Private Shore Tour: Saigon Highlights & Hidden Gems
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience
Explore the best of Saigon on this private 3.5-hour shore tour, guided by an expert local female guide who reveals stories known only to true Saigon residents. Begin at the Notre Dame Cathedral, admire the iconic architecture, and walk to the Central Post Office for photos. Drive past the Reunification Palace, learning about its pivotal role in the end of the Vietnam War, then visit Ly Tu Trong Street, site of a former CIA building. Wander through District 3 Market, taste local snacks, and see the Burning Monk statue commemorating Thich Quang Duc’s self-sacrifice. Discover the Hidden Weapons Arsenal from the Tet Offensive, sip a refreshing local drink, and explore the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. Conclude at the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, where thousands of miniature Buddha statues create a breathtaking spiritual experience.
This private tour blends history, culture, and local life, providing an authentic Saigon experience.
Available options
Private Tour for 4 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Driver-Only Tour
No guide, fixed 7:30 AM pickup: Private transportation only. No guide, no entry tickets. Available on Tuesdays with a fixed 7:30 AM pick-up.<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 5 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 1 passenger
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 6 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 2 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 3 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Phu My Cruise Port.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
No-fault travel insurance up to $10,000 USD
Driver, scooter, tolls and petrol
Pick up and dropp off at your cruise ship terminal
Admission fees
Rain poncho
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your private driver and guide at the port and start the tour.
2
Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office:
Admire Saigon’s colonial architecture, take photos, and stroll the nearby Central Post Office.
3
Reunification Palace (Exterior):
Learn about the historic palace, where North Vietnamese tanks ended the Vietnam War, and hear stories of pivotal events.
4
See the location of the former CIA building, linked to a famous photo from the Vietnam War.
5
Witness the memorial to Thich Quang Duc, and hear the story of his shocking act of protest.
6
Hidden Weapons Arsenal
Visit a Tet Offensive site, learning about Saigon’s wartime history; voted a guest favorite.
7
Sip a popular local drink while touring the largest flower market in the city.
8
Explore the 5-story temple with over 10,000 miniature Buddha statues, discovering Buddhist traditions and spiritual heritage.
9
Conclude the tour, returning to the cruise port with memories of history, culture, and local Saigon life.
What's not included
Tips
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam is a vibrant region known for its bustling cities, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From the dynamic streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene Mekong Delta, this area offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
War Remnants Museum
A museum dedicated to the Vietnam War, showcasing the impact of the war on Vietnam and its people.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget ($2 USD)
Mekong Delta
A vast network of rivers and canals known for its floating markets, lush landscapes, and rural life.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate ($20-50 USD for tours)
Cu Chi Tunnels
An extensive network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Historical
Half day
Budget ($3-5 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian/vegan
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich with various fillings, including meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian/vegan
Com Tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian/vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Mekong Delta
Kayaking in the rivers
Motorbike tours
Beach lounging in Vung Tau
Spa treatments in Ho Chi Minh City
Boat cruises on the Mekong Delta
Visiting temples and pagodas
Attending traditional music performances
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural regions
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Southern Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi companies or app-based services.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from Ho Chi Minh City center
- Can Tho International Airport • 12 km from Can Tho city center
By train
Saigon Railway Station
By bus
Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the city, but can be crowded and slow due to traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Go-Viet
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
District 1
Binh Thanh District
Day trips
Vung Tau
120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day to full day
A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and Christ the King statue.
Dalat
300 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Overnight
A mountainous city known for its cool climate, waterfalls, and French colonial architecture.
Festivals
Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Try street food from busy stalls to ensure freshness and authenticity.
- Use app-based taxi services like Grab to avoid scams and overcharging.
- Visit local markets for unique souvenirs and to experience the vibrant atmosphere.
- Carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for markets and street vendors.
$455
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
