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When people discuss Saigon's architectural heritage, most usually focus on French colonial architecture like the Opera House, City Hall, or Customs House. Though each of these are important and valuable structures, there is another, less-known style that is an even more integral part of the city's urban fabric.

This half-day tour will expose you to southern Vietnamese modernist architecture, a home-grown movement that was the predominant style from the end of the art deco movement to reunification.

For a proper introduction to the style, the tour will kick-off at Turtle Lake - an important modernist monument - before heading over to the city's best known modernist icon - Reunification palace. After a sip of Vietnamese coffee for a break we will take a short walk over to the General Sciences Library with it's ornate modernist detail before continuing to some other fine examples of the style.

Upgrade Your Experience: Indulge in a One-Hour Coffee Conversation with Architect Mel Schenck @590 USD/group

If you'd like to gain profound insights and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese modernist architecture, following your tour, join us for a one-hour coffee conversation with architect Mel Schenck - the renowned author of 'Southern Vietnamese Modernist Architecture'.  During the engaging session, Mr.Schenck will delve deeper into the captivating world of modernist architecture in Southern Vietnam while sharing his impressive collection of documents and photos that exemplify modernist architectural marvels throughout the region.

Please note that this upgraded experience is subject to Mr.Mel Schenck's availability and you must book it at least 2 weeks before your tour date. The meeting will be arranged according to your tour schedule as below:
- Following the morning tour: from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Following the afternoon tour: from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Itinerary

Important Information

Minor program changes are sometimes necessary, depending on road- and weather conditions

Included in the Prices are: 

  • English-speaking guide
  • Taxi fees included for walking tour or else the whole tour will be on foot
  • Pick up/drop off in downtown Saigon (either D1 or D3) or at Urbanist office (95 Pasteur, D1)
  • Insurance
  • VAT

Not Included in the Prices are:

  • Other food and beverage in addition to the above
  • Services not mentioned in our Itinerary
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tipping, etc
  • Tips (at the eateries/drivers)
  • Additional water/beer/soft drinks. Clients are encouraged to bring their own bottles of water
  • Upgrade to have private car with AC @ 25 USD/person
  • Surcharge applied for having other language speaking guide such as Spanish - French - Chinese
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