After being collected from your cruise ship port, you will make your way in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These networks are a reminder of the ingenious designs needed to survive in these tight-squeezing tunnels during war-torn times. You can opt to crawl through the 100-meter tunnels to get a feel for what the soldiers had to endure, or simply walk around the scenic site, taking in the historical and cultural importance of this war remnant. You can also discover the kitchens hidden around the tunnels, and sample the food the Viet Cong ate during the war. Nowadays the tunnels have been widened slightly for tourists, so it won’t be such a tight squeeze! This experience offers an inspiring insight into human perseverance during the challenges of war.
Your next stop gives you the opportunity to meet with a friendly local, and to get a sense of the traditional way of life that has very much been preserved in this part of the country. You will take a walk around the farm and even take part in a rice paper lesson, this is a fantastic opportunity to get off the beaten tourist track and to become acquainted with the local people and way of life. Following this, you will make your way to a rubber tapping facility where you will learn how latex is extracted from a rubber tree. Vietnam is the world’s third biggest natural rubber producer, and this stop offers a fantastic insight into this process. Following this, you will take a short stop to sample a traditional lunch of either Pho or Banh Mi.
After lunch, you will move on to the War Remnants Museum. Offering an alternative perspective, the war museum shows the devastating effects of war on the civilian population. The museum is a favorite with tourists, as it offers never-before-seen material and an entirely alternate perspective. The Requiem Gallery is the gem of this museum, where you can see historic photos taken by famed international war photographers such as Tim Page or Larry Burrows. Although sometimes upsetting, the display is essential for understanding the horrors of the Vietnam War, and also the endurance and perseverance of a nation. Following the museum, you will be promptly returned back to your port, marking the end of your tour.
