Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise—an energetic mix of street stalls, colonial cafes, and high-end restaurants. But what really sets it apart is the way many tours blend cultural exploration with exceptional lunch options. Imagine cruising through historic sites like the Reunification Palace, then sitting down to a delicious Vietnamese meal, or learning to cook traditional dishes with a local chef. The city’s lively markets and vibrant food scenes make every meal an experience in itself. Among these options, the Private Full Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City including Lunch stands out for its seamless blend of sightseeing and dining in VIP style, ensuring you enjoy the city comfortably and flavorfully.
If you’re craving an authentic adventure that combines history, culture, and incredible food, this list has you covered. From exploring the underground tunnels of Cu Chi to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, each experience offers a unique way to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary and cultural richness.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include private city tours with comprehensive sightseeing and included lunches, like the VIP Tour: Mekong Delta 1 Day, which combines scenic river journeys with local specialties. For history lovers, the Private Full Day Ho Chi Minh City tour including lunch offers VIP treatment visiting key sites like the War Remnants Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Those interested in Vietnam’s wartime past should consider the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Cooking Experience for Lunch, which mixes underground exploration and cooking classes. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Small Group – Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour delivers intimacy and authentic Mekong life. Here’s a closer look at each of these memorable options.
1. PRIVATE FULL DAY TOUR OF HO CHI MINH CITY INCLUDING LUNCH
This private tour is an ideal way to see Ho Chi Minh City in comfort and style. You’ll explore key attractions like the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, all with an English-speaking guide providing insightful commentary. Traveling in an air-conditioned private vehicle means you skip the crowds and get personalized attention. The tour includes a complimentary lunch—a crucial part of any Vietnamese sightseeing day—and round-trip hotel transport, making it a stress-free experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its VIP treatment—private transport, expert guide, and a full day packed with cultural highlights. Reunification Palace is a must-see, with its wartime history and preserved interiors, while the War Remnants Museum offers a sobering but essential perspective on Vietnam’s past. Guests often comment on the guide’s knowledge—one reviewer called Harry a “wonderful guide,” highlighting the personalized experience. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a tailored, relaxed exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s top sights with excellent commentary and a quality lunch, this tour delivers.
2. CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR WITH COOKING EXPERIENCE FOR LUNCH
At number 2, this tour combines history and cuisine in a memorable day. After a short bus ride from your hotel, you’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. What sets this experience apart is the inclusion of a local cooking class at a nearby restaurant. Under the guidance of a chef, you’ll learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes, then enjoy your creations for lunch.
The highlight, of course, is exploring the tunnels—walking through the narrow passages that once sheltered soldiers. The tour also stops at a local market and a honey farm, giving insight into daily life in rural Vietnam. With a cost of just $39, it offers excellent value—especially when you get to learn cooking techniques that you can try at home. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and the hands-on experience, making it ideal for those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history and authentic food.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded day of underground adventure and culinary discovery, this tour hits all the right notes, especially if you like mixing history with hands-on cooking.
3. VIP TOUR: MEKONG DELTA 1 DAY | OPTION: BETTER LUNCH
This VIP Mekong Delta tour is a standout for its comprehensive itinerary and delicious lunch. Starting early, you’ll travel from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, where scenic boat rides take you past Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix Islands. At Unicorn Island, you’ll visit a honey farm, taste honey wine, and see traditional crafts. The cruise continues to Ben Tre, where you’ll explore lush canals on a small boat and visit a coconut candy workshop.
What makes this tour prized is the combination of river cruising, cultural stops, and a generous lunch featuring regional flavors. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, making it both educational and relaxing. Guests have noted the tour’s excellent value for its longer duration and extensive stops, with one saying, “It’s a great way to see the Delta without feeling rushed.” It’s perfect for travelers wanting a deeper dive into southern Vietnam’s rural charm.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a full day of scenic boat rides, cultural visits, and a tasty regional lunch, this tour offers a rich experience.
4. MEKONG DELTA & CU CHI TUNNEL FULL DAY BBQ LUNCH LUX GROUP 12 PAX
This full-day adventure combines two Vietnam icons: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. Starting with a morning visit to Cu Chi, you’ll learn about the tunnels’ role in the war and walk through the labyrinth of underground passages. Afterward, the tour shifts to the lush Mekong Delta, where you’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch—a rare treat in these tours, adding a social and culinary element.
What makes this trip special is its all-in-one approach—covering history, rural scenery, and local cuisine with a group of up to 12 people. The itinerary includes visiting a honey farm, riding on small boats, and experiencing local music. It’s praised for its value, with reviews emphasizing the good organization and engaging guides.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a balanced mix of war history and river life with a hearty BBQ lunch, this tour delivers an immersive, budget-friendly experience.
5. CU CHI TUNNEL & MEKONG DELTA FULL DAY BBQ LUNCH LUX GROUP 10 PAX
This exclusive small-group tour offers a personalized look at Vietnam’s history and countryside. It starts with a detailed exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, including the chance to walk through the underground passages and see relics from the war. Afterward, you’ll proceed to the Mekong Delta for a barbecue lunch, followed by a boat cruise among stilted houses and fruit orchards.
Rated highly for its intimate group size and attentive guiding, the tour provides a deeper connection to local life. Guests appreciate the flexibility and the chance to visit local villages and factories. One reviewer noted, “Food was awesome, and the tour was very personal,” which speaks to its tailored approach.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a more intimate experience combining history, rural scenery, and authentic cooking with a small group.
6. HO CHI MINH CITY: MEKONG DELTA DAY TRIP WITH LUNCH & DRINKS
This full-day trip is designed for travelers wanting a relaxed but comprehensive Mekong experience. After a scenic 2.5-hour bus ride, you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, then cruise the Mekong River, visiting islands and local workshops. The highlight is the included lunch and drinks, showcasing regional dishes in a local setting.
Guests say it’s a great value for a full day, especially with the inclusion of kayaking, market visits, and lunch. The tour’s balance of cultural sights and leisure makes it suitable for all ages, particularly those who prefer a less hectic pace.
Bottom Line: If you want a stress-free day with plenty of scenic cruising, cultural stops, and an included meal, this tour is a reliable choice.
7. CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR WITH LUNCH (PHO-LESS TOURISTY – MAX 7 PAX)
This tour offers a less touristy, more authentic experience of the Cu Chi Tunnels with a small group of no more than 7 people. Besides exploring the tunnels, you can visit a shooting range (own expense), see an American tank, and learn about the war from both sides. The focus is on personalized attention and avoiding the crowds.
Rated at 5/5, this trip is praised for its flexibility and informative guides. The fact that you can choose to explore at your own pace makes it appealing for those who want a quieter, more in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who prefer a more intimate, less commercial version of the tunnels with added military artifacts.
8. SMALL GROUP – MEKONG DELTA 1 DAY TOUR WITH LUNCH
This tour offers an authentic, small-group experience of the Mekong Delta. It includes visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a boat trip along the Mekong River, and stops at a coconut candy factory and orchard. You’ll enjoy live folk music and a local lunch in a relaxed setting.
Traveling in a smaller group makes it easier to connect with locals and ask questions. Reviewers mention the friendly guide and the chance to see local life firsthand. It’s perfect for travelers who want to avoid large tour groups and enjoy an immersive, leisurely pace exploring rural Vietnam.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an intimate, authentic taste of the Mekong Delta with cultural insights and local food, this tour fits the bill.
9. PRIVATE LUXURY MEKONG 1 DAY WITH BIKING, FISHING, COOKING CLASS & BBQ LUNCH
This luxury private tour is a full indulgence—combining bike riding, fishing, a cooking class, and a BBQ lunch. Starting with a scenic drive to My Tho, you’ll explore the countryside on bikes, fish in tranquil waters, and learn to prepare regional dishes. The guide ensures a personalized experience, tailored to your interests, with all activities included.
The highlight is the feeling of total immersion in local life, away from crowds. The fully personalized itinerary makes this perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity and hands-on activities. One reviewer notes the trip’s authenticity and the guide’s enthusiasm.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a premium, customizable Mekong experience with activities like fishing and cooking, this is a top-tier choice.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a comprehensive city tour with VIP treatment, the Private Full Day Tour is ideal. History buffs should consider the Cu Chi Tunnels with Cooking, which combines underground exploration with hands-on cooking.
For those wanting a deep dive into the Mekong, the VIP Mekong Delta or the Small Group Mekong offer intimate, authentic experiences. Budget travelers might find the Cu Chi Tunnels with a smaller group appealing, especially if they want a quieter, more personal visit.
Consider your fitness level for active options like biking or boat cruising, and book early—especially for tours with limited group sizes—to secure your spot in these popular experiences.
To sum it up, Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of lunch experiences that combine sightseeing, history, and authentic regional flavors. Whether you opt for a VIP city tour, an immersive Mekong Delta cruise, or a hands-on cooking class, each provides a flavorful way to understand and enjoy this bustling Vietnamese metropolis. For different traveler types—history enthusiasts, food lovers, or adventure seekers—there’s a perfect match waiting. Don’t forget to book ahead, especially in peak seasons, to make sure your midday meal is as memorable as the sights.