Ho Chi Minh City is a lively hub of energy, history, and flavor. It’s a place where the old and new collide, with bustling markets, historic sites, and a street food scene that’s second to none. The city’s dynamic vibe makes it ideal for guided tours that reveal its many layers. We particularly enjoy the Street Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour by Motorbike—because nothing beats exploring Saigon’s hidden food spots from the back of a scooter, tasting Banh Mi, sugarcane juice, and more while zipping past vibrant neighborhoods.
If you’re interested in history, the Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Tour offers a compelling look at Vietnam’s wartime past combined with scenic river cruises. For a more laid-back approach, the Small-group Mekong Delta Day Trip pulls you off the tourist trail with visits to local villages, markets, and a cooking demonstration—making it an authentic experience. No matter your style, Ho Chi Minh City’s tours bring the city to life in ways that a guidebook just can’t match.
1. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Small Group Tour
Enjoy Southern Vietnam’s rural beauty on this guided Mekong Delta tour. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll cruise along scenic waterways on a sampan and motor boat, passing lush islands and villages. The highlight is walking or cycling around local villages, where you’ll observe everyday life and vibrant markets.
The tour also visits Vinh Trang pagoda, an architecturally mixed Buddhist temple. You’ll enjoy a local lunch, sampling tropical fruits, honey tea, and coconut candy—delicious and authentic. Reviewers love how smooth the trip runs, with a good balance of sightseeing, cultural insight, and relaxation. At just $17 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the delta without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a laid-back day exploring river life, with affordable pricing and a friendly group atmosphere.
2. Saigon: Street Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour by Motorbike
Experience Ho Chi Minh City like a local on this 3-4 hour motorbike tour. Riding on the back of a scooter, you’ll weave through Saigon’s neighborhoods, tasting Banh Mi, banana crackers, and sugarcane juice at various food stalls and hidden spots. This tour combines city highlights with secret local areas, making it both fun and educational.
The itinerary includes visits to lively districts, small family-run eateries, and bustling markets. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, sharing stories about Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Reviews consistently mention how safe and comfortable the ride feels, even in busy traffic. At $27 per person, it’s a good value for a personalized, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous foodies who want a taste of Saigon’s authentic street life and vibrant neighborhoods on a scooter.
3. Ho Chi Minh: Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour
This full-day luxury tour covers two of Vietnam’s most iconic sites: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. Starting early, you’ll crawl through the underground tunnel network, learning about the guerrilla tactics used during the war. Later, a scenic boat ride takes you through the lush waterways of the delta, where you’ll visit islands, local villages, and a honey farm.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant, offering Vietnamese dishes. Tour guide Xem receives rave reviews for his humor and knowledge, making history both engaging and accessible. The $44 price tag brings good value for a comprehensive day out, combining history and nature seamlessly.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a full-day, guided experience that mixes history with scenic river views.
4. Ho Chi Minh City: Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings
For around $28, this food-focused scooter tour offers eleven tastings across five districts—an authentic dive into Saigon’s culinary scene. Your guides will take you to street stalls and hidden eateries to try Banh Xeo, noodle soups, and local desserts. During the tour, you’ll even make your own Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), adding a fun hands-on element.
The itinerary features multiple stops, each packed with delicious bites and stories about Vietnamese ingredients and cooking traditions. The reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, with many praising the local food surprises they encountered. Great for those who want a filling, flavorsome evening in the city.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers eager to sample a wide variety of authentic dishes while experiencing Saigon from a scooter.
5. Saigon: Day-Night Sights & Local Food Tour l Female Option
See Saigon in a different light on this evening motorbike tour. It combines the city’s daytime highlights with its lively night scene, including outdoor markets and a ghost apartment building. You’ll sample grilled pork vermicelli and Vietnamese spring rolls, along with tropical fruit smoothies. The optional Ao Dai female rider makes this experience even more memorable.
The tour offers an intimate look at Saigon’s dusk and night atmosphere, with insights into local life and street food culture. For $20, it’s a great way to experience a more relaxed, atmospheric side of the city when the lights come on.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a relaxed, cultural night tour with a focus on food and local ambiance.
6. Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep
This private half-day Jeep tour offers a unique way to see Ho Chi Minh City’s main sights in style. You’ll ride in a vintage U.S. Army Jeep, visiting The Independence Palace, the Central Post Office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. The open-air Jeep allows for great photo opportunities and a flexible schedule.
Reviews praise the fun, relaxed vibe and the knowledgeable guide who shares detailed insights. At $71, this private experience is perfect for couples or families looking for a more personalized, adventurous way to explore the city’s highlights. The open-air ride also allows you to soak in the sights at your own pace.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those looking for a fun, private tour with a touch of nostalgia and flexibility.
7. Mekong Delta Guided Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
This small-group tour takes you behind the scenes in the Mekong Delta, exploring local temples, fruit orchards, and traditional crafts. Starting early, you’ll visit Vinh Trang pagoda, then cruise along narrow canals in motorboats and sampans.
The highlight is the guided explanations of local life, along with live music and regional food tastings. The trip is well-reviewed for its informative guide and relaxed pace, with many visitors mentioning it’s a brilliant day of discovery. At $19, it offers excellent value for a comprehensive, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to learn about delta life with small-group intimacy and cultural richness.
8. Saigon: City Highlights and Saigon Unseen Scooter Combo Tour
On this 3.5-hour scooter tour, you’ll explore all five districts of Saigon, from popular sights to overlooked local treasures. Riding through the busy streets, you’ll visit temples, Chinatown, and hidden alleyways. Your guides give a detailed commentary on the city’s history and culture.
Reviewers describe it as a great way to see the city’s diversity and mention how safe and fun the experience is. For $22, it’s an energetic way to cover a lot of ground in a short time, especially if you love urban exploration from a local perspective.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a quick, immersive look at Saigon’s hidden and famous sites on a lively scooter ride.
9. Saigon Evening Food Tour by Scooter
Experience the nighttime flavors of Saigon on this private 4-hour scooter tour. You’ll taste seven dishes, from bun thit nuong to banh xeo, while visiting different districts. The guide makes ordering and navigating simple, even in busy traffic.
Visitors praise the variety of food and how the tour combines culture, history, and cuisine. The small-group setup ensures a personalized experience, and many mention how the nightview of the city adds to the vibe. For $49, it’s a flavorful way to spend an evening.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting an intimate, food-filled evening that covers Saigon’s diverse neighborhoods.
10. Small-group Mekong Delta Day Trip: Boat Ride, Village & Cooking
This full-day, small-group tour offers an authentic Mekong experience. You’ll cruise the waterways, visit local artisans, and participate in a cooking demo at a home. The tour emphasizes local life, with visits to markets, coconut candy factories, and tropical orchards.
Reviewers love the relaxed pace and the personalized attention from guides. The inclusion of a regional lunch makes it feel complete, and the intimate group size (max 15) keeps it comfortable. At $60, it’s a solid choice for those seeking depth and authenticity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hands-on Mekong experience with family-friendly appeal.
11. Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Small-Group Day Tour
This small-group tour combines two iconic attractions: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. Limousine pickup and a relaxed pace make it easy to explore both in one day. You’ll crawl through the historic tunnels and then cruise through picturesque delta waterways.
The tour includes a Vietnamese lunch, and the guide’s storytelling is highly praised. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded day with a balance of history and scenic beauty, all at a competitive price of $33.82.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to maximize their sightseeing with a small-group experience that covers major highlights.
12. Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour from HCM City
This two-day tour offers a relaxed pace, featuring the Cai Rang Floating Market—the largest in the region—and overnight stays in local accommodations. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a comprehensive introduction with all logistics taken care of.
You’ll explore remote villages, take boat rides, and visit artisan workshops. The local meals are included, and the guide offers personalized insights. Tour cost is $83.66, reflecting the value of an in-depth, paced experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, multi-day immersion** into delta life and culture.
13. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day From Ho Chi Minh City
This group tour offers a balanced day visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and My Tho. It includes round-trip hotel transfers, lunch, and admission fees, making it a hassle-free option. You’ll explore the tunnels and cruise on the Mekong River, enjoying a scenic and educational day.
Travelers note the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable transport. For $37.99, it provides good value for a well-organized day combining history and river scenery.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a cost-effective, all-in-one day tour with minimal planning.
14. Saigon Afternoon Unseen Street Food by Scooter | Opt: Ao Dai Rider
This 4-hour afternoon tour takes you to hidden food and cultural spots. Highlights include a historic bunker, the flower market, and sampling banh xeo. The optional Ao Dai rider adds a stylish touch and photo opportunity.
The tour emphasizes local stories and food diversity, with reviewers mentioning the friendly guides and interesting stops. For $37, it’s a perfect quick immersion into Saigon’s unseen sides.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a short, personalized experience that mixes food, history, and culture.
15. Private Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Adventure Tour
This private half-day tour gives you an up-close look at the Cu Chi Tunnels with your own guide. You’ll explore underground passages, see traps used during the war, and climb into tunnels yourself. The flexible schedule and private setting make it ideal for families or couples.
The tour includes hotel transfers and a light meal or drink, with reviews highlighting the friendly, informative guide and the personalized attention. At $62.99, it’s a slightly higher-end option for a memorable, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an exclusive, immersive tour of the tunnels, with the option to customize their experience.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
When deciding among these options, consider what matters most: do you want a cost-effective day with lots of history and scenery? The Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta at $33.82 hits that mark. Or maybe you’re more interested in food and culture, making the Saigon: Street Food Tasting & Sightseeing by Motorbike perfect for you. For a private experience, the Private Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Adventure offers personalization and flexibility.
Your choice should also reflect your budget, time constraints, and interests. For instance, if you’re pressed for time but want to see both the tunnels and delta, the one-day combo tours are ideal. If you love local food and want to explore Saigon’s hidden culinary spots, then the Scooter Food Tours are unmatched.
Finally, booking early is key—these tours are popular, especially during peak seasons. Think about what type of experience suits you best—cultural, culinary, historical, or scenic—and pick the one that makes your trip memorable.
Final Thoughts
From the authentic boat rides of the Mekong to the exhilarating scooter food tours, Ho Chi Minh City offers a broad range of experiences for curious travelers. The full-day tours pack in history and scenery, while the food-focused options satisfy your appetite for local flavors. Private tours give you intimacy and tailored attention, perfect for families or couples.
No matter what you choose, these tours provide a richer, more engaging way to understand Ho Chi Minh City beyond just wandering its streets. We recommend booking early, especially if you want to experience popular tours like the Saigon: Day-Night Sights & Local Food or the Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta. Then, sit back and enjoy your adventure in this fascinating city.