Ho Chi Minh City is a treasure trove for anyone interested in shopping and markets. Its bustling streets are filled with vibrant stalls, historic markets, and floating bazaars that reflect the city’s lively spirit. Whether you’re after unique souvenirs, fresh local produce, or a taste of authentic cuisine, the city offers it all. We love how some tours, like the Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour, take you beyond the city’s chaos and into the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, offering a real taste of life on the river. These trips combine scenery, culture, and culinary delights, making them perfect for first-timers wanting an immersive experience.
For those more interested in culinary experiences, tours like the Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip deliver hands-on learning with authentic dishes and visits to lively markets. Whatever your interest, there are options here for every budget and schedule. Below, we’ll explore the best shopping and market tours, highlighting what makes each one special.
1. Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour from HCM City
This full two-day adventure gives you a deep dive into the Mekong Delta’s unique lifestyle, starting from Ho Chi Minh City. The tour includes hotel pickup, all meals, and lodging, making it ideal for first-timers who want a hassle-free experience. You’ll explore Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the region, where boats laden with fruit and local produce bob along the river. The trip also features visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a coconut farm in Ben Tre, and a sampan ride through coconut-lined canals. Tour guide Vinh, praised for his knowledge, makes the experience educational and fun, especially when explaining local traditions. The overnight in Can Tho adds an authentic touch, letting you experience the delta’s evening calm and local nightlife.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, combining cultural insights, scenic boat rides, and delicious local food. Perfect for travelers craving an in-depth look at rural Vietnam without the hassle of planning. The reviews highlight the importance of a good guide, with one saying, “Vinh was the perfect guide who made sure everyone was happy and informed.” For the value offered—meals, accommodation, and transport included—it’s an excellent choice for curious travelers.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers an authentic Mekong Delta experience in a comfortable, all-inclusive package, ideal for first-timers and culture lovers.
2. Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market 2-Day Tour from HCM City
Another top-rated option, this two-day adventure explores the Mekong River’s most famous sights with plenty of activities, including biking and kayaking. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda then cruise the Mekong River, enjoying traditional music and local fruits. The next morning, rise early to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats exchange produce in a lively scene. The tour emphasizes interactive experiences, like riding bikes through village paths and participating in a cooking class to create your own Vietnamese lunch.
Guests love guide Harry, who shares detailed insights, and the trip’s well-organized nature. At around $78, the price offers great value given the variety of activities, food, and overnight stay, making it ideal for travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and hands-on experiences.
Bottom Line: For a immersive, multi-sensory journey through the Mekong Delta, this tour combines scenery, culture, and fun activities at an affordable price.
3. Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip in Saigon Center
This 4-hour class puts you in the kitchen with Chef Vu, who guides you through creating authentic Vietnamese dishes. The adventure begins with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients. The class then moves to a cooking station where you learn to prepare dishes like spring rolls and other regional specialties. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and after cooking, you get to enjoy a full feast with your creations plus egg coffee for dessert.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on hands-on cooking combined with market exploration, giving you practical skills and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese ingredients. It’s perfect for foodies who want to bring a taste of Vietnam home. Reviewers compliment the chef’s skill and friendliness, with one saying, “Chef Vu’s class was fun and informative.” For around $46, the experience offers excellent value considering the culinary skills gained.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to learn Vietnamese cooking and ingredients firsthand, suitable for beginners and seasoned food lovers alike.
4. Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour – Chef Led w/ Private Cook Stations
This 4-hour experience combines a market visit at Ben Thanh with a private cooking station for each guest. Led by a professional chef, you’ll pick fresh ingredients then follow the chef in preparing four iconic dishes like goi cuon (spring rolls). The class emphasizes techniques and skills that you can use at home, and at the end, you taste your creations with a souvenir Vietnamese cookbook containing 25 recipes.
What sets this apart is its personalized setup, allowing you to focus on individual skills with expert guidance. Reviewers praise the engaging instructor and the quality of the dishes, calling it “a very well-organized, fun class.” At $49, it offers good value for a structured, chef-led class that combines market shopping and hands-on cooking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a detailed, hands-on Vietnamese cooking lesson with the added bonus of a personal, chef-led experience.
5. From HCM: Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market 2-Day Tour
This well-rated two-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Mekong Delta, including Cai Rang Floating Market and local villages. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit a rice noodle factory and participate in making Vietnamese pancakes, adding a culinary dimension to the experience. The trip includes an overnight stay in Mekong Delta, giving you a chance to enjoy local nightlife and a leisurely pace.
Guests note the value for money, especially with the knowledgeable guide, Bac, who explains the region’s culture and history. The tour’s focus on local crafts, food, and scenery makes it ideal for travelers wanting a thorough introduction beyond just sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting an all-in-one, immersive Mekong experience with cultural and culinary activities, this tour offers excellent value.
6. Immersive Cooking Class & Market Tour By Local Chef + Cookbook
This 3-course + dessert class is led by a local head chef, introducing you to Vietnam’s broad culinary heritage. The tour includes a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you shop for ingredients, then cook in a well-equipped kitchen. Special dietary options are available, and you leave with a Vietnamese cookbook containing over 25 recipes.
Guests appreciate the friendly guide and detailed explanations, with one saying, “The market walk and cooking tips made this a memorable experience.” For just $33, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers authentic skills and memorable flavors.
Bottom Line: An affordable, authentic way to learn Vietnamese dishes from a local chef, perfect for curious travelers on a budget.
7. Small-group 2-Day Mekong Delta: Floating market, Cooking Class
This intimate 2-day trip is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience. It includes visits to local villages, the Cai Rang Floating Market, and a homestay, with all transportation and meals included. The tour emphasizes culture, tradition, and local life, giving you time to explore on foot, bike, or boat.
Guests praise the efficient itinerary and the friendly guide, with one saying, “This was a great introduction to Mekong life, with plenty of activities and a cozy homestay.” It’s suited for those wanting a slow-paced, immersive experience with authentic local interactions.
Bottom Line: If you want a small, well-organized tour with a homestay and cultural focus, this is a top pick.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When selecting the best shopping and market experience in Ho Chi Minh City, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re after a deep culture and scenic river cruises, the Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour offers a comprehensive experience. For culinary learners, tours like Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip and the immersive Cooking Class & Market Tour provide hands-on food skills that will last long after your trip.
Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Immersive Cooking Class & Market Tour by Local Chef, which offers excellent value for money. If you prefer a small-group, authentic experience with overnight stays, the Small-group 2-Day Mekong Delta is ideal.
Timing also matters—early morning tours like the Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour let you see the floating market at its liveliest, while cooking classes are flexible throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wealth of shopping and market tours that suit every traveler. Whether you want to relax on a boat exploring the Mekong Delta, learn to cook Vietnamese dishes in a lively market, or enjoy a private homestay, there’s an option for you. The key is to match your interests—culture, cuisine, scenery—and your travel style.
Popular choices like the Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour stand out for their comprehensive coverage, while culinary tours like Chef Vu’s class give you practical skills you’ll cherish long after your trip ends. Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or popular dates. Choose what excites you most, and prepare for some unforgettable moments exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant markets and waterways.