This private tour of Ho Chi Minh City including lunch gives you a fascinating insight into the culture, history and the daily life of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City.
This private tour of Ho Chi Minh City including lunch gives you a fascinating insight into the culture, history and the daily life of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City.
- The Independence Palace - Reunification Palace served as the headquarters for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his passing in 1963. It gained international recognition in 1975 when a tank from the North Vietnamese Army broke through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-see attraction for visitors to Ho Chi…
- The Independence Palace - Reunification Palace served as the headquarters for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his passing in 1963. It gained international recognition in 1975 when a tank from the North Vietnamese Army broke through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-see attraction for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
The palace is like a time capsule from 1975. Visitors can view two of the original tanks used in the palace’s capture, which are displayed on the grounds. Reunification Palace was once the residence and office of the French Governor of Cochin-China. It features lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furnishings, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh, including APEC summits.
- War Remnants Museum - The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City opened to the public in 1975. Formerly known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it serves as a poignant reminder of the lengthy and harsh Vietnam War. The museum displays graphic photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, and a single-seater attack aircraft. There is also a conventional bomb weighing 6,800kg. These weapons were used by American forces against the Vietnamese from 1945 to 1975.
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - (Note: Maintenance) Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining bastions of Catholicism in predominantly Buddhist Vietnam. Situated in Paris Square, it was named Notre Dame following the installation of the ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ statue in 1959.
In 1962, the Vatican elevated the Cathedral to a basilica, officially naming it Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Standing nearly 60 meters tall, the cathedral’s distinctive neo-Romanesque features include an all-red brick façade (imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers housing six bronze bells that still chime today, and a serene garden setting in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a beautifully preserved relic of French colonial times and arguably the grandest post office in Southeast Asia. Located adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Vietnam during the Indochinese Empire. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the building features arched windows and wooden shutters, reminiscent of its prime in the late 19th Century.
- Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial structure at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, near the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-story, 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and hosts not only opera but also a variety of performing arts, including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance, and plays. Performance details are advertised around the building, and information is available at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.
-
Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - Ho Chi Minh City’s Cho Lon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown, with origins dating back to 1778. It holds significant historical and cultural value. Chinese minorities sought refuge here from the Tay Son and had to rebuild the area twice after attacks, with an estimated 70% perishing while attempting to escape by boat. Survivors settled and began selling various Chinese products.
Cholon offers a fascinating glimpse of classical Chinese architecture reminiscent of bygone eras, with numerous Chinese restaurants. The Binh Tay market at its center is bustling, crowded, and chaotic, with narrow aisles selling a wide range of goods. While some tourists may find the market less varied compared to others in Ho Chi Minh, the main attraction of Cholon is not shopping but experiencing the authentic Chinese atmosphere that has thrived here for centuries. -
Ba Thien Hau Temple - Ba Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It is believed that she protects and rescues ships and people at sea by flying around on a mat or cloud. Mazuism incorporates traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. This temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, approximately a twenty-minute drive from the city center.
Ba Thien Hau Temple was constructed in 1760 to honor Mazu, the ‘Lady of the Sea’. Upon entering through the iron gate, visitors will see large stone incense burners in front of Mazu’s altar. The exterior is beautifully designed with a traditional curvy roof adorned with small porcelain figures symbolizing themes from Chinese religion and legends. - Ben Thanh Market - Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is an excellent place to purchase local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. Inside the market, there are food stalls where visitors can enjoy hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or cool off with a cold drink when bargaining becomes overwhelming.
The market is large and can be challenging to navigate at times, and it is best avoided during the hottest part of the day. Nonetheless, it is well worth a visit. As night falls, restaurants around the market’s perimeter open, creating a lively street-side scene filled with the aromas of wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish, and meats. As one of Saigon’s oldest landmarks, Ben Thanh offers a vibrant atmosphere that is truly Vietnamese.

- 2 bottles of mineral water per person
- All sightseeing and entrance fees included
- Permit for pickup inside Phu My port
- English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation in a new air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person
- All sightseeing and entrance fees included
- Permit for pickup inside Phu My port
- English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation in a new air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Visa, unless specified
- Beverage, Tips
- Visa, unless specified
- Beverage, Tips
- If you choose the port pickup, please provide your ship information and update your details: Full Name, D.O.B, and Passport number, Ex…
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- If you choose the port pickup, please provide your ship information and update your details: Full Name, D.O.B, and Passport number, Ex…
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.