Saigon Private Half Day Car Tour: An Honest Review

Thinking of seeing Ho Chi Minh City, previously Saigon, yet maybe you’re a bit short on time? A half-day car tour just could be the ticket. But, that’s the question: is it actually worth it? Well, having taken a similar trip not so long ago, here’s a, possibly, useful rundown of my own encounter.

First Impressions: Booking and Pickup

Okay, initially, the whole booking thing went pretty smoothly. I, for one, booked my own trip online via a tour outfit with alright ratings. So, you know, the website was fairly easy to get the hang of, plus that confirmation was, really, pretty quick. Anyway, there I was feeling organized and ready to roll.

Then, pick-up time swung around and, I will say, the driver was, like, bang on time. That can definitely get things off to a stellar start, I think. You just hate to hang around and start thinking. Plus, the car was really well looked after, like you sort of expected. Air conditioning blasting, so too it was a, more or less, pleasing escape from the city’s stickiness. In a way, first impressions really matter, right? At the beginning of this journey everything checked out.

Reunification Palace: A Step Back In Time

First up, really, was the Reunification Palace. I guess it’s a super famous place, yet visiting gives you a better idea what Saigon was back during wartime. Wandering all through its rooms kinda gives you that almost spooky sensation of, potentially, important choices being made, right? Just the contrast between its, basically, quite stately reception rooms and the rather simple, very functional war room downstairs kinda hit home. Also, that old war room makes for some seriously compelling scenes if you can shut all other people out. You almost feel you’re present, or at least that you almost were. If architecture really does have words, this place speaks volumes, so it’s typically really nice being present.

And, talking of stories, the guide basically did a killer job. So he showed us key spots yet he managed to spin quite awesome anecdotes too. The guide, a man named Than (probably). To be fair he really seemed rather jazzed about bringing the history, maybe even what seemed a little dry history, to life, which is certainly cool to feel, at any rate. That sort of enthusiasm could rub off onto even the sleepiest visitor. Even me and history is one of the more snooze-inducing conversations that one could find.

War Remnants Museum: Confronting History

Following that we zipped right over to the War Remnants Museum. In a way, alright, now this spot is no laughing matter. In some respects, alright, yet this museum is rather confronting; however, the name actually suits its theme. Very important really, albeit truly tough to gaze at, what with the exhibits illustrating how the war affected individuals, and really quite affecting yourself, you may just not have viewed images like these earlier, you know?

Then, in a rather awesome outdoor display, some United States armor as well as aircraft had all been stored. By the way, observing these gargantuan pieces really does add to how seriously big of an effect that war played out here. Obviously the tour gives lots of opportunities to kinda learn so much. Obviously you can get close enough for great photos, which just sort of allows yourself to pause and also think upon the cost, if you understand? This is a must even although you may well want to proceed slowly.

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office: French Colonial Grandeur

For goodness sake a touch of the French is noticeable even on that side of Asia. Notre-Dame Cathedral seemed incredibly beautiful and, yet I also felt I was somehow transported straight into the streets of Paris and, frankly, seemed totally away from Saigon’s madness, it looked like. This church shows amazing style, regardless of you might not actually be religious.

It’s almost like, right across there, stood the Central Post Office, designed seemingly by the very dude, Gustave Eiffel. I remember myself mailing away various postcards, like I was actually still back at this olden-days scene. It could be rather neat just to simply take that breath there inside because this building definitely holds itself as, at any rate, a busy hub and, naturally, a pretty spot. Maybe, that could be like stepping backward and watching history play outside your eyes, sort of.

Jade Emperor Pagoda: A Spiritual Oasis

Okay, after something fairly tranquil? The Jade Emperor Pagoda might be just up your street. This peaceful pagoda supplies a great means of slipping outside of the commotion which dominates Saigon. Apparently loaded containing interesting statuary together with the scented smells through the incense; it’s certainly hard not feeling relaxed here. By the way, local worshippers flocking make all kinds of prayer rituals seem authentic also. I just thought, for me it appeared almost so great actually observing a real bit regarding local Saigon, too it’s nearly always really enjoyable right?

It’s worth, for example, watching the careful specifics included into all of those carvings – so this location does hold serious depth! Make an effort when observing – just even that short time may turn quite memorable because. Is that fair?

Ben Thanh Market: A Whirlwind of Commerce

The Ben Thanh Market kinda brings everything. You get tons of people, the sounds plus what feels a little like absolute organized mayhem. This huge marketplace possesses every conceivable trinket – clothing and crafts even yummy street type treats. Seemingly go geared to bargain, which feels expected; those traders appear used. If, naturally, your sensory equipment might well feel fairly charged via time it just seems, right that you stepped off, though you could simply witness true Saigon company getting executed! I picked those lovely silk shirts just when hoping not to actually feel swindled, hahaha! And the guide gave all of us a variety of top pointers prior – super efficient!

The Guide and the Car: A Quick Word

I had a nice private car for all journeys might be almost vital once thinking of navigating Ho Chi Minh, specifically by the short timeline involved, for myself anyway. Getting able easily zoom between different destinations certainly feels worthwhile – so too public transport could potentially chew deep down just as many of your time here! Also that air conditioned-type vibe does sound awesome; there exists a ton of walking involved, specifically between afternoons.

Our guide, well maybe what’s-his-name( I did name him previously), Than I suspect, felt exceptional! He was indeed insightful, also seeming very informed just for anything associated through that story as for spots our company encountered also through delivering people together; his insight increased even our vacation far greatly; that really comes standard at certain attractions but through others having knowledge truly did assist us discover places we maybe almost skimmed over else.

Is It Worth It?

Therefore I often suggest taking at Saigon’s car day time tour. Especially when struggling time? Really yes, I totally do recommend doing it; those trips help one cram loads! Clearly a handful of might say that experiencing particular locations in depth is not the most efficient approach, but if planning well maybe those visits become seriously fascinating by themselves- and in general! And one benefits from escaping by having some air cooler even with a truly intelligent person. Is there any genuine not being entertained by themselves and getting transported on many days- that actually does occur quickly!! You still require deciding even for self really.

When having restricted finances there are other better possible chances however if hoping when spoiling on vacation maybe think concerning those guided automobiles; these did feel value even cash personally wise.

Hopefully this provides that assistance through some people sitting even regarding their actual plans or that which otherwise to plan inside Saigon right.