Ho Chi Minh City: Afternoon Group Tour with Ben Thanh Market

Summary

Saigon’s French facades, bustling markets & echoes of history in one afternoon

You’ll feel Saigon’s contrasts up close: French colonial buildings next to glass towers, solemn moments at the War Remnants Museum, laughter in Ben Thanh Market’s maze of stalls. This afternoon group tour with hotel pickup lets you experience Ho Chi Minh City’s energy—and maybe even try your hand at bargaining (good luck!).

What’s the experience like?

“You see that yellow post office?” our guide, Lan, pointed right as we dodged a motorbike (they really are everywhere). I’d seen photos of the Saigon Central Post Office before but standing inside, the cool air and echoing footsteps felt different. The ceiling arches looked almost too perfect for real life. There was this faint smell of old paper and something sweet from a nearby vendor — maybe durian? I tried to take a photo but some local kids ran past laughing and it came out blurry. Still kept it.

The War Remnants Museum hit me harder than I expected. Lan didn’t rush us, just let everyone wander at their own pace. Some people got quiet — you could feel it in the way they moved. Outside, the air felt heavy and even though it was late afternoon, the sun was still sharp on my neck. I remember touching the rough wall near the entrance and thinking about how much this city has seen.

We circled back past the Reunification Palace (the gates are bigger than they look in pictures) and then stopped at Notre Dame Cathedral — all red bricks and scooters zipping by. Lan told us about its French architects; she laughed when I tried to say “Bưu điện” (post office) in Vietnamese — probably butchered it but she gave me a thumbs up anyway. Last stop was Ben Thanh Market: chaos in the best way possible. Colors everywhere, smells from grilled meat to incense. I bought a tiny dragon keychain after haggling badly (I’m hopeless). Hotel pickup made everything easy so I could just watch the city blur by from the van window on the way back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon tour of Saigon landmarks

• Visit Saigon Central Post Office
• See Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
• Explore War Remnants Museum
• Tour Reunification Palace
• Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Top questions

What attractions are included on this Ho Chi Minh City afternoon tour?

The tour includes Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Saigon city tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in District 1 and 3.

How long does the afternoon city tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several main attractions over one afternoon.

Are entry fees included in this Ho Chi Minh City group tour?

Yes, all entrance fees to listed attractions are included in your booking.

Is lunch or food provided on this Saigon city tour?

No meal is included but you’ll have time to explore Ben Thanh Market where food is available for purchase.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the information provided.

Can I join if my hotel isn’t in District 1 or 3?

The free pickup is only available for hotels in District 1 and 3; other locations may require meeting at a central point.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this Ho Chi Minh City group tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide will lead your group through each stop.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts (1 and 3), entry fees for every site on the itinerary—like Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum—an English-speaking guide who knows their stuff (and some jokes), plus a bottle of mineral water to keep you going between stops before heading back by van.