Ho Chi Minh City is a large, bustling metropolis in Vietnam. It not only offers a variety of entertainment activities but also boasts a rich history and vibrant culture.
Explore the beauty of this dynamic city with Joy Journeys’ walking tour Saigon Vietnam!
Contents
The benefits of a guided walking tour Saigon Vietnam
You can explore Saigon in many ways, but a walking tour Saigon Vietnam is one of the most popular options due to several key advantages:
- Local Expertise: Walking allows visitors to get a closer look at daily life in Saigon. It’s also a great opportunity to observe, explore, and learn about the people and their way of life.
- Cultural Insights: While a foreigner can understand Saigon on their own, having a knowledgeable companion makes the process much easier. Joy Journeys’ tour guides are deeply familiar with the city’s culture and history. Besides, they speak fluent English, providing helpful support throughout your journey.
- Safety: Joining a guided tour reduces the risk of being scammed, overcharged, or getting lost.
- Personalized Experience: With a limit of 10 travelers per tour, the experience remains intimate and peaceful. Joy Journeys believes in offering small group tours to ensure personalized customer care. Guests can ask questions and have meaningful discussions with the tour guides about anything they wish to learn.
- Reasonable Price: Joy Journeys’ Saigon walking tour costs 325,000 VND. For this affordable rate, you’ll not only explore the city but also gain valuable insights into its culture and history.
- Hassle-Free Trip: Exploring Saigon on your own requires planning, knowing how to read maps, and figuring out where to go. Booking a tour removes these concerns, allowing for a more relaxed and worry-free experience.
Must-see places on a walking tour HCM City
Ho Chi Minh City is a large and bustling metropolis offering countless fascinating destinations. However, here are some spots you cannot miss on a Joy Journeys’ walking tour!
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Church
Originally named Saigon Church (French: l’église de Saïgon), this iconic landmark was renamed Notre Dame Cathedral in 1959, when the Statue of Our Lady of Peace was installed in front of its grounds.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam. It is also a stunning architectural gem in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting many visitors.
Construction of the cathedral began on March 28, 1863, and was completed in 1865. The building is 93 meters long, 35 meters wide at its broadest point, and features a dome that rises 21 meters. With a capacity to hold up to 1,200 people, it serves both as a worship place and a significant cultural landmark in the city.
Saigon Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located at No. 2, Cong Xa Paris Square, District 1. Built by the French between 1886 and 1891, the building was designed by architect Marie-Alfred Foulhoux in an eclectic style that combines Western architecture with Eastern decorative elements.
Situated next to Notre Dame Cathedral, it remains a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s colonial past and its rich architectural history.
The Last Helicopter
The rooftop of the Pittman Building is the setting of Hugh van Es’s famous photograph, which captures the helicopter evacuation from Saigon in April 1975. This event marked the end of the Resistance against American Imperialism.While not an official tourist site, the building’s roof has become a powerful symbol of the U.S. defeat in Vietnam.
Reaching the top can be tricky, but if you can’t access the roof, you can catch a glimpse of it from Dong Khoi Street or the nearby Saigon Central Post Office.
The Independence Palace
Construction of the current Independence Palace began on July 1, 1962, under President Ngo Dinh Diem, after the original French colonial structure was damaged by a bombing. The palace was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, the first Vietnamese to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome.
In November 1975, the palace hosted a key political conference that led to the unification of North and South Vietnam. Today, it is managed by the Reunification Hall under the Government Office’s Administrative Administration Department II.
As a significant historical and cultural landmark, the Independence Palace attracts both local and international tourists. It reflects the architectural style of Vietnam in the 1960s and serves as a venue for major state events, official receptions, and even state funerals.
The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument
On September 18, 2010, the statue of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc was unveiled at the intersection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cach Mang Thang Tam streets in Ho Chi Minh City. This location marks the historic site where, in 1963, Venerable Thich Quang Duc self-immolated in protest against the oppressive regime of Ngo Dinh Diem. His courageous act was a response to the dictatorship’s nepotism, religious discrimination, and repression of peace and democracy movements.
The monument honors his sacrifice and stands as a symbol of resistance, bravery, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in Vietnam.
The Hidden Weapon Bunker
Located at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, this basement once served as a hiding place for weapons used by the Saigon commandos during the fight against U.S. forces. In 1988, it was officially recognized as a national historical and cultural relic, known as the “Saigon Commandos’ Weapons Bunker.”
The bunker stands as a testament to the resilience and bravery of the commandos. Disguised as a simple toilet’s manhole, Mr. Nam secretly constructed the basement and smuggled weapons from the suburbs into Saigon, contributing to the city’s resistance efforts.
Let Joy Journeys guide tourists on a walking tour of Saigon
About Joy Journeys
Joy Journeys is a licensed travel and tour operator in Ho Chi Minh City. We offer tours throughout the country, especially in the Mekong Delta, Saigon, and Cu Chi areas. Joy Journeys focuses on high-quality tours with ‘authentic,’ ‘less-crowded’ itineraries and a maximum of 10 participants.
The Hidden Gems & Insightful Stories of Saigon Walking Half-Day Tour
Overview:
The Saigon Walking Tour by Joy Journeys offers a unique and engaging experience, standing out from traditional tours.
With a small group size of up to 10 travelers, this walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City is led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their love for Saigon. These dedicated professionals go beyond merely providing historical facts; they offer personal stories, local insights, and recommendations that foster a meaningful cultural exchange.
The tour fosters casual conversations, giving visitors a deeper connection to Saigon’s vibrant traditions, beauty, and everyday life for an authentic and immersive experience.
Activities:
- Choose Your Pick-Up Location: Select a convenient meeting point near your accommodation, such as Ben Thanh Market or Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon at 8:00 AM
- Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Exterior View)
- Explore Saigon Central Post Office
- View The Last Helicopter (Exterior View)
- Pass by Independence Palace (Exterior View)
- Visit the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument
- Discover The Hidden Weapon Bunker
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes.
Price: 325,000 VND per person.
Inclusion: The tour includes a refreshing bottle of water, an English-speaking guide to enhance your experience, and coverage of all fees and taxes. You’ll also enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) while gaining entry to the fascinating Secret Weapons Cellar. This ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable journey.
Policy: Please cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the start date to receive a full refund.
Conclusion
Saigon is a vibrant urban area brimming with rich culture and history. Visitors to Vietnam should not miss the opportunity to explore this central city.
If you’re unsure about where to go during your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, let Joy Journeys craft a unique tour just for you. Whether you’re interested in a walking tour Saigon Vietnam or other tailored experiences, we’re here to help you create unforgettable memories in Saigon. With small group sizes and a focus on authenticity, Joy Journeys ensures a personalized, less-touristy experience that highlights the true essence of the city.
For more information or to start planning your adventure, visit our website at joyjourneys.com.vn or contact us via WhatsApp at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79.
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