How do I choose between the morning and afternoon tour?

Select your preferred option at the time of booking. The morning tour focuses on colonial and wartime history (Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral). The afternoon tour explores Chinatown and includes a waterbus ride on the Saigon River — a good choice if you prefer a more local, neighbourhood feel.

Where exactly does the tour start?

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. There is no central meeting point to find — just be ready in your hotel lobby at the stated pickup time.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Several sites on this tour — particularly the Thien Hau Pagoda — require clothing that covers the shoulders, back, and knees. Bring a scarf or light layer to cover up, or wear compliant clothing from the start.

Are there extra charges on public holidays?

A surcharge of VND 150,000 per person applies on 1 January, 26 April, 30 April, 1 May, 1–2 September, and 31 December 2026. This is paid directly to the guide on the day and is not included in the booking price.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 3 years old join free of charge, but no seat will be reserved for them in the vehicle. Older children are charged at the standard rate.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or traffic conditions. Your guide will manage any changes on the day to make the most of the time available.

Ho Chi Minh Half-Day City Tour: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Pagoda

4.4Popular choice · in high demand

Duration

4 hours

Cancellation

Free cancellation 24hrs

Ticket type

Mobile ticket

Confirmation

Instant

What's included

Admission to all sites on the itinerary

Bottled water

Shared round-trip transfers from District 1 hotels

Professional tour guide

Not included

Personal expenses and gratuities

Holiday surcharge of VND 150,000 per person on selected public holidays (payable on site)

What to expect

Hotel pickup — District 1
30 min window
Your guide collects you from your hotel between 7:30–8:00 AM (morning tour) or 12:30–1:00 PM (afternoon tour).
Option 1 — Independence Palace
Morning tour
Explore the iconic presidential palace, preserved exactly as it was when North Vietnamese tanks rolled through its gates in 1975.
Option 1 — French Colonial Quarter
Morning tour
Drive past and photograph the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, two landmarks that define the city's French-era streetscape.
Option 1 — War Remnants Museum
Morning tour
A sobering and important collection of photographs and artefacts documenting the impact of the Indochina wars.
Option 2 — Cho Lon (Big Market) & Thien Hau Pagoda
Afternoon tour
Wander through the sensory bustle of Chinatown's market before visiting the 19th-century Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
Option 2 — Saigon River waterbus
Afternoon tour
Board a public waterbus at Bach Dang harbour for a scenic ride along the Saigon River, with views of the city's commercial waterfront.
Hotel drop-off
End of tour
The tour ends with a return transfer to your hotel — by midday on the morning tour, or around 6:00 PM on the afternoon tour.

Meeting point

Your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby. Morning pickup is between 7:30–8:00 AM; afternoon pickup is between 12:30–1:00 PM. Confirm your hotel name and address at the time of booking.

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What to bring

Confirmation voucher (mobile or printed)
Clothing that covers shoulders, back, and knees — or a scarf to cover up at religious sites
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and a hat

Ho Chi Minh Half-Day City Tour: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh Half-Day City Tour: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Pagoda

What's included

What to expect

Meeting point

Highlights

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