Ho Chi Minh City offers a wealth of options when it comes to shore excursions. Its dense streets, colonial architecture, and nearby rural landscapes make it a playground for travelers eager to see both the city’s highlights and authentic local life. We particularly like private guided tours, which help you skip the crowds and get personalized insights—like the Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port, which combines top sights with a delicious local lunch. For those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating underground glimpse into the past, while river excursions like the Mekong Delta tours reveal vibrant rural life just outside the city.
Ho Chi Minh City’s shore excursions are diverse enough to suit every interest, whether you want culture, historic exploration, or a relaxing day in the countryside. The list below showcases options that combine convenience, authenticity, and value, making your limited time in port truly memorable.
1. Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
This highly-rated private tour scores a perfect 5.0 based on 251 reviews, and for good reason. Priced at $115 per person, it offers a flexible 8 to 12-hour itinerary with a private guide and driver. This approach guarantees you see the main sights—War Remnants Museum, Chinatown, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and colonial architecture—without the stress of navigating alone. The guide customizes the day to your interests, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch adds a local flavor. The tour’s efficiency and personal touch make it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a tailored experience. The pick-up from cruise ports with a clear sign ensures a smooth start. As one reviewer noted, “Helen (our guide) could not have been better,” highlighting the tour’s excellent service and knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, flexible private tour with local insights and a delicious meal included.
2. Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursion: Wonderful City Tour with Local Guide
This tour also earns a perfect 5.0 rating from 29 reviews and costs $115 per person. It’s a full-day private experience that emphasizes personalization—you choose your stops, from the Opera House, Chinatown, War Remnants Museum, to temples and churches—plus an included delicious Vietnamese lunch. The private, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort navigating the bustling city streets. Reviewers praise guides like Jasmine for their enthusiasm and local knowledge, which turns a simple sightseeing day into an engaging story. The itinerary features classic landmarks, with insights into their historical and cultural significance, making it a great choice for first-timers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a flexible, personalized city tour with a local guide and inclusive meals.
3. PHU MY PORT: SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION-Old and New Parts of Saigon
For $135 per person, this private 7-8 hour tour explores the contrast between old and new Saigon. It covers iconic sites like the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Opera House, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, along with a traditional Vietnamese lunch. What sets this tour apart is its focus on both historic landmarks and the vibrant chaos of modern Saigon. It’s perfect for larger groups or families, accommodating up to 12 travelers, and includes pickup from the cruise dock. Visitors often appreciate the commentary as they go, gaining context about Vietnam’s past and present. One reviewer called it “a comprehensive experience,” highlighting the seamless logistics and knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded exploration of Saigon’s history, culture, and architecture.
4. Amazing Shore Excursion: Ho Chi Minh City Tour from PHU MY Port
This 9-hour tour priced at $128 offers a deep dive into local life with visits to Saigon Eco Village, where you’ll see rice farming, fishing, and countryside activities. Afterward, the tour continues into the city to see landmarks like the City Hall, Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the CIA building for a helicopter photo. The experience balances rural immersion with city sightseeing, making it ideal for travelers wanting both authentic village life and iconic sites. The tour’s flexibility and inclusion of a local Vietnamese lunch are appealing, and reviews note the professional guides and smooth logistics. It’s a longer, more diverse experience for those eager to see the full spectrum of Saigon life.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a mix of rural and urban experiences, with a focus on local culture.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Including Cyclo Ride
At $163.08 per person, this tour offers a charming cyclo ride through Saigon’s streets, combined with visits to National History Museum, Emperor Jade Pagoda, and Ben Thanh Market. It’s a smaller group experience (limited to 15 travelers) perfect for those interested in a more intimate, hands-on view of the city’s architecture and markets. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and the fun of sightseeing from a cyclo, which adds a layer of local flavor. The included Vietnamese lunch keeps you energized for the day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a more personal, leisurely exploration with a unique cyclo experience.
6. Shore Excursion : Phu My Port to Cu Chi Tunnels Private Tour
This private 8-hour tour, costing $259 per group, focuses solely on the Cu Chi Tunnels—a must-see for history buffs. The guided visit includes crawling through the tunnels, a documentary, and learning about Vietnam’s wartime resilience. The tour’s private nature ensures an undisturbed, in-depth experience, and the flexible timing suits most schedules. It’s a great option for those interested in military history or wanting a more personalized, less commercial visit. One reviewer appreciated the high-quality service, noting the guide’s knowledge and the smooth pickup process.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts who want an immersive, private experience at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
7. Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Cruise Ports
This private tour at $115 per person covers the highlights and is suitable for up to 12 travelers. It includes visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and other key sites. The focus is on creating a personalized experience with flexible scheduling. Reviews commend the guide’s professionalism and the included Vietnamese traditional lunch. It’s a straightforward, well-organized tour that allows for customization, making it a reliable choice for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers who want a classic overview with a private guide and local dining.
8. SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Full Day City & Countryside
Priced at $138, this full-day tour is for those wanting to explore not just the city but also nearby countryside. It includes visits to eco villages, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, and the Reunification Palace, plus a river cruise experience. The tour’s special focus on traditional Vietnamese life and rural scenery makes it a perfect choice for travelers eager to see beyond the city’s hustle. Reviewers mention the scenic boat rides and the relaxing stops along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in a mix of cultural sites and peaceful river cruising.
9. Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion
This adrenaline-fueled 7-12 hour adventure costs $185 and combines a speedboat ride with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, making it a dynamic choice. After a scenic boat trip, you’ll crawl through the tunnels, see a documentary, and learn about Vietnam’s wartime history—all in a single day. The speedboat adds excitement and a sense of adventure, perfect for travelers wanting more than just a typical city tour. One reviewer called the experience “fantastic,” praising the guide’s storytelling and the scenic countryside.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want history mixed with a bit of thrill.
How to Choose Your Perfect Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursion
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you prefer a comprehensive, flexible experience, the Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion offers the most variety. For history buffs, the Cu Chi Tunnels or the full-day countryside tour provide deeper insights. Budget-conscious travelers will find good value in the shorter, well-organized city highlights, like the private city tour including cyclo. Book early, especially during peak season, to ensure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City is full of diverse options for shore excursions, whether you want a private, tailored experience, an active adventure, or a cultural deep dive. Two top choices are the Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion for its flexibility and local flavors, and the Cu Chi Tunnels for a powerful story of resilience. For a balanced day that mixes city sights with rural life, the Full Day Saigon and Countryside is hard to beat. Whatever your interest, booking early will help you make the most of your port visit—these tours fill up quickly.