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Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Private Full-Day Highlights
5.0
476 Ratings
Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on an exclusive day-long journey in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where your tour guide will introduce you to the top sights this shore trip boasts. This tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch and admission fees for attractions.
Embark on an exclusive day-long journey in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where your tour guide will introduce you to the top sights this shore trip boasts. This tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch and admission fees for attractions.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a prominent symbol of Catholicism in predominantly Buddhist Vietnam. Situated in Paris Square, it was named Notre Dame following the installation of the ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ statue in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican elevated it to…
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a prominent symbol of Catholicism in predominantly Buddhist Vietnam. Situated in Paris Square, it was named Notre Dame following the installation of the ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ statue in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican elevated it to a basilica, officially naming it the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. The cathedral, nearly 60 meters tall, showcases neo-Romanesque architecture with its all-red brick façade imported from Marseille, stained glass windows, and two bell towers housing six bronze bells that still chime today. It is nestled in a serene garden in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1.
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautifully preserved relic of French colonial architecture and is considered one of Southeast Asia’s most magnificent post offices. Located adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into life during the Indochinese Empire. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the building features arched windows and wooden shutters, reminiscent of its late 19th-century prime.
- The Independence Palace - Independence Palace served as the headquarters for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his passing in 1963. It gained international recognition in 1975 when a North Vietnamese Army tank breached its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, preserved as a time capsule from 1975. Visitors can view two original tanks used in the palace’s capture, parked on the grounds. The palace, once home to the French Governor of Cochin-China, boasts lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furnishings, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh City, including APEC summits.
- War Remnants Museum - Opened to the public in 1975, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a poignant reminder of the Vietnam War’s brutality. Formerly known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes,’ it displays graphic photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, and a single-seater attack aircraft. A conventional bomb weighing 6,800kg is also on display, showcasing the weaponry used by American forces against the Vietnamese from 1945 to 1975.
- People’s Committee Building - The People’s Committee Building in central Ho Chi Minh City is a prime example of well-preserved French colonial architecture, set within a spacious garden. Originally built as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now functions as a city hall and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it comprises three buildings adorned with embossed statues, intricate bas-reliefs, and a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. The best time to visit is in the evening when these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
- Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House, an elegant colonial structure, is located at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, near the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-story, 800-seat Opera House, built in 1897, hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance, and plays. Performance details are advertised around the building, and additional information is available at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.
- Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown, with origins dating back to 1778. It holds significant historical and cultural value. Chinese minorities sought refuge here from the Tay Son and had to rebuild the area twice after attacks, with an estimated 70% perishing while attempting to escape by boat. Survivors settled and began selling various Chinese products. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors. Cholon offers a glimpse of classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. The bustling Binh Tay market at its center is crowded and lively, with narrow aisles selling a wide range of goods. It’s a fascinating place to explore at night.
- Ba Thien Hau Temple - Ba Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. Mazu is believed to protect and rescue ships and people at sea by flying on a mat or cloud. Mazuism incorporates elements of Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. The temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center.
- Ben Thanh Market - Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is an excellent spot to purchase local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. Inside the market, visitors can enjoy hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or cool off with a cold drink when bargaining becomes overwhelming. The market is large and can be challenging to navigate, especially during the hottest part of the day, but it is worth exploring. In the evening, surrounding restaurants open, creating a vibrant street scene filled with the aromas of wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish, and meats. As one of Saigon’s oldest landmarks, Ben Thanh offers an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.
- Emperor Jade Pagoda - The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai Tu, is a Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian pagoda located at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Founded by Liu Daoyuan, a Cantonese migrant, it has been known as Phuoc Hai Tu since 1984.
- The Secret Weapons Cellar - Amid the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, a modest house at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, quietly preserves a significant piece of history — the secret weapon bunker of the Biet Dong Sai Gon, a special force unit of the Vietnam People’s Army that operated during the Vietnam War. This site once concealed over two tons of weapons, prepared for the attack on the Independence Palace during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

What's Included
- Pick-up and Drop-off at the port
- Bottled Water
- Private Professional English Speaking Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Pick-up and Drop-off at the port
- Bottled Water
- Private Professional English Speaking Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Personal expenses
Location
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
01 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(476 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Danielles559
Apr 8, 2026
10/10 for the win! - Our tour guide, We (and our driver) were amazing! We had an idea of what we wanted to see and experience, and We was there to make suggestions to make it even better. I highly recommend him and this tour, as it was a way to see the city without needing to share the experience with a bus group of strangers. 10/10!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danal01
Apr 5, 2026
Private tour with special extras! - Peter did a great job with the tour of Ho Chi Minh city. Brought us to the normal tourist places but also to a very local experience for lunch for some fantastic authentic Pho and to a customized coffee shop for very special coffee. Would highly recommend Peter and Maximus travel!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gail
Apr 3, 2026
Exceptional tour and guide of Ho Chi Minh City from Phu My cruise port - Kai was an excellent guide who spoke exceptional English. we had good discussions with him about lots of topics as he guided us adeptly around the city to all the sights in the listed itinerary. We stopped for coffee and he advised on a delicious lunch choice. The tour exceeded our expectations and he helped us feel very comfortable with our first visit to Vietnam.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_s
Apr 3, 2026
Emmie was one of the best... - Emmie was one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. She was knowledgeable, engaging and passionate in her presentations. She made our visit to Ho Chi Minh City extra special.
Review provided by Viator
Micahman212
Apr 3, 2026
Private Saigon Wow six stars Liam - LIAM and driver Mr T were fantastic.
Before we left the dock Liam asked us where we wanted to go.
Liam gave us a great history lesson at each stop. Great lunch and other items, also took pictures at each stop. If you are on a crusie, go to viator and book private Saigon and ask for Liam and Mr T
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve
Apr 1, 2026
Shane was an amazing guide. - Ho Chi Minh City shines with this private tour. Our guide Shane shared his love of the city as he took us to see all the amazing sites and talked about the history behind each place. From sacred temples, WWII sites, and historic buildings, we saw the best of HCM. Shane also led us to some neighborhoods where we got to see how people live each day from small family shops to the apartments above where their families live. We got to watch our coffee being made in the same manner as it has been for over 80 years in a cafe handed down over generations. Great coffee and great family serving it. We had lunch at a local shop where the Pho was amazing. Again, Shane made this day very special and was the key factor in us enjoying HCM city so much. Highly recommend this private tour with Shane as a guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sebastianoce5377gu
Apr 1, 2026
A must for first timers in Ho Chi Minh - Peter was an excellent guide. We loved the personalized experience of a private car. We also loved that the driver was not also the guide. Loved the coffee stop, and chicken noodle soup stop. We visited everything in the itinerary except Chinatown and the market which we chose to skip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andy_a
Mar 31, 2026
Great Ho Chi Minh city tour! - Our tour guide, Peter was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the history of the city, the many landmarks we visited, and explaining the culture. His explanations and stories were very helpful to help us understand not only the history, but also current culture. The food at the his favorite local restaurant was very good and he also explained how it was specific to the city. We highly recommend this tour with Peter.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_c
Mar 31, 2026
Wonderful experience with Mr. Will our private tour guide - Will made this time in the city very enjoyable. He was so helpful and considerate to our need of easy access and slower pace. He made sure we were dropped off at the best location for each point of interest. Even though we move slower he set everything up so we could see everything on our list to see in the time we had.
Review provided by Viator
Andydp1655bu
Mar 31, 2026
A Tour Not To Be Missed. - OK where do I start?
My wife and I booked this tour whilst on a cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore.
I have to confess I was apprehensive about how this would work as to disembarking from the ship and how we would meet up however once I had committed to the booking all contact was arranged via ‘What’s App’.
Liam instructed us via WA to take one of the complimentary ‘Buggy cars’ which were parked by our ship which then take you to the Customs House at the Port Gate.
Upon arrival at the Customs House we were met by our guide Liam and our driver ‘Mr D’.
From the outset we found Liam to be both courteous and knowledgeable about all things regarding Vietnam and more specifically Ho Chi Minh City,
He certainly knew his history and spoke with passion when discussing the many sites we visited.
Our cruise ship had arrived an hour later than planned however Liam made clear what the itinerary plans were and then made it clear he would be happy to change anything if we so desired. As the day wore on we did find it getting extremely hot and humid therefore changes were made to the tour latterly whereby walking in the open was somewhat reduced to allow us the benefit of the AC in the car.
We visited many attractions during the tour such as a Pagoda, a Market, the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office and City Hall.
Towards the end of the tour we asked to change our visit to the Museum for a beer in the 2nd tallest building in Asia which Liam was happy to arrange.
Liam also took photos of my wife and I throughout the tour and WA’d them to us the following day.
As part of the tour Liam also bought us Vietnamese Buns from a ‘Michelin’ star restaurant which I have to confess were delicious - he also supplied us with bottles of water, coke and Vietnamese coffee during the tour.
If you ever visit Ho Chi Minh City I would thoroughly recommend that you book this tour - Liam was an excellent host and it appeared that his only wish was to make sure we both enjoyed the tour.
Whilst our driver Mr D didn’t speak English he quietly negotiated the traffic with minimal fuss thereby ensuring our safe passage to all our tour stops.
Many thanks to both Liam and Mr D for an unforgettable tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
Review provided by Tripadvisor