Vung Tau offers a surprisingly diverse array of shore excursions that go beyond just lounging on beaches. It’s a city with a blend of natural beauty, cultural sites, and lively markets. Whether you’re eager to explore the history of Ho Chi Minh City, marvel at the iconic Jesus statue, or relax with fresh seafood by the sea, Vung Tau’s proximity makes it a perfect jumping-off point for varied adventures. We particularly love tours that combine history with local flavor, like the Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port, which offers a personalized experience of Vietnam’s vibrant capital. With landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, it’s a great way to get under the surface of Ho Chi Minh City’s story. Or for a more laid-back day, the Vung Tau City Shore Excursion Private Tour takes you to scenic spots like the Jesus statue and lighthouse, providing a relaxed taste of local life.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best shore excursions in Vung Tau includes a variety of options: full-day private city tours, cultural heritage walks, visits to historic tunnels, beach outings, and even evening Vespa rides. Many tours emphasize personalized experiences with private guides, like the Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port, which consistently ranks highly for its flexible itinerary and expert guides. Budget-friendly options like the Shore Excursion with a Local provide a quick and authentic taste of Saigon. For those keen on history, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City tour offers insight into the Vietnam War’s underground war zones. Beach lovers can enjoy the A Wonderful Day in Vung Tau City tour, which visits local beaches, the White Palace, and a giant Jesus statue. Each experience is designed to match different interests, budgets, and schedules—so you can pick the perfect fit for your cruise stay.
1. Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
This all-day tour offers the chance to see major Ho Chi Minh City landmarks in one go. Starting with a convenient pickup from Phu My Port, you travel in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a personal guide. The itinerary includes highlights like the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, all within the city’s historic core. The tour’s flexibility is a major plus—you can customize it to focus on your interests.
The guide will take you to the French colonial Central Post Office and the War Remnants Museum, which are must-visits for understanding Vietnam’s recent past. The tour also includes a local Vietnamese coffee (cafe sua da) and a lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional flavors. With 283 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, this tour is highly trusted. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, personalized attention, and seamless logistics.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for history buffs or travelers who want a comprehensive, personalized overview of Ho Chi Minh City with plenty of comfort and local flavor.
2. Phu My Port : Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion Day Tour
For those seeking a well-rounded, cost-effective day in Ho Chi Minh City, this tour covers all the major sights with the added bonus of a private air-conditioned vehicle. Starting with a pickup from Phu My Port, your guide leads you through landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace.
What sets this tour apart is the attention to detail and the inclusion of the **War Remnants Museum, which offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s conflicts. The tour lasts around 8 to 12 hours, giving plenty of time to soak in the sights and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. With only 13 reviews, it maintains a 5.0 rating, and travelers appreciate the expert guidance and efficient itinerary. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting to pack a lot into a single day without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who still want to see the key sights and learn about Vietnam’s history with a reliable, friendly guide.
3. Phu My Shore Excursion: A Wonderful Day in Vung Tau City
This tour provides a relaxing yet engaging tour of Vung Tau’s highlights. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore the city’s beaches, architecture, and local culture without the rush of a city tour. You’ll visit the Bai Bien beaches, including the popular Front Beach with its lively seafood stalls, and the White Palace on Big Mountain, which offers splendid views and a taste of colonial luxury.
The tour also takes you to the Giant Jesus Statue, an iconic symbol overlooking the coastline, and nearby local villages where you can experience Vietnamese country life firsthand. The reviews are glowing, with travelers praising the friendly guide, Castle, and the unique stops like the Long Phuoc tunnels. The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours and costs $109 per person, making it a good choice for those seeking a combination of beaches, history, and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a laid-back day exploring Vung Tau’s beaches and landmarks with a friendly guide and authentic experiences.
4. Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
This private tour offers a hassle-free, full-day experience designed specifically for cruise passengers. Your guide will meet you right at the port and tailor the day to your interests, focusing on highlights like the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office.
A major plus is the free time at Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, and the lunch at a local restaurant. The tour includes visits to key landmarks while allowing enough flexibility for personalized stops. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on 14 reviews, travelers appreciate the comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides. It’s best suited for those who want a rundown with stress-free logistics.
Bottom Line: Great for cruise travelers wanting a personalized, all-in-one city experience with easy pickup and drop-off.
5. Private Shore Excursion Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels And Ho Chi Minh City
This tour blends history and adventure with a visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Vietnam’s military past. Starting with a transfer from Phu My Port, you explore the tunnels, walking through the labyrinth of secret passages and learning about the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After the underground tour, your guide will take you on a panoramic tour of Ho Chi Minh City if time permits. The tour costs about $110 per person and has 2 reviews, both praising the expert guides and the immersive tunnel experience. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts or those wanting a combination of underground exploration and city sightseeing. A potential drawback is the 8-hour duration, which might be long for some travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs eager to walk through the Cu Chi Tunnels and see the city’s highlights in one day.
6. Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion Private Tour From Phu My Port
Offering a full-day private experience, this tour emphasizes flexibility and comfort. Your guide will pick you up directly from the port and craft a day focusing on your interests. You’ll see War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, with plenty of time for photo stops and local insights.
The tour is highly rated with 1 review praising the personalized service. At around $104 per person, it offers good value for travelers wanting a private guide and tailored itinerary. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time and enjoy a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option for travelers seeking a customized, comfortable day in Ho Chi Minh City.
$104.43 per person
7. Shore Excursion: Saigon Highlights from any Cruise Port
This tour is designed for maximizing your limited time in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers major sights like the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Dong Khoi shopping street. The itinerary is highly flexible, adapting to your cruise schedule, and includes a delicious Vietnamese lunch.
The 8- to 10-hour tour is suited for those who want a rundown without feeling rushed. With a perfect 5.0 review, travelers appreciate the well-organized plan and the opportunity to see the city’s highlights efficiently. It’s best for first-timers or travelers on tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, well-rounded introduction to Saigon if your time ashore is limited.
$186.67 per person
8. Ho Chi Minh City: Shore Excursion With a Local From Cruise Port
For a personalized, intimate experience, this tour pairs you with a local guide who shares family stories and insights into Saigon’s culture. You’ll explore the Secret Weapons Cellar, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, and Cholon’s Thien Hau Pagoda.
The tour is very affordable at $20 per person and lasts around 8 hours. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge as a highlight. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a meaningful connection with local life, especially if you’re interested in shopping at markets and learning personal stories.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking an affordable, authentic experience with a local guide.
$20.00 per person
9. Best of Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
This tour packs in key highlights such as the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, paired with a Vietnamese lunch. It’s a straightforward, full-day sightseeing experience designed for cruise passengers eager to see everything without fuss.
Rated 5.0 from 1 review, travelers praise the balanced itinerary and friendly guide. The flexible schedule allows you to customize a bit if needed. Best suited for first-time visitors wanting a solid overview of Saigon’s most famous sites.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a classic, guided city tour with a reliable schedule.
$97.75 per person
10. Phu My Port: Shore Excursion Mekong Delta My Tho – Ben Tre
This full-day trip takes you deep into the Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s most scenic regions. You’ll cruise along the river, passing floating markets, traditional villages, and lush landscapes. It’s perfect if you’re craving an authentic rural experience, away from city noise.
Guests enjoy local Vietnamese-style lunch and the chance to see the vibrant life along the Mekong. The tour is priced at $189 per person, offering a personalized experience with expert guides. It’s suited for travelers interested in nature, culture, and traditional river life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a full immersion into Vietnam’s famous river region with scenic views and local culture.
$189 per person
11. Vung Tau City Shore Excursion Private Tour From Phu My Port
This private tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Vung Tau’s beaches, mountains, and seafood markets. Highlights include visiting Suối Tiên and Dinh Mountain for scenic views and temples, climbing to the Jesus Christ Statue, and relaxing at a seaside café.
Travelers praise the friendly guide and flexible stops, especially the chance to sample local street food at the seafood market. The tour is priced at $105 per person, making it a good value considering the personalized nature. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, local experience with beautiful views.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a combination of sightseeing, beach time, and local cuisine in Vung Tau.
$105 per person
How to Choose Your Shore Excursion
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time available. If history and city highlights are your priority, the Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port offers a personalized, in-depth experience. For a more relaxed day exploring Vung Tau’s beaches and landmarks, the A Wonderful Day in Vung Tau City tour is a perfect fit.
Budget travelers might prefer the Shore Excursion With a Local for its affordability and authentic insights. If you’d like a full immersion into Vietnam’s river life, the Mekong Delta trip provides scenic beauty and cultural richness. Always consider your fitness level, interest in history or beaches, and how much time you want to spend ashore.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours, to ensure availability. Check the operator’s flexible cancellation policy in case your cruise schedule changes unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts
Vung Tau and its nearby cities offer a broad spectrum of shore excursions suited to all types of travelers. Whether you’re after a comprehensive city tour, a cultural deep dive, or a tranquil beach day, you’ll find an option that fits your style and schedule. The private tours tend to offer the best flexibility and personalized experience, while group excursions provide a reliable, cost-effective way to see the highlights.
For first-time visitors, a full-day city tour like the Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion is a great way to maximize your time and learn about Vietnam’s complex history. For those craving relaxation, a Vung Tau beach outing or a scenic tour of the White Palace and Jesus statue will leave you refreshed. Whichever you choose, booking early will help ensure you enjoy your time ashore without stress.