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  5. Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam
Product #579692
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Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam
Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam
Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam
Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam
Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam

Day Tour | Saigon Morning Discovery | History & Culture at Reunification Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market | Half-Day Experience | Vietnam

Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh City
To be confirmed within 12 hour(s)
Duration:4 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: English / Tiếng Việt
No cancellation
Please present the e-voucher on-site

🏛 Explore the iconic Reunification Palace, a symbol of Saigon’s history, featuring unique architecture and preserved wartime interiors.

🛕 Visit Thien Hau Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples, and experience local spiritual culture and traditional rituals.

🏮 Discover Chinatown (Cho Lon) – the vibrant cultural hub of the Chinese-Vietnamese community with centuries-old heritage.

🛍 Stroll through Binh Tay Market, a bustling wholesale market full of local goods, street life, and authentic trading scenes.

📸 Capture the contrast of old and new Saigon, from historical landmarks to lively local markets in just a few hours.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

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Product Info

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon is one of Vietnam's largest economic and cultural centers. Besides its modern skyscrapers, Saigon also boasts historical sites with ancient architecture. Viet Fun Travel is pleased to introduce a half-day Saigon sightseeing tour, part of our Saigon Tour series, designed for those with limited time but still wanting to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, visiting the War Remnants Museum, and exploring the Cholon and Binh Tay markets – the central trading hubs of the Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Ho Chi Minh City. These areas still preserve the architectural values ​​of the Chinese community from hundreds of years ago. 

— Tour Info —

  • Meeting Point: 28/13 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Departure time: 08:00 (Please arrive 30 minutes early.).
  • Returning time: 12:00 - 12:30
  • MORNING: VISIT THE INDEPENDENCE PALACE – PAY VENERATION AT THE TEMPLE OF LADY – STROLL AROUND CHỢ LỚN MARKET

8:00 AM: The vehicle and tour guide will pick you up at the office (28/13 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1) to begin the SAIGON TOUR – MORNING | Independence Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market (Half-Day).

The vehicle will take you to the first sightseeing point – Independence Palace. This special historical building is one of the famous iconic images of Ho Chi Minh City, with architecture that harmoniously combines modern and traditional styles.

As the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the war, Independence Palace was designed and built by architect Ngo Viet Thu on a 12-hectare site, comprising over 100 rooms decorated in various styles.

Stopping at the Palace, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the three main exhibition floors located within the Permanent Area:

 + Floor 1 includes the Reception Room, the Cabinet Meeting Room, and the Grand Banquet Hall.

 + Floor 2 includes the Map Room (National Security Council Meeting Room), the President's Office, the Reception Rooms, the Credentials Room, the Circular Carpet, the Stone Flower Curtain, etc.

 + Floor 3 includes the Library, the Reception Room for the First Lady, and the Film Screening Room.

In addition, within the Independence Palace grounds, there are Specialized and Supplementary Areas displaying historical documents and images about the Palace's formation and development. In 2009, the Independence Palace was ranked as one of the first 10 Special National Monuments of Vietnam.

Continuing the journey, the vehicle will take you to the Thien Hau Temple, also known as the Cho Lon Temple. This is considered one of the oldest temples of the Chinese community in Saigon.

Built around 1760, the Thien Hau Temple is a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau, reflecting the rich Chinese cultural style. Visiting here, you will admire the statue of the Goddess Thien Hau, carved from a single block of black wood, standing out amidst the tranquil and sacred atmosphere. Furthermore, the central hall of the temple houses one of the oldest ancient incense burners in history, over 130 years old.

Besides its artistic value in architecture and sculpture, the Thien Hau Temple is also a sacred religious tourist destination where visitors can light incense and pray for good fortune.

Leaving the Thien Hau Temple, you will continue your journey around the Cholon area – specifically Binh Tay Market. You will witness the bustling activity of the trading center between the Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Saigon. The vibrant life, diverse goods, and interesting trading activities all create a colorful cultural tapestry.

  • NOON: END OF TOUR 

12:00 – 12:30 PM: The vehicle will take you back to the office, ending the SAIGON – MORNING TOUR | Independence Palace – Thien Hau Temple – Binh Tay Market (Half Day). We bids farewell and looks forward to seeing you again on other exciting journeys.

—

  • Luggage Info:
    Each passenger is allowed to bring:
    - 1 luggage/suitcase (under 16 inches (44x32x22cm)
    - 1 small bag (backpack and handbook)
    - In case passengers carry luggage that is not by the regulations (larger, bulkier) or carry second luggage, the garage will surcharge VND75,000/luggage

Purchase Notice

[CHILD POLICY]

  • Children aged 6 – 8 years: Charged at child ticket rate. 
  • Children aged 9 years and above: Charged as adult ticket. Note: A child under 6 years old traveling with only 1 adult will be required to purchase a child ticket.


[LUGGAGE REGULATIONS]

  • Each passenger is allowed to bring along

+ 01 luggage/suitcase (under 16 inches ~ 44x32x22cm)

+ 1 small bag (backpack, handbag)

  • In case the passenger carries luggage that does not comply with regulations (bigger than the standard size, more bulky, etc.) or brings a second or more luggage, the bus company will charge an additional fee of 75,000 VND/luggage.

Reminders

  • A minimum of 5 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date

  • Please note that this is a Shared Tour and you will travel with other passengers

  • Please arrive at designated location 30 mins prior to departure, as tour will depart on time

  • It is recommended to bring hats, raincoats, personal medication, sneakers and an extra pair of flip flop for the tour

  • For any dietary requirements, please note in your booking so we can prepare the suitable food option for you

  • Photos of food items are just for reference and you might not have the exact dishes on travel date. Based on group size, dietary requirements and the seasonality, we will arrange the menu accordingly

FAQ

1. Is Reunification Palace the same as Independence Palace?

Yes, the Reunification Palace and Independence Palace refer to the same historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. It was originally known as the Norodom Palace, then renamed Independence Palace after Vietnam gained independence. After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, it was officially renamed Reunification Palace, symbolizing the reunification of Vietnam. It stands as a significant symbol of Saigon's tumultuous history.

2. What historical events are associated with Reunification Palace?

Reunification Palace is deeply associated with pivotal moments in Vietnamese history. It served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Most notably, on April 30, 1975, a tank crashed through its gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country. Its architecture and preserved interiors offer a tangible link to these significant events.

3. What unique cultural experiences can be found at Thien Hau Temple?

Thien Hau Temple offers a rich glimpse into local spiritual culture and traditional rituals within Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. As one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city, visitors can observe devotees burning incense, making offerings, and praying for prosperity and good fortune. The temple's intricate ceramic decorations, vibrant statues, and serene atmosphere provide a unique cultural immersion.

4. What local goods and street life can visitors expect at Binh Tay Market?

At Binh Tay Market, visitors can immerse themselves in a bustling wholesale market experience. You'll find a wide variety of local goods, from fresh produce, spices, and dried foods to textiles, handicrafts, and everyday household items. The market is also a vibrant hub of street life, offering a chance to observe authentic local trading scenes and sample regional snacks from numerous food stalls.

5. How long should visitors allocate for exploring Reunification Palace?

Typically, visitors should allocate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to thoroughly explore Reunification Palace. This allows enough time to wander through its various floors, including the state rooms, presidential offices, war command bunker, and exhibition areas, appreciating its unique architecture and preserved wartime interiors. The duration can vary based on individual interest in history and architecture.

6. What is the best way to book tickets for the Reunification Palace experience?

The most convenient way to book tickets for the Reunification Palace experience is through online travel platforms. For instance, you can book through KKday to enjoy hassle-free advanced booking, secure your admission, and potentially find integrated tour options that combine the palace with other attractions. This saves time and ensures a smooth entry experience.

7. What kind of guided insights are offered when visiting Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market?

When visiting Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market with a guided tour, you can expect insightful commentary on their historical significance and cultural importance. Guides often explain the spiritual rituals performed at the temple, its architectural details, and the role of Chinatown. At Binh Tay Market, they can highlight specific local goods, explain trading practices, and share stories about the vibrant community, enriching your understanding beyond simply observing.

8. How accessible is Reunification Palace for visitors with mobility concerns?

Reunification Palace has multiple floors and stairs, which might pose challenges for visitors with significant mobility concerns. While the ground floor and main ceremonial areas are generally accessible, exploring the upper floors and the bunker level involves stairs. It is advisable to check the official palace website or contact them directly for the most current information regarding wheelchair accessibility or alternative routes.

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