Get off of the tourist track to experience the local life of bustling Ho chi minh city. Learn about Vietnamese and Chinese communities as you travel to Cho Lon, one of the worlds largest and oldest Chinatowns. Start with a visit to the iconic Binh Tay Market, famed for its warren of food stands and grand Sino-French architecture. Learn about the everyday life of the fruit and vegetable sellers before stopping for a glass of traditional Caf Sua Da - Vietnamese iced coffee, and the chance to try some of Vietnams exotic fruits. Afterwards hop on a cyclo and pass through the chaotic backstreets where everything from spare motorbike parts to religious artifacts are frantically traded! Stop at historic Cha Tam church, where President Diem was seized during the 1963 coup and hear about the citys turbulent past before walking through the oldest streets of Cho Lon. Visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop and see how herbal tea is prepared, before arriving at the Minh Huong communal house - home to one of Cho Lons oldest Chinese communities. Hear the stories of the families that moved from China over 3 centuries ago and learn how Vietnamese and Chinese culture has blended over the years.

End your day of exploration in District 1 with a 3 course lunch in the most unlikely of places, a flower shop! The menu at Palma De Fleur changes daily with the shopkeepers family recipes.

Lunch Standard (Vietnamese Menu) Supplier: Padma de Fleur Restaurant.

Special note:

* Starting time at 7:30 - 7:45am; Finishing time around 14:00

* Pick-up and drop-off point at hotels in district 1, 3, 5 in Saigon

* Transportation for Saigon Local Life: Taxi (group 1 - 3 pax); 16-seats van (group 4 - 8 pax)

NOTE:

Binh Tay market, an 88 year old structure is going under a comprehensive 365-day-restoration project starting from Nov 2016. During this renovation time, the visit will be arranged at temporary market, located on Thap Muoi Street, just opposite the existing market, with space for up to 1,077 stalls.