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. 😉

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!

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!

Hidden just west of central Ho Chi Minh City lies Cholon, a district where past and present collide in a whirlwind of color, flavor, and culture. This is Saigon’s Chinatown — and it's a place unlike any other in the city. More than just a neighborhood, Cholon is a living museum of Vietnamese-Chinese heritage, with deep spiritual roots, age-old architecture, and a culinary scene that pulls no punches.

On this immersive walking tour, we’ll take you beyond the tourist trail and into the real heart of District 5, where Chinese medicine shops, incense-filled temples, and bustling wet markets tell stories older than modern Vietnam itself. 

 🗺️ Your Journey Includes:

•  🏘️ Hao Sy Phuong Alleyway
  Start your journey in one of Cholon’s most photogenic alleys. Once home to generations of Chinese immigrants, this narrow passageway is rich with local history and everyday life.
•  🛕 Ba Thien Hau Temple
  Visit one of Saigon’s oldest and most important Chinese temples, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Intricate carvings, curling incense, and spiritual silence offer a peek into traditional beliefs.
•  🕌 Cho Lon Masjid (Mosque)
  Discover Cholon’s multicultural side with a stop at this historic mosque — a reminder of the area’s diverse roots.
•  🍲 Khu ăn uống chợ Thủ Đô
  Sample street food classics at this buzzing local market: from savory noodles and dumplings to sweet Chinese desserts. A true food lover’s playground.
•  🧵 Soai Kinh Lam Market
  Marvel at endless rows of vibrant fabrics and watch the local fashion business in motion at this textile-focused bazaar.
•  ⛪ St. Francis Xavier Church
  A surprising colonial-era gem tucked into Chinatown, this church showcases the religious blend that defines the area.
•  🛍️ Binh Tay Market
  The commercial heart of Cholon, this vast wholesale market is packed with spices, dried goods, souvenirs, and daily necessities — a must-see for any visitor.
•  🏤 District 5 Post Office (Bưu điện Quận 5)
  A lesser-known architectural beauty, this building tells its own story of the city’s colonial and cultural evolution.
•  🍛 Final Stop: A Hidden Local Eatery
  End the day like a true Saigoneer — over a shared table of comforting local dishes in a tucked-away restaurant known only to neighborhood regulars.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Tour: 
 

This isn’t just a walk — it’s a journey through time, taste, and tradition. From hidden alleyways to sacred temples, from vibrant markets to unforgettable street eats, you’ll see a side of Saigon that most travelers miss. Whether you're a curious explorer, a foodie, or a culture lover, Cholon will steal your heart. 

 
Come for the history. Stay for the stories. Leave with a full heart (and stomach).

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.

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.

Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot and experience Saigon like a local!

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.

Welcome to Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City!

Join us on the Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour while strolling to significant landmarks and hidden spots that every first-time visitor to the city (or even Vietnam) needs to know. 

Highlights of Our Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: 

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 the small group experience: 

🍃Former Manufacturer of Opium 

🏛️ Saigon Opera House 

🗽 Ho Chi Minh Statue 

🕵️ The Secret CIA Building 

☕ Cong Coffee and Catinat Building

📮 Saigon Post Office 
🍃 The Book Street 

⛪ Notre Dame Cathedral 

🏰 Independence Palace 

We highly recommend joining the Ho Chi Minh City free walking 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 and discount codes 💎 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 local expert guides are recognized with a blue paper fan, passcode: Momo 

Duration: ~3 hours
Meet at: 7-Eleven, Tôn Thất Tùng, District 1
Language: English
Tour Type: Free walking tour (tip-based) 

Walk through history in the very streets where it unfolded. 

Join us on a powerful, eye-opening journey through Ho Chi Minh City's wartime past, where personal memories and national history collide. Guided by a local who grew up hearing firsthand stories of the conflict, this tour brings the Vietnam War to life in a way museums can’t.

From underground bunkers to poignant memorials and forgotten colonial remnants, each stop offers insight into the struggles, resistance, and resilience of the Vietnamese people. It's not just about battles and politics — it's about the human stories behind them.

🔍 Tour Highlights Include:

• 🕳️ Secret Weapon Bunker
  Step into a hidden basement once used by the Viet Cong to store arms — a time capsule of wartime ingenuity and secrecy.
• 🏠 Visit a Local Guide’s Home
  Hear intimate family stories from someone whose life was shaped by the war. A rare, personal perspective on the cost and complexity of conflict.
• 🔥 The Burning Monk Story
  Stand near the intersection where Thích Quảng Đức’s self-immolation shocked the world — and learn why his act still resonates today.
• ⛪ Archbishop’s Residence
  Discover how religion, politics, and resistance intertwined in this colonial-era building still steeped in mystery and power.
• 🏛️ War Remnants Museum
  A stop at one of Saigon’s most visited sites — your guide will offer the stories behind the exhibits and help decode its powerful imagery.
• 🎓 Le Quy Don French School
  See a beautiful colonial-era school that once served a darker purpose during the war — often missed by the average traveler.
• 🏰 End at the Reunification Palace
  Finish your journey at the place where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975 — a symbolic site of division and unity.

📣 Tip-based and truly immersive — this tour is perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and anyone seeking a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experience in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Spaces are limited — don’t miss the chance to walk through the pages of living history. 

 Saigon: 50 Years of Reunification Tour ✨ 

Step into history as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification. This exclusive tour takes you through Ho Chi Minh City’s most significant sites, uncovering key moments before, during, and after 1975. From the struggle for independence to the day Vietnam was reunified, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of the war’s impact and its lasting legacy. 

🔍 What You’ll Experience: 

📍 The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument – Hear the powerful story behind one of the most striking acts of protest during the war. 

📍 War Remnants Museum – A moving collection of artifacts and stories that highlight the realities of the conflict. 

📍 Independence Palace – Stand at the very site where history changed on April 30, 1975. 

📍 Former Diem’s President Palace & Former Jardin d’Espagne – Learn about the rise and fall of South Vietnam’s government and how the country was divided before reunification. 

🚀 Why Join This Tour? 

✔ A full journey through history – Understand not just the final days of the war, but the decades leading up to it. 

✔ Local perspectives & hidden stories beyond what’s in the history books. 

✔ Bonus PDF Guide – Insider tips on food, rooftop bars, and must-visit spots in Saigon. 

🎟 Limited Edition Tour – Only in 2025! 

Book now and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience! 🔥