Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Cruise Port Guide

My Ho Chi Minh City Day – A First-Person Account

Arriving at Phu My Port knowing Saigon's chaos and soul are 90 minutes away always fills me with anticipation—this city scores 4.7–5.0 because it doesn't just tell you about Vietnam's past, it makes you feel the weight of history in your chest while motorbikes roar past and vendors sell soup on every corner.

My perfect day: early transfer straight to the War Remnants Museum—powerful, gut-wrenching exhibits from Vietnam's perspective on the American War (as they call it). Give yourself two hours and prepare to be moved. Then Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Central Post Office next door—Gustave Eiffel's architectural gift with arched ceilings and century-old maps still mounted on the walls.

Reunification Palace (where the war officially ended in 1975) is hauntingly preserved—vintage 1960s furniture and the basement war room frozen in time. Then Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, coffee, and the chaos of haggling. Lunch is street pho or banh mi from a cart—simple, perfect, and costs a dollar.

Afternoon trip to Cu Chi Tunnels (book ahead—it's 90 minutes each way but absolutely worth it) to crawl through the underground network where Viet Cong fighters lived. Back in the city: rooftop cocktails at Saigon Saigon Bar watching millions of motorbikes swarm below like a river of lights.

Port Essentials

Cruise Terminal: Most ships dock at Phu My Port (also called Thi Vai), about 80km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Some itineraries use Cat Lai Port, which is closer (30–40 minutes). Both require transfers—book ship excursions or private vans.

Port to City: 90–120 minutes from Phu My; 30–40 minutes from Cat Lai. Highway traffic can be heavy. Grab cars or private tours are easiest.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bring small USD bills for tips. Credit cards accepted in hotels and malls, but cash is king at markets and street stalls.

Language: Vietnamese. English is common in tourist areas and among younger locals. Smile and gesture go a long way.

Top Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

War Remnants Museum

Vietnam's most visited museum presents the Vietnam War (called the American War locally) through Vietnamese eyes. Exhibits include photos, military equipment, and testimonies—powerful, graphic, and unforgettable. Allow 90–120 minutes. Not suitable for young children.

Cu Chi Tunnels

A sprawling underground network where Viet Cong fighters lived and operated during the war. You can crawl through sections (widened for tourists), see booby traps, and visit hidden command centers. A half-day trip (3–4 hours total with travel). Book early—it's hugely popular.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

Two stunning French colonial landmarks side-by-side. The neo-Romanesque cathedral (built 1863–1880) features red bricks imported from Marseille. Next door, the Central Post Office—designed by Gustave Eiffel—has gorgeous arched ceilings, old-world charm, and still operates as a working post office.

Ben Thanh Market

Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic market—covered, colorful, and chaotic. Shop for silk, lacquerware, coffee, spices, and souvenirs. Haggle hard (start at half the asking price). The night market outside is even more atmospheric with street food stalls and lanterns.

Reunification Palace

The site where North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates on April 30, 1975, ending the war. The building is preserved exactly as it was—vintage furniture, war rooms, helicopter pad. It's a time capsule of 1960s Cold War history.

Street Food & Motorbike Culture

You haven't experienced Saigon until you've eaten pho from a street cart at dawn or banh mi from a vendor with a basket. Cross streets slowly—millions of motorbikes flow like water around you. Book a Grab bike taxi for the full adrenaline rush.

Getting Around

From Port to City: Phu My Port is 80km from downtown—90 minutes minimum. Cat Lai is closer at 30–40 minutes. Ship shuttles are reliable but expensive; private tours or Grab cars offer flexibility.

In the City: Taxis and Grab (ride-hailing app) are cheap and convenient. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are faster but thrilling. Walking is doable in District 1 (downtown) but crossing streets requires nerves of steel—walk slowly and steadily; don't run or stop.

Cu Chi Tunnels: Book a tour—it's 70km northwest (90 minutes each way). Half-day tours depart early morning and return by early afternoon.

Local Food & Drink

Pho: Vietnam's iconic noodle soup—beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). Best eaten at dawn from street vendors. Fresh herbs, lime, and chili on the side. Life-changing.

Banh Mi: French baguette stuffed with pate, pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. Crispy, savory, perfect. Costs about $1 from street carts.

Vietnamese Coffee: Strong, dark, dripped slowly over sweetened condensed milk. Served hot (ca phe nong) or iced (ca phe sua da). Addictive.

Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon): Rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli. Dipped in peanut or hoisin sauce. Light and fresh.

Street Food Safety: Eat where locals eat—busy stalls with high turnover mean fresh food. Avoid pre-cut fruit and ice from questionable sources. Your stomach will thank you.

Pro Tips for Ho Chi Minh City

• Book Cu Chi Tunnels Early: Tours fill up fast, especially on cruise port days. Go in the morning to beat the heat.
• Dress Modestly for Sites: Cover shoulders and knees at the Reunification Palace and religious sites. Bring a scarf or shawl.
• Cash is King: Bring small USD bills or withdraw dong from ATMs. Street vendors, markets, and small restaurants are cash-only.
• Crossing Streets: Don't wait for a gap—there won't be one. Walk slowly and steadily. Motorbikes will flow around you. Seriously.
• Bargain at Markets: Ben Thanh Market prices are inflated for tourists. Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate. It's expected and fun.
• War Remnants Museum: Emotionally intense and graphic. Not suitable for young children. Allow 90–120 minutes and prepare to be moved.
• Stay Hydrated: Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid year-round. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere. Coconut water from street vendors is refreshing.

Depth Soundings Ashore: Ho Chi Minh City's relentless energy, heavy history, and motorbike madness aren't obstacles—they're invitations to witness a nation that has rebuilt itself with resilience and grace. Lean into the chaos, honor the stories, and you'll leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to endure and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions