Ho Chi Minh City: Colonial Landmarks, Chinatown & River Tour

Summary

Saigon’s layered stories from palace halls to riverbanks

You’ll walk palace corridors where history turned, sip strong coffee above buzzing streets, glide down the Saigon River past skyscrapers and temples, and weave through Cho Lon’s market maze with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect honest stories, real flavors at lunch, and moments that linger long after you’ve left Ho Chi Minh City behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the echo of our footsteps in the Reunification Palace — it’s got this cool hush inside, almost like the building itself is holding its breath. Our guide, Minh, pointed out the old rotary phones and war maps like he was sharing family secrets. Out front, the sun bounced off those 1960s white columns so hard I had to squint. I didn’t expect to feel much in a place I’d only seen in history books, but standing there you really get it — Saigon isn’t just old stories; it’s right here, still breathing.

We wandered over to Notre Dame Cathedral (the outside only — renovations), then ducked into the Central Post Office where locals actually mail letters under those yellow arches. Minh handed us these TNK postcards — mine’s still tucked in my bag somewhere. The War Remnants Museum hit harder than I thought; some photos made me stop talking for a bit. There’s a heaviness there that kind of sticks to your skin. But then you’re back outside and it smells like motorbike exhaust and street food again — life doesn’t pause here.

Lunch was at this little spot Minh swears by — bowls of pho steaming up my glasses and crispy spring rolls that disappeared way too fast. I tried saying “cà phê sữa đá” for coffee after (Li laughed when I butchered it), and we sat upstairs watching scooters zip by below. The city feels different from above; more tangled, but also kind of beautiful in its chaos. The main keyword here is Ho Chi Minh City day tour but honestly it felt less like a “tour” and more like just being let in on how people actually live.

The water taxi along the Saigon River surprised me most — skyline on one side, old shophouses on the other, all mixed up together. Landmark 81 looks unreal from the water. In Chinatown (Cho Lon), Binh Tay Market was pure sensory overload: dried chilies everywhere, vendors yelling prices over each other, incense smoke curling out of Thien Hau Temple where people lit coils for luck. Minh showed us how to make a quick bow at the altar; my hands fumbled but nobody seemed to mind. By late afternoon my shirt stuck to my back and my head was spinning with new names and faces — but yeah, I still think about that view from the river sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ho Chi Minh City landmarks and culture

• Visit Reunification Palace
• See Notre Dame Cathedral exterior
• Explore Central Post Office
• Tour War Remnants Museum
• Enjoy lunch at local eatery
• Drink traditional Vietnamese coffee
• Take Saigon River water taxi
• Visit Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown
• Explore Binh Tay Market
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Ho Chi Minh City day tour last?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 hours but may vary due to traffic or weather.

Is lunch included in this Ho Chi Minh City day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant is included in the tour price.

Do you visit both colonial sites & Chinatown on this tour?

Yes, key colonial landmarks plus Chinatown (Cho Lon) are both part of the itinerary.

Are entrance fees covered during the Ho Chi Minh City tour?

All entry fees are included as part of your booking.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts.

What group size can I expect on this small-group tour?

The group size is capped at 15 participants for a more personal experience.

Can children join this full-day city tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions.

Will we have an English-speaking guide throughout?

An English-speaking local guide leads the entire experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide leading you through all entrance fees paid—plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch and strong local coffee before heading back in comfort as evening falls.