• Ho Chi Minh City - - 7:30-8:00 AM: Our guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name at the Phu My port gate (a 2 to 5-minute shuttle bus ride from the ship to the gate) and depart for Saigon, approximately a 1.5-hour journey by private mini-van.

• We’ll explore the history and culture of Saigon, including:
  • Local Wet Market
  • The Jade Emperor Temple
  • City Hall
  • Opera House
  • Central Post Office
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
  • War Museum and Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). At the end of the private car service, we will ensure you return on time to board the cruise ship.

• Chợ Lớn - Saigon’s Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown, with roots dating back to 1778. It holds significant historical and cultural importance. Chinese minorities sought refuge here from the Tay Son and had to rebuild the area twice following attacks, with an estimated 70% perishing while trying to escape by boat. Those who survived began selling various Chinese products. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a bustling black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Cholon is fascinating for its classical Chinese architecture and numerous Chinese restaurants. While some tourists may find the market’s products less varied compared to other markets in Ho Chi Minh, the main attraction is the authentic Chinese atmosphere that has persisted for centuries.

• Ba Thien Hau Temple - This Buddhist temple in Saigon is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, believed to protect and rescue ships and people at sea by flying around on a mat or cloud. Mazuism incorporates traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism, forming a unique belief system. The temple is located in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, about a twenty-minute drive from the city center.

• The Independence Palace - Independence Palace was the base of Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963. It gained global historical significance in 1975 when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its main gate, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, it is a must-visit for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace remains a time capsule from 1975, with two of the original tanks used in its capture displayed on the grounds. Independence Palace also served as the home and workplace of the French Governor of Cochin-China.

• Full Entrance Fees
• Professional and experienced English speaking tour guide
• Private transportation with A/C
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Bottled drinking water on the car/bus

• Other private expenditures such as phone, laundry, shopping, etc.
• Personal expenses which do not mention as specified

7:30-8:00 AM: Our tour guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name at the Phu My port gate. You can either walk or take a short shuttle ride (about 5 minutes) from the ship to the Main Gate. Our guide will be there with a welcome sign and we’ll depart for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in a private mini-van, which takes around 1.5 hours.

During the tour, we’ll visit several notable places in Saigon, including:

• China Town, featuring a wholesale market and Thien Hau Temple, the most charming and unique ancient temple in Saigon.
• The center of Saigon, where we’ll see:
  • Local Wet Market
  • City Hall
  • Opera House
  • Central Post Office
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
  • War Museum or Reunification Palace (formerly known as the Presidential Palace).

All private tours last approximately 9-10 hours or longer, depending on your schedule. At the end of the tour, we will ensure you return on time to board the cruise ship.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.