel. Constructed in 1927, renewed in 1959, the hotel was the site of the United States military command's daily press conference. It is perfectly located in front of the city most popular spot for socializing with friends or family: Nguyen Hue Street.

Itinerary:

• 🏛️ Independence Palace: Visit the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government.
• 📮 Saigon Central Post Office: Admire the architecture by Gustave Eiffel and send a postcard.
• 🚶 Dong Khoi Street: Walk along this historic street featured in The Quiet American. Ends at Saigon Opera House.
• 🎭 Saigon Opera House: Visit the iconic Opera House and its French colonial design.
• 🪖 War Remnants Museum: Learn about daily life during the Vietnam War.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore iconic French colonial landmarks, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera House.
• 📜 Visit Reunification Palace, the historic site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975.
• 🗣️ Gain deeper cultural and historical insights from your expert English-speaking guide throughout the journey.

Meet-up Information:

• 🕐 Meeting Point: 1:00 PM at Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City. Guide will be at the ticket counter. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
• 🚌 Return: 5:00 PM, tour ends back at Independence Palace.