April - May Shore Excursions in Vietnam Filling Fast!
TOUR OVERVIEW
Discover the true spirit of southern Vietnam on The Real Ho Chi Minh City Excursion. This is an immersive Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions designed for cruise travelers arriving at Phu My Port. Journey from the port into the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where French colonial architecture blends with vibrant street life and layers of living history. Visit sacred temples, bustling markets, and poignant historical landmarks while sampling the city’s world-famous cuisine.
This Tour is Perfect For:
- Cruise passengers seeking an authentic and comprehensive look at Ho Chi Minh City.
- Travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and local flavor.
- Visitors looking for a guided, worry-free experience from port to city and back.
FULL ITINERARY
Pick up from Phu My Port
Your English-speaking guide and private driver will greet you warmly at Phu My Port with a personalized welcome sign. After a comfortable transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll head toward Ho Chi Minh City, observing everyday rural and urban scenes along the way.
Visit Thien Hau Temple
Your first stop is Thien Hau Temple, located in the city’s historic Chinatown. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, protector of sailors and fishermen, the temple is an exquisite example of Chinese architecture and devotion. Its intricate wood carvings, incense coils hanging from the ceiling, and ornate ceramic dioramas depicting traditional tales make it one of the city’s most photogenic spiritual sites. Here, you’ll witness locals offering prayers and see how faith continues to shape daily life in modern Saigon.
Visit Ben Thanh Market
Next, dive into the lively energy of Ben Thanh Market, the beating heart of downtown Saigon. Wander through aisles packed with colorful stalls selling everything from handicrafts and silk garments to aromatic spices and tropical fruits. It’s a sensory experience like no other, filled with sounds, scents, and smiles. Bargaining is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to practice your skills while picking up authentic Vietnamese souvenirs.
Visit a Lacquerware Workshop
Continue to a traditional lacquerware workshop, where you’ll learn about one of Vietnam’s most time-honored art forms. Skilled artisans will demonstrate each step of the process, from preparing the wooden base to applying layers of resin, polishing, and decorating with eggshell or mother-of-pearl inlay. You’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the patience and precision that go into every piece, and have the opportunity to purchase high-quality crafts directly from the makers.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
Your next destination is the War Remnants Museum, one of Vietnam’s most powerful and thought-provoking sites. The museum preserves a sobering collection of photographs, artifacts, and historical documents from the Vietnam War era.
Exhibits include restored military vehicles, personal letters, and poignant images that reflect the resilience and courage of the Vietnamese people. Despite its serious tone, this visit offers a deeper understanding of the nation’s journey toward peace and independence.
Lunch with Pho at Local Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring the country’s beloved dish Pho – a fragrant noodle soup served with herbs, lime, and chili – along with freshly made spring rolls. This meal provides a delicious glimpse into Vietnam’s culinary traditions and the balance of flavors that define its cuisine.
Photo Stops: City Landmarks
After lunch, take a leisurely drive through central Ho Chi Minh City to admire its iconic landmarks. Pause for photo opportunities at:
- Independence Palace – once the presidential residence during wartime
- Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration)
- Central Post Office – designed by Gustave Eiffel
- Saigon Opera House – a stunning example of French colonial architecture.
These sites capture the city’s fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary life.
Return to Phu My Port
As the tour concludes, your guide and driver will escort you safely back to Phu My Port in good time for your ship’s departure. Reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and the unforgettable sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City.
Thanks for traveling with Vietnam Shore Excursions!
Daniel K. –
A nice overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s main sights. The visit to the Saigon Old Post Office stood out for its architecture and historical feel. I and my husband had time to send a post card to my hometown. Hope that we could receive it right after we come back home.
Chris B. –
This tour is a good way to see some of the main sights in a short time. I especially enjoyed visiting the Reunification Palace and learning a bit about the history of the city.
CuriousExplorer –
The highlight for me was the Notre Dame Cathedral and the nearby Saigon Old Post Office. Both are impressive landmarks and worth seeing when visiting the city.