Vietnam · City Tours

Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour with History or Saigon River Cruise

5 Hours Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the historic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace
  • 02 Admire French Colonial landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
  • 03 Gain insight into the Indochina Wars at the War Remnants Museum
  • 04 Discover Chợ Lớn and visit Thien Hau Pagoda in China Town
  • 05 Cruise the Saigon River by waterbus with views of Landmark 81, Bitexco Financial Tower, and District 2

Join this half-day journey through Ho Chi Minh City and choose between two distinct ways to experience its character. The morning option focuses on the city's history and heritage with visits to the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. The afternoon option takes you through Chợ Lớn and Thien Hau Pagoda before a waterbus ride along the Saigon River, offering a different perspective on landmarks such as Landmark 81 and the Bitexco Financial Tower. It is a well-rounded introduction to the city's past, architecture, and riverside skyline.

Many stunning moments await you as you discover the soul of this land, the Saigon River, by waterbus.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Ho Chi Minh
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ho Chi Minh City Morning or Afternoon Discovery

A. Morning Option:

  • In the morning at 8:00 am, embark on a captivating trip to visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City stands on the grounds where the former Norodom Palace once stood. Designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, the Independence Palace holds significant cultural and historical importance.
  • Next, admire stunning structures from the French Colonial era, such as the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. These architectural gems showcase the rich heritage of the city.
  • Following that, visit the impactful War Remnants Museum. With its extensive collection, the museum offers a poignant portrayal of the Indochina Wars. It serves as a reminder of the past and provides valuable insights into the history of the region.
  • Around 12:00 p.m., the trip concludes, and you will be transferred back to your hotel or the designated meeting point.

B. Afternoon Option:

  • At 1:00 p.m., take the afternoon trip. Visit Cho Lon (Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda located in China Town.
  • Continue to Bach Dang Harbor. After checking in for the waterbus tickets and securing your seat, the boat will depart. During the trip, you will enjoy a unique view of some of the city's most typical commercial buildings, including the Vinhomes Central Park urban area, the magnificent Landmark 81 tower, the Bitexco Financial Tower, and the peaceful green District 2.
  • Many stunning moments await you as you discover the soul of this land, the Saigon River, by waterbus. You might realize many miracles and gain a more accurate view of the land once called Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.
  • At 6:00 p.m., transfer back to your hotel or meeting point and finish the trip.
Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon River, Landmark 81

Where this trip takes you

Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon River, Landmark 81

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • A/C bus
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fee
  • Mineral water
  • Waterbus ticket for the afternoon option

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance, beverages, and food
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Other services not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat

Know before you go

  • We support pick-up and drop-off for guests in the central area of District 1, including hotels located on the following roads: Ly Tu Trong, Le Thanh Ton, Truong Dinh, Nguyen An Ninh, Phan Chu Trinh, Luu Van Lang, Le Anh Xuan, Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Thi Sach, Thu Khoa Huan, Thai Van Lung, Mac Thi Buoi, Ho Huan Nghiep, Nguyen Thai Binh, Le Thi Hong Gam, Bui Thi Xuan, Suong Nguyet Anh, Nguyen Van Cu, and Sign Child.
  • Outside the areas listed above, we do not provide pick-up. Guests will gather at our office to join and end the tour.
  • We will not be responsible for late arrivals.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
177 Đường Đề Thám, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 22 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total