5 (301)
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City: Private Shore Excursion from Port
Overview
Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port takes travelers on a full-day adventure through the heart of Vietnam's most bustling city. This private tour ensures a personal and in-depth exploration of Ho Chi Minh City's key landmarks and cultural treasures.
Visitors can expect a tailored experience, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. The tour includes visits to historical sites such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Central Post Office, architectural gems reflecting the city’s French colonial past. The Independence Palace offers a glimpse into Vietnam's political history, while the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War. Further exploration includes the People’s Committee Building and the Saigon Opera House, showcasing the city's vibrant civic life and arts scene. The tour also ventures into Cholon (Chinatown), with stops at the Ba Thien Hau Temple and the bustling Ben Thanh Market, and the serene Jade Emperor Pagoda, as well as the Secret Weapon Bunker of Biet Dong Sai Gon.
This excursion includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch, all entrance fees, and private transportation in a new vehicle. With port pickup and drop-off included, it’s a worry-free way to discover Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers will enjoy bottled water throughout the day. This tour excludes personal expenses. 
Highlights
Private, Customized Tour: Enjoy a tour that is tailored to individual interests.
Expert Local Guide: Learn from a knowledgeable local guide who will share the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Traditional Vietnamese Lunch: Savor the flavors of Vietnam with a delicious traditional lunch.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion: Relax with included port pickup and drop-off, all fees, and private transportation.
Iconic Landmarks: Explore the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Central Post Office, and Independence Palace.
Cultural Immersion: Visit Cholon (Chinatown), Ba Thien Hau Temple, and Ben Thanh Market.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved having a private tour guide who was very friendly and informative.
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Many people liked that the tour was customized to their interests.
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People appreciated the comfortable and safe transportation.
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The lunch was a highlight for many, with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food.
Some customers felt rushed at certain locations.
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A few people wished for more time at the markets for shopping.
The Journey
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Step back in time at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural marvel from the late 1880s and a symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam. Admire its neo-Romanesque design, featuring striking red-brick facades imported from Marseille, elegant stained-glass windows, and two towering bell towers that resonate with history. Stroll through its peaceful garden setting, a tranquil oasis in the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. This basilica, officially recognized by the Vatican in 1962, offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Vietnam's colonial past.
Central Post Office
Journey back to French colonial times at Ho Chi Minh City's Central Post Office, a beautifully preserved architectural gem considered the grandest post office in Southeast Asia. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, its arched windows and wooden shutters evoke the elegance of the 19th century Indochinese Empire. Located adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, it's a perfect pairing for visitors eager to soak in the city's historical charm. Imagine a bygone era as you wander through this operational post office, still buzzing with activity.
Independence Palace
Witness history firsthand at Independence Palace, once the nerve center of South Vietnamese power. This iconic landmark witnessed the dramatic end of the Vietnam War in 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates. Explore the palace's time-capsule interior, preserved as it was in 1975, complete with secret rooms, antique furnishings, and a command bunker. Wander through lush gardens and see the original tanks used in the historic capture. Independence Palace is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam's complex history.
War Remnants Museum
Confront the stark realities of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum, a poignant and powerful exhibition of the conflict's devastating impact. Graphic photographs and captured American military equipment, including helicopters, tanks, and fighter planes, tell a story of brutality and resilience. Reflect on the immense human cost of the war as you view these artifacts and learn about the experiences of the Vietnamese people. This museum offers a sobering but essential perspective on a pivotal period in history.
People’s Committee Building
Marvel at the French colonial architecture of the People's Committee Building, an iconic Ho Chi Minh City landmark set within a spacious garden. Originally built as a hotel in 1898, this elegant structure now serves as the city hall. Admire the embossed statues, intricate bas-reliefs, and the prominent statue of Ho Chi Minh gracing the front of the building. Visit in the evening to witness the building's stunning illumination, which highlights its architectural details and creates a magical atmosphere. It is located at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the city.
Saigon Opera House
Experience the elegance of the Saigon Opera House, a beautifully restored colonial building in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1897, this three-story, 800-seat theater hosts a diverse range of performing arts, from opera and ballet to musical concerts and traditional Vietnamese dance. Check the schedule for upcoming performances and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Saigon. Located near Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, it's a perfect addition to your exploration of the city's architectural gems.
Cholon (Chinatown)
Explore the vibrant streets of Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's bustling Chinatown, a historical and cultural melting pot with roots dating back to 1778. Wander through its maze-like streets, admiring the classical Chinese architecture reminiscent of a bygone era. Indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine at the numerous restaurants, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Binh Tay Market. Cholon offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Vietnam's Chinese community, a world away from the modern city center.
Ba Thien Hau Temple
Discover the serene beauty of Ba Thien Hau Temple, a Buddhist temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. Located in Cholon (Chinatown), this temple offers a glimpse into the unique blend of Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. Admire the intricate architecture and the devotion of worshippers as you learn about Mazu, the protector of seafarers. A visit to this temple provides a tranquil escape and a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a Ho Chi Minh City landmark brimming with local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and souvenirs. Bargain for unique treasures, sample delicious hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine, and cool off with a refreshing drink. The market is most crowded during the day, but in the evening the perimeter comes alive with restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese food. This market gives an authentic sense of Vietnamese culture.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Find tranquility at the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phuoc Hai Tu), a Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian temple showcasing a unique blend of religious traditions. Founded by a Chinese merchant, this pagoda features intricate carvings, elaborate altars, and serene courtyards. Wander through its tranquil spaces and admire the exquisite artistry. This pagoda offers a glimpse into the diverse spiritual landscape of Ho Chi Minh City.
Secret Weapon Bunker of Biet Dong Sai Gon
Uncover a hidden piece of history at the Secret Weapon Bunker of Biet Dong Sai Gon, a clandestine hideout of the Vietnam People's Army during the Vietnam War. Located in a seemingly ordinary house, this bunker once concealed over two tons of weapons, destined for the attack on the Independence Palace during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Step back in time and imagine the courage and ingenuity of the soldiers who operated in secrecy to help end the war.
Know Before You Go
This private tour includes a personal guide, bottled water, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, all entrance fees, and transportation in a new vehicle. It also covers port pickup and drop-off. Personal expenses are not included. The tour starts with pickup directly from the cruise port, and travelers will be dropped off back at the port at the end of the day. The tour is private, customized, and flexible.
Hot Tip
Travelers recommend communicating your interests to the guide beforehand to customize the tour to your preferences. Also, be prepared for a busy day of sightseeing and consider wearing comfortable shoes.
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly informative and well-organized, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides, comfortable transportation, and flexibility in itinerary. Many highlight the traditional lunch and seamless port pickup as standout features, while a few note that the experience may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the walking and vehicle transfers involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
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