Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: Explore Colonial Architecture and Learn Vietnam's History

Discover the captivating colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City and delve into Vietnam’s rich history on a half-day private tour. Visit iconic landmarks, explore pagodas, and learn about local culture and craftsmanship.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Independence Palace - During the past war, this place functioned as South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu’s residence and office. Having witnessed many significant changes in Saigon’s history, the Independence Palace, which is called as Reunification Palace nowadays, is considered one of the most precious historical monuments in Vietnam.
    The Independence Palace possesses a classic design. It has hundreds of rooms with top-notch furnishings and decorations, and a spacious and beautiful exterior. It is the ideal place for travelers to learn about Vietnamese history, enjoy the fresh cool air, and explore one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most spectacular constructions.
  • Central Post Office - Saigon Central Post Office, situated in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is unquestionably a must-see attraction for any traveler coming to this beautiful city. It was built during the French colonial period in Vietnam, has a stunning facade that feature the spectacular characteristics of French architecture with yellow walls, arched doors and windows, and decorative reliefs.
    Entering the post office, you will see a hanging huge portrait of President Ho Chi Minh in the center, who was the great leader of the Vietnamese revolution in the twentieth century. Covering the whole length of the post office is a dome roof created in a highly sophisticated arched structure and supported by a row of pillars on the two sides.
    On both sides of the post office’s walls, there are two large meticulously drawn maps, one depicts Saigon and its neighborhoods in 1892, while the other illustrates the network of telegraph lines across Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Standing out in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is recognized as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals and the only Southeast Asian representative on the list. This timeless masterpiece, regarded as an architectural icon of Ho Chi Minh City, attracts a large number of both domestic and foreign visitors every day, especially those who are in search of a magnificent background to take charming photos.
    Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral’s solemn and grand overlook is formed by a distinctive mix of neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and red-brick exterior are some prominent features that significantly contribute to the spectacular magnificence of the church.
  • Emperor Jade Pagoda - Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng ) was built from 1892 to 1900 by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, who left China and went to Vietnam for living and doing business. He strongly believe in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, so he wanted to build a pagoda to worship Buddha and Jade Emperor.
    In 1982, Venerable Buddhist monk Thich Vinh Khuong came to live in the pagoda. From that, the pagoda has pertained to the Vietnam Buddhist Association.In 1984, Jade Emperor Pagoda was changed into Phuoc Hai Tu. However, local people still call ”Jade Emperor Pagoda” because the main chamber of Pagoda is a place to worship the Jade Emperor according to Chinese religious belief.
    Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in Ho Chi Minh City, that is always busy with locals and foreign tourists daily. So the Best Time to visit Jade Emperor Temple is in the early morning to avoid the crowd and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere here.
  • Sơn mài Đại Việt - The art of lacquerware (nghề sơn mài) as a means of decorating objects was probably introduced from China during the first century CE. The lacquer itself is actually the resin of a tree which is mixed with coloured pigments and solvents and applied layer after layer to the object’s surface, producing a shiny and durable finish. Other substances, such as eggshell and gold leaf, may be applied to the surface before the lacquer is applied, in which case the finished product is sanded down to reveal the decoration beneath. The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, notably those of Phú Thọ in the north, was a crucial factor in the rapid development of this art form, which became very popular at the court of Đại Việt during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes and trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), may still be seen at many temples and pagodas throughout the country.
  • War Remnants Museum - The War Remnants Museum, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a profound journey through Vietnam’s turbulent history. Established in 1975, this museum offers a stark, compelling look at the impact of the Vietnam War. Its exhibits include haunting photographs, poignant personal artifacts, and military equipment like tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets. The museum’s most gripping feature is the collection of graphic imagery and detailed accounts of wartime atrocities, highlighting the resilience and suffering of the Vietnamese people. The War Remnants Museum is more than a historical archive; it’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and a powerful call for peace. Visitors leave with a deep sense of the war’s lasting legacy and an enhanced appreciation for the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome.
  • Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) - The Saigon Opera House, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture, stands as a timeless symbol of elegance and culture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1897, this majestic landmark exudes grandeur with its neoclassical façade, ornate balconies, and majestic columns, reminiscent of a bygone era. Step inside to discover a world of artistic splendor, where opulent interiors adorned with intricate chandeliers and plush velvet drapes transport you to the glamour of a bygone era. The Opera House serves as a prestigious venue for a diverse array of performances, from classical ballet and opera to contemporary theater and musical concerts. As the curtains rise, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing rhythms and captivating melodies that fill the air, igniting your senses and stirring your soul. Whether attending a world-class performance or simply admiring its architectural magnificence, a visit to the Saigon Opera House is a captivating journey into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
What's Included
  • Entrance fees included
  • Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Guidance from an English-speaking tour guide
  • Convenient pick-up & drop-off in District 1, City Center
What's Not Included
  • Tipping/ Gratuities for tour guide & driver or Personal Expenses
  • You will be collected around 5 - 7 USD/ each for picking outside of district 1
  • Extra tax service fee $20 USD/ each will be collected on tour
Additional Information

We’ll take a pause for a photo at the architectural gem of the Notre Dame Cathedral his nod to French colonial influence, followed by a stop at the historical Central Post Office, dating back to the 18th century. We’ll then explore the Reunification Palace, a testament of the country’s past, as well as a curated collection of wartime relics at the War Remnants Museum, paying homage to fallen American and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who reported on the French and American warfare. Our journey continues to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most distinguished religious sites that provides a glimpse into the devotion and beliefs of locals. Following this, we’ll stop by the lacquerware factory to witness the everyday life of artisans creating renowned traditional handmade arts and to see the vibrant assortment of their craftmanship. This tour will enrich your understanding of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural landmarks and Vietnam’s intriguing history.

Location
The Independence Palace
106 Nguyen Du, District 1
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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213lynseye
Jun 5, 2024
Great way to see and learn about Ho Chi Minh - Great afternoon spent with Hao and Thong. They were super friendly and knowledgable. Felt really safe on their bikes and took us to all the famous Ho Chi Minh places with great knowledge as well as away from tourist places to a brilliant coffee house, great pho for lunch and other little bits of the city we would never have found. Highly recommend the tour and these guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathy_k
Apr 29, 2024
Perfect way to see Saigon! - We had such a great visit. We learned so much about Saigon including from the post office, the Jade pagoda and the war museum. It was very personalized to us, which we valued very much.
Review provided by Viator
Sereenajane
Mar 10, 2024
Absolutely recommend - Would definitely recommend this tour! Our guides Tyson and Eric were amazing! We booked the day before. Picked up at our hotel. Safe drivers on the scooter. They took us to amazing restaurant and food tasting! Very funny guys to make your night fun. Our favourite was the seafood restaurant and cocktails at the end of the night. Loved seeing the city at night Eric and Tyson were very informative and helpful. Thanks again! 5 stars for you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager04866327078
Dec 30, 2023
Great Tour - My wife and I had a wonderful tour of Ho Chi Minh City with our guide, Luc. We appreciated the convenience that this private tour offered. Luc provided great information at every stop. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D7173qpannaa
Dec 11, 2023
Nice - Luc our tour guide is very knowledgeable about the vietnamese history. He is very accomodating as well. The tour is a nice way of learning the history and culture of vietnam. I wpuld recommend it strongly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
999leftyc
Dec 11, 2023
Angelino - Luc was great very funny and energetic he took many pictures and even bought us iced coffee at the museum i would definitely recommend this tour especially with Luc as a guide !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
September 2024
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