Where to See the Colonial Past: the 4 Best Colonial History Tours

1.Vung Tau Essential: Beach, Christ Statue & Colonial Heritage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 284 reviews · from $41Our pick

Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Climb to the Christ Statue, see White Palace and Whale Temple, enjoy lunch, and get roughly 35 to 40 minutes at the beach. Guides may include Nikki, Heidi, or Thuyen.

“Nothing Dirty beach and sites where boring Don’t waste your day. Also three hrs driving to and theee hrs back.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Full-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour with Colonial Heritage & Chinatown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · from $47

Spend 8 to 9 hours seeing Ho Chi Minh City by air-conditioned vehicle and water bus. Visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Central Post Office, Cho Lon, Thien Hau Temple, and Binh Tay Market, with lunch, coffee, tickets, and an English-speaking guide included.

“Lovely first day in Vietnam with Thuyen! Picked me up promptly and great communication before the tour even started to coordinate for the day. Sights were exactly as advertised and Thuyen added excellent information and insight.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Colonial Zone: Historical Tour with a visit to the Columbus Lighthouse and Tres Ojos Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 157 reviews · 2 - 9 hours · from $5Best value

Visit Los Tres Ojos caves, the Columbus Lighthouse, and Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Walk Calle Las Damas, see the First Cathedral, and explore major monuments. Pickup is available from many Punta Cana and Bávaro hotels.

“Exploring the Colonial Zone was like stepping into the living pages of history. Walking through its centuries-old streets, surrounded by colonial architecture and iconic landmarks, gave me a deep appreciation for the origins of the city. Our guide shared fascinating stories and details that brought each site to life, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. It was a perfect blend of culture, history, and authentic local atmosphere. A truly memorable tour for anyone interested in the roots of Santo Domingo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $25

Walk through Colonial Williamsburg with guides such as Elizabeth, Tom, Lisa, or Patrick, hearing stories about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and daily colonial life. This $25 tour covers major sights from the Capitol area to Bruton Parish Church, but building entry requires a separate ticket.

“Well worth the price of the tour. Elizabeth was informative, interactive, and energetic. We learned a lot and saw Colonial Williamsburg through an expert’s eyes.”

Check availability →Read our full review