Plan a CruiseHo Chi Minh City, often still referred to by its former name, Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and economic heart. It presents a fascinating blend of French colonial charm and bustling modern Vietnamese life. Smaller and mid-sized cruise ships can navigate the Saigon River to dock at one of three central piers (Nha Rong, Tan Thuan II, or Lotus Port), which are assigned within 24 hours of arrival. From these central locations, trishaws and taxis are readily available just outside the port gate.
Larger ships, however, dock at Phu My, a commercial port situated on the South China Sea. Phu My is quite isolated, approximately 80 miles (1.5 hours) by road from Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers arriving at Phu My should not expect to find attractions within walking distance and will need to arrange transport to reach the city. The city itself is divided into two main sections: the municipal district of Saigon, and the vibrant Cholon (Chinatown), known for its entrepreneurial spirit and numerous pagodas. A visa, typically around $40, is usually arranged and handled by your cruise ship.
Getting Around from the Port
For ships docking at one of the central Ho Chi Minh City piers, trishaws and taxis are conveniently available outside the port gate.
If your ship docks at Phu My, you will first need to take a port shuttle to the main gate. From there, you can hire a taxi or opt for a ship-organized excursion. It is crucial to establish the taxi fare before starting your journey and to arrange for a return ride, as taxis may be scarce at the port itself for the return trip. Note that only a limited number of taxis, if any, are allowed inside the port area, and walking through the commercial port is a long and unappealing option. Yellow Cabs are generally considered the most reliable, are metered, and accept U.S. dollars. International driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam, so car rental companies like Hertz or Avis are not an option for self-driving. A taxi ride from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh City will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Attractions and Activities
Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding areas offer a range of fascinating experiences:
Within Ho Chi Minh City (easily accessible from central piers or HCMC shuttle drop-off):
- Central Saigon: Explore the area around the famous Rex Hotel, a historical hub. Nearby, you'll find the impressive French-era Municipal Theater and the magnificent pastel-yellow Saigon City Hall, all offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.
- War Remnants Museum: This powerful museum features photographic exhibits depicting events of the Vietnam War and displays a collection of war materials like tanks and U.S. choppers in its courtyard.
- Botanical Gardens & Zoo: Located at the end of Le Duan Boulevard, these 130-year-old gardens boast a lovely collection of orchids and other flowers. The small zoo houses a number of endangered indigenous animals.
- Cholon (Chinatown): Venture into this bustling district to experience its vibrant activity and numerous pagodas. The overwhelming Binh Tay Market offers an astounding variety of goods, where bargaining is expected.
Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City:
- Cu Chi Tunnels: An immense network of underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district. These tunnels were central to several military campaigns during the Vietnam War and served as the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Têt Offensive in 1968. This is a significant historical site and a popular half-day tour. (Travel time from HCMC is typically 1.5-2 hours each way).
- Vung Tau: If docking at Phu My, Vung Tau is a closer option than Ho Chi Minh City. This city enjoys a spectacular location on a peninsula with ocean on three sides. While specific attractions aren't detailed, its coastal setting offers a different perspective. (Travel time from Phu My would be significantly less than to HCMC).
For passengers docking at Phu My, a cruise-organized transfer or excursion to Ho Chi Minh City is highly recommended due to the distance and the logistics of arranging independent transport. It's also advisable to compare cruise line excursions with tours offered by third-party providers like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Most shops in Ho Chi Minh City are concentrated around the Rex Hotel area. Popular souvenirs and local crafts include items with mother of pearl inlay, ceramics, embroidered articles, wood-block prints, watercolors, and lacquer ware, which is reputed to be among the best globally. Rosewood bowls and boxes are also highly sought after. For a more immersive shopping experience, head to the Binh Tay Market in Cholon (Chinatown), where you'll find an astonishing variety of goods, and bargaining is an expected practice. Often, a small market is set up on the pier itself for last-minute shopping opportunities. While specific restaurant recommendations aren't provided, Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its diverse and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Currency and Language
The national currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the city, with a common exchange rate for small quantities being approximately 16,000 VND to US$1. ATMs are increasingly common and can be found in most major cities and tourist destinations. Bargaining is a common practice for almost anything you purchase in Vietnam. The native language is Vietnamese, but English is becoming increasingly popular as a second language, with English study being obligatory in most schools. Internet access is widely available in urban and tourist areas. Shops typically operate daily from 08:00 or 08:30 until 21:00 or 22:00. Be aware that Tet, the Vietnamese New Year (late January to March), is the largest holiday, during which many shops close as people travel home to their families, making it a challenging time for travel and shopping.