Top Best Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Tours from Cruise Ports

Exploring the best of southern Vietnam is easy with well-planned Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions. This bustling metropolis is a compelling mix of colonial charm, wartime history, religious diversity, and everyday local life. Each landmark below offers cruise travelers a glimpse into what makes this city unforgettable.

Cruise passengers arriving at Ho Chi Minh City cruise port often have limited time to explore, which is why curated excursions highlight the most iconic and meaningful attractions in a single day. This guide introduces must-visit destinations that balance cultural insight, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as one of the most recognizable icons in the city. Built entirely with red bricks imported from Marseille, it serves as a vivid reminder of the French colonial presence in Vietnam. The cathedral’s two bell towers rise above the city center, offering striking photo opportunities and a serene place for reflection.

During many Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions, this cathedral is often one of the first stops. While the interior is sometimes closed for renovation, the exterior still captivates visitors with its Gothic design, mosaic windows, and peaceful ambiance in the middle of the urban buzz.

Central Post Office on Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions

Right across from the cathedral is the Central Post Office, another colonial gem designed by Gustave Eiffel. The building features a grand arched ceiling, ornate ironwork, and beautifully preserved tiles that showcase European aesthetics blended with Asian elements.

This post office is still fully operational, making it a unique stop for those on Ho Chi Minh City tours. Many travelers enjoy writing postcards at the vintage writing desks and mailing them right on the spot, a charming souvenir of their journey.

The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

The Independence Palace is a powerful emblem of modern Vietnamese history. Once the home and workplace of the South Vietnamese president, it witnessed the symbolic end of the War in Vietnam in 1975. The architecture is a unique blend of mid-century modernism and traditional Vietnamese elements.

On Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions, guests often explore preserved rooms, war bunkers, and official chambers that remain exactly as they were decades ago. Guided commentary adds depth to the visit, helping travelers understand Vietnam’s post-colonial journey and political evolution.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum provides one of the most sobering and thought-provoking experiences during any Ho Chi Minh day trip. Through photographs, documents, and preserved military equipment, the museum presents the realities of the War of resistance against America through Vietnamese eyes.

This stop appeals to travelers who seek context and reflection. Many shore excursions in Ho Chi Minh City include the museum in their itineraries due to its historical significance and its emotional impact on international visitors.

Live Like a Local at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a hive of energy and color. Located near the heart of District 1, it’s a central spot to witness local commerce, taste Vietnamese street food, and shop for everything from handicrafts to spices and souvenirs.

Cruise passengers on day trips in Ho Chi Minh City often find this market a highlight due to its authenticity and variety. Navigating the narrow aisles offers a glimpse into daily urban life and provides countless chances to sample local flavors.

China Town (Cho Lon Downtown)

Cho Lon, the city’s historic Chinatown, offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the downtown area. Its maze-like streets are lined with herbal medicine shops, incense-filled temples, and family-run eateries with decades of history.

For many on Saigon shore excursions, this area is a journey into the cultural richness of Vietnam’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. Stops often include temples like Thien Hau Pagoda, offering vivid visuals and quiet spiritual corners.

Check Out French Colonial Architecture

Much of the city’s charm lies in its architecture. Grand boulevards, stately buildings, and elegant villas tell stories of the colonial period. The Opera House, City Hall, and former Customs House are visual highlights worth seeing during Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions.

These structures form an open-air museum for visitors who appreciate design, history, and storytelling through stone and structure. Many tours include photo stops or walking segments to enjoy these sites up close.

Cao Dai Temple

Located near the Cambodian border, the Cao Dai Temple introduces visitors to one of Vietnam’s most unique religions. Caodaism blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism into a colorful, symbolic spiritual practice.

The temple itself is a marvel, adorned with dragons, eyes, stars, and bold colors. For those joining full-day Ho Chi Minh excursions, this detour offers a spiritual and artistic perspective found nowhere else.

Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a hands-on, underground look at guerrilla warfare and Vietnamese resilience. These narrow, dark tunnels were part of a vast network used during the war for hiding, communication, and survival.

During a Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions to Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors can explore a restored section, crawl inside the tunnels, and witness how life was lived underground. This experience adds depth and emotion to your understanding of Vietnam’s past.

Cruising the Saigon River

A river cruise adds a refreshing, scenic element to Ho Chi Minh City tours. Gliding along the water reveals a new angle on the city, with modern high-rises on one side and traditional riverside life on the other.

Daytime rides provide views of busy river traffic, while sunset or evening cruises create a more romantic mood with city lights reflecting on the water. For guests seeking relaxation, this is a rewarding way to conclude any Ho Chi Minh excursion.

Ho Chi Minh City is not only a cultural and historical hub but also a culinary paradise for cruise passengers joining shore excursions from Phu My Port. Beyond the colonial architecture and bustling markets, the city offers a sensory feast through its vibrant street food scene. If you're looking to immerse yourself in authentic Vietnamese flavors, these iconic dishes are a must-try on any Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion.

Clear rice noodle soup (Hu tieu)

A beloved staple in southern Vietnam, Hu Tieu is more than just a comforting noodle soup, it’s a culinary narrative of the Mekong Delta brought to the bustling streets of Saigon. On many Phu My shore excursions, guests can enjoy this iconic dish at a local eatery where the broth is simmered for hours to achieve its signature clarity and depth. The noodles are soft yet springy, paired with tender slices of pork, fresh herbs, and sometimes shrimp or quail eggs, creating a perfectly balanced bowl.

Tasting Hu Tieu as part of a Ho Chi Minh food tour from Phu My Port is not just about the flavor, it’s about experiencing the local rhythm of the city through its cuisine. The light fragrance of the broth, the delicate textures, and the street-side atmosphere together create a memorable cultural experience.

Broken rice (Com Tam)

Com Tam, or broken rice, is a signature dish that reflects the resourcefulness and richness of Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Once considered a humble dish for farmers, Com Tam has transformed into a beloved meal throughout the region, especially among locals in Saigon. The broken grains offer a distinctive chewiness and pair exceptionally well with grilled pork chops, pickled vegetables, fried eggs, and a drizzle of sweet-savory fish sauce.

This dish is often included in Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions designed for food lovers. It’s not just about eating, it’s about discovering how Vietnamese people turn simple ingredients into flavorful stories. Enjoying a hot plate of Com Tam at a local diner is one of the most authentic moments in any shore trip from Phu My Port to Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon sandwich (Banh mi Sai Gon)

Few street foods are as globally loved as the Vietnamese Banh Mi, and there’s no better place to try it than in its spiritual home - Saigon. During your Ho Chi Minh City day tour from cruise port, don’t miss the chance to grab a Banh Mi from a street vendor or old-style bakery. Each sandwich is a handheld symphony of crusty French baguette, savory meat fillings (often pork, pâté, or chicken), pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili sauce.

The Banh Mi's true charm lies in its diversity. Whether you prefer it spicy, herby, meaty, or vegetarian, this Saigon sandwich can be tailored to your taste. Many shore excursions from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh City include stops at famous Banh Mi stalls giving you a chance to taste this portable piece of culinary heritage right where it was born.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a captivating blend of French colonial heritage, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant street life. For cruise passengers docking for a day, smart planning can turn limited time into an unforgettable experience. Below are essential tips to help you book and enjoy your shore excursion with confidence.

• • Check your docking port in advance. Most large cruise ships dock at Phu My Port, which is about 80 km (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours) from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. A few smaller ships may dock at Saigon Port, which is much closer. Confirm your ship’s location before selecting a tour.

  • Book with reputable local tour operators. While cruise-organized excursions are convenient, local companies often offer smaller group sizes, better prices, and more personalized service. Look for operators with high ratings, clear itineraries, and a guarantee to return you to the ship on time.

  • Choose an itinerary that fits your schedule and interests. If you have limited time, focus on top city landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market. For more adventurous travelers, the Cu Chi Tunnels or a glimpse of the Mekong Delta may be possible—but only if time allows.

  • Account for traffic and travel time. Traffic in and around Ho Chi Minh City can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. Make sure your tour includes buffer time for the return journey to the port, and avoid overly packed itineraries.

  • Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear. The climate is hot and humid year-round, so dressing appropriately is essential. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If visiting temples or religious sites, carry a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders or knees.

  • Carry essentials for a day trip. Bring a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, local currency (Vietnamese Dong), tissues or wipes, and a printed copy of your cruise schedule. A foldable umbrella is useful during the rainy season from May to October.

  • Be mindful of cultural etiquette. A simple smile and polite tone go a long way. Avoid public displays of affection and be respectful at religious sites. Removing shoes before entering temples or homes is customary.

  • Use caution with money and valuables. Keep cash and cards in a secure money belt or anti-theft bag. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear flashy jewelry. Petty theft is rare but possible in busy areas.

  • Exchange a small amount of local currency. While some places accept credit cards or USD, many street vendors and small shops operate on cash only. Ask your tour guide for the best place to exchange currency if needed.

  • Confirm return time with your guide. Remind your tour guide of your ship’s all-aboard time and ensure the itinerary allows for a safe return with at least one hour to spare. Carry the port address and cruise emergency contact, just in case.