Explore Ho Chi Minh City's top attractions in a day, including the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, and a waterbus ride along the Saigon River. Enjoy a vibrant mix of history, culture, and local experiences with our guided join-in tour.
Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). If you stay outside district 1, you will need to arrange on your own the transport to our meeting point. From there, we'll hop into a bus and begin our exploration of the city.
Our first stop will be the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace is a famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu.
Next, we'll admire the beautiful structures from the French Colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. We'll then visit the remarkable War Remnants Museum, which has a vast display covering both the Indochina wars.
Afterward, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the bustling Big Market, known locally as Cho Lon, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and explore a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce to traditional Vietnamese crafts. Adjacent to the market is Thien Hau Pagoda, a stunning 19th-century Chinese temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Here, you can admire the intricate architecture, colorful murals, and beautiful incense coils hanging from the ceiling, creating a serene and mystical ambiance.
Next, we will continue to Bach Dang Harbor. After checking in and getting your waterbus tickets, find your seat, and the boat will depart. During the trip, you'll enjoy unique views of the city's most iconic commercial buildings, including the Vinhomes Central Park urban area, the magnificent Landmark 81 tower, the Bitexco Financial Tower, and the green and peaceful District 2. Many stunning moments await you.
Discover the soul of this land – the Saigon River by waterbus. You may find many wonders and gain a more accurate view of the land once called the Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.
Afterward, we'll transfer you back to your hotel in District 1 or to the meeting point, concluding the trip around 18:00 PM.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
