Ho Chi Minh City Full-Day Exploration

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Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Tour Overview

Duration:8 hours 0 minutes
Travelers:2 - 18 guests
Tour Type:Day Tour
Language:English

Embark on an extraordinary full-day journey, guided by a private expert, as you discover the city’s captivating highlights. Visit iconic landmarks like Chinatown, the Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Traditional Medicine Museum, along with many other fascinating sites. Delight in a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor the rich flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, carefully curated by our travel experts. To conclude your adventure, enjoy a magical ride in a local rickshaw through the historic French headquarters, immersing yourself in the area's charm before returning to your pickup location.

Experience the daily life of Saigon with an expert local guide escort
Discover the rich history and hidden charm while strolling through non-touristy areas
Visit the iconic Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral & Chinatown, and the Traditional Medicine Museum
Take a pedicab ride along the old French headquarters
Visit all the districts of the city as 1,3,5,8,4,2

Includes/Excludes

Air-conditioned comfortable transportations
English speaking tour guide escort
Drinks and snacks during the tour
Bottled water and wet wipes
Lunch at a local restaurant

Personal shopping & expenses
Gratuities for tour guide and driver

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

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PICK-UP AT THE HOTEL / PORT GATE OR DOWNTOWN OF SAIGON. TOUR STARTS.

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, the port gate, or downtown Saigon in district 1. Please let us know where you would like to be picked up when you book the tour so we can arrange the complimentary pick-up accordingly.

SAIGON HIGHLIGHTS & COLONIAL LANDMARKS WALK-THROUGH

Visit the Saigon Opera House (outside), City Hall (outside), Rex Rooftop Garden (5th floor), the old CIA headquarters (1st floor), Notre Dame Cathedral (outside), Central Post Office (inside), then opt for the former Presidential Palace (1st floor, 2nd floor, and basement system).

VISIT VULNERABLE THICH QUANG DUC STATUE & SECRET WEAPON BUNKER IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

Step boldly out of the Presidential Palace through the back door and embrace the serenity of Tao Dan Park. Next, embark on a pedicab journey through the historic French headquarters, where stories of resilience echo in every corner. Finally, uncover the secrets of the past in the hidden weapon cellar at Mr. Lai's house, where the Viet Cong prepared for monumental challenges against the Presidential Palace and the U.S. Embassy in Saigon.

EXPERIENCE THE FLOATING VILLAGE IN DISTRICT 7

Take a stroll through the floating village and hone your bargaining skills as you buy fresh fruits like jackfruit, guava, and melons. Most residents of the multi-generational houseboats originate from various regions, primarily the Mekong Delta. This destination is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the authentic lives of locals in the remote areas near downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

VISIT CHINATOWN OF SAIGON

Depart from the floating market and make your way to the famous Chinatown of Saigon, passing through District 8. Discover the history of the Chinese community and learn about the early settlers known as "The Three Boat Men." Visit the local wet market, Phung Hung, where residents shop for food daily. Take a short walk to Ha Chuong Assembly Hall to learn about the daily Chinese cultural worship practices; you can even take a moment to pray for good luck.

LUNCH AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT

Return to the old French headquarters to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a blend of Hue-style and luxurious French cuisine.

VISIT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE MUSEUM FITO OR HO CHI MINH CITY MUSEUM

After lunch, drive to the first and only Vietnamese private FITO traditional medicine museum. Take a museum tour and learn about all the medicinal cures the ancient people used for thousands of years. Alternatively, visit the renowned Saigon Museum, formerly known as the Gia Long Palace, to gain a deep understanding of this 300-year-old city.

VISIT A FAMILY-RUN FINE ART LACQUERWARES OR FREE TIME SHOPPING AT BEN THANH MARKET

Visit a multigenerational family business specializing in lacquerware. Experience the intricate decorations, blended colors, and much more, or make a stop at an iconic Ben Thanh market with 2500 stalls selling all kinds of things before heading back to your hotel or cruise ship port gate.

DROP-OFF AT THE HOTEL / PORT GATE OR DOWNTOWN OF SAIGON. TOUR CONCLUDES.

Drive back to your hotel/cruise ship & drop-off. Tour concludes.

Tour maps

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Frequently asked questions

CAN WE DO THIS TOUR IN PRIVATE?

You can request a private tour when booking. There's no extra charge.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN JOIN THIS TOUR?

This tour will accommodate a maximum of 18 guests per coach, allowing more time for interaction with the guide, local vendors, and the opportunity to ask/answer any questions during the tour.

DO YOU PROVIDE PICK-UP SERVICE FOR CRUISE GUESTS?

Yes, we offer complimentary pickup service for cruise guests, depending on the cruise port the ship docks at. Please specify the port of call and the cruise ship name when making a reservation. There will be an extra charge for the Phu My port/2-hour drive from Saigon, and the Hiep Phuoc port/1-hour drive from Saigon, one-way—just FYI.

CAN WE PAY THE TOUR IN CASH?

Yes, you can settle the tour in cash when you finish. But our company requires a 50% deposit to ensure you will be joining the tour. The deposit will be non-refundable.

DO WE NEED TO BRING CASH FOR SHOPPING?

I recommend bringing cash along, which will be easy to buy or shop for on the tour. Most shops accept payment by Credit Card, but some still do not and prefer cash.

IS TIPPING INCLUDED?

No, the tour price does not include gratuities for services. It is recommended to give 5% of the total bill for the restaurant, and 10%-15% of the tour price for the guide and driver, as a token of appreciation for their excellent work.