Top 10 Saigon Walking Tours: Explore the City’s Hidden Gems on Foot

Looking to explore Saigon up close? Saigon walking tours are a fantastic way to experience the city’s lively streets, rich history, and hidden gems. Whether you’re into local food, historical sites, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Saigon has a walking tour for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 walking tours in Saigon, each offering a unique slice of this vibrant city. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the best of Saigon on foot!

1. Saigon Hotpot – Travel with local youth

If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Hotpot is a must-try! They really get how tricky it can be to figure out the best places to go and eat. Set up in 2006 by a passionate team who saw the need for better English skills among local students, Saigon Hotpot offers free walking tours that are a brilliant way to explore the city. You’ll get to see the top sights and enjoy traditional Vietnamese meals with local hosts. 

They also run the lovely Sky Lantern charity event to help kids in rural areas. With over a decade of experience, they’re always improving and expanding, making them a top choice for a genuine local experience. Highly recommended!

• Price: From $1.92 per group (up to 6)
• Duration: 2–8 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Multiple pickup locations offered in Ho Chi Minh city.
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

2. Street Food Man – Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour

If you’re into street food, “Street Food Man” walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do! Your guide, who’s passionate about Vietnamese food, will pick you up from your hotel and take you on an adventure away from the tourist spots. 

You’ll try delicious dishes like “Banh Xeo” and “Banh Khot” with fresh veggies, and explore a street lined with barbecue seafood stalls. You’ll also get to taste local favourites like “bo la lot” (beef wrapped in betel leaves) and “banh canh Trang Bang” (pork noodle soup). Next, enjoy some “bot chien” (pan-fried rice cakes) made by a skilled local chef and cool off with a refreshing sugar cane and orange juice mix. Don’t miss the Banh Mi for a tasty flavour explosion. 

The tour wraps up at the night flower market with sweet treats like coconut ice cream or flan cake. Your guide will then drop you back at your hotel.

• Price: From $49.00 per adult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Multiple pickup locations offered in Ho Chi Minh city.
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

3. Saigon Vegan Food Tour

If you’re vegan and in Ho Chi Minh City, you absolutely have to check out the Saigon Vegan Food Tour with Hieu! It’s an incredible experience. The food is not only delicious but there’s loads of it—seriously, come hungry! You’ll get to taste a huge variety of dishes, and Hieu takes you to some fantastic local spots you wouldn’t find on your own. The tour also gives you a taste of local neighbourhoods and vibrant streets. Sampling vegan delights made by local chefs is such a special treat. Hieu is a top-notch guide who really knows the city. Can’t recommend this enough!

• Price: From $42.00 per adult
• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure and return
  • Start: 134 Bui Thi Xuan,Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • End: 63 Ly Thai To, Ward 1, District 10, HCMC

4. Saigon Vibes – Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour

The Saigon Vibes private food tour is a brilliant way to taste the true essence of Ho Chi Minh City. You can opt for an afternoon lunch tour or an evening dinner tour, where you’ll explore the city’s bustling food stalls. Expect to enjoy classic Vietnamese dishes like beef noodle soup and banh mi, with a few surprises along the way.

The tour is packed with delicious food and takes you through vibrant local spots. The guides are friendly and make the experience a lot of fun. With a smooth walking tour and a variety of tasty dishes, this tour is a must for food lovers in Saigon.

• Price: From $29.00 per adult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Multiple pickup locations offered in Ho Chi Minh city.
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

5. Magic Karp – Private Walking Half Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

The Magic Karp Tour is a fantastic way to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Ben Thanh Market. There, you’ll get to learn about the market’s history and how locals shop and haggle. Next, you’ll visit the City People’s Committee Building and hear some fascinating stories about it. A stroll down Nguyen Hue Avenue will bring you to the Opera House. After that, you’ll get to try a special Vietnamese treat: coconut coffee. You’ll also check out Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, discovering their hidden gems. The tour wraps up with a choice between the War Remnants Museum or the Independence Palace, and then your guide will sort out a taxi to take you back to your hotel.

• Price: From $30.43 per adult
• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Ben Thanh Market, Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • End: War Remnants Museum, Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC

6. Saigon Evening Walking Street Food Tour

If you’re new to Ho Chi Minh City, it can be a bit overwhelming, but the street food is an absolute must-try. The Saigon Street Food Paradise tour, guided by a local, is perfect for getting a taste of the city’s best dishes. You’ll sample six famous items, including bun thit nuong, banh xeo, and kem dua, just like Anthony Bourdain enjoyed. The tour comes highly recommended for the amazing food and great company. Personal highlights were the banh khot and rice rolls, and exploring the market stalls in District 3 was a cool experience!

• Price: From $49.00 per adult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, 07 Lam Sơn, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

7. The Hidden Gems & Insightful Stories of Saigon Walking Tour

The Saigon Walking Tour by Joy Journeys is a fantastic way to explore the city. With a small group of just six people, it offers a really personal experience. Instead of sticking to just historical facts, you get to see Saigon through the eyes of energetic university students who are training to be professional guides. They’re passionate about their city and love sharing it with visitors. You’ll get to chat with them, ask questions, and hear their personal stories and local tips. It’s a great way to dive into Saigon’s culture and see the city’s charm up close. 

• Price: From $13.00 per adult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, QDistrict 1, HCMC
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

8. Saigon Adventure: Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City

The Saigon Adventure tour is a fantastic way to dive into Vietnamese food. In just four hours, you’ll try eight iconic dishes like pho, bun thit nuong, and banh xeo from local eateries that aren’t in the guidebooks. The tour takes you to where the locals really eat, from street-food stalls to night markets.

The experience is brilliant— the team is friendly and knowledgeable, sharing insights about Saigon’s culture, food, and history. With a small group, you get to connect more with your guide and other travellers.

• Price: From $30.00 per adult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: 148 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

9. Standout Saigon Private Street Food Tour: Scooter or Walking

The Vietnam Exploring Tour offers a fantastic, customisable adventure through Saigon’s vibrant food scene. Your English-speaking guide will warmly welcome you and lead you on an unforgettable journey. The tour features a mouth-watering selection of local dishes:

• Banh Beo: Savoury water fern cakes topped with shrimp, pork cracklings, and scallion oil.
• Chuoi Nep Nuong: Bananas wrapped in sticky rice and coconut milk.
• Banh Mi: Unique Vietnamese bagels with special fillings.
• Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancakes bursting with flavour.
• Hu Tieu: A rich, intense pork and seafood noodle soup.
• Flan: Creamy cheese flan with coconut milk.
• Sugarcane Juice: Refreshing juice from sugarcane.
• Surprise: An extra treat to delight your taste buds!

This tour provides a delightful blend of coastal flavours and offers an authentic taste of Saigon’s culinary delights.

• Price: From 33.00 per adult
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Departure and return:
  • Start: Multiple pickup locations offered in Ho Chi Minh city.
  • End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.

10. Street Food Man – Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour

The Viup Travel walking tour is a fantastic way to explore Saigon’s best spots while soaking up its rich history and culture. As you wander through the city, you’ll see amazing old architecture and get a feel for Saigon’s story. Plus, you can take a relaxing break with a cup of delicious Vietnamese egg coffee or filter coffee by the Saigon River.

This tour covers all the key highlights and offers flexible start times—morning, afternoon, and evening—so you can pick what suits you best. With small groups, you’ll enjoy a more personal and friendly experience.

• Price: From $436.00 per adult
• Duration: 150–180 minutes
• Departure and return:
  • Start: 179 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • End: Le Méridien Saigon, 3C Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saigon’s walking tours offer a fantastic way to delve into the heart of this dynamic city. From sampling street food to uncovering historical sites, these tours provide an immersive experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, exploring Saigon on foot lets you truly connect with the city’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.

To enhance your adventure even further, download the Saigon Scene app and become a member! It’s a great resource for finding discounts on food, coffee, and more at various locations throughout Ho Chi Minh City. So, grab your walking shoes, explore the city, and enjoy some fantastic deals along the way!

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