Ho Chi Minh City: Half-Day Tour with Market & Palace

Summary

Saigon’s vibrant streets, history and Ben Thanh market in one afternoon

You’ll walk through Ho Chi Minh City’s living history—from the solemn halls of Reunification Palace to incense-filled Jade Emperor Pagoda and the lively maze of Ben Thanh Market. Expect honest stories from your guide, time to pause at powerful museum exhibits, and small tastes of local life along the way.

What’s the experience like?

"You want to try this?" our guide, Thuy, asked, holding out a tiny rice cake wrapped in banana leaf. I’d barely stepped out of the minivan near the Reunification Palace and already my senses were on overload—motorbikes buzzing past like bees, the air thick with exhaust and something sweet (maybe jackfruit?). We wandered through the palace’s echoing halls, sunlight slicing across marble floors. I kept thinking about how quiet it felt inside compared to the chaos outside. Thuy told us stories about the tanks that crashed through these gates in 1975—she was too young to remember but her dad still gets teary talking about it.

The War Remnants Museum hit me harder than I expected. There’s this one room—photographs everywhere, some so raw I had to look away for a second. Nobody really talked much coming out. Then suddenly we’re standing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both looking oddly French against all the scooters and street vendors selling lotus tea from plastic jugs. The post office is painted this faded yellow—inside it smells like old paper and cologne. I bought a postcard but forgot what I wanted to write.

By late afternoon we reached Jade Emperor Pagoda—the air heavy with incense, people murmuring prayers under their breath. Thuy showed us how to toss coins for luck; mine bounced off a turtle statue (maybe not my luckiest day). Ben Thanh Market was last—loud, crowded, every color you can imagine. A woman laughed when I tried to say “banh mi” properly (I definitely didn’t). She handed me one anyway—crusty bread, spicy pork, pickled carrot—and honestly? I still think about that taste sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit six major Ho Chi Minh attractions

• Visit War Remnants Museum
• Visit Reunification Palace
• Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
• Visit Central Post Office
• Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Visit Ben Thanh Market

Top questions

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

The tour covers six major attractions in an afternoon; expect around 4–5 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Which attractions are included on this half-day Saigon tour?

You’ll visit Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and Ben Thanh Market.

Is hotel pickup included in District 1?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees for included attractions are covered as part of your booking.

What food is provided during the tour?

You’ll get a wheat cake snack; there are also chances to try local dishes at Ben Thanh Market if you wish.

Is this Saigon city tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult and kids under 5 join free.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

Does this Ho Chi Minh City tour use public transportation?

No; transport is by air-conditioned minivan but public transport options are nearby if needed before or after.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts of Ho Chi Minh City by air-conditioned minivan, all entrance fees for each site—Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market—a wheat cake snack with bottled water and wet tissues along the way. An experienced English-speaking guide leads you through each stop before returning you back at your hotel or meeting point.