Con Son, with its lively streets, historic landmarks, and coastal charm, offers plenty of ways to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. While the island itself is a highlight, many travelers find that organized city tours add depth and comfort to their experience. From a comprehensive look at Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic sights to scenic day trips in Vung Tau, there’s a tour suited for every taste. We especially like the Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port, which offers a relaxed yet full day of exploring temples, beaches, and coastal views—all with convenient port pickup.
Con Son is particularly well-suited for guided excursions that maximize your limited time, whether you want to dive into history, enjoy scenic vistas, or experience local culture firsthand. Our list below covers a variety of options, from private city tours to full-day adventures, each offering unique angles on these vibrant Vietnamese cities.
Quick Overview
Our top picks for city tours in Con Son include full-day private explorations, guided shore excursions, and specialized visits to historical sites. For example, the Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Phu My Port provides an intimate look at Saigon’s landmarks, while the Full-Day Private Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour From Phu My combines history with a chance to see the legendary tunnels. For a more relaxed coastal experience, the Private Full Day Vung Tau City Tour from Phu My Port offers scenic temples and beaches. Each of these tours provides excellent value for money, guided expertise, and options to customize the experience.
1. Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
Vung Tau, just a short drive from Phu My, is a perfect day trip for those wanting a mix of beach fun, religious sites, and coastal views. This tour covers Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda, Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda, the Nirvana Meditation Retreat, and the iconic Lying Buddha. If you’re into architecture and temples, this tour’s highlights will satisfy your curiosity while blending scenic drives with cultural stops.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary in just 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for cruise passengers with limited time. The Lighthouse visit offers spectacular coastal views, and a Vietnamese-style lunch adds an authentic local touch. Guests consistently praise the smooth logistics and informative guides — one reviewer called the driver “awesome,” and others appreciated the personalized experience. The tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Vung Tau’s most notable sights, with an emphasis on comfort and convenience.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, relaxed exploration of Vung Tau’s temples, beaches, and scenic spots, this tour offers great value and manageable timing.
2. Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
For those eager to experience ho Chi Minh City without the hassle of navigating traffic or bargaining with drivers, this private tour is an excellent choice. It combines historic sites, colonial architecture, and lively markets in an 8 to 10-hour day. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized and seamless experience with the flexibility to focus on their interests.
The itinerary includes Reunification Palace, a key site where history was made in 1975, and the War Remnants Museum, which offers an unflinching look at the Vietnam War. You’ll also visit Notre Dame Cathedral and shop at Chinatown and Ben Thanh Market. Guests rave about the comfort and knowledge of their guides, with reviews mentioning “friendly” and “very informative” guides who helped them “capture the spirit of Saigon.” Lunch at a local restaurant adds a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want an immersive city experience with minimal stress and maximum comfort. The private setting allows for customization, making it ideal for families or groups with specific interests.
Bottom Line: If your goal is a comprehensive, hassle-free exploration of Ho Chi Minh City, this tour delivers a perfect mix of history, culture, and local flavor.
3. Phu My Shore Excursion: Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour
For around $118, the Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour offers a flexible, full-day deep dive into Saigon’s must-see sites. This tour stands out because it’s fully private, allowing for a tailored experience based on your interests. Your guide will take you through Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace, with entrance fees included in the price.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on customization. Guests appreciate the ability to skip or spend more time at particular sites, and reviews highlight guides who personalize the trip, making it more meaningful. The itinerary also includes a War Remnants Museum visit, giving visitors a well-rounded understanding of Vietnam’s recent past. The lunch at a local restaurant provides a break from sightseeing and a chance to enjoy authentic flavors.
This tour suits travelers who prefer a private, flexible itinerary and want to avoid crowded group tours. At 8 to 12 hours, it’s ideal for those who want an in-depth experience of Saigon’s history and culture.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, comprehensive city tour that adapts to your preferences, this private option is an excellent pick.
4. Private Full Day Vung Tau City Tour from Phu My Port
If your plans include a scenic seaside escape, the Private Full Day Vung Tau City Tour is a fantastic choice. This tour combines beachside relaxation with cultural stops in just 6 to 8 hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights without rushing.
Highlights include Bai Biá»n Vung Tau, White Palace (Bach Dinh), and the impressive Jesus Christ Statue perched atop the Nui Nho mountain. The tour also visits Thich Ca Phat Dai, a serene Buddhist site. Guests praise the driver and guide for their flexibility and local insights, with reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides and smooth transportation. The tour offers admission to key sites, and the views from the statue and White Palace are memorable.
Ideal for those seeking a mix of coastal scenery, religious sites, and cultural sights, this tour provides good value for a day filled with varied experiences. Its relaxed pace makes it suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a combination of sightseeing and seaside leisure, this Vung Tau tour hits the right notes.
5. Full-Day Private Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour From Phu My with Lunch
For those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history, this full-day tour combines visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and key Saigon sites. At around $277, it is slightly pricier but offers an in-depth look at underground war strategies and colonial architecture. Start with the labyrinth of tunnels, where you can walk through the underground network used by Viet Cong fighters and see the secret kitchens and trapdoors.
The tour also includes visits to Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and the Rubber Tapping Facility, offering a well-rounded perspective on Vietnam’s recent past. Tour guide insights are often praised, with reviews noting their knowledge and engaging storytelling. Lunch is included, giving you a chance to enjoy local Vietnamese cuisine in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing.
This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts or travelers who want to understand the resilience and ingenuity of Vietnam during wartime. The combination of tunnels and city highlights makes this a memorable journey, though the length may be taxing for some.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an immersive, educational experience that combines war history with urban sightseeing, this tour offers great value.
$276.93 per person
6. Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
This all-day private tour is designed for cruise passengers wanting a stress-free, efficient way to see Ho Chi Minh City’s top sights. For $115 per person, the experience includes visits to Notre Dame Cathedral, Chinatown, and Ben Thanh Market, with hotel-like comfort in a private minivan. The itinerary is flexible, and the guide’s local knowledge ensures you see the highlights efficiently.
Guests report smooth pickup and drop-off, and reviews mention guides who are friendly and informative. The tour’s strength lies in comfort and customization—you can prioritize certain sights or add extra stops if desired. The included lunch offers a taste of regional flavors, rounding out a day of sightseeing.
This option suits travelers with limited time who want to see the city’s key landmarks, especially those who prefer private transport over group tours. Its flexible approach makes it a good choice for families, couples, or anyone who values a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: For a convenient, tailored city tour that makes the most of a limited schedule, this private option is hard to beat.
7. Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 1 Day Excursion from Phu My Seaport 5*
Finally, the Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 1 Day Excursion from Phu My is tailored for cruise travelers with limited time but a desire to see Saigon’s essential highlights. It’s a private tour designed for efficiency, covering War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Phá» Tau Sai Gon, and more—all within approximately 8 hours.
Reviews note that guides are knowledgeable and accommodating, and the inclusion of a delicious Vietnamese lunch keeps everyone energized. This tour emphasizes customization so you can focus on specific interests, and the comfortable vehicle makes city navigation smooth.
Ideal for those needing to maximize limited shore time, this tour offers flexibility, comfort, and a well-rounded overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic sites.
Bottom Line: If you want a focused, efficient exploration of Saigon with a private guide, this tour is a practical and reliable choice.
How to Choose the Right City Tour in Con Son
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a relaxed coastal escape, the Vung Tau tours—like the Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion—offer scenic temples and beaches at a reasonable price. If your focus is on urban history and culture, the private Ho Chi Minh City tours provide flexibility and deeper insights.
Travelers looking for a war history experience will appreciate the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, while those on a tight schedule should consider the 1-day Saigon excursion. Lastly, if you prefer a private, customizable experience, the full-day private tours are your best bet.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and guide. Also, think about your fitness level and interests—some tours involve walking or climbing, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Con Son offers a diverse range of city tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you’re after a full immersion into Ho Chi Minh City’s history, a scenic day at Vung Tau, or a quick, comfortable overview, there’s an option for you. We recommend the Best of Vung Tau City Shore Excursion for a relaxing coast experience, and the Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour for a personalized urban adventure.
Finally, travelers on tight schedules will find the 1 Day Saigon Tour invaluable for capturing the city’s essence. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these well-curated experiences in Con Son’s vibrant surroundings.