Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions: How to Maximise Your Time on Shore?
With some hours at each port of call, making the most of your time with a well-planned shore excursion is a smart choice. Your Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions will be a great opportunity for you to marvel at the city’s architecture and delve into the local history at renowned sites, such as the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and many more. Here are the essential tips for your upcoming shore excursion.
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Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Port Guide
Nowadays, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling hub of trading activities and cultural convergence where you can feel the city’s pulse the moment you disembark your cruise ship. While Nha Rong Port, located in District 4, is conveniently close to the city centre, other ports are situated farther away. Preparing for your Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions will be much easier with a quick glance at the city’s key ports of call and detailed information about how to make the most of your time at each cruise port.
Popular Ports of Call
• Nha Rong Port: Nha Rong Port or Dragon Wharf is located at No.1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, on the bank of Sai Gon River. This port plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s history as it marks the time when President Ho Chi Minh left Vietnam and began his journey seeking independence for the country.
From Nha Rong Port, you can easily reach the city’s major attractions, like Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the vibrant neighbourhood of District 1. Right at the wharf lies a museum of the same name – Ho Chi Minh Museum, which you can list as the first place of interest to visit on your shore excursion. Please check out a virtual tour of this iconic site.
Mid-size and small ships can navigate the winding Saigon River and dock just a short distance from the centre at this port. In reality, most ships now dock at farther ports like Phu Huu and Hiep Phuoc in the suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City or Phu My Port in Vung Tau.
• Phu Huu Port: Tan Cang – Phu Huu Port was established in 2015 to develop the city’s seaport area. Phu Huu is located in Phu Huu Ward, District 9 and well connected to Ring Road 2 and Ho Chi Minh – Long Thanh Expressway. It takes about 40 minutes to get from this port to the city centre.
• Hiep Phuoc Port: Hiep Phuoc Port is part of the Saigon Port, located along Soai Rap River in Nha Be District. The distance from Hiep Phuoc Port to Ho Chi Mịnh City centre is about 23 km, and it can take up to 45 minutes to transfer to the city centre, depending on the traffic. The port is located near major southern industrial parks, like Hiep Phuoc and Long An.
• Phu My Port: Phu My Port is a perfect match for large cruise ships, and there’s a good chance your cruise ship will dock at this port. Phu My Port serves as a crucial transport hub for both domestic and international trading. The port is fully equipped to accommodate large cruise ships, with a spacious terminal building, where ATMs, currency exchange services, shops, and restaurants are available for your convenience. The travel time from Phu My Port to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours (70 km).
Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions Transportation
Except for Nha Rong Port, the other ports are at a distance from Ho Chi Minh City Centre. The disadvantage for independent travellers is the lack of public transportation from the port to the city centre. You need to search for alternatives in advance to maximise your time and avoid unnecessary delays. Please find the suggested transfer options below:
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the port terminal. The basic taxi fare is about VND 15,000 – 25,000 per km. In addition to traditional metered taxis, many ride-hailing apps like Grab or Be can help you save some bucks.
• Private transfer: The best way to cut off unnecessary waiting time and spend more time sightseeing is to book pre-arranged cruise ship port transfers or inclusive shore excursion tours. Planning ahead and having a well-organised tour is the best option if you are a first-time cruiser or simply don’t want to waste time navigating the port.
• Shuttle bus: Don’t forget to check if your cruise line offers shuttle bus services from the port to the city centre. Taking advantage of these services can streamline your arrival and allow you to start exploring as soon as possible. However, take into account that services offered by cruise lines cater to large groups, which can result in a less personalised experience.
Best Time To Go
You can take Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions all year round, but generally there are months with preferred weather patterns that can enhance your excursion. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is the dry season which usually lasts from December to April. This is when you can enjoy the coolest temperatures and the lowest chances of rainfall. However, it is recommended not travelling within the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết Holiday) due to the rise in service costs. In addition, days before Tết when locals begin to shop for the holiday or leave town, traffic jams may become a nightmare while during the first few days of the year, some shops remain closed.
The worst time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the rainy season (from May to November), but it doesn’t mean you’re completely unable to be outside or enjoy outdoor activities. In Ho Chi Minh City, it hardly rains non-stop for days like in Da Nang, Hoi An or Hue, so you don’t have to worry much if your trip falls into the rainy months.
Depending on your travel style and whether you prefer the dry months which is best for sightseeing or the rainy months when you can enjoy cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds, you can enjoy a variety of day tours in and from Ho Chi Minh City.
» See more on A Traveler’s Guide to Weather and Climate in Vietnam
Best Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
Ho Chi Minh City nowadays is Vietnam’s major commercial and cultural centre that breathes life into all who have been here. As you leave the port terminal and head to the city centre, you can feel the landscape slowly transits, revealing the city’s pulsating energy. If your cruise ship docks at Ho Chi Minh City’s ports, it’s sensible to take a full-day city tour or leave for the nearby area of Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City Day Tours
For first-time travellers, traditional sightseeing tours including the city’s iconic landmarks are highly recommended. This is the best way to get valuable insights into the French Colonial architecture and the lively market scene that define the city.
From magnificent churches and historic museums to local bustling Chinatown, these attractions should be on every tourist’s bucket list.
• Ben Thanh Market: Must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City? Ben Thanh Market is the spirit of the city where colourful trading activities and street treats are a magnet to all travellers. Conveniently located near Ben Thanh Station, the market offers a great start so that you can easily travel to other attractions by metro. Whether you are a food lover, an architecture enthusiast, or a typical shopaholic looking for unique Vietnamese souvenirs, Ben Thanh Market is a suitable pick.
• War Remnants Museum: Among numerous museums in the city, there is a good reason to include the War Remnants Museum in your itinerary. This museum offers a rare insight into the civilian impact of the Vietnamese-American war, and multiple exhibits you see today seem to stay with you long after you leave the museum. Even if you are not particularly interested in the war, this unique museum in District 3 is certainly worth your visit for the profound knowledge of history it holds.
• Municipal Theatre: Commonly known as Saigon Opera House, this colonial-era building boasts graceful oval auditorium and impressive lobby area with all materials imported from France. It is now a popular venue for international events and local entertainment activities. If your schedule allows, be sure to catch an A O Show – the unique show depicting the cultural richness of Vietnam’s countryside.
• Central Post Office: This intricate building is a must-visit for Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions for its grandeur and historical significance. It still operates as a post office, and you can feel a lively atmosphere with all kinds of postal services taking place on a daily basis. Additionally, the Central Post Office is a popular Instagrammable spot and a shopping area that you should not miss.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: The church is located right in the heart of District 1 and can be visited at the same time as the Central Post Office across the street. It was constructed entirely of original materials imported from France and modeled after the famous Notre-Dame de Paris. The church is not only an art gem but also a live witness to the history of Saigon, and the church itself has gone through many restorations over the years. See more about 7 Best Catholic Churches in Ho Chi Minh City and explore their architectural heritage.
• Bitexco Financial Tower: The official name of the building is Bitexco Financial Tower, with its distinctive shape of a lotus symbolising Ho Chi Minh City’s prosperity. Perched in the heart of the city, this skyscraper dominates the skyline, offering a panoramic view of the city. You can easily reach the tower from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy a variety of dining options available here.
• Independence Palace: The Independence Palace or Reunification Palace used to be home southern Vietnam’s military and government officials. This site marks the end of the Vietnam War and starts a whole new chapter in Vietnam’s history when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates. A short visit to this landmark is essential for anyone who is interested in Vietnam’s turbulent past.
• Thien Hau Temple: In a city where French colonial architecture strongly influences, Chinese-style temples like Thien Hau is a remarkable highlight. One of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, Thien Hau is dedicated to the goddess of the same name in Vietnamese or Tin Hou in Cantonese, who is believed to protect fishermen and sailors. Visiting this temple will be ideal to kick-start your exploration journey in Chinatown and grasp local worshipping customs.
👉 See our Day Trips in Ho Chi Minh City:
Our Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions are available in private and small-group options, and you can customise your itinerary with prior notice. Let’s see what we have:
√ Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour – Shore Excursion
- Pick-up and drop-off from Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, Phu Huu, and Phu My Ports
- Enjoy a cyclo ride through local markets
- Visit all HCMC’s best bits, including Notre-Dame Cathedral & General Post Office
- View the city from the top (Optional Extra)
- Port permit service (Available + USD$25)
- Fully air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide
- Please contact us if you have special requirements for meals or mobility. Our shore excursions can accommodate seniors, wheelchair travellers, and slow walkers.
√ Ho Chi Minh City Food Walking Tour
√ Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour by U.S. Army Jeep
Cu Chi Tunnels
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting? The answer is definitely ‘Yes.’ Stretching over 260 miles from the western outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels can be reached within 40 minutes of drive. The tunnels played a significant role in supporting Vietnamese troops during wartime. A complex underground network, the tunnels were used as a hiding spot and served as a hospital, kitchen, and weapon factory.
These days, you can visit Cu Chi Tunnels in two preserved locations which are Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. Visitors will find an adrenaline rush as they crawl through sections of snug tunnels and see the recreated living spaces underground. This is the rare opportunity to learn about the effects of the war and the atrocities that the soldiers endured. Many have got goosebumps as they witness horrific booby traps at close quarters.
If you are afraid of small spaces, crawling through the tunnels doesn’t sound like a good fit. You can still enjoy other activities that you’re more comfortable with. In addition to the tunnels, the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple is worth visiting to know more about the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. Inside the main shrine, you will see a granite plaque adorned with gilded lettering displays the names of the martyrs.
👉 See our Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions including Cu Chi Tunnels:
√ Private Cu Chi, Ben Dinh Tunnels, & War Remnants Museum Tour
- Pick-up and drop-off from Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, Phu Huu, and Phu My Ports
- Visit the fascinating underground bunkers (and crawl in)
- Walk through the rubber tapping facility
- Explore the War Remnants Museum
√ Private Cu Chi Tunnels and HCMC Highlights | Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Small Group Tour – Shore Excursion
All the same as the above tour + visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks, including:
- The Notre Dame Cathedral
- Central Post Office
- Saigon Opera House
- City Hall
- The former CIA Headquarters building
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta or the Mekong River Delta is a region of distinct cultures and biodiversity from different provinces. This vast and fertile region can be accessed via many routes and the travel time also ranges from 1.5 hours up to 8 hours. For example:
- Ho Chi Minh City – Tien Giang: Approximately 70 km (1.5 – 2 hours)
- Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre: Approximately 85 km (2 – 2.5 hours)
- Ho Chi Minh City – An Giang: Approximately 240 km (5 – 6 hours)
It’s hard to give a short summary for the Mekong Delta for the various experiences it can offer. While the dominating landscape here is the numerous rivers, canals, and streams, visitors are also easily captivated by lush tropical gardens and paddy fields dotted across the region.
If your shore excursion falls into the local flooding season (from September to November), you can enjoy more pleasant climate and see more lively activities as locals earn a livelihood by fishing thanks to abundant aquatic resources. The best part of the Mekong Delta, as many travellers have suggested, is to be part of the ‘river life’ and savour local delicacies, such as the famous ‘elephant-ear’ fish.
👉 See our Shore Excursions from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta:
√ Mekong Delta Private Tour – Shore Excursion | Mekong Delta Small Group Tour – Shore Excursion
- Pick-up and drop-off from Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, and Phu Huu
- Cruise along the Mekong River
- Visit a local handicraft village
- Experience a unique sampan ride
√ Mekong Delta Private Tour: My Tho and Ben Tre
Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions: Private or Group Tours?
If you have reached a decision to go with a pre-arranged Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion by a travel agency, then the next question to ask is “Is it better to take a private or group shore excursion?” The answer depends on your personal budget and interests. Here are some pros and cons of private and group tours to consider.
Budget
Shared group tours are generally cheaper than private tours as the service costs are distributed among multiple participants, for example, the transportation costs and meals. The bigger the group are, the cheaper the costs will be applied. The price for a group tour per person can be up to half that of a private tour.
♦ Winner: Group Tours
Flexibility
If you travel in private groups, everything, from the meals to the whole itinerary can be adjusted to suit your cruise ship schedules. You can stay a little longer at the site you like, and skip the spot that is not your favourite. Moreover, not all travellers are the same and some will need more personal attention than others. For example, seniors may need longer break time, wheelchair travellers need special transportation or couples need more privacy.
♦ Winner: Private Tours
The in-between: Small-Group Tours
In case you cannot afford a costly private tour but are still in search of a certain level of personal care, try your best to ask your travel buddies to join the company so that you may enjoy a better deal from your tour operator.
Another fine choice is to take a small-group tour with limited participants. Opt for travel agencies that offer shared excursions limited to a maximum of 15 – 20 guests. This is the best way to maximise your travel experiences at a more affordable price than traditional private tours.
How to Get the Most From Your Ho Chi Minh City Excursions? Pro Tips for Your Tour
Your Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions will be as diverse as they can be, with an interesting blend of history, culture, and local experiences. To make the most of your time and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of each destination, gather needed information in advance and plan your itinerary wisely. Below are some Q&A that may be useful for your future shore excursion.
1. How long does a Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion last?
Shore excursions including pick-up and drop-off from Ho Chi Minh City ports typically last 8 hours. This is an ideal time frame for a full-day city tour or a transfer to the nearby areas, such as the Mekong Delta or Vung Tau.
2. What are the must-see attractions on a Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion?
The must-see attractions in your itinerary should be tailored to match your personal interests and travel preferences. You will find most of the following places are recommended for first-time visitors: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Central Post Office, the Independence Palace, Saigon Opera House, and Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
3. Is it walkable from the Ho Chi Minh City ports to the city centre?
Unless your cruise ship docks at Nha Rong Port, you can’t walk to the city centre. You either need a private transfer or a taxi for transportation. Please note that ordinary vehicles cannot get inside the port and you have to walk about 20 minutes to grab a taxi.
4. Should I take a ship-sponsored or independent shore excursion?
There are ship-sponsored shore excursions provided by the cruise line, and if you’re first-time cruisers, it’s better to book their tour. In case of a last-minute change to the itinerary, you will be fully refunded while outside vendors seem to be less understanding. On the other hand, the cost for excursions through the cruise line is usually higher and you are expected to travel in larger groups. You won’t have the flexibility that is typically provided by third-party tours. Whatever option you choose, it’s important to do extensive research on the best type of excursion that suits your budget and preferences.
Pair the city’s dynamic rhythms with your personal interests to craft the perfect itinerary for your Ho Chi Minh City shore excursion. Either a traditional sightseeing tour or a day trip to the Mekong Delta, your experience will certainly be colourful and immersive. Looking for a worry-free shore excursion with local guides? Check out our private and small-group shore excursions from major ports in Ho Chi Minh City or contact us for expert advice.