Enjoy the rich history and culture of Vietnam with a daily small group tour to Saigon City and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Priced affordably from $54.10, this 12.5-hour journey offers personalized exploration led by local experts, taking you to iconic landmarks and an underground network that played a pivotal role in the nation’s past. With convenient pickup, authentic cuisine, and an immersive tunnel experience, this tour promises to unveil the captivating spirit of Vietnam – but there’s more to discover.
Key Points
- A small group tour of Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnels lasting 12.5 hours, priced from $54.10 per person and limited to 12 participants.
- Tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, with convenient pickup from central District 1 or designated hotels.
- Highlights include visiting the Independence Palace, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Lunch is provided at a local restaurant, offering an opportunity to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
- The tour provides an in-depth exploration of Vietnam War history, including opportunities to sample tea and cassava used by guerrillas and an optional rifle range activity.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This daily small group tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Saigon and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.
Priced from $54.10 per person, the 12.5-hour tour is limited to just 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Travelers can conveniently meet at a central location in District 1 or be picked up from their hotel.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
Visitors can explore landmarks like the Independence Palace, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum, as well as crawl through the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Want to dig deeper into Ho Chi Minh City? We've also reviewed these city tours
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from a central location in District 1, excluding Đa Kao Ward and Tan Dinh Ward.
Guests meet at 112 Tran Hung Dao Street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward at 8 AM.
The first stop is the Independence Palace, followed by photo opportunities at Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office.
Next, visitors explore the War Remnants Museum for an hour.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour heads to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels for 1.5 hours.
Participants can crawl through the tunnels and sample guerrilla-used tea and cassava.
The tour returns to District 1 around 7-7:30 PM.
Pickup Location and Meeting Point
The tour pickup location is in central District 1, excluding Đa Kao Ward and Tan Dinh Ward. The designated meeting point for those not staying at the included hotels is 112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, at 8:00 AM. This allows the tour to depart promptly and make the most of the day’s activities.
| Meeting Point | Location |Time |
|————-|——-|——|
| Designated Hotels | Central District 1 | 8:00 AM |
| Non-Designated Hotels | 112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 | 8:00 AM |
The tour will return to District 1 around 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, subject to traffic conditions.
Tour Stops
After meeting at the designated pickup locations, the tour embarks on an exploration of Saigon City’s historical and cultural highlights.
The first stop is the Independence Palace, where visitors can learn about Vietnam’s path to independence.
Next, the group makes a photo stop at the iconic Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, marveling at its French colonial architecture.
The tour then visits the Saigon Central Post Office, allowing time to admire the building’s grand design and potentially purchase postcards.
The final city stop is the War Remnants Museum, providing a sobering glimpse into the effects of the Vietnam War.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLunch at a Local Restaurant
After visiting the museums and landmarks in Saigon, the tour takes a break for lunch at a local restaurant.
The group enjoys a 1.5-hour stop to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant serves a set menu featuring traditional dishes like pho, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
Guests can sample a variety of flavors and get a taste of the local culinary culture. The lunch break provides a chance to rest, refuel, and prepare for the next leg of the tour at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Experience and Activities
Visitors not only get to explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War and first Indochina War through the artifacts on display, but they also crawl through the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels to experience the underground village used by the Viet Cong guerrillas.
The tour offers several engaging activities:
-
Sample the tea and cassava used by the guerrillas.
-
Optionally, visitors can test their skills at the rifle range.
-
An enthusiastic, knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day, enhancing the experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned van or mini bus, entrance fees, lunch at a local restaurant, mineral water (1 bottle per person), and travel insurance.
It doesn’t cater to pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, heart problems, or back issues, as well as wheelchair users.
The tour may not be suitable for these groups due to the physical demands, such as crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels. Travelers should consider their physical capabilities before booking the tour.
Personal expenses and tips are also not included in the tour price.
Customer Feedback and Recommendations
According to customer reviews, the overall rating for this tour is 4.4 out of 5 based on 159 reviews.
Travelers particularly praise the tour’s guide, who received a 4.7/5 rating, and the transportation, which scored 4.7/5. The value for money was also well-received, with a 4.5/5 rating.
Suggestions from previous participants include:
-
Allocating more time at the War Remnants Museum.
-
Providing additional time at the Central Post Office for purchasing postcards.
-
Maintaining the enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide and the quality of the provided lunch.
Since You Asked
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can inquire about the possibility of extending the tour when booking or contacting the tour provider. Additional fees may apply for any customized tour extensions.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. The tour operator offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and preferences, though this may impact the overall duration and pricing.
What Type of Food Is Served During the Lunch?
The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant, which typically features Vietnamese cuisine like pho, spring rolls, and stir-fried dishes. The specific menu may vary, but the goal is to provide an authentic local dining experience.
Is It Necessary to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Cu Chi Tunnels?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Visitors can expect to crawl through the tunnels, so wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes is recommended. The tour provides necessary safety equipment like flashlights and helmets.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, claustrophobia, heart problems, or back issues, and wheelchair users. However, there are no stated age restrictions for participating.
Final Words
This daily small group tour offers an immersive experience of Saigon’s history and culture. Visitors will explore iconic sites, enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and discover the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels. With personalized exploration and a maximum of 12 participants, this tour provides a engaging and memorable way to discover the rich heritage of Vietnam.
You can check if your dates are available here:More City Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
More Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
- From HCM: 2-Day Tour Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market
- From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night
- From Ho Chi Minh: Can Gio Mangrove Forest Private Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City: Full Long Tan Battlefield Tour
- Mekong Delta 3-Day: Saigon to Phnom Penh Gateway
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta 2 Days Group Tour
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City we have recnetly reviewed
- From HCM 1-Day Cai Rang Floating Market Local Mekong Village
- Phu My Port Shore Excursion Tour Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour
- Floating Market, Flower Village Authentic Mekong Delta Tour
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Private Tour: Vinh Long, Can Tho & Sa Dec
- From Ho Chi Minh: Cai Rang Floating Market and Mekong Delta
- From Saigon: Classic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
- Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour
- From Ho Chi Minh: Private Vung Tau Beach Tour With Lunch
- Cat Tien National Park Private Tour With Female Tour Guide
- Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
- From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta and Tra Su Forest 3D2N Tour
- Ho Chi Minh: Private Mekong Delta Day Trip With Boat Ride