Tiếng ViệtIf you are looking for the best way to explore the energetic city of Ho Chi Minh, consider embarking on a hop on hop off Saigon bus adventure. Read on to ensure that you are well prepared for your upcoming journey!
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a myriad of historical, natural and cultural attractions. One of the ideal ways to explore the vibrant streets of this charming city is by embarking on a hop on hop off Saigon bus tour. This guided tour provides a convenient and exciting way to discover the city’s iconic attractions at your own leisure. This article will provide you with details about this immersive adventure.
An open-top bus passes by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee headquarters on the morning of January 15. Photo: Collected.
The open-top bus in Ho Chi Minh City operates a 15 km route, taking passengers past famous landmarks and popular attractions in the city center, catering to tourists.
The first two open-top buses, named “City Tour,” officially departed from the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office (Paris Commune Square, District 1) on the morning of January 15. The route passes by 30 famous landmarks and entertainment spots in the city center, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, Ben Thanh Market, the Independence Palace, Turtle Lake, and 23/9 Park.
Each bus has 65 seats, all equipped with audio devices that provide passengers with information about the landmarks and attractions along the route. The service operates 22 trips per day, with departures every 30 minutes, from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM.
Ticket prices are VND 330,000 per adult per trip, VND 250,000 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 5 years old.”**
An open-top bus passes by Turtle Lake. Photo: Collected.
Mr. Nguyen Khoa Luan (Director of Anh Viet Company) said that Ho Chi Minh City is the third location where the company has invested in open-top buses for tourism, following Hanoi and Da Nang. “After one year of operation in Hanoi, we have attracted 120,000 passengers.
Ho Chi Minh City has many beautiful architectural landmarks and numerous entertainment centers. I believe open-top buses will develop strongly here,” Mr. Luan said.
According to Mr. Do Ngoc Hai, Head of the Transport Management Division under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, open-top buses are an effective model for developing the city’s tourism industry.
With a limited number of vehicles and spaced operating schedules, they do not significantly affect traffic. The bus schedule will be adjusted to suit the city’s traffic conditions.”**
Foreign tourists enjoy the streets of Saigon from an open-top bus. Photo: Collected
The double-decker sightseeing bus model, which takes tourists around the city and passes through many attractions, has been widely adopted in several countries in the region such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Hong Kong (China). In Hanoi, the first double-decker bus route named “City Tour” has also been launched.
The bus travels through 25 streets with 13 stops, taking visitors to 30 attractions in the capital. Ticket prices are VND 650,000 for 48 hours, VND 450,000 for 24 hours, VND 300,000 for 4 hours, and VND 196,000 for 2 hours. After more than one year of operation, the service has been considered not very effective due to low passenger numbers.
1. Why should you choose hop on hop off Saigon bus tour?
Choosing the hop on hop off Saigon bus tour is a smart move if you desire to explore Ho Chi Minh City. They run daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, so it fits any schedule. Plus, your ticket is good for 24 hours, making it easy to see all the top spots. They have audio guides in multiple languages (Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, German, Russian, Indonesian), and the buses are comfy with free Wi-Fi.
You can buy tickets online or at hotel agencies, and the tour covers all the must-see places in 24 hours. The best part is that you can hop on and off at any stop, and buses come every 30 minutes, saving you time and letting you explore at your own pace. Thus, embarking on a hop on hop off Saigon is a simple and flexible way to experience the city.
2. Schedules & Prices of hop on hop off Saigon bus tours
2.1. Ho Chi Minh City hop on hop off Bus Tour
Tour Highlights
Tourists can discover the heart of Ho Chi Minh City effortlessly by hopping on and off at their favorite spots. These open-top buses provide a unique view, and you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi onboard. Travelers can also enjoy audio guides in multiple languages and get a handy guidebook with maps, tips, schedules, and valuable discounts.
Tour Schedules
For the day tour, buses run from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, starting at the Saigon Central Post Office. They cover key attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Street, and more. The night tour, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, starts at Nguyen Hue Walking Street and includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and other scenic spots.
Pick-up point
The pick-up point for day tours is the Saigon Central Post Office at No. 2 Paris Square, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. If you are taking the night tour, the journey begins at 92-96 Nguyen Hue Street, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bus Stops and Prices
The bus tour makes stops at famous places like Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Saigon Zoo, War Remnants Museum, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Bitexco Tower, Bach Dang Pier, Majestic Hotel, and more. The ticket price for this tour is from 500,000 VND per person.
Besides the 1-day hop on hop off bus tour, there are other attractive ones that you can consider embarking on:
- Saigon City Tour and Dinner on Ben Nghe Cruise: From 699,000 VND/person
- 4 hour Ho Chi Minh City Tour hop on hop off: From 350,000 VND/person
- Cu Chi Tunnels round trip: From 550,000 VND/person
- 1 hour around Saigon and Saigon Skydeck: From 360,000 VND/person
- Independence Palace and Ho Chi Minh City round trip: From 199,000 VND
2.2. 2-day hop on hop off bus tour
- Tour Highlights
This bus tour is suitable for those who want to explore both modern and historic Ho Chi Minh City and experience the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels, which played a crucial role during the Vietnamese War.
- Tour Schedules
- Day 1 (8:30 am to 8:30 pm): You will have a full day to explore numerous well-known cultural and historical attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Day 2 (Half Day – Morning or Afternoon): You can spend half a day discovering the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. You can choose from morning (7:30 am to 2:00 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm to 6:30 pm) tours.
- Pick-up point
Saigon Central Post Office: No. 2, Paris Square, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Bus Stops and prices
The bus tour includes stops at renowned locations such as Saigon Zoo, History Museum, War Remnants Museum, 23/9 Park, Ben Thanh Market, Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck, Bach Dang, Saigon River, City Hall, Opera House, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office. The tour prices are from 1,058,000 VND per person.
2.3. 3-day hop on hop off bus tour
- Tour Highlights
This 3-day hop on hop off bus tour offers a complete Southern Vietnam experience. Over three days, you will explore both modern and historic aspects of Ho Chi Minh City, cruise on the stunning Mekong River, and discover the intriguing Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Tour Schedules:
- Day 1 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm): Explore the city’s famous attractions throughout the day.
- Day 2 (8:00 am to 5:30 pm): You will have the opportunity to experience a boat ride through floating markets and enjoy a tasty lunch.
- Day 3 (Half Day – Morning or Afternoon): Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, with departures available in the morning (7:30 am to 2:00 pm) or afternoon (12:30 pm to 6:30 pm).
- Pick-up point
The iconic Saigon Central Post Office, located at No. 2, Paris Square, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is your starting point.
- Bus Stops and Prices
Your journey kicks off with the hop on hop off bus, starting from Saigon Central Post Office. Along the way, you will visit attractions like the Saigon Zoo, History Museum, War Remnants Museum, 23/9 Park, Ben Thanh Market, Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck, Bach Dang, Saigon River, City Hall, Opera House, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), and Notre Dame Cathedral. This tour will cost you from 1,799,000 VND per person.
3. How to book hop on hop off Saigon bus tours?
If you are going to book hop on hop off Saigon bus tours, you can follow the following steps:
- Visit the website: www.hopon-hopoff.vn
- Find the tour on the website
- Select the start and end days to find the tour in the search tool
- Click on view tour to read information about the tour
- Fill out the online booking form
- After the total information price appears, you click on the Book Now button
- On the checkout page, select your country and input your address or hotel address in Vietnam
- Check your order again and insert the coupon code if you have
- Choose the payment option and enter your bank card information
When your payment is approved, the ticket information will be displayed and sent to your email and you can print the e-ticket or use the email to check in.
Going on a hop on hop off Saigon bus tour is a fantastic way to explore Ho Chi Minh City. It offers flexibility, allowing you to discover the city’s history, culture, and attractions at your own pace. Don’t miss out on this convenient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Saigon. It is your ticket to a memorable adventure in this dynamic city.
During your trip to Saigon, don’t forget to explore Grand Park. This entertainment complex offers a mix of outdoor adventures, exhilarating activities, and unforgettable festivals. Whether you are seeking a relaxing escape or an adrenaline rush, Grand Park promises an exciting experience for everyone.
