Vietnam

Saigon

Saigon, or Hoi Chi Minh City, is an edgy, evocative and fast-paced metropolis. Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse you’ll see the trappings of new found wealth everywhere, from glass apartment blocks to classy restaurants. Admire the still stately colonial architecture and learn more about the Vietnam War.

What to see

Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office

Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office

During the late 19th century, the French in Vietnam built a series of grandiose European style buildings in the middle of Saigon, all of which are well worth a visit. The classic neo-Romanesque edifice of Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed from bricks imported from Marseille, sits at the heart of the Government Quarter – it can only be beaten in grandeur by the former Hotel de Ville, now called Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. The most impressive colonial building of all though has to be the Gustave Eiffel-designed Central Post Office. A neoclassical design, a vision of tiled floors and wrought iron, head inside for soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings and fascinating old maps of France’s Indochina territories on the walls.

War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

One of Saigon’s most popular attractions, the War Remnants Museum documents the horrors of the war with the USA. Exhibits include planes, tanks and helicopters whilst the more affecting displays use photographs (many of which were apparently donated by US servicemen) to show the effects of Agent Orange, the use of napalm, civilian victims whilst there is even the infamous tiger cages used by the South Vietnamese government to hold political prisoners. The gallery on the international opposition lends a sense of balance to the story.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace

When tanks crashed through the gates of the then Independence Palace in 1975 it signalled the end of the Vietnam War. Since then time has not touched the renamed Reunification Palace. Built in the 1960s for the president of South Vietnam on the site of the palace of the French Governor-General of Indochina, the large, airy rooms contain a host of decorative items and furniture that would now be considered kitsch. Head down into the basement to see the antiquated radios and huge maps of a former command centre.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

An elaborate network of excavations used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi area covers 75 miles worth of tunnels which have been preserved by the Government. Dug during the French occupation in the 1940s and expanded by the VC, the tunnels were instrumental to the war effort. Used as hospitals, living quarters, a cache for food and weapons and a communications and supplies route, the Cu Chi tunnels make for an eye opening excursion. You can even crawl through a section that has been slightly enlarged to get a feeling for what it was like. Located an hour and a half to two hours by road from Saigon, there are two tunnel sites to choose from. Ben Dinh is closer to the city and visited by tour groups, whilst Ben Duoc is about 30 minutes farther but quieter. Both offer a similar experience.

Cao Dai Great Temple

Cao Dai Great Temple

The Cao Dai religion was established in 1926 in the area around where the Great Temple now stands close to the city of Tay Ninh around 2 hours from Saigon. The religion has about 5 million followers across Vietnam who practice through prayer, ancestor veneration, vegetarianism and nonviolence. The Great Temple is a technicolour, dragon-adorned extravaganza of a building built between 1933 and 1955. The best time to visit is during one of the four daily prayer sessions so you can see the worshippers in all their splendour.

Where to stay

Fusion Suites

An all-suite property in the very heart of Saigon, the Fusion Suites are excellently located for Saigon's attractions as well as boasting a modern and minimalist design that offers the optimum in comfort. Complete with spa centre on each floor, sauna and restaurant, this unique hotel has everything you need to enjoy your time in Vietnam's most vibrant city, with the added bonus of a daily complimentary spa treatment included.

Read more

Caravelle Hotel

A stylish mixture of French and Vietnamese design, feel at home in the soothing tones of the Caravelle’s elegantly decorated bedrooms. This eco-friendly hotel has free wi-fi throughout, an outdoor pool with sun terrace, a lively rooftop bar with a bird’s eye view of the city and is located in the heart of Saigon.

Read more

Make an Enquiry

Submit a travel enquiry and we will contact you on by your preference,

Call one of our tailormade specialists on

0808 239 3744

or email us at

info@asiainspirations.co.uk

Contact

Click here to fill in our quote request form and one of our specialists will call you back.

Quote Request

Download the complete ASIA Inspirations brochure in PDF format.

Brochure download
Why Asia?

Why Asia?

The world’s largest and most populous continent, Asia is a vibrant and rambunctious fusion of ethnicities, cultures and customs; an incomparably rich and turbulent history showcased by mindboggling feats of architecture and engineering; a geography that encompasses towering peaks, unfathomable gorges and paradisiacal beaches; and a biodiversity that is so abundant that you’ll be reaching for your wildlife guide. Slot pulsa tanpa potongan slot gacor slot demo

Why tailormade?

Why tailormade?

    • Create a bespoke itinerary that fulfils your travel dreams
    • Travel where you want, when you want, for as long as you want
    • Pick the grade and style of accommodation you are most comfortable with
    • Add all or any of the elements you want – meals, excursions, guides
    • You’re completely in control – it’s all up to you

Slot pulsa tanpa potonganslot gacorslot demo

Why tailormade by Asia Inspirations?

Why tailormade by Asia Inspirations?

  • The China and Asia experts
  • Dedicated team of tailormade specialists
  • Excellent, personal service before and during your trip
  • Flexible itineraries that fit your wants and needs
  • Excellent value
  • A network of fantastic guides to help you delve deeper into each destination

Slot pulsa tanpa potongan slot gacor slot demo

Subscribe now

Subscribe to the ASIA Inspirations Travel newsletter.