6:30am: Breakfast at Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa
Walk over to Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa for a Banh Mi, a Vietnamese-style baguette sandwich. Then off to the Cu Chi Tunnels tour.
7:30am: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
The Cu Chi Tunnels is an immense network of tunnels located in Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh, the location of several military campaigns during Vietnam War. It is used by the soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and living quarters. Life in the tunnels was difficult. Air, food and water were scarce, and tunnels were infested with ants, centipedes, scorpions, spiders and vermin.
2:30pm: Lunch at Phở Số 1 Hà Nội
Head to Phở Số 1 Hà Nội for lunch, one of the popular spots for Pho, a Vietnamese-style rice noodles soup.
3:30pm: Chill at Cafe Trầm
Then, take a break at Cafe Trầm, a beautiful 2-storey whimsical garden-style cafe, a 10mins drive away.
4:30pm: Cholon Cao Dai Temple
Then, to Cholon Cao Dai Temple, a popular worship place in Ho Chi Minh, merging east and west architectural styles. Completed in 1955 when the Cao Dai Army was formed following the Japanese occupation of Indochina. Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Confucius, Joan of Arc and Julius Cesar are all worshipped in this temple. Worshippers of this temple strive for world peace and harmony with beliefs steeped in the various number of world religions. They must obey the 5 virtues of Confucianism - humanity, obligation, civility, knowledge and reliability, and have belief in Buddhist principles of rebirth and karma. Visitors need to have their knees covered and shoes removed.
6pm: Dinner at Bún Riêu Nguyễn Cảnh Chân
Lastly, head to Bún Riêu Nguyễn Cảnh Chân for dinner, a 10mins drive away. They are famous for their Bún Riêu, a Vietnamese-style crab noodles in tomato soup.
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