365 Travel is a local destination management comapny in Vietnam & Southeast Asia. We specialize in creating high-quality, tailor-made travel experiences across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

+84-24-3835-4899

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Explore Ho Chi Minh City Untold: In the Footsteps of the Saigon Commandos

At first glance, Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon, dazzles with its dynamic rhythm. Towering skyscrapers, buzzing motorbikes, and stylish cafés tell the story of a modern Vietnam on the move. Hidden behind ordinary facades and busy streets are traces of a different Saigon, the one that once served as the battleground for an underground network of resistance: the Biet Dong Sai Gon, or Saigon Commandos.

Today, a special historical tour invites travelers to uncover that past firsthand. Following the Footsteps of Saigon Commandos is not just another city tour, but a journey through time, into secret hideouts, narrow alleys, and the very places where history was written in silence and bravery. It’s an experience that lets they see Saigon not through postcards, but through the eyes of those who risked everything for freedom!

Who were the Saigon Commandos?

Biet Dong Sai Gon was a special force unit of the Vietnam People’s Army that operated during the Vietnam War. Formed in the 1960s, this unit was known for its guerrilla tactics and urban warfare, particularly during the Tet Offensive and Uprising in the spring of 1968.

Archival images of the Saigon Commandos during the wartime period.

Their operations included sabotage, intelligence gathering, and direct assaults against US forces, playing a crucial role in the reunification of Viet Nam. The tunnels and hiding places used by the Saigon Commandos are now significant historical sites, reflecting their contributions to the struggle for the liberation of the South and national reunification.

A tour following their footsteps is not just about visiting historical sites; it’s about stepping into the lives of those who lived history. Each stop reveals how resourcefulness and solidarity turned small homes and hidden tunnels into symbols of unwavering determination.

A journey through living history

As travelers follow the footsteps of the Saigon Commandos, they uncover the real locations where history unfolded, often hidden beneath the city’s modern rhythm.

The journey begins at the Reunification Palace, the symbolic heart of Saigon’s wartime history. It was here that the Saigon Commandos launched one of their most daring missions during the Tet Offensive of 1968, an operation that shook the city and left a lasting mark on Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

From there, travelers trace the path of history through central Saigon, passing landmarks like the Caravelle Hotel and Brinks BOQ ( now the Hyatt ) both of which were targeted in strategic bombings in 1964. Standing before these once-ordinary buildings, visitors can imagine the tension and courage that defined a city at war, and the invisible network of fighters who moved through it.

The secret basement under the wardrobe of Saigon commandos

The story deepens with a visit to a hidden weapons bunker, tucked beneath a humble house in a quiet neighborhood. Once, this unassuming residence concealed nearly two tons of weapons, carefully stored and ready for missions that would alter the course of the war. The operation was led by a furniture supplier who used his job to transport arms for the resistance. Today, visitors can descend into the underground chamber, still preserved with the original tunnel entrance, and witness the incredible ingenuity behind one of Vietnam’s most successful covert missions.

Next, the tour continues to the Biet Dong Sai Gon – Gia Dinh Museum, a preserved safe house filled with secret passageways and artifacts that tell the story of underground resistance. Once another secret safe house, it now serves as a memorial to the Commandos’ courage and creativity. Inside, travelers can explore reconstructed living spaces, secret compartments hidden behind false walls, and over 300 authentic artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and hand-written notes – that bring to life the human side of urban warfare.

Each artifact tells a story about the special forces soldier, such as Mr. Lai’s woodworking tools – a profession that helped him camouflage and enter enemy strongholds without arousing suspicion. A typewriter once owned by Nguyen Van Thieu, an accordion and motorbikes used to deliver secret messages, etc,…

Historical artifacts preserved at the Biet Dong Sai Gon – Gia Dinh Museum.

The journey concludes at Do Phu Café, also known as “Biet Dong Coffee Shop”, once a commando base cleverly hidden in plain sight. During the war, it served “com tam Dai Han”, Korean-style broken rice to disguise its true purpose as a meeting point and secret mailbox for the resistance. Customers coming to this simple restaurant could not have imagined that this place was actually used by the revolutionaries as a shelter, a liaison, a meeting place, a place to deliver letters and secret documents, and to hide cadres…Today, over a cup of Vietnamese coffee, visitors will see evidence of a time of secret but vibrant revolutionary activities.

The interior space of Do Phu Café

The journey concludes at Do Phu Café, also known as “Biet Dong Coffee Shop”, once a commando base cleverly hidden in plain sight. During the war, it served “com tam Dai Han”, Korean-style broken rice to disguise its true purpose as a meeting point and secret mailbox for the resistance. Customers coming to this simple restaurant could not have imagined that this place was actually used by the revolutionaries as a shelter, a liaison, a meeting place, a place to deliver letters and secret documents, and to hide cadres…Today, over a cup of Vietnamese coffee, visitors will see evidence of a time of secret but vibrant revolutionary activities.

This tour brings the past vividly to life. Each stop reveals how everyday spaces (homes, cafés, and hotels) once carried the weight of national destiny. Walking these streets, travelers don’t observe history from afar; they stand where it happened. It’s an encounter with resilience, memory, and the spirit that helped shape modern Vietnam!

In today’s travel landscape, history-based experiences are no longer niche, they’re in demand. Travelers, especially those who are interested in history , are seeking journeys that go beyond sightseeing to offer context, emotion, and connection. This Biet Dong Sai Gon experience answers exactly that call.

This experience is perfect for curious, culturally minded travelers, those who value authenticity and depth over superficial attractions. It appeals to history enthusiasts, educators, students, and even repeat visitors to Vietnam who believe they’ve “seen it all.” But it’s also deeply engaging for modern explorers who appreciate stories of human resilience and ingenuity that transcend borders.

For your clients, this tour delivers what today’s post-COVID traveler increasingly craves: purpose-driven exploration. It combines education, emotion, and exclusivity, an experience that feels personal, not mass-produced. They’re not just visiting landmarks; they’re uncovering a living chapter of Vietnam’s identity, guided by experts who bring those stories to life through authentic encounters and local insights.

By offering this journey, our partners can expand their Vietnam portfolio with something truly distinctive, a program that transforms “war tourism” into an experience of remembrance, empathy, and respect. It’s a journey that bridges generations and perspectives, reminding travelers that courage and hope often thrive in the most unexpected places.

Interested in adding more depth to your Vietnam portfolio? Contact 365 Travel to learn how it can enrich your product lineup with experiences that inspire, educate, and connect.

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365 Travel is a local destination management company based in Vietnam & Southeast Asia.
We specialize in creating high-quality, tailor-made travel experiences across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

About us

Contact Info

  • 9th Floor, Ladeco Building, 266 Doi Can Str, Ngoc Ha Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • +84-24-3835-4899
  • info@365travel.asia

 

BRN: 0102126682 issued by Hanoi DPI on 30/03/2023
ITBL No.: 01-304/2015/CDLQGVN-GP LHQT

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  • Learn how to greet people in their languages!
  • Always keep calm, be patient and be polite!
  • Respect local cultures!
  • Connect with people before taking photos of them!
  • Dress modestly and neatly!
  • Follow proper culture etiquette!
  • Asian societies remain fairly traditional and are attached to old customs. So please kindly
  • Respect cultural sites!
  • Many cultural sites, even those in ruins are sacred grounds, so:
  • It is forbidden to walk or climb anywhere off regular footpaths, to scrawl or scribble on monuments, and to collect stones or any parts of the monuments or sites.
  • Contact with monks!.
  • Answer questions!

A unique experience and a different way to see Hanoi. Explore hidden backstreets, local homes, markets, and how locals live, work, and play. Unlike other tours, we show the city's beautiful and raw sides. Highlights include must-see landmarks. Discover the serene outskirts around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, showcasing the harmony between city life and its peaceful surroundings. Enjoy stops at authentic eateries to savor Hanoi's best dishes, including family recipes and local specialties.

Join us for a hands-on Handmade "Dó" Paper Workshop, where you'll learn the traditional process of crafting high-quality handmade paper. Discover the raw materials, explore unique papers from ethnic villages in Northern Vietnam, and see stunning creative products. Get hands-on by making your own paper and decorating it with flowers, leaves, and plants. Enjoy a peaceful day in the fresh while immersing yourself in this artistic experience. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and creativity!

In collaboration with 365 Travel, Zó Project is a social enterprise committed to preserving Vietnam’s ancient Dó paper craft through sustainable innovation. Dating back to the 3rd century, this durable paper has declined due to industrialization. Zó partners with artisans, designers, and ecologists to revive it through workshops, cultural events, and contemporary products. By blending tradition with sustainability, Zó empowers artisans, safeguards cultural heritage, and promotes eco-friendly practices for future generations.

Join our Beeswax Drawing Workshop for an immersive experience in the traditional art of batik-style resist dyeing. Begin with a warm welcome and a taste of Dao ethnic herbal tea before exploring the cultural significance and origins of beeswax drawing, a craft rooted in Southeast Asian traditions. Learn how to melt and apply natural beeswax to fabric, mastering techniques to create intricate patterns and fine details before dyeing. With guidance from skilled artisans, you’ll craft your own unique piece, blending creativity with cultural heritage. This hands-on workshop offers a meaningful connection to tradition and a beautiful handmade souvenir to take home.

In collaboration with 365 Travel, Indigo Store is dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s ethnic traditions and supporting local artisans. For 28 years, it has collaborated with experts and NGOs to restore lost craft villages, revive traditional weaving, and sustain cultural heritage. By funding festivals, training artisans, and reinvesting 50% of earnings into local communities, Indigo Store ensures that ethnic minorities can maintain their crafts, earn a livelihood, and pass down traditions for future generations.

Join our Hoi An Folding Lantern Making Class and craft your own foldable Hoi An lantern with Ha, a skilled artisan from the Reaching Out workshop. This hands-on experience allows you to transform creative ideas into a functional work of art while learning traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. Guided by an English-speaking host and two artisans, you’ll follow step-by-step instructions to construct a unique, collapsible lantern to take home.

Every purchase or experience at Reaching Out supports skilled artisans with disabilities, providing them with opportunities for independence and meaningful work. Established in 2000, this social enterprise has grown into a renowned fair-trade business, offering authentic Vietnamese products and experiences while empowering a diverse team through craftsmanship and community integration.

The "Connecting with Herbs" experience at An Farm Hoi An offers families a fun and enriching day exploring the world of herbs. Guests enjoy organic herbal teas, tour the farm, and learn about the benefits of various herbs. Hands-on activities include harvesting, drying, and making herbal drinks like teas, detox juices, and mocktails. Participants also create home remedies and enjoy a relaxing foot bath. The experience concludes with a nourishing vegetarian meal made from farm-fresh ingredients. This immersive program promotes wellness, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature while preserving traditional herbal knowledge.

After breakfast, let’s explore Bat Trang ceramic village, a hub of Vietnamese pottery craftsmanship. Begin your journey with a walk to Bat Trang Temple, followed by a visit to Van Chi house, where scholars who passed university exams in the past are honored. Discover the charm of the nearby centuries-old houses: one traditional, the other a fascinating blend of old and new, complete with a wrought-iron staircase imported from France and a fruit-filled courtyard. Continue to visit Lò Bàu Cổ, an ancient, traditional kiln used in Bat Trang village to produce high-quality ceramics before joining a hands-on pottery class (2 hours) at Gom Sen, a social enterprise preserving traditional pottery and supporting artisans, especially those with disabilities. Engage in shaping and decorating your ceramic piece, blending tradition with creativity. Lunch at local restaurant.

 

Experience a distinctive culinary at Nen Light – one of the best dining establishments in Ho Chi Minh City recently listed in the Michelin Guide 2023. Nén Light stands out with its sophisticated culinary style that tells inspiring stories through each dish, infused with the flavors and tastes of Vietnam. Championing a cuisine without boundaries, the young chef curates a tasting menu of 7 or 9 courses that tells a story. She uses mostly local ingredients in her ingenious creations and changes the menu every four months to keep it fresh. With their trademarked Sto:ry Menu concept, each experience at Nén Light is a multi-sensory journey that aims not only to satisfy the palate, but to touch the heart and provoke the mind of the diner as well.

After breakfast, meet our guide and driver for a transfer out of the city center to Van Phuc Silk Village. Your visit begins with an introduction to Vun Art's inspiring mission and the craftsmanship behind their unique silk artwork, which is made from leftover fabric collected from nearby garment workshops. A hands-on experience (60 minutes) lets you create your piece of art, guided by the unique artisans. You'll also explore their workshops, the local market, and the village's ancient temple and pagoda (outside).

As you finish the tour, you'll get a glimpse into the challenges faced by people with disabilities, their resilience, and their stories. You'll learn about their sustainable materials and how they're making a difference by reducing fabric waste and protecting the environment.

In collaboration with 365 Travel, Vun Art is a social enterprise commited to provide vocational training, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose to people with disabilities. They also celebrate Vietnamese culture by creating stunning pieces inspired by traditional folk art and the heritage of Van Phuc Silk Village.