Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic sites with a private guide, savor local cuisine, and tailor your adventure from Phu My Port.
Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic sites with a private guide, savor local cuisine, and tailor your adventure from Phu My Port.
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautifully preserved relic from the French colonial era and is arguably the most magnificent post office in Southeast Asia. Situated next to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Vietnam during the…
- Central Post Office - The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautifully preserved relic from the French colonial era and is arguably the most magnificent post office in Southeast Asia. Situated next 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 Notre Dame Cathedral - Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the few remaining bastions of Catholicism in predominantly Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, it was named Notre Dame after the installation of the ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ statue in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican elevated it to a basilica, officially naming it Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Standing nearly 60 meters tall, the cathedral boasts distinctive neo-Romanesque features, including an all-red brick façade imported from Marseille, stained glass windows, two bell towers with six bronze bells that still chime today, and a serene garden setting in downtown Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
- The Independence Palace - Independence Palace served as the headquarters for Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963. It gained international fame 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-see for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace is a time capsule from 1975, with two original tanks used in its capture still parked on the grounds. Formerly the residence and workplace of the French Governor of Cochin-China, it features lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furniture, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events in Ho Chi Minh, including APEC summits.
- War Remnants Museum - Opened to the public in 1975, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a stark reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. Once called the ‘Museum of American War Crimes,’ it 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 6,800 kg. These weapons were used by American troops against the Vietnamese from 1945 to 1975.
- The Secret Weapons Cellar - Amid the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, a modest house at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, quietly preserves a significant piece of history — the secret weapon bunker of the Biet Dong Sai Gon, a special force unit of the Vietnam People’s Army that operated during the Vietnam War. This site once concealed over two tons of weapons, prepared for the attack on the Independence Palace during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
- 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 landscape. 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. Located at the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it comprises 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. The best time to visit is in the evening when these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
- Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building located at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, near the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-story, 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and hosts a variety of performing arts, including opera, ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance, and plays. Performances are advertised around the building, and information is available at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.
- 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. The temple is located in ‘Chợ Lớn’ (Chinatown) in District 5, approximately a twenty-minute drive from the city center.
- Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown, with roots dating back to 1778. It holds significant historical and cultural importance. 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. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a thriving black market for US soldiers trading in American Army supplies. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors. Cholon offers a glimpse of classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. The bustling Binh Tay market at its center is crowded and chaotic, with narrow aisles selling a wide range of goods.
- 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, 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, especially during the hottest part of the day, but it is well worth a visit. In the evening, restaurants around the market’s perimeter open, creating a vibrant 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 an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.

- Vietnamese Traditional Lunch (Phở/Noodle)
- Offering a Glass/Cup of Vietnamese Coffee
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private, Customized, and Flexible Tour
- Cruise Port Pick-up and Drop-off
- Professional Tour Guide
- Vietnamese Traditional Lunch (Phở/Noodle)
- Offering a Glass/Cup of Vietnamese Coffee
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private, Customized, and Flexible Tour
- Cruise Port Pick-up and Drop-off
- Professional Tour Guide
- Personal expenses
- Personal expenses
Discover the lively streets and historic sites of Ho Chi Minh City on a private shore excursion from Phu My Port. This personalized tour offers visits to key attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral, while savoring authentic Vietnamese coffee and a delightful local lunch. With a dedicated guide, explore…
Discover the lively streets and historic sites of Ho Chi Minh City on a private shore excursion from Phu My Port. This personalized tour offers visits to key attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral, while savoring authentic Vietnamese coffee and a delightful local lunch. With a dedicated guide, explore the rich culture and history at your leisure, customized to your interests. This full-day journey promises a memorable and enlightening experience in Vietnam’s vibrant city.
- Please provide the ship’s departure time or the time you need to return to the port. Our team will coordinate with the driver to ensure a seamless journey.
- Private tour with easy pickup and drop-off from Phu My Port
- Explore major landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Enjoy included Vietnamese coffee and a traditional lunch
- Tailor your itinerary to match your preferences and interests
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.