Uniworld Timeless Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Uniworld Timeless Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Saigon
DAY 3 – INCLUDED SAIGON CITY TOUR, VIETNAM
A full and busy day awaits, so we decided to start with another lavish breakfast at the Park Hyatt Saigon (the buffet at the Opera Restaurant was included). Passengers joining the included Saigon City Tour put luggage outside the room before checking out at the front desk. Then we joined Ha and Phoung in the lobby at 9:15 AM to start the morning’s driving tour.
People’s Committee Building in Saigon
Phong immediately started his commentary as we drove down to the Saigon River, then looped back by Union Square (shopping center), past by the People’s Committee Building and then on to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. Once off the coach we went inside the cathedral with Phong giving a brief history.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon
As we were looking at the outside of the cathedral a local TV crew approached us and asked if we’d like to be interviewed – of course we would! Phong translated back and forth between us and the interviewer -who asked about sightseeing, food and if we liked Ho Chi Minh City (we certainly do).
Jill’s TV Interview in Saigon
Then we had 15 minutes to look around the interior of the Post Office on our own before boarding the coach again.
Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Back on the coach a helper again handed out bottles of chilled water as we continued our drive past the American Embassy, War Memorial and Children’s Hospital. Our next stop was at the Independence Palace (White House) for a one-hour guided tour of the interior with Phoung.
Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City
After leaving the Independence Palace there was a 5-minute drive to Minh Phuong, a handicraft and lacquerware factory.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour with Visit to a Lacquer Factory
At the factory we listened to a brief explanation on how to make lacquer and Mother of Pearl inlay furniture and products – it takes 1 to 3 months to make each product. Then we had about 30 minutes to browse the showroom and purchase souvenirs.
Lacuer Products in Saigon
LUNCH AT LY CLUB RESTAURANT
Lunch was at a wonderful local restaurant – Ly Club Restaurant – where we dined on a splendid multi-course set menu that included mineral water, two soft drinks, coffee or tea. The restaurant was lovely, the service friendly and efficient and the meal delicious! (Note: Beer and wine were not included, but were available for purchase)
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Amuse Bouche
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Starter
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Rice Cakes & Beef Appetizer
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Oxtail Soup
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Duck Breast Entree
Ly Club Restaurant Saigon – Dessert
After lunch was completed it was time to drive to meet Uniworld River Orchid on the Mekong River.
Next… River Orchid Embarkation
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City | Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels |
