(KPL/VNA) Ho Chi Minh City has introduced a variety of special tours highlighting the city’s cultural and historical values and showcasing its tourism potential and that of neighbouring localities, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025).

Among the standout experiences is the “From the Tet Offensive to the Glorious Spring Victory” tour, which takes visitors on a historical journey through key landmarks that reflect the city's transformation. The itinerary includes the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, a covert weapons storage site linked to the Saigon Special Forces’ 1968 attack on the Independence Palace, the Saigon Special Forces Memorial, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.

Another tour invites visitors to explore the Sac Forest Historical Site, a location tied to the courageous efforts of special forces soldiers who fought between 1966 and April 30, 1975. The journey also stops at the Sac Martyrs Cemetery, where soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation’s independence are commemorated. Additionally, visitors can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable underground defence system recognised for its unique military significance.

A special train tour dubbed “The 50-Year Journey: Connecting Cultural Regions” offers travellers a scenic ride through Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang while experiencing Vietnam’s diverse culinary landscape.

A particularly significant highlight occurs at 11:30am on April 30, when visitors will gather at the Independence Palace to witness a reenactment of the historic moment that marked the nation’s reunification. Following this, visitors can explore a tour which includes stops at the Saigon Special Forces Museum, featuring the iconic secret bunker and mailboxes used by the Sai Gon Special Forces before 1975. Visitors can also ascend the Landmark 81 Skyview, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscrapers, and enjoy the acclaimed "A O Show."

In addition to designing new tour experiences, travel businesses have enhanced service quality to better align with market trends. They are also expanding product offerings to encourage longer visitor stays and boost spending, contributing to the city's economic and tourism growth.

To celebrate this milestone, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in collaboration with related agencies, has recognised 50 iconic symbols that reflect the city's vibrant yet deeply sentimental character.

These iconic features include prominent landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, Thu Ngu Flagpole, City Hall, the Saigon Special Forces historic site, and Nha Rong Wharf. Cultural highlights such as the Ong Ba Chieu Temple, traditional water puppetry, and Vietnamese folk music are also being promoted. In addition, popular culinary symbols like street-side coffee, Saigon-style banh mi, and broken rice dishes contribute to the city’s charm and cultural identity.

KPL