Name: Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
SKU: 34602P99
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (483 reviews)

WizardTrip

Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

5.0(483)· Ho Chi Minh City· By Maximus Travel Vietnam Watch the video

Free cancellationPrivate tour

From

€104per person

1 to 30 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €104.26€104.26

Total€104.26

About the activity

Embark on a private full-day journey through the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Your expert guide will lead you to the most captivating highlights this shore excursion has to offer. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch and all attraction entrance fees are included.

What's included

✓Pick-up and Drop-off at the port
✓Bottled Water
✓Private Professional English Speaking Guide
✓All Fees
✓A very comfortable vehicle depending on group size
✓Offering a Cup of Vietnamese Coffee/Tea
✓Private, Customize and Flexible Tour
✓Vietnamese Traditional Lunch

What is not included

✕Personal expenses

Itinerary

1
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Constructed in the late 1880s by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a significant symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam. Originally named Notre Dame after the installation of the 'Peaceful Notre Dame' statue in 1959, it was officially recognized as a basilica by the Vatican in 1962, becoming the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. This neo-Romanesque architectural marvel, standing nearly 60 meters tall, features striking red brick imported from Marseille, exquisite stained glass windows, and two bell towers with six bronze bells that still ring today. It is set within a serene garden in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1.
· 30 min
2
Saigon Central Post Office
A beautifully preserved testament to French colonial architecture, the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a grand structure, possibly the most impressive post office in Southeast Asia. Situated adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's past during the Indochinese Empire. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the building showcases characteristic arched windows and wooden shutters from the late 19th century.
· 30 min
3
The Independence Palace
Formerly the seat of Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his assassination in 1963, the Independence Palace etched its name in global history in 1975 when a North Vietnamese Army tank breached its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is an essential visit for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, preserving the atmosphere of 1975. Two original tanks from the palace's capture are displayed on the grounds. The palace, which also served as the residence and office for the French Governor of Cochin-China, boasts lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furnishings, and a command bunker. It continues to host significant events, including APEC summits.
· 1 h 30 min· Admission included
4
War Remnants Museum
Opened in 1975, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as the 'Museum of American War Crimes,' offers a poignant and graphic account of the Vietnam War. The museum displays harrowing photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter jet, an attack aircraft, and a 6,800kg conventional bomb used by American troops between 1945 and 1975.
· 1 h 30 min· Admission included
5
People's Committee Building
The People's Committee Building in Ho Chi Minh City, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture, is set amidst spacious gardens in the city center. Originally built as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now functions as the city hall and is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most recognizable landmarks. Located at the end of the Nguyen Hue walking promenade, the building features three sections adorned with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate wall reliefs, and a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main structure. It is particularly stunning when illuminated by LED lights in the evening.
· 15 min
6
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)
The Saigon Opera House, an elegant colonial building, is situated at the junction of Le Loi and Dong Khoi streets in District 1, near Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. This restored, three-story theater, with a seating capacity of 800, was built in 1897. It hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, concerts, traditional Vietnamese dance, and plays. Performance schedules are displayed around the building, and information is also available at the nearby state-operated tourist information center.
· 15 min
7
Phố Tau Sai Gon (Chợ Lớn Quận 5)
Ho Chi Minh City's Cholon, Vietnam's largest Chinatown with origins dating back to 1778, is a site of significant historical and cultural importance. The Chinese community rebuilt the area twice after attacks, with many perishing while attempting to escape by boat. Survivors established businesses selling various Chinese goods. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for U.S. soldiers. Today, it remains a popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Taiwan and China, offering classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. The Binh Tay Market at its heart is a vibrant, bustling hub selling a wide array of goods.
· 1 h
8
Ba Thien Hau Temple
The Ba Thien Hau Temple in Saigon, located in Cholon (Chinatown), District 5, is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess believed to protect seafarers. Mazuism, a belief system blending Taoist and Buddhist traditions, is honored here. The temple is approximately a twenty-minute drive from the city center.
· 30 min
9
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is an excellent place to find local handicrafts, branded items, Vietnamese art, and souvenirs. Inside, food stalls offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine and refreshing drinks. While the market can be large and sometimes challenging to navigate, especially during the hottest part of the day, it is a worthwhile visit. In the evening, the surrounding area transforms into a lively street scene with restaurants serving delicious wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish, and meats, creating a truly authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.
· 45 min
10
Emperor Jade Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai Tu, is a Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian pagoda located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Founded by Liu Daoyuan, a Cantonese migrant, it has been known by its Buddhist name, Phuoc Hai Tu, since 1984.
· 30 min
11
The Secret Weapons Cellar
Hidden within Ho Chi Minh City at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, a modest house conceals a significant historical site: the secret weapons cellar of the Biet Dong Sai Gon. This special unit of the Vietnam People's Army used the bunker to store over two tons of weapons in preparation for the 1968 Tet Offensive attack on the Independence Palace.
· 30 min· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

Your private guide will meet you at the port entrance holding a sign with your name. As this is a fully private and flexible excursion, you can depart at your preferred time and return times can be coordinated specifically with your ship’s docking schedule.

Practical information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity options

Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Pickup included

Duration

8 h à 12 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water.
Be prepared for warm and humid weather.
Bring a camera to capture the city's sights.
Engage with your guide for deeper insights into the local culture.
Allow for flexibility in the itinerary based on your preferences.

Discover the historical and cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City on a private, customizable shore excursion.

Cancellation conditions

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

Any questions?

Product code: 34602P99

Activity offered by Maximus Travel Vietnam via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Cruise ship passengers
History enthusiasts
Culture explorers
Private tour seekers

Activity essentials

Explore Ho Chi Minh City's iconic landmarks with a private guide.
Discover historical sites like the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum.
Experience the vibrant culture of Cholon (Chinatown).
Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch.
Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.
Convenient pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port.

Ho Chi Minh City: good to know

Population: 14,002,598 (2024)
Elevation: 13 m
Currency: Vietnamese đồng
Official language: Vietnamese
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, C, F, G · 220 V
Emergency number: 113
Capital city: Hanoi

Average temperatures

26°Jan
28°Feb
30°Mar
31°Apr
29°May
27°Jun
27°Jul
27°Aug
27°Sept
26°Oct
26°Nov
26°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of this shore excursion?

The tour duration is from 8 AM to 12 PM.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese lunch is included.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes, this is a private and flexible tour, allowing for customization.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Is pick-up from the cruise port included?

Yes, pick-up and drop-off at the port are included.

Reviews

5.05.0(483)

5 stars

469

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Emmie was a great guide!
Leslie_S, May 2026
Emmie was the best guide ever! She was so enthusiastic and spent the day with us on an organized and thoughtful tour. Emmie took us to a fabulous vegetarian lunch as requested. She packed in a full day tour with efficiency. Emmie’s English was amazing too! She took photos of us throughout the day which we really appreciated. Our driver was also always on time and helpful.
★★★★★Viator review
Simply the Best!
Richard_F, May 2026
This was simply one the best tours we have ever done. Everything from pickup to drop-off went so smooth and seamlessly. We modified the tour a bit to see a few places not on the itinerary but still made it well within the estimated time for the tour. Our tour guide was awesome and spoke nearly perfect English. We would highly recommend this tour to everyone!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
One of the Best we’ve ever done!!!
Global574942, May 2026
This was an amazing tour. Our guide, Evelyn, and her driver met us at the port exactly on time. We made the drive into HCMC in a clean and air conditioned car and started what turned out to be one of the most informative and exciting tours of our trip. Evelyn gave us so much history and information about the city, and the Vietnamese culture. The lunch was provided and it didn’t disappoint. True Vietnamese cuisine in a perfect location downtown. We were absolutely delighted with the entire day. Evelyn was fluent in English and very easy to understand availing us to more complex discussions about the culture. We weren’t interested in a few sites on the itinerary and Evelyn quickly assessed our interest and modified the day with points of interest we really enjoyed. We would highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in a great city tour of HCMC!!
★★★★★Viator review
Great private tour of Ho Chi Manh city with Dorothy
Sherri_P, May 2026
Dorothy was a fabulous tour guide! She set up a fun and informative private tour for me and my husband of Ho Chi Manh city! Lunch was also great! It was a full day of learning and experiencing a new city! Would love to come back! And would highly recommend Dorothy!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
A great way to see Saigon
Alan H, May 2026
We had a great day with our guide Anna. Anna is very knowledgeable about everything you can imagine in Saigon. She has a wonderful friendly personality as well. Insight to everything we saw. We had seen a few things yesterday and she was very flexible about modifying the trip and doing what we wanted to do. So we went to the sky tower, which is not listed as one of the events and it was great. She fed us a delicious lunch and bought us coffee when we stopped for coffee. After all the sightseeing was just about done she took us to the chocolate store, which was unexpected but great. our driver, Que did a great job of navigating the busy and somewhat crazy streets of Saigon. When Anne called him that we were ready to be picked up he was always there within two or three minutes. Overall, it was definitely a five star day may possible by Anna and Que.

56 activities · Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has 56 activities, tours and experiences to book. Also worth exploring nearby: Vung Tau.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

56 in the catalogue

Top pick

Mekong Delta Small Group Tour with Vinh Trang Pagoda (Max 10)

from €24★ 4.8

Top pick

Saigon: Premium Award-Winning Street Food Tour with Female Riders

from €31★ 5.0

Top pick

Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour by Local Chef + Cookbook

from €44★ 4.9

-12%

Full Day Off The Beaten Track Mekong Delta Tour

from €95★ 4.9

Top pick

Mekong Delta Full Day Trip - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour

from €77★ 4.9

Top pick

Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

from €104★ 5.0

Top pick

Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class with Market Visit in HCMc

from €42★ 5.0

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh City Private Full-Day Tour with Lunch

from €81★ 4.9

Top pick

Can Gio Trek: Monkey Island & Crocodile Farm from Ho Chi Minh City

from €27★ 4.8

Private tour

From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne Best Day Trip | Sunset Tour

from €56★ 4.7

Top pick

Mekong Delta Homestay 2-Day at Family Tiny Garden - Small Group

from €69★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Authentic Mekong Delta Tour With Local Experts

from €111★ 4.8

All activities · Ho Chi Minh City · 56

02Complete your day

More to do in Ho Chi Minh City

12 activities

Top pick

Top Notch Street Food Motorbike Tour In Ho Chi Minh City

from €26★ 5.0

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh City: Motorbike Street Food Tour with 12 Tastings

from €28★ 5.0

Top pick

Saigon Street Food & Hidden Alleys on Motorbike – 7/9/12 Tastings

from €16★ 5.0

Top pick

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Private Tour

from €100★ 5.0

Top pick

Small-Group Saigon City Tour: 4-Hour Must-See Iconic Landmarks

from €27★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Buffet, Set Menu, Fine Dining (3hrs)

from €44★ 4.6

03On the water

Boats & cruises in Ho Chi Minh City

1 activity

-10%

Premium Cu Chi Tunnels Tour by Speedboat – Small Group Experience

from €78★ 5.0

04Categories

Guided tours in Ho Chi Minh City

40 activities

Top pick

Mekong Delta Small Group Tour with Vinh Trang Pagoda (Max 10)

from €24★ 4.8

Top pick

Saigon: Premium Award-Winning Street Food Tour with Female Riders

from €31★ 5.0

Top pick

Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour by Local Chef + Cookbook

from €44★ 4.9

Top pick

Mekong Delta Full Day Trip - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour

from €77★ 4.9

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh City Private Full-Day Tour with Lunch

from €81★ 4.9

Private tour

From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne Best Day Trip | Sunset Tour

from €56★ 4.7

05Categories

Food & Drink in Ho Chi Minh City

12 activities

Top pick

Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class with Market Visit in HCMc

from €42★ 5.0

Top pick

Private Street Food Motorbike Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

from €50★ 5.0

Top pick

Premium Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Food Tour (Michelin Optional)

from €24★ 5.0

Top pick

Female Rider: Ho Chi Minh City Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour

from €21★ 5.0

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic)

from €26★ 5.0

Top pick

Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

from €26★ 5.0

06Categories

Private tours in Ho Chi Minh City

10 activities

Top pick

Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

from €104★ 5.0

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

from €64★ 4.9

Top pick

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Private Tour

from €100★ 5.0

07Categories

Food tours in Ho Chi Minh City

9 activities

Top pick

Top Notch Street Food Motorbike Tour In Ho Chi Minh City

from €26★ 5.0

Top pick

Ho Chi Minh City: Motorbike Street Food Tour with 12 Tastings

from €28★ 5.0

Top pick

Saigon Street Food & Hidden Alleys on Motorbike – 7/9/12 Tastings

from €16★ 5.0

08Categories

Day trips in Ho Chi Minh City

6 activities

-12%

Full Day Off The Beaten Track Mekong Delta Tour

from €95★ 4.9

Top pick

Mekong Delta Small Group Full Day Tour

from €27★ 4.9

Top pick

Full-Day Tour in Mekong Delta with Pick Up in Central District 1

from €19★ 4.9

09Categories

Multi-day tours in Ho Chi Minh City

4 activities

Top pick

Mekong Delta Homestay 2-Day at Family Tiny Garden - Small Group

from €69★ 4.9

Free cancellation

Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour from HCM City

from €72★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour: Floating Markets, Biking, Amazing Tour

from €48★ 4.7

10Explore nearby

Nearby cities

1 city

Vung Tau

Trending

Popular activities

Top pick

Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

from €44★ 5.0

Top pick

Cu Chi Tunnels - VIP Private Tour

from €45★ 5.0

Top pick

Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM

from €24★ 5.0

-10%

Premium Cu Chi Tunnels Tour by Speedboat – Small Group Experience

from €78★ 5.0

Top pick

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

from €30★ 5.0

Top pick

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels: Vietnam War History & Underground Life

from €13★ 4.9

Plan your trip

Frequently asked questions about Ho Chi Minh City

What is there to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has 56 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Mekong Delta Small Group Tour with Vinh Trang Pagoda (Max 10) », « Saigon: Premium Award-Winning Street Food Tour with Female Riders », « Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour by Local Chef + Cookbook ».

What are the top-rated activities in Ho Chi Minh City?

According to traveller reviews: « Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City » (5.0/5, 2,263 reviews) ; « Private Street Food Motorbike Tour in Ho Chi Minh City » (5.0/5, 2,449 reviews) ; « Ho Chi Minh City Night Tour by Motorbike with Female Rider | KissTour » (5.0/5, 1,308 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Ho Chi Minh City for free?

Usually, yes: 23 of the 24 most popular activities in Ho Chi Minh City offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.