Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions worth booking?
Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions is a 8-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $80 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $80 per person
Your exploration of Ho Chi Minh starts here! Our fully customisable, private tour aims to uncover the best this incredible city has to offer. From colonial landmarks to local markets and rural houses on stilts, Ho Chi Minh is a bustling city in which you will never grow bored. Choose to follow our expert advice or craft your own adventure in this cultural hub. Shore Excursions tend to sell out quickly. Please make sure to book as soon as possible.
What you get
About this experience
Your exploration of Ho Chi Minh starts here! Our fully customisable, private tour aims to uncover the best this incredible city has to offer. From colonial landmarks to local markets and rural houses on stilts, Ho Chi Minh is a bustling city in which you will never grow bored. Choose to follow our expert advice or craft your own adventure in this cultural hub. Shore Excursions tend to sell out quickly. Please make sure to book as soon as possible.
What's included
Included
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- All Taxes
- English Speaking Guide
- Unlimited Bottles of Water
- Lunch (please note we can cater for any dietary requirements, just be sure to get in touch beforehand)
Not included
- Port Permit Service: For a fee of 25USD/person, our guide and transport can go inside the port, right to your cruise ship for pick-up and drop off. This requires passport details such as full name, passport number, DOB, expiry date and nationality. We recommend this service for safety and comfort during the hot or rainy days, as well a reliable transport service.
- Gratuities for your guide & drivers
- Travel Insurance
- Accommodation
- Port Permit Service, Ho Chi Minh City
What you'll see and do
Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Local Markets In Style! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh! Our team will be waiting with name signs, big smiles and a Maika Tour t-shirt at your port to take you to your cool airconditioned transport. Once we reach the city, immerse yourself in local Vietnamese culture with a traditional cyclo ride through the narrow, colourful streets of Ho Chi Minh. As we make our way through this bustling hub, experience the daily life of the locals as they haggle at the countless markets dotted throughout the city. Witness vendors selling colourful materials, fresh fruit, and vegetables, and of course the famed Vietnamese street food! An incredible and exciting way to experience the best of the city in a short time!
120 minutes here
Ba Thien Hau Temple
Once we’ve had our fill of the sounds, sights, and scents of Ho Chi Minh’s streets, we’ll explore Chinese-influenced Thien Hau Temple. Ho Chi Minh’s temples offer an essential insight into the beliefs and customs of the Vietnamese, and this beautiful temple is no exception! This National Architectural Heritage Site, apart from housing beautiful art pieces and antiquities, gives an important insight into Vietnamese folk religions for locals and tourists alike.
60 minutes here
War Remnants Museum
Next up, prepare for the emotional impact of the War Remnants Museum. This breathtaking display is like no other war museum. Offering a rare insight into the civilian impact of the Vietnamese-American war, the multi-layered displays are hard-hitting but a must-see. The Requiem gallery is the gem of this museum, where you can see historic photos taken by famed international war photographers such as Tim Page or Larry Burrows. This poignant display is bound to stay with you long after you leave the museum.
120 minutes here · Admission included
The Independence Palace
Visit One of Ho Chi Minh’s Most Important Landmarks Our next stop is the Independence Palace. This important landmark in Ho Chi Minh City acts as a fascinating time capsule. The site of the end of the Vietnam War, Independence Palace houses secret rooms, a war bunker, and even the original tanks that were used to seize the palace! After the Independence Palace, we’ll go for a tasty Vietnamese lunch. An essential stop on this tour is to make, and of course enjoy, famous Vietnamese dripping coffee. This sweet beverage is a daily essential for many locals and a great insight into the surprising coffee culture in Vietnam.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Soak up HCMC’s Skyline Enjoy a walking tour through all of Ho Chi Minh’s most important sites! The Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office are stunning architectural feats in the centre of the city. The Neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame church, built by the French, is a striking Catholic meeting point in a largely Buddhist society while the classic Central Post Office, built between 1886 and 1891, is a striking remnant of past times. The halls are lined with historic maps of South Vietnam, Saigon, and Cholon. These two beautiful buildings are popular with tourists as they offer striking insight into the cultural and historical influences at play in Vietnam. From the Post Office, our guide will show you the historic CIA Headquarters and tell you the story of the last US helicopter flying out of Saigon in 1975, as well as the last US Operation in Vietnam – Frequent Wind. We’ll stroll leisurely along Dong Khoi street to visit the very beautiful Opera House and City Hall.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Hiep Phuoc Port-No Port Permit
Port Permit Is Not Included: Save $25 USD/person by walking 15–20 minutes outside the port to meet our guide Money-Back Guarantee High-Quality Services Duration: 9 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Air-Conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
Phu My Port - No Port Permit
Port Permit Is Not Included: Save $25 USD/person by walking 15–20 minutes outside the port to meet our guide Money-Back Guarantee High-Quality Services Duration: 11 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Air-conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
Nha Rong Port-No Port Permit
Port Permit Is Not Included: Save $25 USD/person by walking 15–20 minutes outside the port to meet our guide Money-Back Guarantee High-Quality Services Duration: 9 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Return Trip From Nha Rong Port Air-Conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
HiepPhuocPort With Port Permit
Port Permit Included: Allows your guide and driver to pick you up and drop you off directly at the ship. Money-Back Guarantee High-Quality Services Duration: 9 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Return Trip from Hiep Phuoc Air-Conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
Phu My Port With Port Permit
Port Permit Is Included: Allows your guide and driver to pick you up and drop you off directly at the ship High-Quality Services Duration: 11 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Return trip from Phu My Port Air-Conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
Nha Rong Port With Port Permit
Port Permit Included: Allows your guide and driver to pick you up and drop you off directly at the ship. Money-Back Guarantee High-Quality Services Duration: 9 hours 8-Course Vietnamese Lunch Return Trip From Nha Rong Port Air-Conditioned Vehicle Drop-Off Included Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MAIKA TOURS
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Season: We operate all year round.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen • Hat • Insect Repellent • Light Jacket
- What to Wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The best of the best!
Harry and Mr Minh gave us the best day we could have asked for. The tour was absolutely brilliant very personal, in-depth, and thoughtfully done. We’ve taken many tours around the world, and this was easily the best by far. Thank you for such an unforgettable experience!!!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience in Vietnam
We where a group of 6 friends in our late 50s On arrival with celebrity cruises our excellent English speaking guide Harry Potter was waiting for us and the trip for a whole day was perfectly planned We had a private air conditioned van and all was taken care for us The day included cultural and informative activities An experience not to be missed
via Tripadvisor
Great 1 day highlight of Hi Chi Minh.
We were only in town for 1 day since we were on a cruise. This was an excellent way to see the highlights of Hi Chi Minh City. We were picked up right at the ship, were in a nice car with bottled water and had a professional driver and tour guide who spoke very good English. We actually did a river cruise, too, which was wonderful! I would highly recommend this trip and this tour company, Maika Tours, to any visitor.
via Tripadvisor
A perfect experience provided with a huge hearted smile where we were cuddled and emerged in the culture wanting more.
Our tour guide was Harry with Mr. Trung. The entire experience of the tour was light hearted and comfortable. Harry has an incredible fun presence referencing to the Harry Potter character which is fitting. I had to ask where his owl was. He spoke in perfectly clear English delivered with well informed historical information often having enlarged photos of his presentation. He answered all the questions which showed he was strongly informed The tour sites were of all various war museum with helicopters, horrific agent orange, religious sites, the tour vehicle was extremely clean and comfortable, almost new with buckets seats and important air conditioning. Lunch was given in a local cuisine restaurant where the food was excellent and very filling. I am in a wheelchair which presented zero problems. Both Mr Trung and Harry were very supportive and caring of my safety and being sure I too had an immersion in the culture and history like everyone else. It's very much appreciated, they cared. I would use this tour company without hesitation knowing the value and interest in your receiving the best experience possible which they certainly provide. They made us love the city and culture with their complete coverage of culture. Thank you Harry and Mr. Trung for all you did for us.
via Tripadvisor
Great family tour.
Unbelievable. Great tour guide great driver. Highly recommend. Very reliable and loved the itinerary. Family loved it.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $405
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by MAIKA TOURS, who run 18 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.9.
See everything MAIKA TOURS runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions cost?
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Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ho Chi Minh City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ho Chi Minh City is not rushed.
Is Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ho Chi Minh City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ho Chi Minh City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
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On Outty we rank every Ho Chi Minh City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cai Be Mekong Delta Tour: Cooking Class, Cycling & Craft Villages, Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour With Small Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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Included: Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle; All Taxes; English Speaking Guide; Unlimited Bottles of Water; and Lunch (please note we can cater for any dietary requirements, just be sure to get in touch. Not included: Port Permit Service: For a fee of 25USD/person, our guide and transport can go inside the; Gratuities for your guide & drivers; Travel Insurance; and Accommodation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ho Chi Minh City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Shore Excursions?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Hiep Phuoc Port-No Port Permit, Phu My Port - No Port Permit, Nha Rong Port-No Port Permit, HiepPhuocPort With Port Permit. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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