Private Car for Saigon City Tour with Driver – Free to explore

Ho Chi Minh City in your own time: a private car experience

Stepping into Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many still call it, means embracing a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors. With this Private Car for Saigon City Tour, you’ll have the luxury of exploring the city’s top landmarks comfortably in just about five hours. For $85.66 per group (up to 5 people), a dedicated driver takes you to some of Saigon’s most iconic sites, with the freedom to linger or rush as you wish.

What we love about this experience? First, the flexibility to customize your route — no rigid tour schedule here. Second, the private transportation ensures comfort and intimacy, perfect for families, small groups, or couples wanting a relaxed day without the chaos of a larger tour. It’s also a smart choice for those with limited time but who want a meaningful overview of Saigon’s highlights.

However, one thing to consider is that the admission fees are not included, which means you’ll need to budget for entry tickets to places like the Independence Palace or War Museum. This adds a bit to the overall cost but allows you to choose which attractions you want to explore more deeply.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized experiences and prefer to explore at their own pace rather than follow a packed schedule. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy sightseeing with a knowledgeable driver who can offer local insights, and who appreciate the comfort of private transportation.

Key Points

• Flexible route tailored to your interests, with stops at major landmarks.
• Private car and driver for comfort, convenience, and personalized service.
• Self-guided exploration at each stop, perfect for independent-minded travelers.
• Cost-effective for small groups, with the option to customize the itinerary.
• Includes bottled water — a small touch that makes a difference on a busy day.
• Admission fees are separate, so plan your budget accordingly.

A detailed look at the Saigon city tour

This private car tour provides a broad yet personalized glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City. Starting at 8:00 am, your driver picks you up and whisks you away to several key sights, giving you the flexibility to explore each at your own pace. The entire experience is designed to last around five hours, which is enough to get a meaningful sense of Saigon’s most notable attractions without feeling overwhelmed.

Independence Palace

Your day begins at the Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam’s independence and resilience. The driver will drop you off here, allowing you to explore on your own. While the admission ticket costs around 40,000 VND (roughly $1.70 USD), the true value lies in the opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of this historic site at your own speed. We loved the way the driver gave us the freedom to linger or move on; it’s a rare luxury.

War Remnants Museum

Next, you’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s recent history. The guide isn’t included, but you’ll have ample time (about an hour) to walk through the exhibits, many of which are powerful and thought-provoking. Visitors have noted that the museum operated by the city offers a significant dose of history that’s best appreciated with a bit of prior reading or reflection.

Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral

A highlight for many travelers is the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Its high vaulted ceilings and intricate details make it a photogenic stop. Right nearby is the Notre Dame Cathedral, currently under renovation but still visible from the outside. These two sites are free to enjoy and offer ample opportunity for photos and appreciating the blend of European and Asian influences.

Binh Tay Market and Book Street

The tour includes a visit to Binh Tay Market in Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown. Here, you can browse stalls with everything from fresh seafood to local souvenirs. It’s a vibrant environment that captures the local hustle. Similarly, a quick stop at Book Street, Nguyen Van Binh, offers a peaceful contrast — a haven for book lovers and a glimpse into Saigon’s literary scene.

Customizable and self-guided

The beauty of this tour is that you’re encouraged to explore these sites independently. The driver will wait at each location, giving you the flexibility to take photos, browse, or simply soak in the atmosphere. It’s an excellent way to avoid feeling rushed or constrained by a group schedule.

Considerations

While the tour is very flexible, keep in mind the admission fees—about 40,000 VND per site, which are not included. We found that this setup allows you to prioritize the attractions that interest you most, but it’s worth budgeting in advance. Also, since the tour doesn’t include a guide at each site, those seeking in-depth historical context might want to do some pre-reading.

Authentic insights from previous travelers

One reviewer praised their guide Son as “incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience unforgettable,” underscoring how much a good driver can enhance your visit — even if they’re not a formal guide. Another appreciated the humor and insights of guide “Typhoon Honey,” who kept the group entertained and informed during the drive.

Overall value and who it suits best

This private car tour offers a comfortable, flexible way to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights without the pressure of a large group or fixed schedule. For around $85, it’s an excellent option for small groups or families wanting control over their sightseeing pace. The inclusion of bottled water is a thoughtful touch, helping you stay refreshed as you wander.

Travelers who enjoy exploring independently, value local insights, and prefer a relaxed pace will find this experience especially worthwhile. It’s also ideal if you want the convenience of door-to-door service without the constraints of a guided tour — giving you space to take photos, linger at favorite spots, or skip places that don’t interest you.

Final thoughts

This tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to see some of Saigon’s most iconic sights with a little extra comfort. The combination of private transportation, flexibility, and the chance to explore on your own makes it an attractive option for those who want a balanced mix of guided convenience and personal discovery.

While it’s not a comprehensive guided tour with detailed historical commentary, it offers the freedom to tailor your day to your interests — perfect for independent travelers who value comfort and flexibility. It’s a smart choice for those visiting Saigon for a short stay but eager to get a well-rounded overview of the city’s heart.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or groups of friends?
Yes, it’s designed for small groups of up to five people, making it comfortable for families or friends traveling together. The private car adds a level of ease and flexibility suited to all ages.

Can I choose which attractions to visit?
The itinerary is flexible — the driver will take you to the sites you prefer, and you can explore each stop on your own. This means you can focus more time on what interests you most.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the admission tickets for places like the Independence Palace and War Museum are not included. You should budget approximately 40,000 VND per site.

What’s the starting time?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, giving you a full morning to see the sights before the afternoon heat or crowds pick up.

How long do I have at each site?
You have about 30 minutes to an hour at each stop, depending on your interests. The driver will wait at each location so you can take your time without feeling rushed.

Is this tour available for last-minute booking?
Yes, you get confirmation at the time of booking, and the experience is quite straightforward to arrange on short notice.

What kind of vehicle will I be riding in?
The tour features a private car, offering comfort and ample space for your group, making the sightseeing experience relaxed and enjoyable.

In essence, this private car tour is a smart, relaxed way to get a taste of Saigon. It’s ideal if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace and appreciate the city’s sights without the constraints of a large group or guided schedule. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a quick revisit, it offers a comfortable, flexible way to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City.