Immerse yourself in the captivating history and architectural beauty of Ho Chi Minh City on a private tour. Discover French colonial architecture, learn about the city’s war history, explore local markets, and indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and architectural beauty of Ho Chi Minh City on a private tour. Discover French colonial architecture, learn about the city’s war history, explore local markets, and indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
- Phu My - Pick up at the front of Phu My Port’s main gate.
- The Independence Palace - The 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 tank from the North Vietnamese Army broke through its main gate, marking the end of the…
- Phu My - Pick up at the front of Phu My Port’s main gate.
- The Independence Palace - The 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 tank from the North Vietnamese Army broke through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-see attraction for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. The palace remains a snapshot of 1975, with two original tanks used in its capture still displayed on the grounds. Originally the residence and office of the French Governor of Cochin-China, it features lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furnishings, and a command bunker. The palace continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh, including APEC summits.
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the few remaining bastions 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 Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Standing nearly 60 meters tall, the cathedral’s distinctive neo-Romanesque architecture includes an all-red brick façade (imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, and two bell towers housing six bronze bells that still chime today, all set in a tranquil garden in downtown Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a beautifully preserved relic of French colonial times and arguably the most magnificent post office in Southeast Asia. Adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering a glimpse into life in Vietnam during the Indochinese Empire. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the building features arched windows and wooden shutters, reminiscent of its late 19th-century prime.
- 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 lengthy and harsh Vietnam War. 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 conventional bomb weighing 6,800kg. These weapons were used by American forces against the Vietnamese from 1945 to 1975.
- 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 flee by boat. Survivors settled and began selling a variety of Chinese goods.
- Ba Thien Hau Temple - The Chinese-influenced Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh offers valuable insights into Vietnamese beliefs and customs, and this stunning temple is no exception. As a National Architectural Heritage Site, it houses exquisite art pieces and antiquities, providing important insights into Vietnamese folk religions for both locals and tourists.
- Ben Thanh Market - Located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Ben Thanh Market is an excellent spot to purchase local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. Inside, food stalls offer a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine, or visitors can enjoy a refreshing 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. As night falls, restaurants around the market’s perimeter open, creating a lively street scene filled with the aromas of wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish, and meats. As one of Saigon’s oldest landmarks, Ben Thanh provides an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.

- Roundtrip transportation to and from Phu My Port by A/C vehicle
- All Entrance fees
- Mineral water
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Lunch (please note we can cater for any dietary requirements, just be sure to get in touch beforehand)
- Roundtrip transportation to and from Phu My Port by A/C vehicle
- All Entrance fees
- Mineral water
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Lunch (please note we can cater for any dietary requirements, just be sure to get in touch beforehand)
- Tip/Gratitute for Guide & Driver
- Personal costs
- Port fee
- Tip/Gratitute for Guide & Driver
- Personal costs
- Port fee
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City with an English-speaking tour guide
• View stunning examples of French colonial architecture in the city center
• Gain insight into war history at the Independence Palace & War Museum
• Enjoy shopping time in Chinatown & the expansive Ben Thanh Market
• Savor a delightful Vietnamese coffee and lunch at a local…
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City with an English-speaking tour guide
• View stunning examples of French colonial architecture in the city center
• Gain insight into war history at the Independence Palace & War Museum
• Enjoy shopping time in Chinatown & the expansive Ben Thanh Market
• Savor a delightful Vietnamese coffee and lunch at a local restaurant, included
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Please take the cruise’s shuttle bus to go to port gate where our guide and driver will welcome you with a sign and a smile.
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.