Depart from your hotel after breakfast at around 8:00 AM for a full day of cultural discovery. Your first stop is the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most atmospheric temples, filled with dramatic statues of deities, sacred symbolism, and a beautifully mystical ambience

Continue to the IndependencePalace, the former residence of the South Vietnamese presidents before 1975 and a key landmark in the nation’s modern history.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, one of Vietnam’s most visited museums, offering powerful and thought-provoking exhibits documenting the American phase of the Vietnam War.

Then stop by Ben Thanh Market — one of Saigon’s oldest surviving structures and a beloved city icon — where you’ll have time to browse, shop, and soak in the lively local energy.

After lunch, continue your city tour by exploring the vibrant western side of Ho Chi Minh City. Venture into Cho Lon, the historic Big Market district, where the air is rich with the scent of spices, incense, herbal medicines, and the bustling rhythm of daily trade. Stroll through narrow alleys lined with fabric stalls, traditional medicine shops, and century-old storefronts — a living snapshot of Saigon’s multicultural heritage.

Your journey then leads you to the Thien Hau temple, one of the city’s most evocative temples. Dedicated to the Lady of the Sea, this 19th-century sanctuary features intricate wood carvings, hanging incense coils, and beautifully preserved reliefs depicting ancient legends. Step inside to experience the serene, spiritual atmosphere as locals offer prayers for protection and prosperity.