Wartime Saigon Historical Tour with Lunch and Guided Insights
Description
Uncover the poignant history of wartime Saigon on a guided tour that unveils key landmarks from the Vietnam War era. Visit the memorial site outside the U.S. Consulate, explore the former CIA building, and enjoy a drink at the Rex Hotel's rooftop café, known for its rich historical significance. Delve into the Reunification Palace, once the heart of political power, and learn about the U.S. Ambassador's residence where crucial decisions were made. Savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Pho Binh, a site of historical importance during the Tet Offensive, while reflecting on the past through a curated photo gallery. - Explore Saigon's wartime history with a knowledgeable guide - Visit significant sites, including the U.S. Consulate and Reunification Palace - Enjoy a refreshing drink at the historic Rex Hotel rooftop café - Savor authentic pho at Pho Binh, a former Viet Cong planning site
Tour Options
Itinerary
A small shrine just outside the U.S. Consulate—an iconic site symbolizing America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Learn about the final helicopter evacuations of American citizens in April 1975.
Former CIA Building (Exterior Visit Only) Stop outside the building made famous by the iconic image of Americans boarding a helicopter on the rooftop during the fall of Saigon. This moment marked the end of a tumultuous chapter in history.
Explore the former presidential residence of the South Vietnamese government. This architectural landmark witnessed many key political decisions and was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975.
It was a hidden base for storing weapons and sheltering personnel of Saigon Special Forces Unit 5, which specialized in attacking the Independence Palace
Enjoy a refreshing drink at the legendary rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel. Once a key hub for international journalists and military briefings, the hotel offers sweeping views of downtown Saigon and historical insights from your guide.
Late Lunch at Pho Binh – Viet Cong Planning Site Savor a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup (pho) at Pho Binh, a humble restaurant that once served as the secret command center for the 1968 Tet Offensive. After lunch, explore the upstairs photo gallery documenting the role of this location during the war.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pickup is available from all districts within Ho Chi Minh City. Please be ready in your hotel lobby at the scheduled pickup time. The exact pickup time will be confirmed via message or email after booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(3)
I was reluctant to pick this tour because it had only one review. It was our last day in Vietnam and decided to take it. I am very glad I did. We saw several different locations regarding the Vietnam War that was not on any other tour. The guide was so informative. We learned many new things about the war. It ended with a delicious lunch. I highly recommend this tour and wish it could have been a little longer because there was so much to see and learn.
Thank you for your wonderful review and for giving our tour a chance despite having only a few reviews at the time. We're delighted to hear that the tour exceeded your expectations and provided unique insights into Vietnam's history. Our goal is to offer a deeper understanding of the events, places, and stories that shaped the country, and we're glad you found the experience both informative and engaging. We truly appreciate your trust in us and hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in Vietnam.
The Independence Palace was very interesting but we nearly missed the best part of all, the Secret Weapons Cellar. Our guide Tiger was great, but the tour provider did not give him the same itinerary that is on the Viator site, and this attraction was left off his schedule. He made it right but if I had not been paying attention we would have missed it. the Viet Cong restaurant we were taken to had questionable hygiene and I wasn’t comfortable there. I didn't see much point to the visit. I loved ending the day at the Rex Hotel rooftop bar for a cocktail (drink not included)
Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re really glad to hear that you enjoyed your guide Tiger and the experience at the Rex Hotel rooftop—it’s definitely a great way to end the day. At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the itinerary. This is not the experience we aim to provide, and we will review this carefully with our team to ensure better consistency moving forward. We also appreciate your comments about the restaurant. The stop is actually a historical site, known as Pho Binh, which dates back to the wartime period. During the tour, we briefly visit this location and enjoy a traditional bowl of pho there as part of the experience. Thank you again for your honest feedback—it helps us improve, and we hope to have another opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.
Went on this tour alone and it exceeded my expectations. The guide was knowledgeable and very approachable, making the whole experience easy and enjoyable. I learned a lot about the city’s wartime history, and the lunch was a nice bonus. Felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of throughout the tour.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to welcome you back again for more great experiences in Vietnam 😊
