Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Clay Gilliland (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Que Tran, Thịnh Phát Media, Hieu nguyen trung, NGUYỄN VĂN MINH CHÁNH, Uwe Fauss · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Vietnam
- Region:
- Asia & Far East
- Coordinates:
- 10.7756° N, 106.7019° E
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, suits visitors interested in history, culture and urban exploration. Vietnam's most populous city has a population of more than 14 million in 2025 and is defined by its rivers and canals, with the Saigon River being the largest.
Many attractions lie within easy reach of the port. The Statue of Ho Chi Minh is just 0.1 km away, whilst the Saigon Opera House stands 0.2 km away and rates 4.6 out of 5 from 18,040 reviews. Ben Thanh Market, 0.5 km from port, offers local shopping and has 87,361 reviews with a 4.0 rating. The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is 0.6 km away and rates 4.4 out of 5.
Museums and cultural sites
History enthusiasts will find the Independence Palace 0.7 km from port, rated 4.5 out of 5 by 48,742 reviewers. The War Remnants Museum in District 3, 1.2 km away, also rates 4.5 out of 5 with 41,596 reviews. Bui Vien Walking Street, 1.3 km from port, provides evening entertainment and rates 4.3 out of 5 from 27,560 reviews. The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 1.4 km away, rates 4.3 out of 5 from 36,945 reviews.
Ho Chi Minh City is part of Asia & Far East cruises, with nearby ports including Bangkok, Bali, Colombo and Busan.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the most populous city and centrally-governed city of Vietnam, with a population of more than 14 million in 2025. Its geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the largest is the Saigon River.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Loki Hieu · via Google Maps Market
Ben Thanh Market
4.0 (87,361) 0.5 km from port
Well-known standby for handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing & other goods along with local eats.
Near: PNJ Bến Thành (99 m) · Sài Gòn Square (240 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
- Cash only
- 5 · “Even though it's a hall almost exclusively for tourists, it's still very interesting. We walked through the narrow aisles and…” — stephan berger
- 5 · “The Ben Thanh Market in the heart of Saigon was a vibrant, culturally rich and vividly energetic experience - an…” — Jessie & John Szymkowiak
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Photo: Kim Khôi Trần · via Google Maps Museum
Independence Palace
4.5 (48,742) 0.7 km from port
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
Near: Dinh độc lập (1 m) · Sân Vận Động Tao Đàn - 3 Huyền Trân Công Chúa (139 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Today I had a truly meaningful trip to the Independence Palace. 🇻🇳 Standing before this magnificent structure, I felt overwhelmed…” — Tất Sinh
- 5 · “The Independence Palace is one of the most iconic places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City and offers a…” — Khant Soe Naung
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Photo: Jeffrey Marrs · via Google Maps Museum
War Remnants Museum
4.5 (41,596) 1.2 km from port
Memorial museum exhibiting photographs, weapons & other objects from the Vietnam & Indochina wars.
Near: Mặn Mòi, Tao Đàn (93 m) · Stix (104 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “The price is very good! A ticket for one person costs 40,000 VND. You can learn the full history of…” — Aisha Elysia Matondang
- 5 · “I have visited the War Remnants Museum several times before, but this recent trip was truly special because I finally…” — RuanXian
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Photo: Gia Trường Lê · via Google Maps Zoo
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
4.3 (36,945) 1.4 km from port
Straightforward zoo showcasing an array of animals, including giraffes, camels, elephants & snakes.
Near: Temple of Hung King (68 m) · HCMC History Museum (90 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- 5 · “Great place to visit! Went on a weekend so it was pretty crowded, but still worth it. Perfect for bringing…” — Ngoc Nguyen
- 5 · “I had a wonderful time visiting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The zoo is beautifully maintained with plenty of…” — Divyansh Palia
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Church
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
4.4 (29,169) 0.6 km from port
1880s Catholic cathedral built with French bricks & featuring 58m-tall Romanesque bell towers.
Near: Saigon Central Post Office (97 m) · Hoa Binh Primary School (99 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
- 5 · “During a walk around the city, one of the places I particularly wanted to visit was the Notre Dame Cathedral.…” — Paul Melvin
- 5 · “Heard mass on a weekday for my birthday. Only one English mass every Sunday. Hope they will add more English…” — Charlene Anes
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Tourist attraction
Bui Vien Walking Street
4.3 (27,560) 1.3 km from port
Near: Circle K Việt Nam (5 m) · Pham Ngu Lao Ward Police (31 m)
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “It is a wild party goers heaven...lots of venues for having a loud night out with friends while in Saigon.…” — Mark Notnecessary
- 5 · “Experience the vibrant energy of Vietnamese street food with a visit to this renowned thoroughfare. Here, you'll discover an incredible…” — Niranjan Nepal
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Opera house
Saigon Opera House
4.6 (18,040) 0.2 km from port
Ornate 19th-century French colonial opera house that is now home to the city's ballet & symphony.
Near: Hotel Continental Saigon (76 m) · Caravelle Hotel (80 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a beautiful building with stunning French colonial architecture and is a must-visit…” — Timea
- 5 · “Watched the A O Performance at the Saigon Opera House, it was nothing short of amazing! Such a fun experience…” — Abbey
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Sculpture
Statue of Ho Chi Minh
4.7 (5,318) 0.1 km from port
Near: Rex Hotel (63 m) · Circle K Viet Nam (119 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “We visited the Ho Chi Minh Statue during our walk around the city center. The area is spacious, clean, and…” — Helen Nguyen
- 5 · “A solemn, grand, and deeply reverent landmark that stands as the historical and cultural heart of the city! The Statue…” — Sanj
Map of Ho Chi Minh City and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Cruises to Asia & Far East mostly sail november to March.
- Jan
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Cruises calling at Ho Chi Minh City
Deals update daily — see all Asia & Far East cruises.
