Saigon Tour - River sightseeing

OVERVIEW

Embark on an enriching journey through vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most dynamic metropolis. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery, scenic exploration, and historical insight, specially designed for cruise travelers. From bustling markets and serene temples to picturesque river tours and colonial landmarks, this experience showcases the heart and soul of Saigon.

Highlights

• China Town & Thien Hau Pagoda
• Saigon River Tour
• Cyclo Adventure, Local Delicacies, Ben Thanh Market

Start/end
Phu My port

Trip theme
Explore, Culture, Local life

Physical level

Duration
8 hours

Price
US$

What's included in this trip?

Meal included
1 Lunch

Transport
Bus

Included activities
Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing, Sai Gon river tour

Tour does not include
Visa, Personal expenditures, Travel Insurance, Tips, Other than mentioned in the trip notes & itinerary

 

ITINERARY

Pick up by driver and tour guide at Phu My dock, depart for 1,5 hours driving to Ho chi minh city – the biggest city in Vietnam.

Arrival Ho Chi Minh City, discover the China town markets & Heavenly Lady Temple (Thien Hau pagoda) - dedicated to the goddess of the Sea.

Following a transfer to Saigon new port to take the Saigon river tour with island discovering. The boat tour last for 2 hours, during this time you will visit a floating temple is famous for journeys of spiritual enlightenment with local Saigon people. As you walk through this place of worship adorned with intricate statues and beautiful architecture, you will gain a sense of the Vietnamese culture and its local religions.
 

After that cruise upstream to Saigon Bridge go around Thanh Da peninsular to visit Binh Quoi Village that is well known as a miniature replica of the Mekong Delta. The village is located in vicinity of Saigon metropolitan area, surrounded by green space and fresh air, Fresh fruits and coconut juice will be served on your promenade.
 

Return to Centre of Saigon, Have lunch at Pho 2000 restaurant -tasting local specialty of Pho and spring rolls…
 

After lunch, Take A cyclo ride along Dong Khoi Street, the heart of old colonial Saigon and formerly known as Rue Catinat. Admire fine examples of French colonial architecture as you pay a quick visit to the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office nearby. Get great photo ops of other classic colonial landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House and Saigon City Hall. Before your cyclo tour winds down, stop outside the Reunification Palace (aka Independence Palace), site of dramatic events during the 1975 Fall of Saigon that marked the end the Vietnam War.
 

Your cyclo tour ends at one of the liveliest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh market. Simply stroll through the market seeing and enjoying the variety of goods for sale: a bazaar of local apparels, silks and textiles, jewellery and precious stones, souvenirs, a wet market with a deluge of tasty tropical fruits, preserved snacks and candies and home utensils…
Before returning to the cruise: If time permit, stops at stoplacquerware workshops for shopping such as:  Saigon Square, Le Loi ave., Khai silk, former residence of Westmoreland, Cabot Lodge……
Optional:

1. Have a coffee round at Rooftop bar at Rex to view the (drink at your own cost) Acknowledged as  “One of the Best Bars Of South East Asia” voted by the Newsweek Magazine in 1996, one of “1000 places to see before you die”, overlooking the very heart of the city, the Rooftop Garden is the place that the memories still remain, of which it recalls the world to its past famous calling “Five O’clock Follies”, where international correspondents covered the Vietnam war, U.S officers and GIs had their drinking niche during the 60s. Here you will be welcomed by warm & friendly staff 24 hours a day, and enjoy a round-the-clock meals & snack or savor your favorite cocktail at sunset. There is a variety of high quality drinks to suit everyone’s taste.

PRICE

IMPORTANTS NOTES

Tour itinerary:This itinerary is subject to change, with or without prior notice, due to local travel conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure events, all in the interest of ensuring your safety.

To book for this pre-arranged tour:If you wish to proceed with this pre-arranged itinerary, along with all the terms of service clearly outlined in the program, you can either fill out the enquiry form with the necessary details to submit your request, and our travel consultant will get back to you shortly, or you can book directly online through our website if availability is listed.

Tailor this tour:If you book a private tour for you and your group, this itinerary can be customized to best suit your preferred travel timeframe, style, budget, and expectations upon request.

Deposit & Payment:A deposit of 30% of the total price is required to confirm your tour booking. For bookings made within 30 days of the departure date, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due 15 days prior to your arrival and can be paid online via a payment link or, if agreed, in cash upon arrival.

Customer support & Requirement for information:Either before or during the trip, if you wish to contact us for any query or info, you can use one of the following methods:
- Call or chat Whatsapp our 24/24 hotline: +84 968 604 760, +84 903 432 999 - Or email us at: [email protected]. [email protected] - Also, you can contact us via our live chat window that available on our website

​Visa & Passport:Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your trip. It is your responsibility to carry a valid passport and obtain all necessary visas, permits, and certificates required for yourl entries/visit.
E-visa or a physical visa must be applied no later than two weeks before your travel or sail date to allow sufficient time for approval and delivery. When applying, ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your travel documentation. Also, you need to prepare: (i) a photo of passport the page with information – free from any reflections or marks caused by camera flashes. (ii) a recent photo of yourself straight looking without glasses and your ears should be clearly visible in the photo. (Straight looking without glasses). You must also provide the seaport details for entry and exit. Please double-check all information before submitting your visa application, as incorrect details may result in being denied boarding or disembarking at a Vietnam port. If entering Vietnam with an E-visa, you must bring a printed copy to present to the check-in agent on boarding day. For guidance on obtaining a travel visa for Vietnam, please visit: How to get travel visa for Vietnam. If you would like assistance with your visa application, please contact our travel consultant for support.

Travel insurance:It is your responsibility to secure international travel insurance, review the policy carefully before travel, and ensure it provides the required level of coverage. Your insurance should cover personal accidents, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and trip cancellation or curtailment. Please note that some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by your insurance provider. Except for local travel insurance included in sightseeing tickets at specific sites, Travel Authentic Asia does not provide travel insurance as part of the trip unless explicitly requested and paid for separately from the tour price.

Weather:The weather in this part of Asia varies depending on the region and season. During winter, from November to March, temperatures in areas like Hong Kong and North Vietnam can range from 4–10°C (39–50°F), with mountainous regions dropping as low as 1–5°C (34–41°F), making it quite cold. Most other regions, however, generally experience warm weather, with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and occasionally reaching up to 33°C (91°F) or higher. For detailed weather information about your destination, please consult our travel consultant or check it here on our website.

What to wear:When preparing for your trip, pack versatile clothing suitable for both warm and cool climates. For regions like North Vietnam and Hong Kong during the winter months (November to March), warm clothes and a light jacket are essential, as temperatures can be quite cold. In warmer areas, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal to stay comfortable. For beach or pool activities, swimsuits and sun-protective clothing are recommended. A light raincoat is also useful year-round, as tropical showers can occur unexpectedly. When visiting sacred places or cultural sites, it is important to dress modestly. In many temples or religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees is expected as a sign of respect. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual clothing such as shorts or tank tops when visiting such places.

What to take:To make your travels easier, pack lightly and choose a suitcase with wheels for convenience. Keep in mind that many items can be purchased at your visiting destinations, so avoid overpacking and bringing everything from home. For day trips from ports, a smaller overnight bag (if you’re taking an overnight excursion) or a little backpack is handy for carrying essentials. A discreet money belt is recommended for securely carrying money and travel documents. Be sure to pack the following essentials: warm clothing for cooler regions, sunblock to protect against the tropical sun, swimsuits for water activities, and a light raincoat or umbrella to stay prepared for sudden rain showers.