From local-led walks to immersive day trips, joining a city tour is one of the best ways to experience the energy, history and culture of Ho Chi Minh.
Commonly known as Saigon, Vietnam’s fast-paced southern capital grabs the attention unlike many other places on earth. But beneath the noise and neon lights is a city rich in complexity and charm. One of the most immersive ways to get under Ho Chi Minh’s skin is by booking a guided tour, many of which are themed around a specific aspect of the city. We’ve picked out 5 of the best Ho Chi Minh city tours currently available.
Walking Tour with Local Guide
Led by a friendly local guide with a penchant for story-telling, this walking tour begins outside The Manufacturer Courtyard and covers around 3 km through central Saigon, . Along the way, you’ll pass by renowned landmarks including the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace, as well as more off-the-beaten-track places of interest such as a hidden “CIA building” and even a tucked-away coffee shop. All guests depart with a digital PDF guide packed with local eatery and rooftop bar tips. From $3 per person.
Late-Night Bus Tour
Ho Chi Minh is a captivating place at all times of day, but perhaps none more so than after dark. This evening bus tour allows you to cruise the city aboard an open-top double-decker bus, offering the chance to soak up the city as it’s illuminated against the star-lit sky. Starting at City Hall, the nonstop route glides past around 20 notable city landmarks, including the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thành Market and Bitexco Tower, before crossing the Ba Son Bridge toward Thu Duc before looping back again. Audio commentary in included, with extras like raincoats and water also available. From $9 per person.
Walking Food Tour
Among Ho Chi Minh’s many stand-out characteristics is its vibrant culinary scene and visitors can discover it for themselves on this 3.5 hour guided food tour. Over the course of the experience, you and your small group of fellow tour guests will amble through Districts 3, 5 and 10 where you’ll sample 13 authentic delicacies and dishes, including bánh xèo, grilled bao buns, Vietnamese pizza and snail pork, at street stalls. The tour also includes a hands-on bánh xèo cooking demo and 3–4 drinks to wash it all down. From $27 per person.
Cyclo Discovery Tour
(Photo: GA Adventures)
See Ho Chi Minh City with the wind in your hair on this three-hour bike tour. Aboard a traditional three-wheeled bike cyclo, helmed by an experience guide so you don’t need to brave the traffic yourself, you’ll navigate a 3km route that passes landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre‑Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and the War Remnants Museum, with short stops to stretch your legs along the way. Included are an English-speaking guide, bottled water, cyclo with driver, and a banh mi sandwich to keep those energy levels up. From $27 per person.
Full-Day Private Tour
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this full-day private city tour may well fit the bill. Your personal English-speaking guide air-conditioned vehicle will collect you and your select group or family or friends from your accommodation and take you to your pick of the city’s main highlights, from the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace to its many French colonial landmarks and vibrant Chinatown district. The tour ends with am authentic local restaurant lunch and drop-off back at your hotel. From $42 per person.