Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s most energetic and fascinating urban centers. Its lively streets, colonial architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food make city tours here particularly rewarding. Whether you’re interested in diving into the city’s history with a Jeep tour or sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes by scooter, Ho Chi Minh offers a variety of ways to explore with local guides who know the city inside out. We particularly love the Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep, which combines history and fun in a safe, comfortable ride. For those eager to taste the city’s flavors, the Scooter Food Tour with Eleven Tastings offers an authentic, mouthwatering journey through Ho Chi Minh’s hidden food stalls.
If your time is limited, a small-group city highlights tour can quickly introduce you to iconic sites like the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. For a more immersive experience, evening food walks and scooter rides reveal both the vibrant street life and culinary culture that make this city so lively. With so many options, there’s a perfect tour whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or just want a fun way to see the sights.
1. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Small Group Tour
This guided Mekong Delta tour is a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of southern Vietnam’s countryside. It includes sampan riding through scenic waterways, visiting a coconut farm, and seeing Vinh Trang pagoda’s architectural blend. The tour emphasizes local life, with opportunities to walk or cycle through the villages and observe daily routines. The highlight is cruising along the Mekong in a motor boat, which makes for a relaxing, picturesque experience.
Guests rave about how authentic and well-organized this tour is, with reviews mentioning the friendly guide, beautiful scenery, and delicious local foods served—including tropical fruits, honey tea, and coconut candy. It’s a budget-friendly option at only $17 per person, perfect for those with a limited schedule but eager to explore rural Vietnam. The tour runs in the south of Vietnam, making it an ideal day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Bottom Line: A fantastic, affordable introduction to the Mekong Delta, especially suitable for travelers who want a calm, scenic experience with plenty of local flavor.
2. Ho Chi Minh City: Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings
This food scooter tour delivers a lively, tasty immersion into Ho Chi Minh’s culinary scene. Traveling through five districts on the back of a scooter, you’ll visit hidden food stalls, sample authentic dishes, and even learn to cook Banh xeo (crispy pancake). The small group size and local guiding make it feel more like a fun night out with friends than a typical tour.
Reviews highlight the passionate guides, who share stories of Vietnamese culture behind each dish, from Banh Mi and noodle soup to street snacks. The tour lasts around four hours at $28 per person and is ideal for adventurous food lovers who want more than just a meal—this is a vibrant, sensory experience. Guests particularly appreciate the friendly guidance and the opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path eateries.
Bottom Line: A top pick for foodies who want a dynamic, authentic experience tasting Ho Chi Minh’s street food while exploring on a scooter.
3. Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep
For a comfortable and nostalgic way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, a Jeep tour is hard to beat. This private 4-hour trip is perfect for families or couples who want a personalized experience. You’ll cruise to landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral—using a classic U.S. Army Jeep, which adds a fun, historic vibe.
The guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing insights about the city’s past while you enjoy the breeze and views from the open-top Jeep. Reviewers love how easy it is to customize the itinerary and how the Jeep’s high vantage point offers a unique perspective. It’s a great way to see the main sights comfortably while learning about Ho Chi Minh’s history.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who prefer a private, relaxed tour with a nostalgic touch and plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Mekong Delta Guided Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
This full-day Mekong Delta tour offers a deep look into southern Vietnam’s rural life. Starting early, you visit Vinh Trang pagoda, then take boat rides through lush canals. The tour emphasizes interaction, with visits to local families, traditional music, and relaxing at tropical fruit orchards. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch included in the price.
Traveling with a small group, the guide shares stories about local life and culture, giving you a richer understanding of the region. It’s a highly rated experience, with many reviewers praising the knowledgeable guide and the diverse activities. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, day-long adventure into Vietnam’s countryside.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager for a full immersion into Mekong Delta life, with many cultural highlights and local tastings.
5. Saigon: City Highlights and Saigon Unseen Scooter Combo Tour
This scooter combo takes you through five districts of Ho Chi Minh City in just 3.5 hours. It’s a fantastic way to cover both the popular sights and less-visited spots, like temples and Chinatown. The small group on scooters makes for an intimate, lively experience.
Reviewers love the mix of city highlights and hidden corners, plus the flexibility and local insights from guides. It’s perfect if you want a fast-paced, energetic overview of Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of both culture and everyday life.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the city from the back of a scooter, with lots of local flavor.
6. Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour from HCM City
This two-day tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Mekong Delta, including the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the region. The tour includes hotel pickup, all meals, activities, and accommodations, making it a hassle-free way to explore.
It features a mix of boat rides, visits to craft villages, biking, kayaking, and a cooking class. Reviewers appreciate how well-organized and informative it is, perfect for first-time visitors wanting a thorough experience without worrying about logistics.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an in-depth, multi-day exploration of the Mekong with everything taken care of.
7. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day From Ho Chi Minh City
This full-day combo covers two iconic sights: the famed Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. It’s a practical option for travelers with limited time who want to see both underground war tunnels and the peaceful waterways.
The tour includes a guided walk through the tunnels and a boat trip in the Mekong. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the smooth organization, including lunch and round-trip transfers. The experience appeals to history fans and those wanting a balanced mix of war history and rural scenery.
Bottom Line: A practical, value-packed tour for those eager to see major highlights in one day.
8. Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market 2-Day Tour from HCM City
This two-day Mekong tour blends floating markets, boat rides, biking, kayaking, and a cooking class. It offers a full immersion into local life, with a focus on exploring by different modes of transport. The trip includes hotel pickup and all meals.
Reviewers highlight the personalized guides and the variety of activities, making it a top choice for those wanting a detailed, interactive experience. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers seeking a multi-modal, authentic Mekong Delta experience over two days.
9. Small-group Saigon City Tour: 4-Hour Must-see Iconic Landmarks
At number 9, this shorter city tour covers the city’s key sites in about four hours. It includes the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market. Small groups ensure a personal experience.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the efficient itinerary. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want a quick but rundown of Ho Chi Minh’s main attractions.
Bottom Line: A great introduction for first-timers and those on a tight schedule wanting a well-organized, insightful tour.
10. Ho Chi Minh City by Night: Ultimate Street Food Experience
This evening street food walk is perfect for night owls and food lovers. It takes you through busy markets and rustic eateries, sampling local favorites like bánh mì and rice dishes, with drinks like Saigonese coffee and local beer. The small-group setting keeps the experience intimate and lively.
Guests love the lively atmosphere, the variety of dishes, and the chance to see the city’s nightlife up close. It’s an excellent way to experience Ho Chi Minh’s culinary soul after dark.
Bottom Line: Suited for night-time explorers who want a fun, flavorful, and social food adventure.
11. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Motorbike Tour
This private street food motorbike tour offers a personalized night food experience. Riding through the city’s night markets, you’ll try nine different dishes and unlimited drinks, visiting hidden alleyway stalls that are hard to find alone.
Reviewers mention the guides’ friendliness and the safety of the ride, making this an excellent choice for solo travelers or couples wanting a custom, energetic adventure. It’s a flexible option that provides an authentic taste of Saigon’s street food scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, customizable food and culture tour on motorbikes.
12. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour
This evening walking tour offers a leisurely way to experience Ho Chi Minh’s night market scene and local street cuisine. You’ll taste nine dishes, visit a flower market, and explore back alleys, all with a knowledgeable guide.
Guests love the personal attention and the opportunity to interact with locals. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer walking over riding but still want an immersive food experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed, personal walk-through of Saigon’s night food scene.
13. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour
This 4-hour private tour focuses on local street eats and lively markets. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed pace, tasting nine dishes, and learning about Vietnamese culture through food. The guide’s local knowledge makes every stop informative and memorable.
Reviews note the friendly atmosphere and the chance to discover authentic, lesser-known eateries. It’s a good choice for foodies who prefer walking and personalized experiences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers wanting an intimate, in-depth walk through Saigon’s night cuisine.
14. Daily Small Group Tour to Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnels
This comprehensive full-day tour combines city sights with wartime history. Visiting the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, it’s perfect for travelers interested in Vietnam’s recent history.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and all entrance fees, lunch, and transfers are included. Many reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and how well the tour balances historical insights with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for history-minded visitors wanting a balanced, educational day.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For example, if you love history, the Jeep tour or Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong combo are excellent. For food lovers, the Scooter Food Tour or Night Street Food Walk offer authentic tastings and lively atmospheres.
If you’re pressed for time, the 4-hour city highlights provides a quick overview, while multi-day trips like the Cai Rang Floating Market suit travelers seeking an immersive experience. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours and during peak seasons.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a broad range of tours, from cultural explorations to culinary adventures. Whether you prefer riding a vintage Jeep, exploring by scooter, or taking a boat through the Mekong, there’s a way to see the city that fits your style. For history buffs, the full-day combo balances war sites and rural scenery. Food lovers should not miss the Night Street Food Experience or the Scooter Food Tour. Whichever you choose, early booking guarantees a spot on these popular adventures, giving you a richer, more relaxed experience of this lively city.