Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, but if you’re craving authentic BBQ experiences, you’re in for a treat. The city offers everything from private, personalized Mekong Delta trips with fantastic local cookouts to full-day tours that combine history, nature, and mouth-watering grilled dishes. We particularly enjoy the private VIP Mekong Delta tour because it combines cycling, fishing, and cooking in a relaxed setting, making for a truly immersive experience. You can learn to cook authentic Vietnamese BBQ and enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients while exploring lush countryside on a bike. This tour offers an intimate, flexible way to see rural Vietnam while satisfying your appetite for great food and adventure.
If you’re more interested in combining history with BBQ, the Cu Chi Tunnel & Mekong Delta full-day tour provides a compelling mix of wartime history and tasty grilled lunch options. For a more luxurious, multi-day stay, the Luxury Mekong 2 Days 1 Night offers a small-group atmosphere with homestay comfort and traditional cooking demonstrations. No matter your preference, Ho Chi Minh City’s BBQ experiences are as diverse as they are delicious, offering something for every traveler craving authentic Vietnamese flavors.
1. PRIVATE VIP Mekong Delta 1 Day with Biking, Fishing, Cooking, BBQ – NON Touristic
At number 1, the PRIVATE VIP Mekong Delta 1 Day with Biking, Fishing, Cooking, BBQ offers an in-depth look at rural life away from tourist crowds. This private tour is perfect for those who want flexibility and personalized attention. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the lush Mekong countryside, where your day unfolds with bike rides through rice paddies, a traditional sampan cruise, and visits to honey farms and coconut candy workshops. The highlight is a Vietnamese-style BBQ lunch at a local restaurant, showcasing fresh ingredients and regional flavors.
What sets this tour apart is the private format—no big groups, no rushing, just your guide and your pace. Guests consistently praise the enthusiastic guides, like Dennis, who make the experience engaging and informative. Reviewers love the combination of cycling, boat rides, and hands-on activities, describing it as “the BEST time,” with “amazing sites and food.” The full-day itinerary ensures you get a genuine taste of Mekong life while enjoying the comforts of hassle-free transport and a flexible schedule.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a personalized, relaxed, and authentic Mekong experience with excellent food and cultural insights.
2. Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnel Full Day BBQ Lunch Lux Group 12 pax
Number 2 on our list is the Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnel Full Day BBQ Lunch, offering a comprehensive day with a focus on history and delicious food. This tour combines a visit to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels with a full exploration of the Mekong Delta, making it perfect for those interested in Vietnam’s wartime past and local cuisine. You’ll start early with a trip to Cu Chi, where your guide explains how these tunnels were used during the Vietnam War. The experience is both educational and stirring, providing insight into Vietnam’s resilience.
Afterward, you’ll head into the Mekong Delta for a barbecue lunch at a local restaurant, where you can learn from a chef how to prepare grilled dishes typical of the region. Then, a boat cruise takes you through peaceful canal networks, with stops at honey farms and floating markets. Reviewers like Tom appreciate the well-organized trip, calling it “perfect from start to finish,” with a good mix of history, culture, and food at an affordable price.
Bottom line: This tour suits history buffs who want a full-day, value-packed experience, combining wartime sites with authentic Mekong BBQ.
3. Mekong 2D1N SMALL GROUP Stay at Family Homestay WITH BBQ DINNER
Number 3 is the Mekong 2D1N Small Group Stay at Family Homestay, which elevates the experience into an overnight adventure. This tour is perfect if you want a more immersive trip, with a small group of just 10 travelers, staying overnight in a traditional homestay. The journey begins with a boat ride on the Mekong River, visiting bee farms, tropical fruit orchards, and coconut candy villages. You’ll have the chance to participate in a Vietnamese cooking demo, culminating in a BBQ dinner at the homestay.
The next day features cycling through orchards and rice fields, fishing, and relaxing in a laid-back, authentic environment. Guests love the intimate atmosphere and personalized service, with reviewers noting how the trip offers “more than satisfied” experiences. The combination of cultural activities, scenic cruising, and home-style meals makes this a top pick for travelers craving genuine Mekong hospitality.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a deeper cultural experience with a cozy, small-group vibe and tasty BBQ dinners.
4. Cu Chi Tunnel & Mekong Delta Full Day BBQ Lunch Lux Group 10 pax
Number 4 is the Cu Chi Tunnel & Mekong Delta Full Day BBQ Lunch, which offers a well-rounded day exploring both history and rural life. This small-group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers is designed for those who want to get the most out of their visit without the crowds. You’ll begin with a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, where your guide explains the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese fighters during the war.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch with local flavors, then cruise the Mekong River, exploring islands and traditional villages. Visitors mention the personalized experience and the knowledgeable guide, Mr. Son, who makes the history come alive. The tour strikes a good balance between education and leisure, with reviews emphasizing the “perfect start to finish” experience.
Bottom line: This option is best for travelers who want a small-group, detailed look into Vietnam’s wartime past combined with an authentic Mekong BBQ.
5. LUXURY Mekong 2 Days 1 Night SMALL GROUP Stay at Tiny Homestay WITH BBQ Dinner
Number 5 takes luxury a step further with the Luxury Mekong 2 Days 1 Night. This small-group tour focuses on comfort and authenticity, including an overnight stay at a homestay in Ben Tre. The trip features a scenic boat ride, visits to bee farms and fruit orchards, and a BBQ dinner cooked in traditional style. Guests typically love the relaxed pace and intimate setting, with the chance to enjoy the sunset over rice fields and participate in local activities like fishing and canoeing.
The tour includes a rich cultural program, with a guided walk through village life and a chance to listen to traditional music. Reviewers highlight the “stunning garden” and “awesome food,” emphasizing it as a wonderful value for the immersive experience. The multi-faceted itinerary makes it suitable for travelers craving comfort, culture, and cuisine.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxurious, relaxed, and culturally rich Mekong adventure with genuine local food and scenic views.
6. PRIVATE LUXURY Mekong 1 Day with Biking, Fishing, Cooking Class & BBQ LUNCH
Number 6 features the PRIVATE LUXURY Mekong 1 Day, a full-day tailored for those wanting a personalized, hassle-free experience. This private tour includes a comfortable transfer to My Tho, where you’ll enjoy a full day of activities like boat cruises, visits to local farms, and a Vietnamese BBQ lunch. Highlights include riding in traditional boats, visiting a bee farm, and participating in a cooking class, all with your dedicated guide.
What sets this apart is the focus on customization and comfort—your guide has 25 years of experience, ensuring you see the best spots at your pace. Reviewers mention the ease of pickup and drop-off, plus the opportunity to explore orchards and local villages thoroughly. It’s ideal for those who want an all-in-one, personalized Mekong experience without the crowds.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, comprehensive day that combines culture, cuisine, and scenic cruising in comfort.
7. PRIVATE Luxury Sunset Mekong AFTERNOON TRIP with BBQ DINNER & COOK CLASS
Number 7 is the PRIVATE Luxury Sunset Mekong, which focuses on the stunning views and peaceful evening atmosphere. This afternoon-only tour offers a mix of cycling, boat rides, and fishing, all capped with a barbecue dinner as the sun sets over the river. The trip includes a visit to a bee farm, traditional music performances, and a chance to take pictures with a python, adding some fun moments along the way.
The tour’s strength is the door-to-door private service, which makes it particularly relaxing. Reviewers appreciate the flexible itinerary and the chance to see the Mekong in a different light, especially at sunset. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time who want to enjoy the tranquility of the Mekong with a memorable dinner experience.
Bottom line: This tour appeals to those who want an intimate, relaxed evening cruise with a delicious BBQ and scenic sunset views.
8. Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Private Walking Tour With BBQ Buffet
Number 8 offers a different taste of Ho Chi Minh City with the Private City Walking Tour & BBQ Buffet. This short but comprehensive walk takes you through key landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and historic Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The tour ends with a BBQ buffet, perfect for those who want to combine cultural sightseeing with a relaxed meal.
This option is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer exploring on foot. Reviewers mention how the guide makes history come alive, and the relaxed meal at the end is a nice way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. It’s a practical choice for history and food lovers wanting a quick, authentic taste of Saigon.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a compact, guided city walk combined with an easy, satisfying BBQ dinner.
$31.15 per person
9. Ho Chi Minh City: Chua Chan Mountain 2-Day Trek & BBQ
Rounding out the list is the Chua Chan Mountain 2-Day Trek & BBQ, perfect for adventurous spirits. This trek takes you through lush hills, culminating in a campfire BBQ dinner at the summit with stunning sunrise views. It’s a physically demanding experience, ideal for fit travelers looking for a combination of exercise and scenic reward.
The tour includes a guided ascent, camping gear, and round-trip transportation. Reviewers highlight the breathtaking vistas and the camaraderie of camping under the stars. It’s a unique, active option for those who want more than just city sights—an adventure that ends with a well-earned feast.
Bottom line: High-energy travelers will appreciate this challenging trek combined with the reward of a BBQ dinner at sunrise, perfect for outdoor lovers.
$210 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect BBQ Experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Think about what kind of experience best suits your travel style. For those craving authentic rural life and a personalized touch, the private Mekong Delta tours (#1, #6, #5) are perfect. If you’re interested in history combined with local cuisine, the Cu Chi + Mekong full-day (#2, #4) offers a meaningful mix. Looking for luxury and comfort? The 2-day Mekong (#5) and private small-group tours provide cozy, immersive environments.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the city sightseeing tour with BBQ buffet, while adventure seekers should consider the mountain trek (#9) for a challenging outdoor experience. Booking early and considering the season (dry season from November to April is best for outdoor activities) will help ensure your experience is smooth.
Final Thoughts
From private, immersive Mekong Delta adventures to historical tunnels paired with delicious barbecue, Ho Chi Minh City offers a range of authentic BBQ experiences that highlight regional flavors and culture. If you want a relaxing day with local cooking, tours like the VIP Mekong Delta or small-group homestay are excellent choices. For history lovers, combining the Cu Chi tunnels with a Mekong cruise provides a compelling narrative, all with great food.
For travelers seeking a special treat, the luxury overnight or the sunset private tour delivers scenic views and intimate settings. Whichever you choose, these tours offer a genuine taste of southern Vietnam’s flavors, hospitality, and vibrant way of life. Book early to lock in your preferred date and ensure your trip is as smooth as the perfectly grilled BBQ.