• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a significant Catholic landmark 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 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. Adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering 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 historical significance 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, a single-seater attack aircraft, and a 6,800kg conventional bomb. These weapons were 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 showcases well-preserved French colonial architecture within a spacious garden setting. 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 of animals and people, 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 at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, is conveniently located 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 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.
• 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 both 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 well 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.

• Private professional tour guide
• Customizable and flexible private tour
• Traditional Vietnamese lunch
• All entrance tickets and fees included
• Authentic Vietnamese coffee experience
• Convenient cruise port pickup and drop-off

• Personal expenses

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.