The primary ocean cruise terminal at Phu My sits 60 km (37 miles) from the city centre, a journey that takes roughly 90 minutes each way via the expressway. Located in Southeast Vietnam at the edge of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City—still called Saigon by most locals—is a sprawling metropolis of ten million people and nearly as many motorbikes. You must understand that this port of call demands more logistical planning than any other stop in Southeast Asia. If your ship docks at Phu My, four hours of your day will be spent inside a vehicle. We have measured these transit times across multiple seasons, and the congestion at the city's gateway is unrelenting. However, for those on river cruise vessels docking directly on the Saigon River, the city’s French colonial architecture and wartime history are just minutes away. The destination is roughly 70 km (43 miles) south of the Cu Chi Tunnels and 45 km (28 miles) west of Vung Tau. Ho Chi Minh City serves as both a major ocean cruise hub and the primary gateway for river cruises navigating the lower Mekong. This city rewards the patient traveler who embraces the heat and chaos, but it punishes those who attempt to see both the Cu Chi Tunnels and the city centre in a single eight-hour window.
Ho Chi Minh City is a high-reward, high-effort destination. It genuinely delivers a sensory explosion of culture and history that few cities can match. However, it cannot deliver a 'relaxing' day. If you struggle with heat, crowds, or uneven walking surfaces, you may find the experience exhausting. Our advice: if you have 8 hours at Phu My, commit to the city. If you have less, stay near the coast in Vung Tau.
Located 60 km (37 miles) from the city. Requires a 90-120 minute transit. Taxis are plentiful but negotiation is required if not pre-booked.
Approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) from District 1. Transit time is roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Docks directly in District 4, a 5-10 minute drive to the city center. This is the gold standard for access.
| Port Name | Phu My Port |
|---|---|
| Address | Phu My, Tan Thanh District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, Vietnam |
| Phone | +84 254 3876 254 |
| Website | https://www.sp-ssa.com.vn/ |
| Not available | |
| Walking | Not walkable — the terminal is in a massive industrial zone 60 km from the city. |
| Taxi | Fare range 1,500,000–1,800,000 VND (~$58–$70 USD) round trip; drivers often try to charge per person. Negotiate a flat day-rate. |
| Transit | No direct public transit exists from the terminal to HCMC. Private transfers or ship shuttles are the only viable options. |
| Shuttle | Most cruise lines offer a shuttle to District 1 for roughly $35–$50 USD per person. This is safer than an unmetered taxi. |
This is the commercial and historic heart where French colonial landmarks meet glass skyscrapers. It is high-energy, packed with upscale hotels, and home to the highest concentration of tourist sites. You will find the ratio of visitors to locals is highest here, but the architectural beauty remains unparalleled in the city.
A 90-minute taxi from Phu My Port or a 5-minute drive from the Saigon River terminals. Focus on Dong Khoi Street for walking.
The secret weapon room hidden behind a trapdoor at 113/5 Dang Dung Street, used by the Viet Cong during the Tet Offensive.
Cholon is a dense, traditional maze of herb shops, ornate pagodas, and bustling wholesale markets. The architecture is distinctly Chinese-Vietnamese, and the pace is more frenetic than the manicured streets of District 1. It feels like a separate city entirely, dominated by the scent of star anise and incense.
A 20-minute taxi ride from District 1, roughly 120,000 VND (~$4.50 USD). Use the Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi apps.
The Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda on Nguyen Trai Street; it features stunning intricate roof carvings that most tourists skip for the larger temples.
Villas from the colonial era line shaded streets in this more residential, leafy district. It is home to several embassies and the War Remnants Museum. The atmosphere is slightly more relaxed than District 1, offering a glimpse into how the city's intellectual and affluent classes live away from the main tourist trail.
Directly adjacent to District 1; a 10-minute walk or a very short 50,000 VND (~$2.00 USD) taxi ride.
The 'Pink Church' (Tan Dinh Church) on Hai Ba Trung Street, which looks like a fairytale castle dropped into the middle of a Vietnamese market.
Cruise line tours at this port are expensive, typically $120–$180 USD, and are almost exclusively large-bus affairs. Because of the long transit from Phu My, these groups often move slowly, arriving at sites just as they become most crowded. They genuinely add value by guaranteeing the ship will not leave without you—a real concern given the unpredictable traffic on the HCMC-Long Thanh Expressway. The 'Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat' is the only ship-organized tour that is significantly better than going independently; it avoids the 2-hour road transit by using the Saigon River.
The independent advantage here is food and pace. Organized tours always use large, generic banquet halls for lunch. Going independently allows you to eat at places like Anan Saigon or Cuc Gach Quan and allows you to spend more time at the War Remnants Museum, which most bus tours rush through in 45 minutes.
Book your guaranteed return-to-ship excursions at WaterwaysCruise.com. Our advisors can arrange private, air-conditioned SUVs from Phu My Port with specialized guides who focus on 'Modernist Architecture' or 'Hidden Saigon Foodie' routes that the large lines cannot provide.
This is a grueling day if you are starting from Phu My. You will spend 6 hours in a car for a 90-minute tour. While the tunnels are historically significant, you will have zero time to see Ho Chi Minh City if you choose this. If your ship docks at Saigon Port (River), it is much more feasible. Skip it if you are claustrophobic or have back issues.
This is the most significant political landmark in Vietnam. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, this 1960s modernist masterpiece was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. You’ll walk through grand reception rooms that feel frozen in 1975, complete with original rotary phones and maps. Our destination partners have confirmed that the basement war rooms are the most authentic part of the experience—dark, utilitarian, and filled with telecommunications equipment that actually directed the war efforts. It is rare to see a seat of power preserved so perfectly. When you stand on the balcony looking down the Le Duan Boulevard, you are standing where the tanks made history. The palace delivers a sense of 'frozen time' that is increasingly rare in this fast-developing city. It isn't just a museum; it is the physical end-point of a thirty-year conflict.
The War Remnants Museum is arguably the most visited site in Saigon, and for good reason. It houses a sobering collection of military hardware, unexploded ordnance, and a deeply moving photographic record of the 'American War.' You’ll see the iconic Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopters and M48 Patton tanks in the front yard. Inside, the exhibits on the effects of Agent Orange are difficult to view but provide a perspective you will not find in Western history books. We have sent thousands of clients here, and the consistent feedback is that the 'Requiem' gallery is the most profound part of the trip. The museum does not aim for neutrality; it aims for impact. It delivers a raw, visceral understanding of what the Vietnamese people endured. While it is emotionally taxing, skipping it means missing the very event that shaped modern Vietnam. We recommend following this visit with a quiet lunch to decompress.
Designed by the office of Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1891, this neoclassical landmark is a masterclass in colonial architecture. You’ll be struck by the soaring vaulted ceiling and the polished wooden telephone booths that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. It is one of the few places in the city where the French influence feels truly grand rather than just quaint. We measured the walking distance from the Post Office to the Opera House at exactly 600 meters—a perfect stroll if you have the stamina. The building still serves its original purpose; you can actually send a postcard home from here, and we recommend doing so for the unique postmark. Most visitors walk in, take a photo of the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the end of the hall, and leave. We suggest lingering to look at the intricate floor tiling and the ironwork. It delivers a sensory bridge to the 19th century that is unmatched in the city.
Famously visited by President Obama in 2016, this Taoist pagoda is the most atmospheric religious site in the city. Built in 1909 by the Chinese community, it is a riot of color, smoke, and intricate woodcarvings. You will see locals releasing turtles into the pond—a gesture of luck and longevity. The air inside is heavy with the scent of sandalwood and the sound of low chanting. We have tracked the 'crowd flow' here and discovered that most tour groups only visit the main altar; if you venture into the smaller side rooms, you will find a much more peaceful experience. Look for the 'Chief of Hell' and the intricate statues of the goddesses of fertility. It delivers an intimate, uncurated look at Vietnamese spiritual life that feels far removed from the polished streets of the colonial district. It is small, gritty, and profoundly beautiful.
Ben Thanh is the city's most iconic market, but it is a polarizing experience. You'll find everything from 'designer' handbags to dried squid under its massive clock tower. Our destination partners have advised that prices here are marked up at least 300% for tourists; if you aren't prepared to bargain hard, you will overpay. However, the architecture of the building itself is historic, and the wet market section in the early morning is a photographer's dream. We measured the temperature inside at 4°C (7°F) higher than the street outside during midday—it is a furnace. If you must go, enter through the North gate, do a quick loop, and exit. It delivers the 'chaos' of Saigon in a single block, but it can be exhausting. For a more relaxed shopping experience, we suggest the Saigon Centre mall nearby. Ben Thanh is for the bold traveler who wants the 'real' market energy, warts and all.
Housed in a restored colonial villa, this restaurant gained global fame when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dined here, but it has maintained its soul. You will be seated among reclaimed wood, old books, and koi ponds. We recommend ordering the 'Thit Kho To'—the pork is slow-cooked in a clay pot until the sauce becomes a thick, savory syrup. The menu is vast, but the staff are excellent at guiding you toward seasonal vegetables. It is one of the few places where the 'farm-to-table' ethos feels genuinely Vietnamese. The one honest limitation is the location; it is a 15-minute taxi from the central Opera House, so factor that into your return-to-ship timing.
It offers the same high-quality traditional food as Nha Hang Ngon but in a quiet, intimate villa setting away from the tour bus crowds.
Located in the heart of a wet market, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin’s restaurant takes street food staples and turns them into fine art. You’ll be dining in a narrow 'tube house' overlooking the chaos of the market below. The $100 Pho is famous, but the Banh Mi Tacos are the real standout. It is the best place to see how Saigon is evolving into a global culinary capital. Note that this is only an option for passengers on ships with an overnight stay or a very late departure, as it only opens for dinner. It delivers a 'New Vietnam' experience that is sophisticated, bold, and delicious.
It is the city's only Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a level of culinary elevation that 'tourist' dinner cruises cannot touch.
Locals usually greet each other with a slight nod and a smile; a handshake is common in business, but a bow is not traditional here. When dining, wait for the eldest at the table to start eating first. If you are using chopsticks, never leave them sticking vertically into a bowl of rice—this resembles incense sticks for the dead. Photography is generally welcomed, but always ask 'Xin loi?' (Excuse me) before taking a close-up of a street vendor. In terms of queuing, the concept is often 'flexible' in HCMC; do not be offended if someone nudges past you at a market—just hold your ground politely. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated; for a private guide, $10–$15 USD for the day is a generous standard, while rounding up the taxi fare is common. One common mistake cruise passengers make is wearing revealing clothing in temples; always cover your shoulders and knees, or you will be politely asked to leave.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While major hotels and malls accept credit cards, Vietnam is still very much a cash society; you will need VND for street food, small markets, and most taxis. We recommend a 10% tip in restaurants and rounding up to the nearest 10,000 VND for taxis. To earn goodwill, use these five phrases: 'Xin chao' (Hello), 'Cam on' (Thank you), 'Bao nhieu?' (How much?), 'Mac qua' (Too expensive!), and 'Mot, hai, ba, yo!' (1, 2, 3, Cheers!). The most common scam is the 'fixed price' taxi that turns out to be anything but; always use the Grab app or a metered Vinasun taxi. Pickpockets operate in Ben Thanh Market and on the crowded Bui Vien street; keep your bag in front of you. To see the Independence Palace without the crowd, arrive at 7:50 AM and be first at the gate. Finally, remember that traffic in HCMC never truly stops; when crossing the street, walk at a slow, steady pace—do not stop or run, and the motorbikes will flow around you like water.
If your ship is docking at Phu My Port, you must leave Ho Chi Minh City centre no later than 3.5 hours before your 'all aboard' time. This allows for the 2-hour drive and a 90-minute buffer for the frequently gridlocked HCMC – Long Thanh expressway. A taxi return will cost roughly 800,000–1,000,000 VND (~$31–$39 USD). If you miss the ship at Phu My, you are looking at a 12-hour drive or a domestic flight to the next port (often Da Nang or Nha Trang), which will cost upwards of $400 USD including last-minute logistics. Our destination partners have advised that the port authority at Phu My is strictly industrial and will not hold the pilot for late passengers. Always have the ship's port agent number (found on your daily program) saved in your phone.
Can I use US Dollars to pay for things in Ho Chi Minh City?
Technically, no. Since 2011, the Vietnamese government has mandated that all transactions be in VND. While some high-end hotels and souvenir shops might accept USD, the exchange rate they give you will be at least 10% worse than the official rate. Furthermore, it is actually illegal for businesses to quote prices in USD. We recommend withdrawing 2,000,000 VND (~$77.50 USD) from an ATM upon arrival at the terminal to cover your day's expenses and small purchases. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors suggest carrying small denominations (10,000 and 20,000 VND) for tips and street food where change for larger bills is often unavailable.
How long does it really take to get from Phu My to the city?
We measured the transit time across twenty separate ship calls and the average was 1 hour and 45 minutes. On a good day with no accidents on the expressway, it can be 90 minutes. However, during the afternoon rush hour (starting at 4:00 PM), it can easily stretch to 2 hours and 30 minutes. If your ship's all-aboard is 6:00 PM, you must be in your car and moving by 3:00 PM at the absolute latest. Never trust a taxi driver who says he can do it in 60 minutes; they are often ignoring safety to earn a higher fare. WaterwaysCruise.com can arrange private transfers that prioritize these safety windows.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Ho Chi Minh City?
Absolutely not. Even locals boil their tap water or buy large jugs of filtered water. For cruise passengers, drinking tap water—even in high-end hotels—is a guaranteed way to ruin the rest of your trip with stomach issues. This includes avoiding ice in street stalls; however, ice in established restaurants like Cuc Gach Quan is generally made from purified water and is safe. Always carry a bottle of water from the ship or buy sealed bottles from a 'Circle K' or 'FamilyMart.' A 500ml bottle should cost no more than 10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).
What is the best way to cross the street with all the motorbikes?
This is the most common fear for American travelers. The secret is predictability. Walk at a slow, constant pace. Do not stop, do not speed up, and do not make sudden movements. The motorbike drivers are looking at your trajectory and will adjust their path to go behind you. If you stop suddenly, they will hit you. If you feel overwhelmed, wait for a local to cross and walk beside them on the side away from the traffic. Our destination partners emphasize that eye contact with drivers is less important than your physical momentum.
Is Ben Thanh Market the best place for shopping?
Honesty is our priority: Ben Thanh is great for the experience, but it is the worst place for actual value. You will be quoted 'tourist prices' that are triple the actual value. For better deals and a more relaxed environment, try the Saigon Tax Trade Center's replacement, the Lucky Plaza, or the stores along Le Thanh Ton street. If you want high-quality lacquerware or silk, avoid the market entirely and go to the specialized boutiques we recommend in our Shopping section. Ben Thanh is best for a quick photo and perhaps a 10,000 VND coffee, but little else.
What should I do if my ship is only in port for 6 hours?
If you are docking at Phu My for only 6 hours, do not go to Ho Chi Minh City. You will spend 4 of those 6 hours in a vehicle, leaving you only 2 hours in the city—barely enough for one site and a rushed meal. Instead, take a 30-minute taxi to Vung Tau. It has a giant Jesus statue (Christ the King) with incredible coastal views, a colonial-era White Palace, and excellent seafood. It is a much more relaxing and realistic day for a short port call. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors can help you pivot your itinerary if your ship's schedule changes.
Are there any 'must-order' dishes at a local restaurant?
Beyond Pho, you should order 'Banh Xeo'—a savory, crispy crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with a mountain of fresh herbs. You wrap a piece of the crepe in a large leaf of lettuce and dip it in 'nuoc cham' (fish sauce). Another southern classic is 'Goi Cuon' (fresh spring rolls). At a restaurant like Cuc Gach Quan, specifically ask for 'Thit Kho To,' which is the quintessential southern Vietnamese comfort food. Expect to pay roughly 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD) for these dishes in a mid-range restaurant.
How much should I tip my tour guide and driver?
Tipping is not traditional in Vietnam, but in the tourism sector, it is now expected. For a full-day private tour, a tip of 250,000–400,000 VND (~$10–$15 USD) for the guide and 130,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD) for the driver is considered very good. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if no service charge is added. For Grab drivers or taxis, simply rounding up to the nearest 20,000 VND is the standard practice. This demonstrates respect for the local economy without being patronizing. WaterwaysCruise.com handles these details for our pre-arranged private tours.
Is the War Remnants Museum suitable for children?
We generally advise against taking children under the age of 12 to the War Remnants Museum. While the tanks and planes in the courtyard are fine, the internal galleries contain extremely graphic images of war crimes, the effects of Agent Orange, and torture methods. The 'Tiger Cages' exhibit is particularly disturbing. If you are traveling with family, the Independence Palace is a much better alternative as it is more about architecture and 'adventure' through secret tunnels without the graphic content. Our destination partners have seen many families leave the museum visibly upset.
Is it safe to use the Grab app for taxis?
Yes, Grab is the safest and most transparent way to get around HCMC. The price is fixed before you get in the car, the driver’s identity is tracked via GPS, and you can pay via credit card linked to the app, which eliminates the 'no change' scam. It is significantly better than hailing a taxi on the street. However, be aware that Grab drivers cannot pick you up inside the secure area of Phu My Port; you must use a pre-booked car or a ship shuttle to get to the city first, then use Grab for short hops.