Ancient temples shrouded in mystery, stunning landscapes, traditional cuisine, bustling nightlife – it’s all available for you during free time in Southeast Asia!
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Ho Chi Minh City |
Nguyen Hue Walking Street In 1887, Cho Vai Canal was filled in, turning two streets into one and creating ‘the most beautiful street in Sai Gon’ at the time. Today, it serves as a hub for tourists and locals alike, bustling with people and activities. Walk the streets lined with trees, a misting system to keep cool, music and light systems, public toilets and wifi. |
FREE Hours: Accessible 24/7! Location: Nguyen Hue Street between the Ferry Terminal on Sai Gon River and Le Thanh Ton Street. |
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Independence Palace Take a trip back in time and visit the site of crashing tanks during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, housed the executive branch of the southern governement during the Vietnam War, and still has maps hanging on the basement walls, where there was once a bomb bunker. |
$ Hours: 7:30 – 11:00 am; 1:00 – 4:00 pm Location: Centrally located in Ho Chi Minh. |
Hanoi |
Lotte Center Take in the sky-high views from the Lotte Center 65th floor’s Observation Deck. Ride up in one of the two high-speed elevators and admire the 360 degree city views. From the top, you can see almost all of Hanoi. Those feeling brave can walk out on the glass-floored sky walk. Go up during the day to get the lay of the land, or at night to visit the Observatory and see the lights. After checking out the observation deck you can go up one more level to the rooftop bar. |
$ Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 am Location: Just west of the city center, next to the zoo. |
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Hoa Lo Prison In 1896, this prison was built by French colonists to intern thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary fighters. In 1954, after the north of Vietnam was liberated, it was used as a regular prison by the Vietnam Government; and then from 1964 to 1973, used to capture American pilots. It was during this time that Ha Lo Prison was nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton,” and where Sen. John McCain was confined when he was captured. Visitors can still see his flight suit there to this day. Most of Hoa Lo was demolished in the 1990s, but In 1993 part of Hoa Lo was transformed into a historical relic. |
$ Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: Centrally located in Hanoi. |