Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a captivating blend of historical significance and contemporary vibrancy. The "Saigon Shore Excursion: Old and New Parts of Saigon" offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich tapestry, exploring iconic landmarks and seeing the bustling streets that tell the story of Saigon’s transformation. From the grandeur of the Independence Palace to the vibrant energy of Nguyen Hue and Ben Thanh Market, this private tour promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to uncover the city’s essence. As the tour unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems and fascinating insights this journey might unveil.
Key Points
- This one-day tour showcases the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
- The tour includes a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant and the services of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- Pickup from the cruise port and flexibility in selecting the meeting point ensure a seamless start and end to the tour.
- Additional experiences like visiting Binh Quoi Village, a local wet market, and iconic landmarks like Ben Thanh Market are also included.
- With an overall rating of 5.0 and priced from $135 per person, the tour offers great value for a comprehensive Saigon experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Included and Excluded
- Pickup and Meeting
- Additional Experiences
- Customer Feedback
- Tour Duration
- Tour Highlights
- Pricing Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There an Option for Private Transportation?
- Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors/Students?
- How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Delays?
- Are There Any Recommendations for Local Souvenirs to Purchase?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Ho Chi Minh City
- More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
During a cruise stop, this Saigon shore excursion offers travelers a chance to experience the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City in a single day.
Visitors will explore key sites, including the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, and the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
The tour includes a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Up to 12 travelers can enjoy this private tour, which lasts approximately 7-8 hours.
The experience is designed to provide an overview of the city’s history, architecture, and culture, allowing guests to make the most of their limited time in port.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Included and Excluded
The Saigon shore excursion includes a variety of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Lunch and bottled drinking water are provided, and all entrance fees to the tour sites are covered. Visitors will also have the services of a knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide.
However, the tour doesn’t include personal expenses or travel insurance, and drinks not included with meals are an additional cost.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully participate in the activities.
Pickup and Meeting
The tour includes pickup from the cruise port, with the meeting time scheduled between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
Travelers have the option to select their preferred meeting point, which provides flexibility for those arriving at different locations.
After the tour, you will be dropped off back at the original meeting point.
This convenient pickup and meeting arrangement ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s exploration of the old and new parts of Saigon.
The tour is designed to make the most of the limited time during a cruise stop, catering to the needs of both first-time and experienced visitors to the city.
Additional Experiences
Beyond the key sights, the tour offers opportunities to explore Saigon’s local culture and experiences. Guests can visit the Binh Quoi Village to witness traditional rice cultivation and fishing practices. Plus, the tour includes stops at a local wet market, the Jade Emperor Temple, the City Hall, the Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue Street, and the iconic Ben Thanh Market. However, it’s important to note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
| Site/Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Binh Quoi Village | Experience local life, rice cultivation, and fishing |
| Local Wet Market | Explore the vibrant and lively local market |
| Jade Emperor Temple | Visit this historic and culturally significant temple |
| Ben Thanh Market | Immerse in the bustling atmosphere of this famous market |
Customer Feedback
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, travelers have praised the Saigon Shore Excursion for its exceptional tour experience.
The tour has an overall rating of 5.0 out of 6 reviews, with guests highlighting the knowledgeable local guide and the flexibility to customize the itinerary. Many found the visit to the War Remnants Museum to be an emotional and impactful experience.
The tour also received praise for its seamless logistics, including complimentary pickup from the cruise port and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
With prices starting at $135 per person, the Saigon Shore Excursion offers great value for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour Duration
The Saigon Shore Excursion is designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Ho Chi Minh City within a single day.
The tour duration is approximately 7-8 hours, allowing visitors to explore the city’s key attractions, including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, and Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
Travelers will also enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour is private, catering to up to 12 people, and includes all necessary entrance fees, a local English-speaking guide, and bottled drinking water.
With a well-planned itinerary, this shore excursion ensures that guests make the most of their limited time in the vibrant city of Saigon.
Tour Highlights
The Saigon Shore Excursion offers a diverse array of highlights that allow visitors to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Participants will visit the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, and the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, providing a comprehensive look at the city’s past and present. Guests will also enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, accompanied by bottled drinking water. The private tour is available for up to 12 travelers and lasts approximately 7-8 hours, ensuring a fulfilling and memorable experience.
| Tour Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Independence Palace | Explore the former residence of South Vietnam’s president |
| War Remnants Museum | Gain insight into the Vietnam War’s devastating impact |
| Ho Chi Minh City Opera House | Admire the French colonial-era architecture |
| Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral | Marvel at the iconic neo-Romanesque cathedral |
| Vietnamese Lunch | Savor the flavors of authentic local cuisine |
Pricing Information
The Saigon Shore Excursion is priced from $135.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.
The tour includes lunch, bottled drinking water, all entrance fees, and a local English-speaking guide. Personal expenses, travel insurance, and drinks not included with meals are excluded.
Pickup from the cruise port is included, and the tour meeting time is between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Customers can select their preferred meeting point, and the tour ends back at the same location.
The tour has an overall rating of 5.0 based on 6 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide’s knowledge and flexibility in customizing the itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option for Private Transportation?
Yes, the tour offers private transportation via a private vehicle that can accommodate up to 12 travelers. This private option is included in the tour package to provide a more personalized experience during the sightseeing excursion.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility to modify the itinerary and focus on areas of particular interest to the travelers.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors/Students?
The tour provider offers discounted rates for seniors and students, typically 10-15% off the regular price. Travelers should inquire about these discounts when booking the tour to take advantage of the savings.
How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Delays?
The tour schedule is flexible to accommodate potential delays. The tour guide can adjust the itinerary to ensure travelers see the key sights and have an enjoyable experience, even if the schedule is disrupted by external factors.
Are There Any Recommendations for Local Souvenirs to Purchase?
The tour provides opportunities to purchase local souvenirs at the Ben Thanh Market, where visitors can find a variety of Vietnamese handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and culinary items. The guide can provide recommendations on the best places to find authentic and affordable souvenirs.
SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Old and New Parts of Saigon
“It was a great day! May was.a very good guide, she was friendly and knowledgeable and made the day very enjoyable!”
Recap
The "Saigon Shore Excursion: Old and New Parts of Saigon" offers an immersive experience that blends Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history with its modern vibrancy. Spanning 7-8 hours, the private tour showcases iconic attractions and the bustling streets, providing travelers with a deep appreciation of Saigon’s unique culture and architecture. With a knowledgeable local guide and a delicious Vietnamese lunch included, this excursion presents a comprehensive exploration of the city’s past and present.
