HO CHI MINH FULL-DAY TOUR – SHORE EXCURSION FROM PHU MY PORT

Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

If your cruise is docking in Ho Chi Minh City, there is no better way to explore Vietnam’s most vibrant metropolis than with a fully-customisable Ho Chi Minh City private tour. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this shore excursion blends culture, history, food, and iconic landmarks into an unforgettable full-day experience.
Whether you prefer to follow a curated itinerary or personalise your entire journey, this tour ensures you enjoy the very best of Saigon – from colonial architecture and bustling markets to war history and local coffee culture. Because shore excursions often sell ot quickly, early booking is highly recommended.

Tour Highlights

  • Convenient pick-up & drop-off from Phu My Port
  • Enjoy a traditional cyclo ride passing through 10 lively local markets
  • Visit major landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Independence Palace
  • Learn how to make authentic Vietnamese dripping coffee
  • Optional panoramic city view from a skydeck
  • Fully customisable private experience tailored to your timing

Detailed Itinerary: Your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City

Warm welcome at the port

Your guide will greet you at the port with:

  • A sign board with your name
  • A warm Vietnamese welcome
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned transport

From the port, your journey into heart of Ho Chi Minh begins.

Ride a traditional cyclo through local markets.

Cyclo ride tour
Cyclo ride tour

Start your city immersion with an iconic cyclo ride, one of the most unique and authentic ways to explore Saigon.
You will pass through 10 bustling locals markets, witnessing:

  • Bright fabrics and local handicrafts
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Street food stalls with irresistible armas
  • the every rhythms of Saigonese life

This ride is a fantastic introduction to the energy, color and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.

Discover Thien Hau Temple – A culture Treasure

Thien Hau Temple
Thien Hau Temple

Next, you will visit Thien Hau Temple, a chinese-influenced architectual gem located in the heart of Chinatown. This National Architectural Heritage Site offers:

  • Intricate carvings
  • Ancient ceramics
  • Sacred altars
  • Insight into Vietnamese folk beliefs

A peaceful culture stop amid the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

War Remnants Museum – A moving historical experience

War remnants museum
War remnants museum

Prepare for a powerful and emotional moment at the War Remnants Museum, featuring:

  • Hard-hitting civilian-centered exhibits
  • the renowned Requiem gallery by wartime photographers
  • Mutil-layered perspective on the Vietnam War

This museum leaves a lasting impression and is one of the most important stops in Ho Chi Minh City.

Independence Palace – Step into a time capsule

The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace

Continue to the historic Independence Palace, featuring:

  • Secret command rooms
  • A preserved war bunker
  • Original tanks from 1975
  • Immaculate architecture from the 1960s

It’s one of Saigon’s most iconic political landmarks.

Vietnamese lunch & coffee-making experience

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Then learn how to make Vietnamese dripping coffee – a signature culture experience. This sweet, strong beverage is a staple in daily Vietnamese life.

Dripping coffee
Dripping coffee

Exploration Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

You will ten take a relaxing walk through the city’s French Quater to see:

Notre Dame Cathedral
Built entirely with imported French materials, this church showcases neo-Romanesque architecture.

Notre dame cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral

Central Post Office

Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company, the building features:

  • High vaulted ceilings
  • Antique telephone booths
  • Detailed colonial-era maps

From here, your guide will point out the former CIA Headquarters, sharing the dramatic story of the last helicopter out of Saigon.

Central Post Office
Central Post Office

Opera House & City Hall – Saigon beautiful icons

Continue your stroll to admire two architectural masterpieces:

  • Saigon Opera House
  • Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Perfect for photos and learning about colonial-era design.

Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House

Optional: Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

For breathtaking 360° views of the city, you may choose to visit the Bitexco Skydeck (additional fee applies). This is the perfect way to wrap up your day.
Many visitors say that the Bitexco Financial Tower looks similar to buildings in Marvel movies. The tower’s modern shape and shiny glass make it feel like something from a superhero city. There is no real connection to Marvel, but people enjoy pointing out the resemblance. For tourists, this fun comparison makes Bitexco even more interesting to see when exploring Ho Chi Minh City.

Bitexco tower
Bitexco tower

Return to port on time

Your guide will drive you safely back to your port with plenty of time before your ship departs. Expect helpful final tips, warm goodbyes, and unforgettable memories.

Price (From $100/person)

(Private group pricing – the more people, the lower the cost)

  • 1 person: $230
  • 2 people: $109 per person
  • 3 people: $109 per person
  • 4 people: $99 per person
  • 5–8 people: $99 per person
  • 9+ people: $99 per person

Season: Year-round
Duration: ~8 hours (adjusted depending on your ship schedule)
Max Group Size: We can accommodate a big group of up to 35 people. However, we recommend a max of 15/group to get the best experience.
Meeting point: Phu My Port

Inclusions

what’s included

  • All entrance fees
  • All taxes included
  • Fully air-conditioned vehicle
  • Unlimited bottled water
  • English-speaking guide
  • Vietnamese lunch (dietary needs accommodated – inform us in advance)

Not included

  • Tip
  • Booking fees

Need to know

What to bring

  • Suncreen
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Light jacket

What to wear

Please dress respectfully: shoulder and knees should be covered ar all times, especially when visiting temples or religious sites.

Final Thoughts

This Ho Chi Minh full-day tour – Shore Excursion is the perfect choice for cruise travelers who want a comprehensive, comfortable, amd culturally rich day in Vietnam’s largest city. With expert guides, flexible itineraries, and all-inclusive convenience, you will enjoy the very best of Saigon – from historic sites and spiritual landmarks to markets life, local food, and coffee culture.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, pr simply curious about Vietnam, this tour offers an immersive experience you will never forget.

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