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Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion: Discover City's Best via Cruise Port
4.9
259 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
- Private Professional Tour Guide
- Bottled Water
- Private, Customized and Flexible Tour
- Vietnamese Traditional Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Private transportation by new vehicle
- Private Professional Tour Guide
- Bottled Water
- Private, Customized and Flexible Tour
- Vietnamese Traditional Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Private transportation by new vehicle
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
4.9
(259 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Kerstin_s
May 7, 2025
What a great day in Saigon - We were more than happy to have Kain as our tour guide for one day in Saigon!
He was really knowledgeable, kind, speaks fluent english and showed us around really interesting spots, also including a great local place for lunch. And on top of that we had the greatest coffee (with egg) you could ever imagine! We highly recommend booking a tour with Kain! You will not regtet it!
Review provided by Viator
Mairi_f
May 4, 2025
Ho Chi Mhin City private day tour - Helen (our guide) could not have been better. We were collected efficiently and prompty at the cruise terminal, having received several informative WhatsApps beforehand, ensuring we found her and the driver among several thousand other travellers. This was a private day tour of Ho Chi Mhin City. We were housed in a beautifully clean, air conditioned, car, with bottled water provided. Helen was only in her mid-twenties, but demonstrated a brilliant command of both the English language and knowledge of her own country and that of global considerations. She was very clear about our activites for the day and always asked if we were happy with her plans. Ho Chi Mihn is a fascinating and vibrant city, so big we barely saw another tourist. We saw history at the fabulous city-centre post office and War Remnants Museum and dizzyingly busy 100-year-old market. We witnessed modern day activity at the Palace being prepared for the 50th anniversary of Reunification, the vibrant culinary scene with its plethora of Coffee Houses and open food markets (so clean). Loved every minute. A special mention must go the the amazing Tang, our driver. A bad crash on the main road from HCM back to the cruise terminal rendered absolute grid-lock. Between Tang and Helen they devised an alternative route, delivering us back to the safety of Anthem of the Seas in plenty of time. They were both absolutely incredible. I could not recommend either of them highly enough.
Review provided by Viator
Y167mrcarolf
May 2, 2025
Wonderful Guide and Driver Made Our Visit to Saigon a Great Adventure! - Anna was a wonderful guide; she was knowledgeable, professional and very pleasant. She knew where to go and was flexible with our request to go to another place. The driver was also friendly and helpful. This excellent team made our visit to Saigon a memorable one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_g
Apr 25, 2025
Great Tour of the City - Emmie was a great guide. Took us to all the major sights and provided great insight to our visit. Private tours are the way to go.
Review provided by Viator
Maria_h
Apr 20, 2025
We had a great tine, took... - We had a great tine, took alot of pictures, our guide kelvin was excellent,we have alot of fun, good time.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_s
Apr 19, 2025
It was a hot day. But... - It was a hot day. But Jason professionalism really help made a fun trip. The food is excellent. I highly recommend. It is better than those lower bus price trip if you have 4 people ore more. My sister chose the $68 bus trip. She regret not going with us. It goes more places and the food is excellent
Review provided by Viator
Bob_m
Apr 18, 2025
Excellent guide - Kain was an excellent guide. This was an efficient and effective way to see Ho Chi Minh city. Our guide was prompt and asked if the suggested itinerary met our desires. His English was excellent. Chose and excellent local restaurant for lunch and introduced us to egg coffee and a lemon tea. He included many details that were unique to the city that we wouldn't have discovered on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Tamara_s
Apr 18, 2025
Jasmine - Our travel guide Jasmine was so delightful and allowed us many choices on what we would like to do. She also imparted much knowledge on the details of life in Vietnam. Her English speaking skills were also excellent. Highly recommend her!
Review provided by Viator
O8155absusane
Apr 18, 2025
Thank you Hao .. 5 stars from us - Hao was a terrific guide and we had the best day in Ho Chi Minh City. The day went so smoothly and as it was very hot , Hao made sure we had plenty of water . We got to see all the sites , tasted the Vietnamese coffee and had a good lunch .I highly recommend Hao as a guide as he made our day so thank you Hao
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhonda_r
Apr 16, 2025
Bruno is best guide ever! - Bruno was an amazing guide. We gave him a challenge because we didn’t want to do things that most tourists want to do but he rolled with the punches! We had a delicious pho meal and he taught us how to eat it. He founds us a great spa. Plus he was very entertaining and knowledgeable!
Review provided by Viator
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