Con Son is a fantastic port for exploring Vietnam’s diverse sights without leaving your cruise. Its proximity to lively cities like Ho Chi Minh and charming coastal towns means there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re after a deep dive into local culture, historical sites, or just some time by the sea, Con Son has options. We particularly enjoy a few standout experiences, such as the Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion for its mix of temples, beaches, and panoramic views, and the Ho Chi Minh City private tour that offers a full day in Vietnam’s largest city. Both provide rich, authentic experiences that are worth booking in advance.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the top five shore excursions in Con Son. These range from comprehensive city tours and historical explorations to scenic coastal trips and private experiences designed to suit different tastes and budgets.
1. Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
Vung Tau, known for French colonial architecture and religious sites, stands out as a top stop. At number 1, this 6 to 8-hour tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s highlights. The tour kicks off with visits to Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda, Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda, and the Nirvana Meditation Retreat, giving you insight into local spiritual life. After a Vietnamese-style lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Pagoda of the Lying Buddha, where the massive reclining statue is a sight to behold, and then to the Vung Tau Lighthouse. From this vantage point, the panoramic views of the coast are spectacular.
The Vung Tau Lighthouse is a favorite for its sweeping vistas, making the tour perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the city’s religious and colonial architecture. Tour guides like Bruno, praised for their knowledge, make the experience even better. Guests particularly enjoy the convenience of pickup and drop-off at Phu My and the chance to explore several key sites comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour’s $109 per person price feels fair considering the depth of sights and cultural flavor.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at Vung Tau with easy logistics and a good mix of cultural and scenic highlights.
2. Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
For around $169 per person, this 8 to 10-hour private tour provides a deep, personalized look at Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The tour starts with a pickup directly from Phu My Port, ensuring a smooth start. It covers famous sites like the Reunification Palace, where tanks famously crashed through the gates in 1975, and the War Remnants Museum, which offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s recent past. The tour also includes colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both stunning examples of French architecture.
Guides like Jack and Trinh, who have excellent reviews, make the city’s complex history understandable and engaging. After exploring these icons, you’ll enjoy a local restaurant lunch and get time to browse Chinatown and Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and street food. The $169 price is reasonable given the extensive itinerary and personalized service, making it suitable for those who want an immersive, stress-free experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs and culture lovers who prefer a private, flexible day exploring Saigon’s most important sights.
3. Phu My Shore Excursion: Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour
If you prefer a tailored experience, this full-day private tour at $118 per person offers a customizable way to see Ho Chi Minh City. Starting with the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, the tour quickly immerses you in French colonial charm. The highlight is the Independence Palace, where you can explore rooms frozen in time and learn about Vietnam’s war history. Entrance fees are included, making the day straightforward.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a flexible schedule and the comfort of a private guide. The guide can adapt the itinerary based on your interests, whether that’s more museums, markets, or local cafes. Guests have praised guides like Vin for their knowledge and friendliness, and the tour’s efficient pacing allows plenty of time for photos and local snacks.
Value for money is strong here, given the personalized service and all entrance fees included. The tour is best for those seeking a comprehensive, but flexible, Vietnam experience in one day.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, customizable day in Saigon with a focus on cultural and historical highlights.
4. Vung Tau Shore Excursion Uncover the Beauty from Phu My Port
At number 4, this 8-hour 20-minute tour offers a scenic journey through Vung Tau’s coastal landmarks. Starting with a 40-minute drive from Phu My, the trip includes visits to the Jesus Christ Statue, standing 32 meters tall and offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The tour continues to Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple), where fishermen come to pray for safety, and then to the White Palace—a historic villa with a colonial past that served as a summer residence for French governors.
While this tour is slightly more expensive at $231 per person, it makes up for it with its focus on iconic landmarks and photo-worthy views. It’s best suited for travelers interested in scenic coastal sites and local spiritual traditions. The reviews highlight the smooth logistics and friendly guides. The inclusion of admission tickets for key sites ensures no surprises along the way.
Bottom line: For travelers who want a scenic, culturally immersive day with a focus on Vung Tau’s coastal and religious sights, this tour offers a solid experience.
5. Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
Rounding out the list, this 8 to 12-hour private tour costs about $115 per person. It shares many similarities with the other private Saigon tours but emphasizes convenience and comfort. Starting with pickup at the cruise port, it covers Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. The tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch and all entrance fees, making it practical and hassle-free.
Guests consistently praise the friendly guides like Tram and Jayden, and the luxury vehicle makes navigating Ho Chi Minh’s traffic more comfortable. The flexibility allows you to customize the day, perhaps adding shopping at Ben Thanh Market or visiting additional museums. This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive, private experience without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking a full-day private tour with all logistics handled, especially if time is limited but you want to see the key sights.
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If culture and scenic views appeal, the Vung Tau highlight tour provides a great mix. For a more in-depth historical experience, the private Ho Chi Minh City full-day tour is hard to beat. Those interested in customized experiences or traveling with family might prefer the private Saigon tour, while scenic and spiritual interests point towards the Vung Tau coastal sights.
Remember to book early, especially for popular private tours, and consider whether you want a full or half-day experience. Always check if lunch, entrance fees, and transportation are included to avoid surprises.
Final Thoughts
Con Son offers a rich variety of shore excursions that cater to all interests. From the cultural and historical depth of Saigon to the beautiful coastal vistas of Vung Tau, you’ll find plenty of options. For those seeking a comprehensive city tour, the private Saigon experiences provide flexibility and comfort. If scenic views and local spirituality are more your style, the Vung Tau coastal trips deliver memorable sights.
No matter which tour you pick, it’s wise to reserve early to ensure availability. With such a range of options, you’re sure to find an experience that makes your time in Con Son truly memorable.