Viator · group up to 50 pax

Ho Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour

4.8(246)Ho Chi Minh City1 hour
VIATOR4.7(45)TRIPADVISOR4.8(201)

Description

Seeing Ho Chi Minh city’s sights by yourself may mean only skating over the city's history and culture. Delve deeper on this walking tour to gain the real excitement this vibrant city has to offer from the must-see sights to the off-the-beaten-path locations, you'll explore the city through the eyes of a passionate local guide who can't wait to share their unique insights and personal stories. Explore the best of the city in only 3 hours Experience the city from a local’s perspective Visit the best hidden cafes apartment in the city Discover hidden gems away from the tourist paths

Tour Options

Tip-Based (15–50USD PP)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Suggested tip: 15–50USD PP
Join-in Prepaid Tour
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Itinerary

Pass by

Meet your guide outside the main entrance of Starbucks Coffee at the Bitexco Financial Tower and set off on a half day tour. Start with a stroll to Saigon’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way.

30 min

Gain new perspectives on the old city, uncovering untold stories from its establishment in the late 17th century to the arrival of the French. Then, stop to take in the vibe at some of the city’s trendy cafés.

20 min

The cafe apartment 42 Nguyễn Huệ St. is packed with cool places to hang-out, meet-up, socialize, bring a date, or do some work. Whether you’re a fan of photography, or you just want to share some beautiful holiday moments on social media, Building No. 42 is a must-go place for you.

10 min

Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Continental Hotel - the 1st hotel in Saigon, Caravelle Hotel

10 min

The President Ho Chi Minh Statue which is located in front of Saigon's People's Committee Building in Nguyen Hue walking street

10 min

In 1975, photojournalist Hubert van Es, working for UPI, captured an iconic photo of U.S government employees evacuating the city by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon, the last major battle of the Vietnam War.

Admission not included10 min

Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam is honored as one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals, the only representative from Southeast Asia.

10 min

Take a look at some of the best examples of French colonial architecture are represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.  Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office.

10 min

Visitors can find a variety of books, ranging from literature, politics, society, to science, culture and foreign languages; comics, novels and billions of other genres. If you are looking for a book to buy but cannot find it anywhere, Ho Chi Minh City Book Street definitely deserves a try.

Highlights

Local expert, fluent in English
This walking tour operates on a Tips-only basis

What's included

Included
Local expert, fluent in English
This walking tour operates on a Tips-only basis
Not included
Coffee and/or Tea

Traveller Ratings

4.8
246 reviews
5
218
4
14
3
6
2
2
1
6

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(246)

0
007goldfish
June 19, 2026
Great walking tour

Whas very enjoyable 3 hours with Mike, our guide, very knowledgeable and experienced, friendly guy. Would do it again on my next trip to Vietnam.

M
Meng Jye L
June 7, 2026
Great tour and highly recommended!

Our tour guide was Thomas and he was very knowledgeable! We learned so much about history and architecture! Highly recommend this tour!

R
Rachel_C
June 7, 2026
Joesph was our walking...

Joesph was our walking tour guide recently & we had the best time. He was friendly, warm and insightful about his city. We had a great lay of the land of a big, bustling city. We’d recommend the walking tour in first few days to get a feel for the key sights.

4
477gilliana
May 31, 2026
Awesome

Awesome guide, very informative and attentive, great English

W
willpI8125CW
May 27, 2026
Great walking tour!

Great tour. Highly recommend.

C
cna88
May 23, 2026
Amazing authentic walking tour with Joseph!

We had an incredible experience on the Saigon Walking Tour with Joseph. It was a small group of 10 people, starting at Starbucks under the Bitexo building in Saigon city centre. We walked to many interesting parts of the city, learning about the history & current day life in Saigon. Joseph was incredibly generous offering taste tests of different delights as we walked through the streets. He has a wide knowledge of Vietnam and was very kind to answer any questions, giving us plenty of time to explore each site. It was good to go earlier in the day, before the hot sun and busy crowds arrive. And Joseph organised rest stops along the way. The tour ended with a group photo and a link to some local recommendations for food & sightseeing, before we finished at the Book Street to enjoy the rest of our day. We had an incredible experience on the Saigon Walking Tour with Joseph. It was a small group of 10 people, starting at Starbucks under the Bitexo building in Saigon city centre. We walked to many interesting parts of the city, learning about the history & current day life in Saigon. Joseph was incredibly generous offering taste tests of different delights as we walked through the streets. He has a wide knowledge of Vietnam and was very kind to answer any questions, giving us plenty of time to explore each site. It was good to go earlier in the day, before the hot sun and busy crowds arrive. And Joseph organised rest stops along the way. The tour ended with a group photo and a link to some local recommendations for food & sightseeing, before we finished at the Book Street to enjoy the rest of our day. If you can please give a tip to Joseph, as he puts a lot of effort and passion into these tours. Thank you so much Joseph!

N
nataliabK7437YG
May 10, 2026
Fantastic free walking tour of Saigon!

Our guide was incredibly energetic, humorous and full of exciting stories about the city. You immediately felt how much passion and love goes into this tour. Despite the 36 degrees, the tour was super pleasantly organized – with good stops, interesting places and a great atmosphere. Not only did we learn a lot about history and culture, but we also experienced the real Saigon. Absolutely recommended for those who want to discover the city authentically!

L
L2222NVtracya
May 9, 2026
Opened my eyes

Joseph was a wealth of information and inspiration. Great local knowledge with a flair for fun and intrigue. Highly recommend doing this tour

S
Sabine V
April 23, 2026
Nice walking tour with good local guide

This was a very nice tour in which we got a lot of information about the city. We have also been to special places where you will not go without a local guide. Thanks Joseph it was a top morning!

H
hugolE152PV
April 22, 2026
Book and tour now!

Joseph is a legendary tour guide! Not only entertaining and hugely informative, but really cared about the well being of the group. We were always hydrated and had lots of lovely local snacks along the way. Can't recommend more.

You might also like...