Tours & Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
The free tour of Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect way to get to know the Vietnamese city. We'll see the most iconic buildings with an English-speaking guide.
Welcome to Saigon!
Join us on this walking tour while strolling to significant landmarks and hidden spots that every first-time visitor to Saigon (or even Vietnam) needs to know.
You’ll gain a better understanding of the city and the country through diving deep into local cultures and stories known only to the locals. But we don’t stop there; go beyond the standard narratives by sharing contemporary insights, and observations to provide you with a well-rounded perspective.
Here are the places we’ll visit on this tour:
🍃Former Manufacturer of Opium
🏛️ Saigon Opera House
🗽 Ho Chi Minh Statue
🕵️ The Secret CIA Building
☕ Cong Coffee
📮 Saigon Post Office
⛪ Notre Dame Cathedral
🏰 Independence Palace
We highly recommend joining this tour upon your arrival in town. As a special treat, at the tour’s conclusion, we’ll send you a PDF packed with local recommendations for food, activities, rooftop bars, etc.
Don’t miss out on this exhilarating journey through Saigon’s past, present, and future! Book now for an unforgettable experience! 🎉
Meeting point: 74 Hai Ba Trung Str., (The Manufacture Courtyard Gate) Our guides are recognized with a blue paper fan, passcode: Momo
Want to see the best of Ho Chi Minh City ⁉️ We got you covered.
Join us as we meander through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the iconic landmarks that define the city's rich history. From the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office to the vibrant chaos of the oldest wet market, each step will immerse you in the unique blend of tradition and modernity that is quintessentially Saigon.
We'll navigate through hidden alleys and bustling markets, offering glimpses into the daily life of locals. Whether it's the aroma of street food wafting through the air or the sounds of honking motorbikes, this guided walking tour promises to capture the true essence of Ho Chi Minh City.
At schedule, we will meet at Bitexco Financial Tower - entrance to the Saigon Skydeck which is opposite to Như Lan Bakery
Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with us.
- Bitexco Financial Tower
- Saigon River Untold Tales
- Visit the city's trendy cafés
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Government City Hall
- Saigon Opera House
- Former CIA Building
- Central Post Office
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Central Book Street
- Saigon Central Park
This guided walking tour is a great way to learn about Vietnamese culture and to discover the city’s colorful history, from the founding of the city, through the French colonization and the time of the Vietnam war up until the 21st century, plus the best kept secrets and hidden gems.
We highly recommend joining this tour upon your arrival in town. As a special treat, right after you sign up we’ll send you a blog link with local recommendations for food, activities, rooftop bars, etc.
Don't miss this free tour to take with you a great memory from Ho Chi Minh City 😉
In the heart of Saigon, where the old meets the new and the streets hum with the rhythm of countless tales, a gastronomic journey awaits your discovery.
Welcome to our unique food tour, where each bite narrates a story and every aroma whispers the secrets of Saigon.
Our hand-picked selections are not merely about tasting – they are about experiencing the genuine flavors that resonate with the soul of this lively city.
Here, amidst the vibrant energy of Saigon's nightlife, indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience where the flavors of Vietnam burst to life in each dish. giving you the chance to explore where the locals truly live, eat, and savor.
We will try around 8 different dishes in various neighborhoods of the city. We will visit the top 10 street food's vendor voted by CNN in Vietnam, a flea market, walk through small alleys to experience real local life at apartment complexes, explore a wholesale flower market, and uncover the city's gangster history, decades long sellers.
Here is a list of some of the dishes we will try:
- Grilled Pork Banh Mi
- Fried Rice Cake
- Assorted Snails / Stir-fried Quails with Tamarind Sauce
- Sugarcane juice
- Rolling Rice Paper
- Grilled Beef with Lemongrass
- Grilled Sticky Rice and Banana
- Cheese Flan Cake with Coconut Milk and Vietnamese Coffee.
- And Surprises
Our team at Momo has conducted extensive research to ensure that the dishes you enjoy with us are unique and safe for your stomach, ensuring you won't encounter the same flavors during your travels elsewhere in Vietnam.
Insider tips:
🔸 If you have any allergies, please tell us in advance.
🔸 Each dish cost around 0.5$ to 1.5$
🔸 The tour operate rain or shine.
Hop on the back of our motorbikes like the locals. We will take you through various districts to witness the city's shift from downtown areas to vibrant local neighborhoods, exploring bustling outdoor markets and winding alleyways. This experience offers not only a glimpse into the city's history but also an opportunity to taste local drinks and cuisine while engaging in discussions about Vietnamese culture
Here is the highlight of what you will do with us.
1. Notre Dame Cathedral.
2. Saigon Central Post Office.
3. The Independence Palace. (visiting outside)
4. The Burning Monk Memorial
5. A Secret Weapon Cellar
6. Drinking Coffee At Spy House ( cost 1,5$)
7. Flower Market and Cambodia Wet Market.
8. Trying A Delicacy Dish. ( cost 1,5$)
9. Visiting Oldest Temple, And China Town.
10. Saigon Rivers With Amazing Views
This is itinerary:
1. We provide a deep dive into the history of some of Saigon’s most famous locations with historical photos through the whole story behind such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Independent Palace, and The Burning Monk.
2. Next locations, discover some local points that are off the beaten path. Catching your breath by drinking a cup of Vietnamese coffee. This coffee place is known as Spy House of VC with Weapon Bunkers, with a secret experience to go down the tunnel to the third floor
3. Visiting flower and outdoor markets, you will learn some Vietnamese words for fun to practice bargaining prices with vendors and sample some fruits (morning slot) and local drinks - sugar cane juice. For the food menu, you will choose broken rice with BBQ pork or noodle soup
4. In Chinatown, you will be blessed with one of the oldest and most fascinating TEMPLES and zipping around through the buzzing Silk Street and Lanterns Street of this colorful, incredible Chinatown.
NOTE: I want to confirm that the tour is by SCOOTER, not walking. The tour lasts 4 hours, not including food and coffee as stated in my description. I can pick you up at your hotel address in central districts 1,3, or 4. Other local districts, you will meet us at the meeting place, Saigon Opera House.
Because this tour is by SCOOTER , so we will have 2 options for you:
First option: The rented scooter fee is 7$ USD = 180,000 VND per scooter, you drive it by yourself, you need to get scooter international license, you will be responsible for accidents, broken scooters, or anything happens on the tour, I don't cover insurance for this. This option is group tour, we need 5 guests to start. You must know how to drive the scooter well and confident with driving in this traffic. After the tour 4 hours, if you don't want to return the scooter, you can keep it as long as in 24 hours, it is a price you rent the scooter in a day.
Second option: We will be your drivers & tour guides, you will sit behind our scooters, each tour guide drives each guest, including insurance for your accidents. This option is a private tour, so I can even conduct the tour with 1 guest. I will be your driver and tour guide who are spoken English very well, at each stop, we will visit and tell you the history and untold stories.
(if you can not do the first option, you can consider choosing second option or choose other walking tours if you feel it inconvenient)
Explore Saigon for Free – A Special Journey Just for You!
Discover 9 iconic landmarks in just a few hours – without spending a dime!
The Problems You May Be Facing
- Are you unsure where to start exploring Saigon with limited time?
- Do you want to visit famous landmarks but are concerned about high costs?
- Are you tired of crowded tours that lack authentic connections to local culture?
If these sound familiar, we have the perfect solution for you: The Free Walking Tour of Saigon.
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Here’s why:
- Trusted by Over 1,000 International Guests: Rated 5 stars on Guruwalk by travelers worldwide.
- Connect with Saigon through the eyes of passionate local guides.
- Learn about the culture and history through inspiring and authentic stories.
- Enjoy unique street food like Salted Coffee and Coconut Coffee (just $0.80 per cup) and Vietnamese Pizza for only $1!
- Save on costs while enjoying an experience comparable to high-end tours.
Your Journey – 9 Iconic Landmarks
1. Bitexco Financial Tower: Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from this iconic skyscraper.
2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Soak in the vibrant energy while enjoying Salted Coffee or Coconut Coffee at Chú Long Café.
3. Ho Chi Minh Statue: Pay homage to Vietnam’s beloved leader at this central square.
4. City Hall: Admire the stunning colonial French architecture of this historic building.
5. Saigon Opera House: Marvel at this cultural gem’s unique design and charm.
6. Notre Dame Cathedral: Snap photos of the iconic Gothic-style architecture.
7. Saigon Central Post Office: Send postcards from this blend of Gothic and colonial architecture.
8. Book Street: Lose yourself in a haven of creativity and literary treasures.
9. Independence Palace (Outside): Learn about its pivotal role in Vietnam’s history.
What You’ll Gain from This Tour
- Cultural Insights: Learn fascinating stories about Saigon’s history and heritage from knowledgeable guides.
- Street Food Delights: Savor affordable local specialties, including coffee and Vietnamese Pizza.
- Global Connections: Meet fellow travelers and create lasting memories.
- Exclusive Perks: Free photos at iconic landmarks and a curated list of must-visit places and eateries.
What Makes This Tour Different?
This is not your typical sightseeing tour. It’s a journey where:
- There’s no financial pressure: You’re not required to pay upfront. Tips are optional, based on your satisfaction (usually €10–50).
- It’s exclusive: Each tour is limited to 12 participants to ensure privacy and quality.
- It’s born from passion: Created by locals who want visitors to experience the best of Saigon without breaking the bank.
What Travelers Are Saying
Maria from Berlin shared:
"The tour was very interesting and full of good tips for your day in Saigon. I highly recommend doing it on the first day of your visit. Vera has lots of experience and shared many useful recommendations for good food, coffee, and places to visit. Thank you!"
Ada from Sydney added:
"Dong is very knowledgeable about the history as well as the culture, food, and places to go. She clearly explained the facts, what to do, and what not to do. Apart from visiting famous venues, we also explored the walking street, the book street, and the café apartment! Dong even showed us video clips to bring events to life. She is so friendly and helpful that I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. I wish I had joined Dong’s tour on my first day in Saigon. Thank you so much, Dong, for an enjoyable day!"
Wendy from Hong Kong wrote:
"I’ve traveled to many places and joined many Free Walking Tours, but this is one of the best ever because Vera truly went above and beyond! Starting the tour at 3 pm was perfect as the route was shaded and easy to walk. What I liked the most was Vera’s insider tips: how to bargain, where to find cheap shopping or food, how to cross the road, and useful Vietnamese phrases. She even sang a song while explaining the Ho Chi Minh statue! After the tour, Vera recommended a local night market and even joined us to ensure we got the best food at the best price. She spent hours extra with us, turning it into a food tour, all for free! She shared personal stories, making us feel like friends. This is truly one of the best tours I’ve ever joined in my life. Thank you so much, Vera!"
Why We Created This Tour
We believe everyone deserves the chance to explore and connect with local culture without worrying about high expenses. Our goal is to create memorable experiences that go beyond sightseeing to foster a deep appreciation for Saigon.
Value Comparison
Similar tours typically cost $30–$50 on platforms like Tripadvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook... However, with our free walking tour, you’ll enjoy unparalleled value without any upfront costs.
How to Join
To make the most of your trip, come prepared with:
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers, flip-flops, or sandals).
- Water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for morning tours.
Don’t Miss Out!
Send us a message on WhatsApp at +84974637891 to secure your spot. Limited spaces are available, and tours fill up quickly!
Explore Saigon your way – completely free!