Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy, mixing French colonial landmarks, bustling markets and vibrant street life. From floating boats in the Mekong Delta to cycling through rice fields or taking a hands-on cooking class, shore excursions here offer an authentic look at southern Vietnam’s culture and charm.
Excursions in Ho Chi Minh include city sightseeing tours, Mekong Delta day trips, countryside biking, cooking classes, visits to Buddhist temples, bustling markets and seaside escapes to Vũng Tàu.
Experience Local Life in Ba Ria
Cultural excursions reveal traditional crafts and spiritual traditions.
Travel into Ba Ria to visit a Buddhist temple, step inside a century-old Vietnamese home and watch a demonstration of rice paper making. You’ll learn how rice paper has been made for generations and is still a staple of Vietnamese cuisine today. This excursion is ideal for those wanting an authentic glimpse into daily village life.
Bike Through the Vietnamese Countryside
Countryside biking excursions combine history, nature and adventure.
Cycle past rice paddies and rubber plantations before exploring the Long Phuoc Tunnels, a historic site linked to the Vietnam War. Along the way, you’ll see locals tending to farms and get a better sense of Vietnam’s rural landscapes. The ride ends with a light lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional flavors.
Explore the Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta excursions showcase Vietnam’s river culture and cuisine.
Board a boat to visit local families making coconut and rice treats, then switch to a rowboat to glide down narrow jungle-lined canals. The journey offers incredible views of lush greenery and traditional stilt houses along the riverbanks. At a traditional home, enjoy a fresh fish lunch, offering a true taste of life in the Delta.
Take a Hands-On Cooking Class
Cooking excursions immerse travelers in Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Shop at a lively local market alongside a chef before learning how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes. You’ll discover the secrets behind fresh herbs, dipping sauces and balance of flavors that define Vietnamese cooking. After cooking, sit down to enjoy your creations — a delicious way to connect with Vietnam’s food culture.
See Ho Chi Minh City’s Highlights
City tours reveal French architecture, history and bustling markets.
Drive past the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, stop at the Reunification Palace and visit the ornate Jade Emperor Pagoda. A buffet lunch blends both Western and Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant. The day wraps up with shopping time at Ben Thanh Market, where you can bargain for souvenirs, spices and handicrafts.
Take a Panoramic Tour of Saigon
Panoramic tours showcase the city’s neighborhoods and hidden corners.
Ride in comfort as you pass French colonial buildings, sacred temples and the vibrant Chinatown (Cholon). A stop at the Reunification Palace reveals layers of history, while a stroll down Dong Khoi Street gives you time to explore boutiques and cafés. The mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration makes this excursion a versatile choice.
Explore Saigon On Your Own
Independent excursions let you set your own pace.
With convenient transport from the port to central Saigon, you’ll have several hours of free time to explore. Visit museums, enjoy local dining or shop for souvenirs before meeting the group for the return transfer. For travelers who like flexibility, this excursion is a stress-free way to see the city at your own rhythm.
Discover Vũng Tàu
Vũng Tàu excursions blend seaside scenery with colonial history.
Once a French colonial town, Vũng Tàu is now a popular resort destination. Tours here visit a Buddhist temple, a historic French villa and seaside promenades, making it an ideal combination of culture and relaxation. The coastal setting and sweeping views give this excursion a more tranquil feel compared to bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
Why Choose Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursions?
Ho Chi Minh shore excursions balance cultural immersion with unforgettable city and countryside experiences. From cycling through rice fields and cooking with locals to exploring the Mekong Delta or visiting French colonial landmarks, every tour offers insight into Vietnam’s rich traditions. Whether you want a deep dive into history, authentic cuisine or simply time to shop and explore on your own, excursions here let you experience the many sides of southern Vietnam.
FAQs About Ho Chi Minh Excursions
1. What are the must-see attractions on a Ho Chi Minh shore excursion?
The top attractions on Ho Chi Minh excursions include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the lively Ben Thanh Market. Many visitors also extend their tour with day trips to the Mekong Delta for river cruises or to Vũng Tàu for coastal scenery. These sites capture the city’s French colonial heritage, religious traditions and bustling daily life all in one visit.
2. Can you visit the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh on a shore excursion?
Yes. The Mekong Delta is one of the most popular full-day shore excursions from Ho Chi Minh City and it can easily be reached by bus and boat. Travelers ride motorboats and rowboats through canals, visit local families who make coconut candy and rice treats and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese fish lunch at a riverside home. The experience gives you an authentic glimpse into rural life in southern Vietnam.
3. Are cooking classes available on Ho Chi Minh excursions?
Yes, cooking classes are available and are especially popular with foodies. These excursions usually begin with a visit to a local market, where you shop with a chef for fresh herbs, vegetables and spices before joining a hands-on class. Guests prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, noodle soups or dipping sauces, then sit down to eat what they’ve cooked, making it both interactive and delicious.
4. How long do Ho Chi Minh shore excursions usually last?
Most shore excursions in Ho Chi Minh last between 4–9 hours, depending on the itinerary. Half-day tours (4–5 hours) cover the main city highlights such as the Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market. Full-day tours (7–9 hours) go further afield, often including the Mekong Delta, countryside biking trips or seaside excursions to Vũng Tàu, giving travelers a more in-depth experience.
5. Where do cruise ships dock for Ho Chi Minh excursions?
Cruise ships usually dock at Phu My Port, which is located about 1.5 to 2 hours from central Ho Chi Minh City. Most excursions provide roundtrip transfers in air-conditioned buses, so you can relax during the journey. Because of the distance, guided tours are often the easiest way to make the most of a limited port call.
