Ho Chi Minh City is a place where walking is the best way to explore its chaotic streets, bustling markets, and hidden alleyways. Unlike many tourist-heavy cities, Saigon offers a wealth of local flavors, stories, and art waiting to be uncovered on foot. Whether you’re craving authentic street food, want to learn about the city’s history, or simply enjoy strolling through lively neighborhoods, there’s a tour for you. We particularly love the Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings for its mix of food, culture, and friendly guides, or the Highlights & Hidden Gems tour if you prefer a free, in-depth city walk.
Ho Chi Minh City is fascinating precisely because of its contrasts—French-colonial architecture next to neon-lit markets, traditional temples amid modern skyscrapers. The city’s walking tours make these contrasts clear, and they allow you to see the city like a local, not just a tourist.
Quick Overview
In this list, we’ve compiled 15 top walking tours that showcase the best of Saigon’s food, history, and local life. From street food adventures like Original Walking Street Food Tour to cultural explorations such as the City Highlights & Hidden Gems, each offers a unique way to experience the city on foot. Some tours focus on food tastings, others on cultural landmarks, and a few combine both for a full day of discovery. Let’s dive into each option to help you decide.
1. Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings
At number 1, this walking food tour offers an immersive taste of Saigon’s culinary scene. For around $27, you’ll enjoy 13 authentic samples from local stalls, along with insights into Vietnam’s history and culture. The tour includes a hands-on Banh xeo pancake cooking activity, which is a fun way to learn about Vietnamese cuisine directly from your guide. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Jane and Jennie for their friendly attitude and storytelling skills. The tour’s length of 3.5 hours makes it a manageable yet rich experience, perfect for food lovers eager to dive into local flavors. Many reviews mention how they learned about ingredients and local eating customs, making this not just a tasting but an education. This tour is ideal if you want a balanced mix of food, culture, and socializing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to sample a wide variety of dishes in a relaxed setting with a friendly guide.
2. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour
Coming in at number 2, this private evening tour offers an intimate exploration of Ho Chi Minh’s night markets and street food from a local guide. For $49, you get to try 9 dishes and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife at your own pace. The tour takes you through back alleys and hidden streets, revealing Saigon’s vibrant evening scene. Guides like Eugene and Min are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience both fun and informative. Many reviewers highlight the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their lifestyle while sampling local drinks and snacks. Tour duration is 4 hours, giving plenty of time for relaxed tasting and conversation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a personalized experience with fewer crowds and more interaction.
3. Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers
This tour ranks third, mainly because of its exceptional value—at just $1.82 per group, it’s hard to beat. Led by young local volunteers, the 2 to 8-hour tour offers customized itineraries covering districts, historic sites, and local stories. The guides share insights into Vietnamese culture, and the tour can be tailored to your interests. Guests mention how guides like Linh and Huy bring the city alive with personal anecdotes and local tips. The flexibility makes it suitable for families, first-timers, or anyone on a tight budget. Since it’s private, you determine the pace and focus areas, making it perfect for those wanting a personalized introduction.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget travelers or those wanting a customized, private experience with friendly guides.
4. Vegan Walk Not Just Vegan Food
At number 4, this vegan-focused tour stands out for its specialized menu and visits to hidden places like the Communist Apartment Complex and flower markets. For $41, you’ll enjoy delicious vegan dishes like BBQ Seitan noodles, summer rolls, and vegan ice cream, plus a recipe ebook to recreate dishes at home. Guides Spring and Hugh are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers or those with dietary restrictions. The tour lasts about 3 hours, covering less-trodden areas that most travelers miss. Guests appreciate how it combines food, culture, and local stories into a cohesive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone interested in plant-based Vietnamese cuisine and offbeat sights.
5. Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Foodies
Number 5 is an award-winning option, priced at $27 for a comprehensive street food experience. Guided by young Saigonese foodies, the tour includes all food, drinks, and taxi fares—a true all-in-one experience. The tour focuses on local favorites like Banh xeo and bun thit nuong, with a lively, energetic guide. The small group size and hotel pickup make it convenient and engaging, perfect for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without the hassle. Many reviewers mention the variety of food and the local atmosphere, which is authentic and not touristy.
Bottom Line: A great value for those who want a full, energetic dining adventure with local guides.
6. Saigon Evening Walking Street Food Tour
Positioned at number 6, this private evening tour offers a relaxed pace and visits to staples like bun thit nuong and kem dua (coconut ice cream). For $49, you get hotel pickup and all food and drinks, with the option to choose your start time. The guide takes you through district 3, exploring less touristy spots, making it perfect for night owls or those curious about Saigon’s nightlife. Guests say the private guides provide excellent recommendations, and the local dishes are memorable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nighttime explorers who want comfort and personalized service.
7. Ho Chi Minh City: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour
Number 7 is a small-group tour priced at $27, focusing on less common foods and neighborhoods. Guided by youthful Saigonese guides, this experience includes all food, drinks, and taxi fares. It’s perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and discover more obscure food stalls. Guests love the energy and knowledge of the guides, especially their ability to share stories behind each dish. Because it requires a minimum of two people, it suits couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a niche, offbeat food adventure with expert hosts.
8. Ho Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems – Free Walking Tour
Number 8 is perfect for first-time visitors who want a cost-effective way to see Saigon’s main sights and secret spots. The free tour covers the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, with a passionate local guide sharing personal insights. At only $0.72 per person, it’s an excellent way to get oriented and decide what to explore further. Reviewers highlight how guides like Son and Joseph bring history to life through engaging stories.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a broad overview with local flavor.
9. Private Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Scooter or Walking
Number 9 offers a personalized, flexible experience that can be done on scooter or on foot. For $26, you’ll visit local vendors, try Banh Beo, Chuoi Nep Nuong, Banh Mi, and more. The private guide customizes the route, making it suitable for foodies who want a tailored experience. Guests rave about the fun and informative guides, with many noting how this tour feels like a local friend showing you around.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous eaters who want customized and interactive exploration.
10. Ho Chi Minh: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Rated 4.8, this 3-hour guided walk emphasizes Saigon’s landmarks like the War Museum, Notre-Dame, and the Opera House. For $38, you get a rundown with an engaging guide, learning about Vietnam’s political and cultural history. Reviewers mention how guides like Kevin and Peter bring the city’s story to life through storytelling and detailed explanations. It’s a good introduction for history buffs or first-timers.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for history and architecture enthusiasts wanting a structured but personal city walk.
11. Saigon Night Walking local Street Food Tour with local Student
Positioned at number 11, this night tour for $39 features local student guides leading you through District 4 and nearby markets. You’ll taste snakes wine, Banh mi, and beef noodle soup while riding scooters. This close-up experience emphasizes authentic flavors and local nightlife. Guests love the friendly guides and rich conversations about Vietnamese culture.
Bottom Line: Best for night owls eager to experience Saigon after dark with a local guide.
12. Saigon Authentic Walking Street Food Tour 12+ Tastings Included
Number 12 is a 4-hour journey focusing on local eateries serving 8 iconic dishes. The tour emphasizes authenticity, visiting local markets, alleyways, and old apartments. Guides like Wisky and Daniel are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making it a favorite among solo travelers and food lovers. The tour’s comprehensive food list and local stories make it a worthwhile experience.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies eager for authentic, immersive street food.
13. Saigon Private/Small Group Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings
Number 13 offers a personalized experience with 13 tastings including fish noodle soup, Vietnamese pizza, and snails. The small group format and private guide make it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Guests mention how guides like Daniel and Vy share stories and explain dishes in detail, making it both fun and educational. The tour runs about 3.5 hours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a laid-back, private tour with plenty of tastings.
14. Saigon: Private Backstreets Walking Food Tour
Positioned at number 14, this private tour focuses on backstreet food like shrimp pancakes and beef wrapped in betel leaves. It includes visits to flower markets and musical instrument shops. The personal guide ensures you experience less touristy but very authentic local food and culture. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and local stories.
Bottom Line: Great for food explorers wanting offbeat experiences and more personal interaction.
15. Private Premium Foodie Walk: 11 Must-Try Street Food Tasting
Finally, at number 15, this 4-hour premium tour is guided by a local who takes you through district 3, sampling bún bò Huế, bánh xèo, and kem dừa. The tour includes all drinks and a flower market visit. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the dishes and guides like Daniel and Wisky, who share stories and local secrets. It’s best suited for those wanting a high-end street food experience with around 6 dishes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary connoisseurs seeking premium, authentic street eats.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, available time, and whether you prefer food-focused, cultural, or mixed experiences. For example, if you’re on a tight budget, the Private Walking Tour with Young Local Guides offers a very affordable introduction. If food is your passion, tours like the Original Street Food Tour or Street Food with Foodies provide diverse tastings and insider stories. For those interested in culture and history, the Highlights & Hidden Gems or City Highlights Guided Walk are excellent choices.
Always check availability and reviews, and remember that many tours, especially private or evening options, benefit from early booking. Consider your fitness level, as some tours involve significant walking, but most can be tailored to small groups or private needs.
In summary, Ho Chi Minh City offers a broad spectrum of walking tours. Whether you want gourmet street food, cultural insights, or a relaxed exploration with friendly guides, there’s something to suit every taste. Two standout options are the walking food tour with 13 tastings for its variety and fun cooking activity, and the free Highlights & Hidden Gems tour if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, informative introduction. Whatever your choice, booking early guarantees you’ll make the most of your time in Saigon—and come hungry.