Ho Chi Minh Private City Tour with Rickshaw & Local Lunch

Summary

Half-Day Saigon Landmarks Tour with Cyclo Ride

You’ll cover Ho Chi Minh City’s must-see spots in half a day—palaces, cathedrals, war history—all with local stories and a real taste of Saigon life (and noodles!). If you want an easy way to see it all without missing those small moments only locals know about, this tour does it right.

What’s the experience like?

The city was already buzzing when our guide met us right in the hotel lobby—no need to hunt for a meeting spot. We started early, which I’d recommend; the air’s cooler and you get to see locals setting up their street stalls. Our first stop was the Reunification Palace. Walking through those big gates, you can almost picture that tank rolling in back in ‘75. The rooms inside still have that retro vibe—lots of green phones and old maps on the walls. Our guide, Linh, shared stories about the palace’s past leaders and pointed out a spot where you could still see marks from the war.

Afterwards, we wandered over to Notre Dame Cathedral. The red bricks really stand out against all the scooters zipping by. Right across is the Central Post Office—honestly, it’s worth popping inside just for the ceiling alone. There was a faint smell of old paper and ink, and you’ll probably spot a few locals mailing parcels or snapping photos under those huge arched windows.

The best bit? Hopping onto a cyclo (that’s what they call rickshaws here). It’s slow but gives you time to take in all the little details: vendors selling iced coffee from metal carts, kids weaving between bikes after school. We ended up at the War Remnants Museum. Some of the exhibits are tough to look at, but it’s important history—and our guide answered every question without sugarcoating anything.

Lunch was at a tiny spot tucked down an alley—no fancy sign outside, just plastic stools and bowls of steaming pho. I still remember how fresh the herbs smelled when they hit the broth. After that, we were dropped back at our hotel just as things started heating up outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

• Visit Reunification Palace
• See Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
• Explore Saigon Central Post Office
• Tour War Remnants Museum

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can ride in a pram or stroller, and infant seats are available if needed. The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks.

What kind of lunch is included?

You’ll get a bowl of local noodles (usually pho or hu tieu) plus bottled water at a neighborhood eatery—not touristy at all.

Do I need to bring cash for entrance tickets?

Nope—all entrance fees are covered in your booking, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs during the tour.

What’s included

Your own English-speaking guide, private car with safe driver, entrance tickets for all stops, cyclo ride through town, plus lunch with local noodles and water are all included. Just bring your camera and some curiosity!