South Vietnam Historical School Trip | 5 Days

Day 1: Saigon Arrival – Cyclo & Water Puppet Show (D)

Upon Ho Chi Minh City arrival, meet our guide and driver then transfer to hotel for check-in and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, two of the charming French architecture left in the city.

Next, join in a cyclo tour to discover hidden corners of Saigon before enjoying a 45-minute traditionalwater puppet show at the Golden Theater. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Retrace Vietnam History with the 4 Most Neglected War Sites (B, L, D)

In the morning, visit the shrine outside of the US Consulate then the former CIA building – the 1^st war site where the last helicopter evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975. It has been the iconic symbol for “the fall of Saigon” in the Vietnam War.

After that, explore the Reunification Palace – the 2^nd war site which is the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government. When the Vietcong forces attacked Saigon, the palace was their first target. The tank 390 carrying the North Vietnamese flag crashed through its front gate and put an end to the puppet government. It marked a turning point in the history of Vietnam and opened a new developing era for this country.

The 3^rd one is the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument honoring the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who burned himself to death to protest the war. It is now the intersection between Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cach Mang Thang 8 (August Revolution).

Then get to a historic venue for a late lunch of pho at Pho Binh restaurant which used to be the secret headquarters of the Vietcong in Saigon for planning attacks on the US embassy and other Saigon targets during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Take a walk upstairs to learn more about history through the family’s photo collection before sitting down and enjoying the traditional taste of Vietnam cuisine.

After lunch, move to 197 Ngo Gia Tu at District 10 – the 4^th war site where the Vietcong soldier was being condemned for war crimes and was executed here. Head to War Remnants Museum and learn more about the American war through the local’s eyes.

Finish the day with a symbol of prosperity in Saigon – Bitexco Building – the second highest building in the city. From the Sky Deck on the 49th floor of the building, you can get a panoramic view of the hustle and bustle city. Dinner Cruise in Saigon River and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Cao Dai Temple – The Napalm Girl Historical War Sites & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

After breakfast, take a drive to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, the home to the unique Cao Dai sect to observe the midday service. This religion is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Then move to the village of the Napalm Girl, who was extremely famous on Nick Ut’s photo, is instantly recognizable and highlights the intense brutality of the Vietnam war.

In the afternoon, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground network including innumerable traps. It was specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. Return to Saigon before the evening.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh – Vung Tau – Long Tan & Nui Dat (B, L)

Today, transfer to Vung Tau and make the first stop at the site of the former Nui Dat Task Force Basefollowed by a visit to the Long Tan Cross in the Vietnam War. Afterward, explore the Long Phuoc Tunnels and visit the former Minh Dam Secret Zone and Long Hai.  Sightseeing trip in Vung Tau also includes the massive War Memorial at Back Beach.

After lunch, visit the Nui Dat Kindergarten which was opened in October 2010. It was funded by the Australian Vietnam Volunteers Resource Group and now stands on the site where over 5,000 Australian soldiers were based at any one time during the Vietnam War. At present, it provides cares for about 50 children from 3 to 5 years old. In the late afternoon, make our way back to Saigon for an overnight

Day 5: Saigon Departure (B)

After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight. 5-day Vietnam school trip ends.