Southern Vietnam’s waterways offer travelers the best bang for their buck through authentic Mekong Delta excursions and Ho Chi Minh City river cruises. I’m particularly fond of the intimate Delta tours where you’ll weave through narrow canals, watch locals paddle past floating markets, and stop at family-run workshops. The half-day city cruises are another winner, serving up spectacular skyline views while you dodge wooden sampans and cargo ships.
Best bets include morning Mekong tours (when markets are bustling) and sunset city cruises (for cooler temperatures and golden-hour photos). Most tours depart from central locations with clear pricing and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Let’s look at my favorite boat tours in Southern Vietnam and what makes each special.
Key Points
- Mekong River cruises offer personalized experiences, including visits to nature reserves, local cuisine tastings, and interactions with riverside communities.
- Private shore excursions in Ho Chi Minh City provide comprehensive tours of the city’s top attractions with dedicated English-speaking guides and transportation.
- Wheelchair-accessible tours like the “Saigon in a Day” package enable inclusive exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks and landmarks.
- Culinary-focused tours immerse travelers in Vietnam’s rich food heritage, showcasing local flavors and insights from knowledgeable guides.
- Tour options cater to various fitness levels, with detailed itineraries, flexible scheduling, and reliable customer feedback for informed decision-making.
PRIVATE MEKONG Shore Excursions From Cruise Port
For those looking to explore the Mekong Delta during a cruise stop in Ho Chi Minh City, the Private Mekong Shore Excursions from Cruise Port offer a comprehensive and personalized experience.
Priced from $179 per person, the tour includes an English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned transportation, a private boat trip on the Mekong River, and lunch at a local restaurant.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
With pickup and drop-off available at the cruise port and city center hotels, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the picturesque Mekong Delta region.
Travelers can enjoy this private tour with their own group, with the added convenience of free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: PRIVATE MEKONG Shore Excursions From Cruise Port Review
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Best of Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions From Cruise Port
Tailored for cruise passengers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, the “Best of Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions From Cruise Port” offers an immersive experience.
Rated 5.0 from 8 reviews, this private tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s highlights, including private transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and a delicious lunch.
Priced from $128 per person, the tour provides outstanding value, with all entrance fees, bottled water, and even beverages during meals included.
Guests praise the excellent service and knowledgeable guides, making this an ideal way to make the most of a cruise stop in Southern Vietnam.
Read our full review: Best of Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions From Cruise Port Review
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Private Tour & Coffee on Top of the Ho Chi Minh City From Cruise Port
Cruise passengers seeking a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City can embark on the “Private Tour & Coffee on Top of the Ho Chi Minh City From Cruise Port.”
This private tour provides an intimate experience, allowing guests to explore the city’s highlights with a professional guide while enjoying a panoramic view from the top of Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam.
The tour includes round-trip cruise port transfers, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and all entrance fees.
However, reviews indicate varying experiences, with some travelers reporting issues with the guide and customization.
Read our full review: Private Tour & Coffee on Top of the Ho Chi Minh City From Cruise Port Review
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Saigon in a Day From Phu My Cruise Harbor
From Phu My Cruise Harbor, travelers can experience the vibrant city of Saigon in a single day with this private tour.
The tour includes private transfers, a dedicated guide, and a delicious lunch. Prices start from $202 per person and vary by group size.
Pickup is at the cruise harbor, with a driver holding a sign with the traveler’s name. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and specific dietary requirements can be accommodated.
While reviews are generally positive, some mention additional charges for a French-speaking guide.
Read our full review: Saigon in a Day From Phu My Cruise Harbor Review
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Private Mekong Delta Tour – My Tho – Ben Tre From Cruise Port
For those seeking an intimate exploration of the Mekong Delta region, this private tour offers a comprehensive experience starting from the cruise port.
Operated by Maximus Travel Vietnam, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation, a private longtail boat cruise, and a professional guide to share insights.
Highlights include visiting My Tho and Ben Tre, with a stop for a local lunch. Priced at SEK 1,557.62 per person, the tour accommodates all group sizes and offers free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
With excellent reviews praising the knowledgeable guide and memorable experience, this private Mekong Delta tour is an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive glimpse into southern Vietnam’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Private Mekong Delta Tour – My Tho – Ben Tre From Cruise Port Review
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Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion From Any Cruise Ports
Exploring the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh from the comfort of a cruise port has never been easier. This private shore excursion offers a comprehensive tour of the city’s highlights, including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace.
Guests will also visit the War Remnants Museum, Thien Hau Lady Temple, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where they can enjoy free time for shopping.
The tour includes a delicious Vietnamese-style lunch, as well as bottled water, tissues, and personal pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
With a private, flexible, and customizable experience, this excursion is a must-do for travelers seeking an immersive and hassle-free exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.
Read our full review: Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion From Any Cruise Ports Review
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Best of Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursion From Cruise Port
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Ho Chi Minh City can embark on the Best of Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursion from Cruise Port.
Operated by Maximus Travel Vietnam, this private, customizable tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights. Priced from $125 per person, the tour includes a Vietnamese cuisine lunch, a professional guide, and port pickup and drop-off.
With a 5-star rating from reviews, the experience guarantees authentic insights into Vietnam’s vibrant southern hub. Guests can enjoy the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to their interests, making the most of their time ashore.
This shore excursion offers an ideal way to discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City.
Read our full review: Best of Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursion From Cruise Port Review
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Saigon River Cruise on Traditional Boat – Southern Vietnam
What better way to take in the vibrant culture of Southern Vietnam than by embarking on a Saigon River cruise aboard a traditional boat?
The Saigon Shore Excursion: Special Saigon City Tour Full Day offers just that, a customizable and flexible tour starting from $138 per person. Travelers can expect private transportation, a tasty lunch, and all entrance fees covered during this full-day adventure.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise port, with an approximate travel time of 1.5 hours to the city. Suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, this tour provides a unique perspective of Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings through a traditional boat experience.
Read our full review: Saigon River Cruise on Traditional Boat – Southern Vietnam Review
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SAIGON SHORE TOUR: Cu Chi Tunnels & City TOUR From Cruise Port
For travelers seeking a deeper exploration of Vietnam’s history and culture beyond the Saigon River cruise, the Cu Chi Tunnels Shore Excursion & City Tour offers a comprehensive experience.
This shore excursion starts at 7:00 AM, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide taking guests to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels.
After exploring this remarkable underground network, the tour continues with a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Included are lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, and all entrance fees.
With a moderate fitness level required, this tour provides an immersive look into Vietnam’s past and present at a starting price of $168 per person.
Read our full review: SAIGON SHORE TOUR: Cu Chi Tunnels & City TOUR From Cruise Port Review
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Historic Ho Chi Minh Food Tasting & Culture Tour From Cruise Port
A private Ho Chi Minh food tour from any cruise port in Southern Vietnam offers travelers an immersive culinary and cultural experience.
Operated by Maximus Travel Vietnam, the tour provides cruise ship passengers with a personalized exploration of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. For ₹10,847.39 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
With a private, customized, and flexible itinerary, the experience caters to individual preferences. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide Tom for his expertise and friendliness, highlighting the enjoyable cultural insights and local food discoveries.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Historic Ho Chi Minh Food Tasting & Culture Tour From Cruise Port Review
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Mekong River Cruise PhnomPenh ChauDoc CanTho Saigon 3days
Across the vast expanse of the Mekong Delta, this 3-day small group tour offers travelers a captivating journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlights include immersing in local life along the Mekong River, exploring biodiversity at Tra Su Cajuput nature reserve, and experiencing authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and professional guides. Pickup is available from Phnom Penh hotels or the designated meeting point in Chau Doc.
The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City, with optional drop-off at a hotel.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, this moderately active tour provides an intimate, in-depth exploration of the Mekong Delta region.
Read our full review: Mekong River Cruise PhnomPenh ChauDoc CanTho Saigon 3days Review
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Common Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Southern Vietnam?
The best time to visit Southern Vietnam is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to May. This period offers drier, cooler weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration.
Are There Any Safety Concerns for Boat Tours in Southern Vietnam?
There may be some safety concerns for boat tours in southern Vietnam, such as potential weather hazards, boat maintenance issues, and risks associated with navigating busy waterways. Travelers should research tour operators thoroughly and consider purchasing travel insurance to mitigate these risks.
Can I Customize the Itinerary of a Mekong Delta Boat Tour?
Yes, many Mekong Delta boat tour operators allow you to customize your itinerary. They’ll work with you to design a personalized experience that fits your interests and schedule within the region’s attractions and tour options.
What Should I Pack for a Boat Tour in Southern Vietnam?
When packing for a boat tour in southern Vietnam, one should bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, snacks, water, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for Boat Tours?
Most boat tours don’t have strict age or mobility restrictions, but passengers with limited mobility may need assistance. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the tour is suitable for your needs.
The Sum Up
Southern Vietnam offers a wide range of boat tours and cruises for visitors to explore the Mekong Delta and experience the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City. From private excursions to group tours, travelers can choose from a variety of options to suit their interests and preferences. Whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day journey, these boat tours and cruises provide an unforgettable way to discover the beauty and charm of this dynamic region.