TOUR OVERVIEW
Step aboard an open-air Jeep and explore the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City in style. This Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion blends history, architecture, and local culture, taking you from French colonial landmarks to sacred temples and bustling markets. Experience the city’s energy from a unique perspective, with the wind in your hair and the city’s sights, sounds, and scents all around you.
This Excursion is Perfect For:
- Cruise passengers looking for a dynamic yet comfortable city exploration with guaranteed return to port
- History lovers fascinated by Vietnam’s wartime and colonial past
- Architecture and culture enthusiasts who appreciate French colonial design, temples, and vibrant local markets
- Travelers who enjoy open-air transport and scenic urban photography opportunities
- Shoppers and foodies eager to explore local products, handicrafts, and Saigon street flavors
FULL ITINERARY
Warm Welcome at Port
Our professional driver and knowledgeable local tour guide will greet you at the port entrance gate. Your Saigon sightseeing adventure begins as we board our stylish open-air Jeep, which is the perfect way to take in the city’s sights and atmosphere.
Reunification Palace
Our first stop is the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the historic end of the war in April 1975. Here, you’ll walk through history as you explore preserved meeting rooms, war command bunkers, and the lush palace grounds.
Explore French Colonial Gems
Next, we’ll drive through Saigon’s elegant boulevards to see two of the city’s most iconic French colonial landmarks:
- Notre Dame Cathedral: An architectural treasure built between 1877 and 1883, with its distinctive red-brick façade imported from Marseille.
- Central Post Office: Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this late 19th-century masterpiece showcases a striking vaulted ceiling and intricate tiled floors.
War Remnants Museum
We highly recommend visiting the War Remnants Museum to better understand Vietnam’s complex past. Its compelling exhibits and striking wartime photographs offer a moving and eye-opening perspective on the country’s history.
Authentic Vietnamese Lunch
Treat yourself to an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a trusted local restaurant, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors come together in every dish. It’s the perfect pause in your journey to savor regional specialties and recharge for the rest of the day.
Chinatown & Thien Hau Pagoda
In the afternoon, we head to Chinatown (Cholon), a vibrant district brimming with culture, traditional medicine shops, and market stalls. Here, you’ll visit Thien Hau Pagoda, an atmospheric temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, adorned with intricate woodwork and hanging incense coils.
Ben Thanh Market
Our final stop before you return to your cruise is Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon’s oldest and most colorful markets. As one of the city’s oldest structures, it is a symbol of Saigon, popular with tourists for its local handicrafts, textiles, Ao Dai, souvenirs, and local cuisine.
Return to Port
We’ll drive you back to the port in style and comfort, ensuring you arrive in good time for your cruise departure. Thank you for exploring Saigon with Vietnam Shore Excursions – we look forward to welcoming you again!
