Upcoming How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon & Explore on Your Own

Your cruise port may be at least 90 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam's immigration procedures can be more involved than what cruisers are accustomed to in the Caribbean or Europe. In this Cruise Port Captain guide, we'll explain what to expect when arriving in Vietnam, how to get into Saigon, and whether a cruise ship excursion or independent exploration makes more sense. 🚢 We actually visited Ho Chi Minh City TWICE on back-to-back NCL cruises! The first time, we booked a guided shore excursion. The second time, we chose transportation only and explored the city independently. We'll share what we learned, explain our decision-making process, and show you how to walk between four of the city's top highlights. Whether you're considering a shore excursion or planning your own adventure, we'll help you make the most of your day in Saigon! ⚓ Travel confidently. Explore independently. The world is more accessible than you think. Make Life a Bon Voyage! 🚢