Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tour: History, Culture & Markets

Summary

Discover Saigon’s Past and Present with a Local Guide

You’ll walk through Saigon’s history—from colonial cathedrals to buzzing markets—with a local guide who shares real stories. Try traditional food, sip strong coffee, and see how locals live every day.

5.00

(1 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The city wakes up early here. By 8:00 AM, we were already weaving through the morning traffic, our guide chatting about how Saigon’s streets never really sleep. First stop was the Notre Dame Cathedral—its red bricks looked a bit faded in the soft light, but you could still feel its old French charm. Right across is the Saigon Post Office. I loved watching locals mailing letters; there’s this quiet hum inside that feels almost out of time.

Next came the Reunification Palace. Our guide shared stories about the tanks rolling in back in ‘75—he even pointed out a spot where you can still see marks on the gate. Then we headed to Chinatown. The air smelled faintly of incense as we walked into a Chinese temple; someone was burning paper offerings, and you could hear distant chatter from the market outside.

Lunch was at a small Vietnamese restaurant (wish I remembered the name—try their caramelized pork if you get a chance). Afterward, we visited the War Remnants Museum. It’s heavy stuff—photos and old equipment everywhere—but it really helps you understand what people here went through. The Emperor Jade Pagoda was next; turtles swimming lazily in a pond out front, and inside it’s all smoky and crowded with worshippers.

We finished up with strong Vietnamese coffee at a local café (not included in the price), then wandered through Ben Thanh Market before heading back around 4:00 PM. If you want to see how history and daily life mix in Ho Chi Minh City, this tour covers it all—plus you get plenty of chances to chat with locals along the way.

7h