Things to Do 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!
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!
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
Hop on the back of our motorbikes like a true local, and let us guide you through the heart and soul of Ho Chi Minh City. This immersive tour takes you beyond the tourist trail—exploring iconic landmarks, hidden wartime relics, colorful markets, and authentic neighborhoods.
As we weave through multiple districts, you’ll experience the shift from historic downtown to lively local areas, taste Vietnamese specialties, and engage in real conversations about the country’s past, present, and future.
Tour Highlights – What You’ll Discover:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
Marvel at this stunning French colonial church, an architectural gem in the city center. - Saigon Central Post Office
Step into a beautifully preserved landmark designed by Gustave Eiffel. - The Independence Palace (outside visit)
Hear stories of the Fall of Saigon while viewing this powerful symbol of Vietnam’s reunification. - The Burning Monk Memorial
Learn about the iconic self-immolation protest that shocked the world. - Secret Weapon Bunker
Step into a hidden Saigon basement once used by the Viet Cong during the war. - Spy House Coffee Stop (Only ~$1.50)
Savor a Vietnamese coffee in a historic café once used for covert meetings. - Flower Market & Cambodian Wet Market
Witness the colors, chaos, and charm of Saigon’s most vibrant local markets. - Try a Local Delicacy (Only ~$1.50)
Sample a delicious street dish loved by locals—don’t worry, we’ll guide you! - Oldest Temple & Chinatown (Chợ Lớn)
Explore the spiritual and cultural richness of Saigon’s Chinese district. - Saigon River Ride
End with a peaceful drive along the river, soaking in panoramic views of the city skylin
You can customize the tour if you have already visited the main historical sites. We can change some local sites to substitute for you
1. Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda
2. The old quarter
3. The biggest market in Chinatown.
4. Jade Emperor Pagoda
5. Slum Areas Life
6. The Pink Church
7. Saigon Rivers
8. A maze of alleys in gangster town.
🎁 A lovely gift
- A lovely gift to remember Saigon with us
- Get your free Saigon Food & Drink Guide – a PDF will be sent to you after booking the tour
- With each booking, you help provide a meal to someone in need. Thank you for your kindness and support!
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.
SOS: This walking tour will bother you around 4km of walking. Please consider before you book 😉
🏴☠️WARNING: The weather in HCMC is HOT and SUPER HOT (very humid). IF you have problem with the HEAT, this walking ISN'T for you !!!
Xin chào! Welcome to Saigon 😊
Most tourists come to HCMC (Saigon), they will definitely visit some famous destination as Notre Dame, War Museum, Independent Place,.....Why don't do walking sightseeing different from them to see what hidden beauty Saigon is? I would tell you history and show you Saigon hidden gem and real local life in Saigon.
I gonna pick you up from FamilyMart convenience store (199 Cach Mang Thang Tam street, District 3). Then we gonna walk around there. At the end of the tour, I will help you take a cab to get back to your hotel.
Where would we visit?
- The story of Thích Quảng Đức, the Burning Monk.
- Visit the secret weapon bunker.
=> We will learn about history in my beloved city in 2 first stops.
3. Enjoy coffee in the local coffee shop (optional) .
4. Visit one of the old apartments in HCMC to see real local life.
5. Visit a fresh flower market.
*Other things to note:
- This is a joined group tour so we will leave ON TIME and I will do the tour at least from 3 people in the schedule.
- One of our destinations in our tour is a monument. Please note that NO revealing clothes allowed in that place: no short, no skirt, no pyjama, no sliveless attire.
-Pick up at FamilyMart convenience store (199 Cach Mang Thang Tam street, District 3).
- During the tour, we could enjoy some street foods, snacks, drinks. So you could enjoy it and pay it by yourself :).
-When you booked the walking tour with me, i gonna share you stories under looks as a local, who live in Saigon. Please don't expect me like a tour guide in tourist company. I'm just your local friend.
If you have never heard about
* The best Lucky year in Vietnam
* How to say the hardest Vietnamese words
* How Vietnam overcome 11300 years under control by biggest countries
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)
Join me for an authentic evening food adventure through Saigon’s hidden local streets. As night falls and vendors open up, we’ll explore a non-touristy neighborhood, tasting small bites from North, Central, and South Vietnam.
You’ll enjoy 13+ food tastings, watch how dishes are made, take photos, and experience Saigon’s street food culture like a local. Feel free to eat as much as you want—or skip a few and just enjoy the vibes!
🍴 Food Tastings Include:
- Bò Lá Lốt – Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves (~$2 USD)
- Bánh Bông Lan & Bánh Chuối – White sponge cake and sweet banana cake (~$1 USD)
- Chuối Nướng & Xôi Nướng – Grilled banana and sticky rice with creamy coconut milk (~$1 USD)
- Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese pancake (~$1 USD)
- Bánh Tráng Nướng – Saigon-style grilled rice paper pizza (~$1 USD)
- Bánh Đúc Chiên – Fried rice cake with shredded papaya (~$1 USD)
- Nước Mía – Fresh sugarcane juice (~$0.50 USD)
- Food Challenge – Grilled snails with pepper or balut (~$2 USD)
- Xôi – Sticky rice in different styles (~ USD 1)
- Rượu Nếp – Traditional sticky rice wine (~$0.50 USD)
- Bánh Phồng Dừa – Coconut crackers in four flavors (~$0.50 USD)
- Kem Dừa – Coconut ice cream (~$0.50 USD)
We will also explore hidden gems and local sites that are off the beaten path:
- Oldest Aparments
- Sencond Hand Market
- Cambodian Neighborhood
- The Maze of Alleys
- Biggest flower market and wet market.
🎁 A lovely gift
- A lovely gift to remember Saigon with us
- Get your free Saigon Food & Drink Guide – a PDF will be sent to you after booking the tour
- With each booking, you help provide a meal to someone in need. Thank you for your kindness and support!
Note:
Food and drinks are not included. On average, it costs around $7 USD per person, but if you eat a lot, it could be up to $15 USD per person—this depends entirely on your preferences. Please bring extra cash in Vietnamese Dong to pay local vendors directly, as they only accept Dong. Thank you
- We might have to skip some dishes if the vendors are not open the food stalls on that day.
