Best of Ho Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Tour
Description
Unveil the secret of Saigon, one of Asia’s most vibrant and welcoming cities, pass through a remarkable and rapid phase of transformation – going from some millions bicycles in the 90s, Saigon now is a city of some 6 million scooters and a few hundred thousand of cars.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into a hidden basement once used by the Viet Cong to store arms — a time capsule of wartime ingenuity and secrecy.
Hear intimate family stories from someone whose life was shaped by the war. A rare, personal perspective on the cost and complexity of conflict.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is more than a place to buy flowers—it’s an experience filled with vibrant colors, aromas, street life, and delicious snacks. Whether you're a photographer, foodie, or culture lover, it's a must-see slice of Saigon.
Head to Cho Lon – the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!
In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.
Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received.
Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favored backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.
From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theater.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Tour guide will be waiting, holding a sign with client's name on it
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Reviews(2)
We had a very interesting time with Son, our perfectly English-speaking guide. He told us plenty of historical anecdotes about the places visited and helped us discover amazing hidden spots. It was a great discovery and thanks to Son, we didn't see the 3 hours go by...
We had a great day exploring Saigon in the comfort of a private air conditioned van. Joseph was a fantastic source of information and insight. He answered any questions we had and gave us excellent background and history of everywhere we visited. We had a delicious lunch at a beautiful restaurant and beverages while visiting his coffee shop. As I get older (67) I'm finding that in order to enjoy large cities, it requires more energy and planning than I'm willing to expend. So this tour was an excellent way of seeing most of Saigon's highlights and enjoying the experience without getting exhausted. Everything was taken care of and I learned and appreciated Saigon much more than had I done this on my own.
