Exploring the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City has long been a bucket list item for many travelers. The "Pagodas and Coffee Corners Tour" offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and spiritual traditions. From iconic sites like the stunning Tan Dinh Church to the tranquil Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, this guided journey promises to unveil the city’s captivating essence. But the real allure lies in the chance to savor local specialties and unwind at renowned coffee spots, where we can gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese Buddhism. Shall we embark on this enlightening adventure?
Key Points
- A 3-3.5 hour guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s notable sites, including Tan Dinh Church, Cong Cafe, Oasis Coffee, and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.
- The tour provides opportunities to explore the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry, with visits to pagodas and coffee corners.
- Highlights include a photo stop at the iconic pink Tan Dinh Church, a coffee break at the renowned Cong Cafe, and relaxation at the tranquil Oasis Coffee.
- The tour includes round-trip transfers, admission to attractions, and an English-speaking guide, but excludes personal expenses and tips/gratuities.
- The itinerary may be subject to change, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
Tour Overview and Details
This Ho Chi Minh City tour offers an insightful exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage and lively coffee culture. Priced from $36.51 per person, the 3-3.5 hour tour is led by an English-speaking guide.
You’ll visit notable sites like the pink-hued Tan Dinh Church, the famous Cong Cafe, the tranquil Oasis Coffee, and the significant Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy photo stops, short breaks, and the chance to engage in activities like feeding koi fish.
Round-trip transfers and admission to attractions are included, but personal expenses and tips are not. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Itinerary Highlights
The Ho Chi Minh City tour starts at the iconic Bưu điện trung tâm Sài Gòn, the city’s central post office. Our first stop is a 30-minute photo opportunity at the stunning Tan Dinh Church, known for its vibrant pink facade. We then enjoy a 30-minute break at Cong Cafe, famous for its coconut coffee. Next, we visit Oasis Coffee, where we can feed the captivating koi fish in the pond for 45 minutes. Finally, we spend 45 minutes exploring the impressive Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, a significant Buddhist temple.
| Stop | Duration |
| — | — |
| Photo Stop | 30 minutes |
| Break at Cong Cafe | 30 minutes |
| Visit Oasis Coffee | 45 minutes |
| Visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda | 45 minutes |
Main Stops
Tan Dinh Church, with its iconic pink facade, kicks off our tour.
We’ll admire its striking appearance and learn about its historical significance.
Next, we’ll visit Cong Cafe, renowned for its delectable coconut coffee.
Indulge in this local specialty as you take in the cozy ambiance.
At Oasis Coffee, we’ll be captivated by the tranquil koi fish pond, providing a serene respite from the bustling city.
Finally, we’ll explore the impressive Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, a revered Buddhist temple.
Here, we’ll gain insights into the country’s dominant religion and engage in peaceful activities.
Tour Experience
Explore Saigon through its pagodas and coffee corners on this captivating tour.
We’ll enjoy a coffee break at the famous Cong Cafe, known for its delectable coconut coffee.
Then, we’ll unwind at the serene Oasis Coffee, marveling at its koi fish pond.
At the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, we’ll learn about the significance of Buddhism, the largest religion in Vietnam.
Our experience includes:
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Engaging in peaceful activities like feeding koi fish
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Discovering Saigon’s hidden gems through its pagodas and coffee corners
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Savoring the local coffee culture
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Gaining insights into the Buddhist faith
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Immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry
Inclusions and Exclusions
Although the tour includes admission to attractions, an English-speaking guide, and round-trip transfers, it excludes personal expenses and tips/gratuities. This means you’ll need to budget for any additional food, drinks, or souvenirs you wish to purchase during the tour.
| What’s Included | What’s Excluded |
| — | — |
| Admission to Attractions | Personal Expenses |
| English-Speaking Guide | Tips and Gratuities |
| Round-Trip Transfers | – |
| Coffee | – |
| – | – |
Plus, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Always check the tour details carefully to ensure it meets your needs.
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Customer Reviews and Ratings
What do the customer reviews and ratings say about this Ho Chi Minh City tour? The tour receives a 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews.
We can glean several insights:
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The guide Mavis is praised as "exceptional" by a reviewer from the UK.
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A German reviewer found the tour "insightful and fun."
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An Indian reviewer had a "positive experience," though the details aren’t specified.
These favorable reviews suggest the tour delivers on its promise to explore Saigon’s pagodas and coffee shops while providing an engaging, informative experience for visitors.
Important Information
To attend this Ho Chi Minh City tour, we’ll meet at the entrance of the Post Office (Bưu điện trung tâm Sài Gòn), the designated meeting point. For the best experience, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing respectfully for the religious sites. Keep in mind that the itinerary is subject to change.
| Recommendations | Dress Code |
| — | — |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Respectful attire for religious sites |
| Bring water | Cover up shoulders and knees |
We look forward to exploring Saigon’s pagodas and coffee corners with you!
Getting to the Meeting Point
The Post Office (Bưu điện trung tâm Sài Gòn), our designated meeting point, is conveniently located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
To get there:
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The city’s metro system is a quick and affordable option, with the nearest station just a short walk away.
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Taxis and rideshares are readily available and can provide a direct ride to the meeting point.
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If you prefer to navigate the lively streets on your own, the post office is easily accessible on foot from many central locations.
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Driving yourself? There’s ample parking nearby to leave your vehicle before the tour.
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For those staying close by, a leisurely stroll through the bustling city streets can be a great way to start the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
When visiting religious sites, we recommend dressing respectfully. This typically means covering our shoulders and knees. Following this simple guideline will ensure we’re prepared to explore the pagodas comfortably and with cultural sensitivity.
Can I Join the Tour With a Group?
Yes, we can join the tour as a group. The tour offers a private group option, allowing you to explore Saigon’s pagodas and coffee corners with your friends or family at your own pace.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?
To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service. The entrance of the Post Office (Bưu điện trung tâm Sài Gòn) is the designated meeting point, so we recommend allowing enough time to arrive there before the tour starts.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Pagoda?
Yes, we can take photos inside the pagoda, but we should be respectful and avoid disrupting the spiritual environment. The tour guide will provide guidance on appropriate photography at the religious site.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, the tour duration is fixed at 3-3.5 hours and we don’t offer any option to extend it. However, you’re welcome to spend more time exploring the sites on your own after the tour concludes.
The Sum Up
We’ll discover the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City on the "Pagodas and Coffee Corners Tour." This 3-3.5 hour journey takes us to iconic sites like the stunning Tan Dinh Church and the tranquil Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. We’ll enjoy a delightful coffee break and unwind while feeding koi fish, all while immersing ourselves in the city’s rich tapestry and learning about Buddhism.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
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