Shore Excursion from Saigon Port to Discover the Soul of Saigon

Built in 1929, this notable Sino-French museum houses a rewarding collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilization (which emerged in 2000 BCE) and the Funan civilization (1st to 6th centuries CE) to the Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese. Highlights include valuable relics taken from Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and a fine collection of Buddha statues. There's good English information. Parts of the museum are being renovated. There's also a perfectly preserved mummy of a local woman who died in 1869, excavated from Xom Cai in District 5; and some exquisite stylised mother-of-pearl Chinese characters inlaid into panels. It's located beside the Botanical Gardens. The museum also encompasses the diverse cultures of ethnic groups in Southern Vietnam and other Asian countries. Explore their clothing, unique musical instruments, statues of deities, and tools related to agriculture, hunting and fishing.

The Independence Palace

Surrounded by royal palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this landmark government building and the eerie ambience of its deserted halls make it an intriguing spectacle. The first Communist tanks to arrive in Saigon rumbled here on 30 April 1975 and it’s as if time has stood still since then. The building is deeply associated with the fall of the city in 1975, yet it's the kitsch detailing and period motifs that steal the show. It's also known as the Independence Palace. The building was named Independence Palace and was home to the succeeding South Vietnamese president, Nguyen Van Thieu, until his hasty departure in 1975. Designed by Paris-trained Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu, it is an outstanding example of 1960s architecture, with an airy and open atmosphere. The Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is a landmark building located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. And it is known as a must see National Monument once you are in Ho Chi Minh City.

Emperor Jade Pagoda

Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Jade Emperor (King of Heaven), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings. Its roof is encrusted with elaborate tile work, and the temple's statues, depicting characters from both Buddhist and Taoist lore, are made from reinforced papier mâché. The multifaith nature of the temple is echoed in the shrine's alternative name Phuoc Hai Tu, whose message is clearly Buddhist. Similarly, the Chinese character in the main temple hall mean 'The light of Buddha shines on all. Over 100 years old went by with many changes, Jade Emperor Pagoda remains the timeless charm. Its beauty is a harmonious combination among 3 main religions in the Orient: Taoism, Buddha, and Confucianism. Thanks to the impressive & unique beauty with sacred legend, this is one of the most wonderful destinations.