Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Want to experience the real Ho Chi Minh City? We’ve got you covered. 

Join us on a dynamic guided walking tour through the heart of Saigon, where the past and present collide in the most captivating way. From iconic colonial landmarks to the bustling energy of hidden alleyways and street markets, every stop along the way tells a story. 

✨ What You’ll See and Do: 

• 📍 Bitexco Financial Tower – Starting point of our adventure
• 🌊 Saigon River – Hear untold tales along the waterfront
• ☕ Trendy Local Cafés – Get a taste of modern Vietnamese café culture
• 🚶‍♂️ Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A lively promenade full of surprises
• 🏛️ Government City Hall – A French colonial gem
• 🎭 Saigon Opera House – Elegance meets history
• 🕵️‍♂️ Former CIA Building – A covert chapter from the Vietnam War
• ✉️ Central Post Office – A stunning piece of French architecture
• ⛪ Notre-Dame Cathedral – An enduring symbol of the city
• 📚 Central Book Street – A quiet lane packed with literary charm

Along the way, you’ll wind through hidden alleys, historic markets, and catch glimpses of everyday local life—from sizzling street food to the symphony of scooters that define the city.

📍 Meeting Point:
Right outside the main entrance of Starbucks Coffee at the Bitexco Financial Tower.

🧭 Why Take This Tour?
This is the perfect introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you’ve just arrived. You’ll get context on the city’s rich history—from its founding, through French colonization, wartime stories, and into modern-day Vietnam—plus some local secrets and hidden gems.

🎁 Bonus:
After the tour finishes, we’ll send you a local’s blog packed with insider recommendations on the best street food, rooftop bars, and must-do activities to make the most of your stay.

This is more than a walking tour—it’s your gateway to understanding and enjoying Saigon. And yes, it’s completely free!

Let us help you create unforgettable memories 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.

A Night of Flavor, History & Local Vibes in Saigon!

Saigon doesn’t sleep — it sizzles!
 Behind its glowing lights and buzzing traffic lies a hidden side of the city: secret wartime stories, mouthwatering street eats, and alleys filled with energy and life.

Join our unforgettable walking food tour, the only one on GuruWalk that combines authentic local cuisine, hidden war history, and a festive night out at Beer Street (Bùi Viện) — all in one epic evening.

⭐ Why join us?

✅ The only Guruwalk food tour with a hidden war bunker!
✅ A perfect blend of food & culture — eat like a local, learn like a historian.
✅ 9+ authentic street dishes curated from local-loved vendors.
✅ Small group experience — max 12 guests/guide.
✅ Free walking tour concept — you only pay for food (around 8 USD = 200,000 VND) & tip what you feel (€10–50 at the end).

🚶‍♂️ Your adventure begins here:

📍 Secret Weapon Bunker (meeting point) – Start the evening with Saigon's most hidden wartime relic. Walk through a real underground armory used during the Vietnam War.
📍 Bò lá lốt Cô Liêng – A legendary local joint! Try juicy beef wrapped in betel leaves grilled over charcoal — full of smoky, herbal flavor.
📍 Grilled Banana Sticky Rice – A sweet, coconut-rich treat locals can't resist!
📍 Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartments – Explore old-school Saigon and choose between a crispy, flavorful bánh mì or a hearty bowl of bún bò Huế, both served in one of the most iconic local neighborhoods.
📍 Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – A colorful maze of fresh flowers and local snacks. Refresh with an icy glass of sugarcane juice.
📍 Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market – It’s feast time!

Here’s a sample menu of what you might enjoy:
🍕 Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza)
🥞 Bánh xèo lớn (crispy pancake) + Saigon Beer
🍢 Grilled meat skewers
🦪 Steamed oysters with lemongrass
🐚 Stuffed snails
🍮 Salted cheese flan
🍺 Saigon Beer or soft drink (Coca/Pepsi)

✨ Note: The above is a suggested menu. You’re free to choose any other dishes based on your personal taste!

👉 Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market is one of the most iconic food hubs in Saigon, with over 300 street food options every night — from Vietnamese classics to creative modern fusion. It’s no surprise that every food tour in Saigon, whether by motorbike or on foot, makes a stop at this flavorful paradise. Follow your appetite and discover your favorites!

📍 Taxi to Bùi Viện Walking Street (20,000 VND/pax)
📍 Beer Street – Bùi Viện – End the night with one last cold beer and a toast to a perfect Saigon experience!

🕕 Daily departures: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💬 WhatsApp: +84 974 637 891
🎟️ Join free – just pay for food (around 200,000 VND to eat 9+ dishes as shown in the sample menu above) and tip what you feel at the end!

👉 Book now and let Saigon surprise you — through food, stories, and unforgettable local vibes!

Start Your Free Saigon Adventure!
Are you ready to explore the heart of Saigon without spending a dime? Join our Free Walking Tour of Saigon, where history, culture, and street food come together to create an unforgettable experience. Book your spot now and embark on an adventure that will leave you with incredible memories!

A Journey Full of Stories and Surprises
Picture this: You arrive in Saigon, eager to explore but overwhelmed by the countless landmarks and bustling streets. Where should you go? What’s worth seeing? How can you experience the city's authentic culture without joining overpriced, crowded tours?

That’s where we come in. As you walk down the lively Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the scent of Vietnamese coffee drifts through the air. You hear the echoes of the past as we stand before the CIA Building, a site of historical significance. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, we take you underground into a Secret Weapon Bunker, revealing a hidden chapter of Saigon’s history.

Our tour is not just about seeing the sights—it’s about feeling the heartbeat of the city. Whether you’re sipping on Salted Coffee or standing in front of the Opera House, every stop holds a story waiting to be told.

Why Is This Tour Special?
This is the only walking tour on GuruWalk that takes you to the Secret Weapon Bunker, a hidden historical site filled with stories from the Vietnam War.

·       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 10 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.

·       Unmatched value: Similar tours typically cost $30–$50 on platforms like Tripadvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook. However, with our free walking tour, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience at no upfront cost.

Explore 12 Amazing Landmarks

1️⃣ Bitexco Financial Tower (outside)

2️⃣ Nguyen Hue Walking Street (inside)

3️⃣ Cà Phê Apartment (inside) – A hidden gem of Vietnamese coffee culture.

4️⃣ Cà Phê Muối Chú Long (inside) – Famous for its Salted Coffee.

5️⃣ City Hall (outside)

6️⃣ Ho Chi Minh Statue (outside)

7️⃣ Opera House (outside)

8️⃣ CIA Building (outside) – The rooftop of the famous 1975 evacuation photo.

9️⃣ Notre Dame Cathedral (outside)

🔟 Book Street (inside) – A paradise for book lovers.

1️⃣1️⃣ Saigon Central Post Office (inside) – A stunning 19th-century French colonial post office with remarkable architecture and a fascinating history, designed by Alfred Foulhoux. A great place to take photos, admire the historic interior, and even send a postcard home!

1️⃣2️⃣ Independence Palace (outside)

1️⃣3️⃣ Secret Weapon Bunker (inside) – A hidden wartime site, reached by a short GrabCar ride (20,000 VND contribution per guest).

The tour ends at the Secret Weapon Bunker, where you’ll uncover hidden tunnels and learn about their role in the Vietnam War.

Don't Miss Out on Experiencing Saigon Like a Local!
Nearly 1,000 travelers have joined our tour, with many leaving 5-star reviews. We've built a vibrant community of explorers who love our personal touch. The best part? There’s no upfront cost—you tip only if you love the experience!

📩 Message us on WhatsApp: +84974637891
🕒 Tours available daily – limited spaces!
🎟 Join for free – tip only if you love the experience!

Explore Saigon your way – completely free! See you soon!

🌟 Step into the heart of Saigon’s wartime history and uncover stories no guidebook can tell.
This isn’t just a walking tour — it’s an emotional and immersive journey guided by a passionate local who lives and breathes the soul of the city. 

You might wonder: can a free walking tour truly offer deep, moving insights into Vietnam’s past?
 The answer is — absolutely.
With this experience, you don’t just visit historical sites — you feel them. 

We understand how overwhelming it can be to explore places like the War Remnants Museum or the Independence Palace — endless rooms, signs, and timelines. Some travelers spend $8 on audio guides, only to feel cold and disconnected. This tour was created to give you something more human: stories told with heart and meaning. 

🎯 You’ll explore 5 iconic war landmarks, each carefully chosen for its historical weight and emotional depth: 

1️⃣ Thích Quảng Đức Monument (outside visit)
Hear the powerful story of the monk who self-immolated in 1963 — a world-shaking moment of protest and sacrifice. 

2️⃣ Saigon Archbishop’s Residence (outside visit)
Admire one of Saigon’s oldest colonial buildings and learn how French architecture and religion shaped the city’s past. 

3️⃣ War Remnants Museum (inside, ~1.5 hours)
Experience deeply emotional photos, survivor stories, and historical artifacts showing the real cost of the Vietnam War.
🎟️ Entry ticket: 40,000 VND (~$1.6) 

4️⃣ Lê Quý Đôn High School (outside visit)
Visit the first French colonial school in Saigon and understand how colonial education influenced Vietnamese identity. 

5️⃣ Independence Palace (inside, ~1.5 hours)
Walk through the preserved war rooms and rooftop helipad where the Vietnam War officially ended on April 30, 1975.
🎟️ Entry ticket: 76,000 VND (~$3) 

🕒 Tour duration: 4 hours
👣 Group size: Max 12 guests
🧭 Led by a local storyteller, not a script
🎁 Free Google Map, café & food guide, and digital museum highlights PDF 

💰 Total cost to join? Only ~$4.6 (116,000 VND) for entry tickets.
The tour itself is 100% free — just tip your guide what you feel the experience was worth (typical tips: $10–$50 USD). 

✨ Why pay $40–$70 for a generic group tour, when you can enjoy a rich, heartfelt, 5-star journey for free? 

🚨 Limited to 12 guests per tour — book now before it fills up!
This tour may be free, but the stories, emotions, and memories you'll take home are truly priceless. 

We highly recommend joining this tour upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. As a special treat, at the tour’s conclusion, we’ll send you a PDF of Only Locals Know: A Saigon Guide - packed with local recommendations for food, activities, rooftop bars, etc.

At 4:00 P.M., our tour guide will meet you at Vietravel's headquarters.

Begin your exploration at Turtle Lake, a peaceful spot built in 1967 with a unique octagonal shape, blending ancient Feng Shui principles with the city's modern energy.

Next, stroll along to the Central Post Office, where you'll feel the echoes of history in this iconic building that represents the meeting of Eastern and Western cultures.

Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a stunning French-built church that stands as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

Then, visit the Saigon Opera House, once a gathering place for the city’s elite, offering a glimpse into Saigon’s transformation into the "Pearl of the Far East".

Nearby, this is City Hall, a French colonial landmark facing a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, symbolizing his lasting legacy.

Afterward, head to the trendy 42 Nguyen Hue cafe apartment, where you can relax with a cup of coffee and reflect on the city’s incredible past.

On your way, you will pass by the Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập) - a landmark of great historical significance, where the fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

End your journey at Bach Dang Quay Park, a historic site along the Saigon River, and visit significant landmarks, including the Thu Ngu Flagpole and the iconic Tran Hung Dao Statue.

End of services.

Things to Note:
1. The tour has no charges, booking fees, or hidden costs. Vietravel organises free walking tours as a non-profit initiative driven by our commitment to cultural preservation - it's our way of giving back through responsible tourism.
2. No tip is required - our guides are fully paid. Guests may show appreciation to the guide at their discretion. Any gratuity given belongs entirely to them - Vietravel does not take any portion, ensuring your support directly benefits their dedication and expertise. 

If you have never heard about 
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Let's join our Tour

About our tour: 
- Very fun
- Optimal route 
- Surprising activities
- In particularly, you will have chance to hear about Interesting facts about this city and Vietnam culture,  food, people's character, religion, education and history...

 We will reach to some famous places:

• Bitexco Tower
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street
• Chú Long Salt Coffee
• The City Hall 
• The Opera House (outside)
• Notre Dame Cathedral.(outside)
• Sai Gon Central Post Office (inside)
• Book Street
• Reunification/Independence Palace (outside)

And you can ask any question directly to the Tour Guide during the tour. This tour not only help you have overview about this city but also engage you with others. You will have new friends and never feel alone in the new country.

What do you should prepare: Water, sneakers/flip-flops/sandals, Sunscreen-coat-hat (morning) or raincoat in the afternoon.

If you are not able make the booking, just message to me
+84 989355842 (what apps)

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.

Delve into the history of Vietnam and discover the most important places of interest in the country's largest city with this guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

🥢 Eat, Walk, and Discover Saigon Like Never Before 

Craving an unforgettable culinary adventure through the beating heart of Vietnam’s street food capital? Don’t just eat in Saigon—live it. Join our Saigon Night Walking Street Food & Hidden War Stories Tour and dive fork-first into the most authentic, flavorful, and fascinating local experience on GuruWalk! 

A Taste of Saigon’s Soul: Let the Night Begin
Picture this: The sun sets, the alleys awaken, and the grills start to sizzle. Locals gather for their favorite dishes, while stories of culture and resilience linger in sacred courtyards and market stalls. You're not reading a guidebook—you’re living it. 

We begin where tradition and spirituality meet—at Miếu Bà Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, a beautiful temple on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street where locals come to seek blessings before meals, journeys, or important decisions. After a peaceful and spiritual start, the feast begins. Guided by locals who live for flavor and storytelling, you’ll walk, eat, laugh, and learn. Every bite opens a new chapter of Saigon’s vibrant culture. 

What’s the Tour About?
This isn’t just a food tour. It’s a full-sensory journey through Saigon by night—blending street eats, sacred stops, local life, and one unforgettable ending at Beer Street (Bùi Viện)! 

✔️ You’ll taste 9+ iconic dishes locals actually love
 ✔️ Discover hidden gems tourists rarely find
 ✔️ Connect with Saigon’s soul—its food, its people, and its stories 

What Makes This Tour So Different?
✅ Only GuruWalk tour combining temple visit + street eats + Bùi Viện nightlife
✅ Small-group vibe – Max 12 guests per guide
✅ No upfront fee – Pay only for food (approx. 200,000 VND = 8 USD)
✅ Tip-based – You choose what the experience is worth (10–50€) 

Where Will We Go?
📍 Miếu Bà Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu – Start with a spiritual pause and local insight
📍 Bò Lá Lốt Cô Liêng – Saigon’s iconic grilled beef in betel leaf
📍 Grilled Banana Sticky Rice – A smoky coconut dessert loved by all
📍 Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartments – Choose: legendary bánh mì or rich bún bò Huế
📍 Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – A maze of petals, scents, and sugarcane juice
📍 Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market – Try bánh tráng nướng, bánh xèo, flan & more
📍 Taxi to Bùi Viện – End the night on Beer Street, the wildest, happiest block in town! 

📝 Note: The food stops are suggested — you’re free to choose what you crave!
With over 300 dishes at Hồ Thị Kỷ Market alone, follow your appetite and discover your perfect flavor match. 

Book Your Spot Before We Fill Up!
Thousands have joined us—and left with full bellies, smiling faces, and unforgettable memories. Want to taste Saigon beyond the tourist traps? This is it. 

📩 WhatsApp: +84 918 919 132
 🕕 Tour Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, daily
 🎟️ Join for free – just pay for food (approx. 200,000 VND) & tip what you feel! 

See you on the streets of Saigon. Let’s eat, explore, and make your night unforgettable.