Shore Excursion: Cu Chi Tunnels & HCM City Tour From Sai Gon Port

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sai Gon Port, exploring the captivating Cu Chi Tunnels and the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. This comprehensive shore excursion promises an immersive experience, where you’ll uncover the region’s rich history and culture. With an expert English-speaking guide, explore the intricate underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, and discover iconic landmarks that have witnessed the country’s transformative past. From the Reunification Palace to the War Remnants Museum, this tour offers a well-rounded perspective on Vietnam’s captivating narrative.

Key Points

• This 9.5-hour shore excursion from Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Port covers the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels and essential sites in the city, including Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.

• The tour includes transportation, admission fees, English-speaking guide, traditional Vietnamese lunch and dinner, and bottled water, providing a comprehensive experience.

• Participants can explore the extensive Cu Chi Tunnel network, learning about the Viet Cong’s resilience and strategies during the Vietnam War, and discover Saigon’s rich history and architecture.

• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible, with a maximum of 15 travelers and a child policy of 1 child per adult, offering discounts for children.

• Advance booking is required at least 7 days prior, with passport details, and the overall rating of the tour is mixed based on 2 reviews.

Tour Overview and Itinerary

The tour offers a comprehensive 9.5-hour shore excursion from the Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Port.

Guests will visit the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels, a 120-mile network used by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War.

The itinerary also includes stops at the Reunification Palace, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Central Post Office, and War Remnants Museum.

Traditional Vietnamese lunch and dinner are included.

Port pickup and drop-off, along with entrance fees and travel insurance, are provided.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and requires booking at least 7 days in advance with passport details, cruise name, and arrival/departure times.

Included Services

This tour includes a range of services to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation throughout the day. Admission fees to all the key sites, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and Reunification Palace, are covered. Bottled drinking water is provided for hydration.

An English-speaking guide leads the tour, with other language options available for an additional fee. Travel insurance is also included, offering peace of mind.

However, personal expenses like shopping, telephone calls, and tips aren’t covered and must be paid separately by participants.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup point for this tour is Khanh Hoi Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City.

The tour starts at 8:00 am, so booking should be made at least 7 days in advance. When booking, guests must provide their passport details, cruise name, arrival, and departure times.

This shore excursion lasts 9.5 hours and includes transportation, entrance fees, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide. Other language guides are available for a surcharge.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. A maximum of 1 child per adult is allowed, with discounts for children 0-5 (75% off) and 6-10 (25% off).

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Tour Duration at Key Sites

The tour spends approximately 4 hours at the Cu Chi Tunnels, allowing visitors to explore this expansive 120-mile network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

After the tunnels, the tour heads to the War Remnants Museum, where guests can spend around 45 minutes learning about the war’s impact.

Next, the group visits the Reunification Palace for 1 hour, followed by brief stops at the Central Post Office and Ba Thien Hau Temple.

The final stop is the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, where visitors can spend around 5 minutes admiring the French colonial architecture before returning to the cruise port.

Additional Information

According to the information provided, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.

The tour allows a maximum of one child per adult, with additional children paying the adult price. Children aged 0-5 receive a 75% discount, while those aged 6-10 get a 25% discount.

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Based on 2 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.0, with feedback highlighting dissatisfaction with the tour’s execution and some positive experiences.

Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels

Venturing into the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors embark on a captivating journey through a network of underground passages that played a vital role during the Vietnam War.

The tour highlights various aspects of this historical site:

• Exploring the narrow, claustrophobic tunnels that once housed Viet Cong fighters and their families

• Witnessing the ingenious engineering of the tunnels, including hidden entrances, ventilation shafts, and booby traps

• Learning about the daily lives and strategies of the Viet Cong, who used the tunnels for shelter, supply routes, and surprise attacks

• Gaining a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people’s resilience and determination during the conflict.

Discovering Saigon’s Historic Sites

Beyond the serene Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors enjoy the historic grandeur of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour takes them to the Reunification Palace, a stunning example of 1960s architecture that served as the former president’s residence.

Next, they admire the ornate Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a French-colonial-era cathedral, and the adjacent Central Post Office, a beautifully preserved example of French colonial architecture.

The final stop is the War Remnants Museum, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s past conflicts.

Throughout the journey, travelers gain insights into Saigon’s rich history and cultural heritage, complementing their exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Experiencing Vietnamese Cuisine

During the tour, travelers savor the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. A delectable Vietnamese lunch and dinner are included, allowing guests to indulge in the country’s culinary delights.

The menu features:

• Pho, a fragrant noodle soup with tender beef or chicken
• Banh mi, a classic Vietnamese sandwich with savory fillings
• Spring rolls, made with fresh vegetables and wrapped in rice paper
• Ca phe sua da, a refreshing iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk

These authentic dishes showcase the vibrant, balanced flavors that define Vietnamese gastronomy, leaving tour participants with a newfound appreciation for the local cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes traditional Vietnamese lunch and dinner, as well as bottled drinking water. Personal expenses like shopping, telephone, and beverages are not covered.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should refrain from using flash in enclosed areas like the Cu Chi Tunnels. Participants are advised to check with the guide for any site-specific restrictions.

What Should I Wear for the Tour to Be Comfortable?

For comfort, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray to protect against the hot, humid weather. Dress in layers to adjust to air-conditioned buses and tunnels.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit the traveler’s preferences. The tour provider typically offers flexibility to adjust the duration at each site or add/remove certain attractions based on the traveler’s interests.

Is There Any Age Limit or Requirement for Children on the Tour?

There’s no age limit for children, but there’s a 75% discount for 0-5 years old and a 25% discount for 6-10 years old. Only one child is allowed per adult at the discounted rate.

Recap

This shore excursion from Sai Gon Port offers a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s history and culture. Visitors will explore the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels, marvel at Saigon’s iconic landmarks, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With an English-speaking guide, travelers can expect an immersive and enlightening experience that showcases the country’s rich heritage and resilience.