Ho Chi Minh City
What was once Saigon is now a fascinating blend of Oriental and Western influences. Explore the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnant Museum, Reunification Hall, majestic pagodas, fishing villages of the Mekong Delta, as well as the famous Chu Chi tunnels.
SuperStar Gemini Shore Excursions:
PANORAMIC HO CHI MINH CITY (GHCM-1D)
Visit the Museum of National History where formidable collection of artefacts from Vietnam’s two thousand years of recorded history can be viewed. Watch the Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show. Head to the Reunification Palace to visit this preserved site, almost exactly as it was on the day Vietnam was reunified. The building took its current form in 1966 after it had been partially destroyed in an attack. Take a scenic drive through the city and Chinatown. Stop over at Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to Thien Hau - The Sea Goddess who protects fisher folks, sailors, merchants and anyone else who travels by sea. Also stop by the lacquerware workshop.
THE MEKONG DELTA (GHCM-2D)
Cruise along the Mekong River and visit The Mekong Delta, southern most region of Vietnam and the rice bowl of the country. The Mekong River is one of the world’s great rivers, and the delta is one of the world’s largest. It produces enough rice to feed the entire population of the south and the central regions of Vietnam, as well as exporting a huge surplus of nearly 2 million tons. The delta also exports coconut, sugar cane, various fruits, and fish. Because the plains are periodically flooded by the rising Mekong River, traditional transportation is by boat, along a vast network of canals. A cruise along these canals proves to be a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors. Next, head to Thoi Son Island, Tan Thach Ward, Coconut Candy Workshop, Bee Farn and take a sampan ride along Tan Thach Canal.
THE CU CHI TUNNELS (GHCM-3D)
Arrive at the Rice Pancake House and observe how these rice cakes are produced. Next, head to Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately 40km from the city. This area was once controlled by the Viet Cong through its now-legendary system of tunnels. At the height of the war, the tunnels stretched from Saigon through to the Cambodian border. In Cu Chi district alone, there were over 250km of tunnels, some several storeys deep. Now, some of the tunnels - enlarged and upgraded are open to the public. At their peak, the system of tunnels included kitchens, living areas, hospitals and a network of trap doors to guard against gas and water attacks. Visitors can next take a scenic drive through the city before taking a quick photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office and the City Square.
VIETNAMESE CULINARY EXPERIENCE (GHCM-4D)
Visit the Ben Thanh Market and watch the chef demonstrate methods of buying fresh ingredients from the market. Head to a cooking school where participants will be paired-of to cook 4 mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes. Next, take a scenic drive through the city. Stop for a quick photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office and the City Square before heading to the ship.
PEDAL CAB RIDE AT HO CHI MINH CITY (GHCM-5D)
Passengers will disembark the ship and start their visit at the Museum of National History where they will view a formidable collection of artefacts from Vietnam’s two thousand years of recorded history. Watch the Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show, take a pedal cab ride followed by a scenic drive through the city and thereafter to the lacquerware workshop.
TRANSFER TO HO CHI MINH CITY (GHCM-T)
Visitors will get a chance to visit the Ben Thanh Market where every type of commodity imaginable from fresh produce to souvenir items are easily available. Next, stop by at the Caravelle Hotel, where visitors will get a chance to explore Central Ho Chi Minh City on their own.
