• Ho Chi Minh City - From 7:30 to 8:00 AM, the guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name at the Phu My port gate (a short 2 to 5-minute shuttle bus ride from the ship to the gate) and then head to Saigon, approximately a 1.5-hour journey by private mini-van.

• Explore the rich history and culture of Saigon with visits to:
  • Local Wet Market
  • The Jade Emperor Temple
  • City Hall
  • Opera House
  • Central Post Office
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
  • War Museum and Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). At the conclusion of the private car services, rest assured you will be returned on time to board the cruise ship.

• Chợ Lớn - Saigon’s Cholon 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. Those who survived settled and began selling various Chinese products. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Cholon offers a glimpse of classical Chinese architecture reminiscent of the past, with numerous Chinese restaurants. While some tourists may find the market’s product variety lacking compared to other Ho Chi Minh markets, the main attraction is the authentic Chinese atmosphere that has thrived here for centuries.

• Ba Thien Hau Temple - This Buddhist temple in Saigon is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu, believed to protect and rescue ships and people at sea by flying on a mat or cloud. Mazuism combines traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. The temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, about a twenty-minute drive from the city center.

• The Independence Palace - Independence Palace served as the base for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963 and gained global recognition in 1975 when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-visit for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a glimpse into 1975. Two original tanks used in the palace’s capture are displayed on the grounds. Independence Palace was the residence and workplace of the French Governor of Cochin-China.

• Ben Thanh Market - Located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Ben Thanh Market is an excellent spot to purchase local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. Inside the market, you’ll find food stalls offering hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or a refreshing cold drink when bargaining becomes overwhelming. The market is large and can be challenging to navigate at times, and it’s best to avoid during the hottest part of the day, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

• 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 stark reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. The museum displays graphic photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft, and a conventional bomb weighing 6,800kg. These weapons were used by American troops against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.

• People’s Committee Building - The People’s Committee Building in central Ho Chi Minh City showcases well-preserved French colonial architecture within a spacious garden setting. Originally built as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now functions as a city hall and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Situated at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it features three buildings adorned with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, and a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building.

• Full Entrance Fees
• Professional and experienced English speaking tour guide
• Private transportation with A/C
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Bottled drinking water on the car/bus

• Other private expenditures such as phone, laundry, shopping, etc.
• Personal expenses which do not mention as specified

7:30-8:00 AM: Our tour guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name at the Phu My port gate. You can either walk or take a short shuttle ride (about 5 minutes) from the ship to the Main Gate. Our guide will be there with a welcome sign and we’ll depart for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in a private mini-van, which takes around 1.5 hours.

During the tour, we’ll visit several notable places in Saigon, including:

• China Town, featuring a wholesale market and Thien Hau Temple, the most charming and unique ancient temple in Saigon.
• The center of Saigon, where we’ll see:
  • Local Wet Market
  • City Hall
  • Opera House
  • Central Post Office
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
  • War Museum or Reunification Palace (formerly known as the Presidential Palace).

All private tours last approximately 9-10 hours or longer, depending on your schedule. At the end of the tour, we will ensure you return on time to board the cruise ship.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.