PHU MY PORT: SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION-Old and New Parts of Saigon

Experience Ho Chi Minh City in a Day: Old Meets New on a Private Shore Excursion

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a lively blend of history, culture, and modern energy. This private shore excursion offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s most iconic sights, without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets or public transport. The tour is designed for cruise passengers who want to maximize their time ashore, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way through both the city’s landmarks and lesser-known gems.

What stands out most about this experience is the flexibility and personal touch — it’s tailored for your group, with a private vehicle and guide ensuring a smooth, personalized journey. The inclusion of a delicious Vietnamese lunch adds a flavorful touch, giving you a true taste of local cuisine. That said, if you’re after a fast-paced sightseeing sprint, this tour’s duration might feel a bit leisurely, but for those wanting a deep, authentic glimpse, it hits the mark.

A couple of considerations: the tour involves some walking and a variety of stops, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Also, as the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning about history and culture without feeling rushed. This excursion suits those who value insightful guides, culture, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group size and interests
• Includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch for a full culture
• Highlights both old and new parts of Saigon, blending history, architecture, and local life
• Expert guides who provide insightful commentary and adapt to your preferences
• Comfortable private transportation with port pickup and drop-off included
• Ideal for groups and families up to 12 travelers seeking a flexible, value-packed day

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City: What You Can Expect

This tour is a comprehensive dive into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, with each stop serving a specific purpose — from historical insight to lively market scenes. It’s perfect for those who want to see the city’s major sights without the stress of planning or navigating on their own.

Binh Quoi Village: A Hidden Local Escape

Your day begins with a visit to Binh Quoi Village, an off-the-beaten-path slice of Saigon life. Unlike the busy tourist spots, this village offers a glimpse of everyday living — rice paddies, fishing, and traditional farming methods in a setting that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle. Reviewers love this stop for its authentic charm; one mentioned how it’s a “very famous place with locals for picnics and fishing” and appreciated seeing how “they grow rice and catch fish.” The admission here is free, and it’s a great way to start the day with a peaceful, scenic view.

Discovering Saigon’s Historic Core

Next, the tour moves into Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling center, packed with landmarks that tell stories of Vietnam’s past and present. Expect to see:

• The Jade Emperor Pagoda — one of the oldest pagodas, with intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance. Reviewers like Khang mention how it’s a “wonderful old temple,” giving visitors a taste of Vietnam’s religious traditions.
• The Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) — a striking building with lush gardens and secret rooms, frozen in time since 1975. Guests frequently describe it as a “time capsule,” with original tanks parked outside reminiscent of historic moments. One reviewer, Cynthia, pointed out how she loved the “fascinating rooms and the tanks.” This stop provides a tangible link to Vietnam’s recent history.
• Ben Thanh Market — a lively, sprawling marketplace where you can browse local crafts, art, and souvenirs. Many reviews note that it’s a great place to sample street food or get a quick bite — although it can be crowded and hot during peak hours, it’s definitely worth a look for the vibrant atmosphere.

Architectural and Cultural Gems

The tour includes visits to:

• The City Hall and Central Post Office — admire their colonial architecture, which showcases Saigon’s French influence.
• The Opera House — a beautiful French colonial building, often praised for its grandeur.
• The People’s Committee Building — a French-built structure now serving as a city hall, often highlighted as a must-see for its historical significance and impressive facade.

The Emperors Jade Pagoda

A short drive takes you to Emperor Jade Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in the city. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the spiritual significance of this site, amidst its traditional architecture and incense-filled rooms. Reviewers appreciated this stop for its tranquility and cultural depth.

Wrapping Up with a Local Flavor

The tour concludes with a quick walk through Nguyen Hue Street — a lively pedestrian zone — and a final look at the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its stunning French Gothic architecture. The last stop, Ben Thanh Market, allows for last-minute souvenirs and a taste of street snacks.

The Practical Side: Value and Logistics

For $135 per person, the tour offers exceptional value considering the inclusions: private transportation, a Vietnamese lunch, all entry fees, and a knowledgeable guide. The tour duration of 7 to 8 hours strikes a balance — enough time to see key sights without feeling rushed. The private nature means your group can customize parts of the itinerary and ask questions freely, leading to a more enriching experience.

The pickup and drop-off from the cruise port are seamless, removing the usual stress of figuring out transportation in a busy city. The vehicle is comfortable, with bottled water provided, so you can stay refreshed as you travel between sites.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Ms. Linh, Penny, and Khang for their friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility. One reviewer noted how their guide took suggestions and added “more that were unmissable,” showing how adaptable the experience is. Many mention the guides’ ability to provide interesting stories and local insights, transforming a sightseeing trip into an educational adventure.

A recurring theme in reviews is the quality of the lunch — a well-prepared Vietnamese meal that complements the culture. Some guests appreciated trying local dishes in a traditional setting, adding depth to their visit.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is well-paced, it involves some walking and standing, so moderate physical fitness is advisable. During hot or rainy seasons, prepare for weather variations; the tour is mostly outdoors and involves several stops. It’s also best suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and lively city scenes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private shore excursion is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible, cultural experience with the comfort of private transport and a guide. It’s perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers craving a balanced mix of sightseeing and local vibe. If you love learning about history and architecture, tasting authentic cuisine, and exploring at your own pace, this tour checks all those boxes.

It’s less suited for those seeking a high-energy, fast-paced tour or visitors who prefer guided-only, structured group experiences. However, if you value authenticity and insider knowledge, it’s a superb choice for your port day in Saigon.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable walking and standing, this tour is suitable for most age groups. The pace can be adjusted based on the group’s stamina.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, private transportation is included for pickup and drop-off at the cruise port, as well as between stops.

What’s the meal like?
A Vietnamese lunch is included, offering local dishes in a restaurant setting. The reviews highlight it as delicious and authentic.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees for the stops are covered, so you won’t need extra cash for tickets.

Can the tour be customized?
Absolutely. Your guide can tailor the itinerary based on your interests, whether you want more historical sites or local markets.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, plus sun protection or rain gear depending on the weather.

Is this tour good for large groups?
Yes, it’s designed for groups up to 12 travelers, making it ideal for families or friends traveling together.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 60 days ahead, emphasizing its popularity.

To sum it up, this private shore excursion offers a thoughtfully curated look at Ho Chi Minh City’s historic architecture, vibrant markets, and local traditions. The guides are praised for their expertise and flexibility, making it a reliable choice for cruise visitors wanting to make the most of their limited time ashore. With a good balance of cultural sights, lively markets, and scenic stops, it provides value, comfort, and a genuine sense of Saigon — perfect for curious travelers eager to see both the old and new sides of this bustling city.