The Real Ho Chi Minh City Excursion

UPCOMING SHARED CRUISE EXCURSIONS

Join fellow cruise passengers on these pre-scheduled departures and enjoy a cost-effective, sociable shore experience.

*Note: For other dates, please fill out the INQUIRY FORM BELOW to receive detailed information.

FULL ITINERARY

Port Pickup & Warmly Welcome

Our Phu My shore excursions begin with a warm welcome right at the port. Your private English-speaking guide and driver will greet you with a personalized sign and escort you on a comfortable 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. As the landscape transitions from tranquil countryside to bustling urban life, catch your first glimpse of Vietnam’s largest metropolis, vibrant, layered, and full of stories.

Thien Hau Temple

We start our city exploration at Thien Hau Temple, an exquisite pagoda dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Its intricate architecture, spiral incense coils, and detailed carvings offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s rhythm while revealing the deep spiritual traditions of Saigon’s Chinese community.

Vietnam War Remnants Museum

Next, we visit the War Remnants Museum, a place of remembrance that sheds light on the country’s turbulent past. Through photographs, personal letters, and preserved artifacts, this museum stands as a moving tribute to the resilience and compassion of the Vietnamese people.

Lacquerware Workshop

Our journey continues at a traditional lacquerware workshop, where you’ll observe artisans at work. Watch the meticulous process of crafting these shimmering pieces, each one a reflection of patience, artistry, and Vietnamese heritage passed down through generations.

Ben Thanh Market

Experience the colorful chaos of Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most famous trading hub. Stroll through aisles brimming with local specialties, fabrics, spices, and souvenirs, perfect for immersing yourself in daily Saigon life.

Lunch with Pho & Spring Rolls

Savor Vietnam’s signature dish, Pho, accompanied by fresh spring rolls at a local restaurant. This simple yet soul-warming meal connects you to the heart of Vietnamese culinary culture.

City Highlights & Photo Stops

Continue your tour with photo stops at Saigon’s architectural gems:

• Independence Palace - the former Presidential Palace that witnessed the end of the Vietnam War
• Notre Dame Cathedral - currently under restoration, still admired for its timeless French charm
• Central Post Office - a classic colonial structure designed by Gustave Eiffel
• Saigon Opera House - a graceful reminder of the city’s belle époque

Return to Port

As your day ends, relax on the drive back to Phu My Port, with lasting memories of Saigon, brought to you by Shore Excursions Asia.