Ho Chi Minh City: Small-Group Landmarks Tour & War Museum

Summary

Saigon’s history and daily life collide in every corner

You’ll trace Saigon’s turbulent story from Reunification Palace to the sobering War Remnants Museum, then soak up everyday life at Ben Thanh Market and Jade Emperor Pagoda. With hotel pickup and a local guide sharing personal stories along the way, expect both laughter and quiet moments that linger long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you can really get a feel for Ho Chi Minh City in just half a day? I had my doubts too. But there we were—me, three other travelers, and our guide Linh—piled into a minivan that somehow felt both too cold (air-con on full blast) and just right after the sticky heat outside. The city was already buzzing at 9am, scooters weaving past as we pulled away from District 1. Linh grinned and handed out water bottles, “You’ll need this,” she said, and she was right.

The Reunification Palace is one of those places that looks almost too neat from the outside—like it shouldn’t hold so much history. Inside, it’s all echoing halls and old carpets that smell faintly musty. Linh pointed out the red phone in the president’s office (“Never used for good news,” she joked). I tried to picture what it must’ve felt like when tanks rolled through those gates. The War Remnants Museum hit even harder—some photos I honestly couldn’t look at for long. It’s heavy stuff, but nobody rushed us. We just stood there for a while, letting it settle.

After that, we walked over to the Central Post Office—a total shift in mood. Bright yellow walls, French tiles underfoot, people mailing postcards home or just taking selfies under the high ceiling fans. Linh waved us over to see the old wooden phone booths; apparently they still work if you have change (I didn’t try). Notre Dame Cathedral was wrapped up in scaffolding so we only caught glimpses through the trees—kind of funny how everyone still stopped for photos anyway.

I loved Jade Emperor Pagoda most—incense thick in the air and sunlight slanting through dusty windows onto carved dragons. There was an old man lighting candles who nodded at me without saying anything; sometimes those tiny moments stick with you more than any monument. Last stop was Ben Thanh Market: chaos in every direction, vendors calling out prices I probably misheard (and definitely mispronounced). Bought some sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf because Linh said it was her favorite snack growing up. Can’t say no to that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Saigon's iconic landmarks

• Hotel pickup by 08:30 a.m.
• Visit Reunification Palace rooms and halls
• Tour War Remnants Museum exhibits
• Explore Saigon Central Post Office building
• Pass by Notre Dame Cathedral (no stop)
• Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda architecture
• Shop and explore Ben Thanh Market
• Drop off at pick-up point or District 1

Top questions

How long is the Ho Chi Minh City small-group tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours, either morning or afternoon.

Does this Saigon city tour include hotel pickup?

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

Which landmarks are visited during this city tour?

The tour visits Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Central Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, and passes by Notre Dame Cathedral.

Is lunch included on this Ho Chi Minh City tour?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided.

Is this Saigon city tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult; infants sit on laps.

How many people are usually on this small-group Saigon tour?

The group size is kept small for a more personal experience.

Are entry fees included in the price of this day trip?

Yes, all entrance fees are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned minivan transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off (for central districts), all entrance fees to major sites like Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, bottled drinking water for each guest, plus stories and guidance from a Vietnamese English-speaking guide before returning you to your starting point or wherever you’d like nearby.