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Ho Chi Minh City Meet the locals

Our most recommended Ho Chi Minh City Meet the locals

Ho Chi Minh: 11 Tastings Street Food Tour by Motorbike

1. Ho Chi Minh: 11 Tastings Street Food Tour by Motorbike

Embark on a motorbike trip around 5 of Ho Chi Minh's colorful districts and hidden streets. Immerse yourself in Saigon's culture, blend into local nightlife, and eat mouthwatering local dishes. You'll ride on a pillion behind the drivers to enjoy the unique atmosphere and create unforgettable memories of Saigon. Try the best local foods and enjoy the amazing ride on the back of a scooter. First, hop on the scooter and head into the crowded roundabout and exciting Saigon traffic on the back of your scooter.  Next head to the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market. Take a walk in the market and sit down to learn how to make a crispy banana cracker. Continue to ride through the alleys, passing commercial streets and food vendors. After taking in some unbeatable views from your scooter, stop at a local food place for pho (beef noodle soup) and Banh My, Vietnam's most famous street food. After your meal, the Nguyen Thien Thuat area is next on the itinerary. This is one of the most famous street food areas in Saigon with great diversity in both cuisine and culture. Last but not least, discover the best place for dessert at a local favorite spot in district 4. Sit at a small table and chat with your tour guide. Get to know more about the local life and the ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. The menu for the 11 tastings includes: • Bo La Lot: Grilled Skewer Beef with Betel leaves with a distinctive fragrance and smoky, juicy, tender meat. Enjoy it with a dipping sauce for the ultimate street snack. • Bun Bò Hue: Beef noodle soup • Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce • Mini rice pancake with shrimp • Chuoi Nuong: Grilled Banana with coconut milk sauce. A mix of sweet and salty • Crispy Banana Cracker • Bánh Mì: Traditional baguette with sausage, butter, and meat • Banh Trang Nuong: A great mix of melted butter, cheese, egg, and Vietnamese sausage • Cold Sugar Cane Juice with Kumquat • Jasmine Tea: A traditional drink to local Vietnamese restaurants • Dessert with Bánh Flan: Flan cake or sweet soup at a popular place for locals

Ho Chi Minh: Motorbike Street Food Tour with Local Students

2. Ho Chi Minh: Motorbike Street Food Tour with Local Students

Sample 5-6 of the best street foods in Ho Chi Minh City, along with 2 drinks and a dessert, on a guided food tour. Visit the places where actual locals go with your guide and gain insights into Vietnamese culture. Sample must-have food and drinks, including banh mi, noodle soup, beer, and more. After pickup from your hotel by motorbike, you will have a chance to see the real Ho Chi Minh City away from the crowds of tourists. Stop at local street food hubs where locals gather and socialize. Explore and immerse yourself in the local culture in the craziness of Saigon's traffic and markets. Eat and sample 8 must-have treats in the city's back alleys. Warm up your taste buds with Bun bo hue beef noodle soup. Then, take a stroll, trying grilled pork with ride noodles on the way. Next, try the traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwich before enjoying a refreshing sugar cane drink. Next, discover Vietnam's best culinary hidden gem: chuoi nuong grilled banana with coconut milk. Sample this traditional sweet and salty mix of tropical fruits and coconut milk sauce. Then, have a sit-down and relax, sipping a Saigon beer on the terrace of a local restaurant. Then, watch your banh xeo Vietnamese savory crispy pancake being made in front of you. Finally, finish off with the perfect treat, a sweet soup dessert. Be taken back to your hotel, having sampled the must-have delicacies of Ho Chi Minh and experienced Vietnamese culture with your student guide.

Ho Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket

3. Ho Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket

Enjoy a performance of fascinating Vietnamese art during a traditional 45-minute water puppet show. The stories told with water puppets are closely associated with the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, especially in the countryside. The stage for the show is the surface of a water pool. Puppeteers demonstrate their clever skills by managing puppets with long bamboo rods and a string mechanism under the surface of the water. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides musical accompaniment. The puppets act out the stories told by the songs, which reflect the peaceful life of the Vietnamese countryside.

Ho Chi Minh City: Local Food and Sights Motorbike Night Tour

4. Ho Chi Minh City: Local Food and Sights Motorbike Night Tour

Discover the busy nightlife and local foods of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided tour by motorbike. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture by tasting a variety of delicious traditional dishes. Start out by eating grilled pork vermicelli and spring rolls, one of the traditional dishes in Vietnam. The next place you will visit is the weapons bunker, which is very special and was used to attack the independence palace in 1968. Up next, visit one of the biggest flower markets in Saigon, located in District 10. Enjoy the traditional rice paper baked with eggs, small shrimp, cheese, scallions, pork, and special local sauce. then we'll go around and see the local way of life. After that, move to Chinatown and visit one of the biggest ghost apartment buildings in Saigon where the building with thousands of rooms is uninhabited. Here you will be presented with real ghost stories by the guide. Back to the tour, venture to Nguyen Trai Street, a busy street where almost everything is sold, from clothes to souvenirs. After that, on Nguyen Van Cu Bridge, take in views of the city in the glow of the night. Enjoy a peaceful moment while looking at the Saigon River. Move through the districts to visit District 7 and see the starlight bridge, a place worth visiting. Hear the story of a land full of swamps that transformed into a very beautiful city. Continue to District 4, regarded as the smallest district. Many people from other places in Vietnam move to live here, so the lifestyle and traditions of the residents are extremely varied there. Before drop-off back at your hotel, have a dessert like a tropical fruit smoothie or caramel flan.

Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Motorbike Tour

5. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Motorbike Tour

Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon - and taste the best street food at night. Meet your English-speaking guides in the evening, and climb on the back of a bike to immerse yourself in the crazy traffic. Join thousands of other motorbikes as you ride the streets and your driver takes you through notable neighborhoods, including District 3 where the locals live. Stop to enjoy some "Bánh Xèo" and "Bánh Khọt" (South and Central rice pancakes), and learn how they are made by a chef with over 20 years of experience. Climb up to the top of old buildings and see the contrasting architecture between the modern and the traditional. You can even visit a local pagoda which was built inside an old apartment by a female monk. Explore the biggest night flower market and street food paradise then soak up the wonderful bouquets. Take a short walk around the area and immerse yourself into the flow of Vietnamese cuisine dating back thousands of years and get a special gift from your guide. Go deep into a true maze of the local market to taste authentic food which is Banana Girdle Cake or "Bánh Tráng Nướng" Vietnamese pizza grilled on charcoal fire. Next, drive to the heart of District 10 and stop at a local 2nd-generation restaurant since 1975 to savor the best Vietnamese Beef Stew "Bò Kho" in the clay pot. Bò Kho is packed with tender, fall-apart braised chunks of beef loaded with herbs, aromatics, and a delicious broth that go perfectly with Vietnamese baguette! Venture into District 5, where the city’s street food scene really thrives. Reward your taste buds with a heavenly dish of coconut ice cream at a local shop. Watch as the owner prepares some coconut ice cream right before your eyes. Take a spin around the city for enticing views of the nightlife, and experience the hustle and bustle of the fashion street. Squeeze through narrow alleyways that cars can’t access, and journey along the banks of the Saigon River with a welcoming breeze. End your motorbike street food experience in District 4, where you will enjoy a seafood meal of 3 different dishes (if you are allergic to seafood, it will be replaced by BBQ meat). Tuck into a nice dessert of flan cake with caramel, coffee, and coconut milk. Wash it all down with a local beer or soft drink, mineral water, and homemade Forest Banana Sticky Rice Wine, brewed in a clay pot with bananas picked from huge banana trees in the depth of the forest.

Ho Chi Minh: Motorbike City Highlights and Saigon Unseen

6. Ho Chi Minh: Motorbike City Highlights and Saigon Unseen

Get the perfect introduction to Saigon life on this half-day guided tour. Zip through the traffic on the back of a motorbike in a group no larger than 5. Explore the bustling streets, colorful markets, and must-see highlights to hidden alleyways, and ancient apartments. See beautiful local alleyways where Vietnamese families work, live, and socialize. Visit the famous Chinatown - the biggest and oldest in the world – where you will find out more about the traditional values and the lifestyles of the mixed cultures in Saigon. Discover city highlights such as the French Quarter's Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Admire the architecture of the Saigon Opera House, the city hall of the city. Uncover hidden gems of the city such as the The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument. Explore Ho Thi Ky Wholesale Flower Market - the largest flower market in the city. Explore the Cambodian Market with a cold drink and snack Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda (Mother of Sea) which was built by the Chinese in 1760 in order to bring their religious beliefs to Viet Nam. On the way back to your hotel pass by Nguyen Trai street located in district 5 which is famous for hundreds of fashion shops along the street.

Ho Chi Minh: Private Can Gio Mangrove Forest Day Tour

7. Ho Chi Minh: Private Can Gio Mangrove Forest Day Tour

Your tour begins at 8:00 AM, at which point you will be collected in a private car from your hotel. After a 40-minute drive, you will reach the Binh Khanh Ferry from where you will depart to Can Gio by boat. Once there, you will drive towards the Can Gio mangrove forest where you can admire the beauty of the green trees along the road. At 10:00 AM, you will have time to explore the mangrove forest, enjoying the fresh air and understanding the locals’ daily lives living along the river banks. You can also learn about the typical flora of mangrove forests and the other types of fauna at the local fishing hamlet. Furthermore, you will go through the forest on a canoe to visit the Reserve Bats Lagoon and the crab pond, before encountering and feeding a herd of deer which is friendly to man. Whilst here, you will also experience a crocodile farm where you can learn the process of hatching crocodiles and witness them in their natural environment. After that, you will venture toward the center of Vam Sat to observe the immensely panoramic views of the Vam Sat mangrove forest from the Tang Bong tower. Whilst there, you can also challenge yourself by crossing a suspension bridge. At 1:00 PM, you will have time for lunch at the Carrot Restaurant, before continuing with your tour in the afternoon. At 2:30 PM, you will go to Monkey Island to see over 1,000 monkeys that are living there. At 3:30 PM, you will return to the Binh Khanh ferry and drive directly to Saigon, where your tour ends at around 5:00 PM.

Ho Chi Minh City: Private Tour Highlights & Hidden Gems

8. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Tour Highlights & Hidden Gems

See Ho Chi Minh City at its best from the eyes of a local in just 3 hours. Check out prime landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, Independence Palace and hear unique insights that only a local would know. Uncover hidden gems and city secrets along the way that will show you an authentic side of the city with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. Fully experience the local flare with an included local treat to make your city tour a complete experience.

Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour

9. Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour

Get lost in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh as you follow your guide on an insightful stroll through the city's night markets. Join this private tour to learn all about the Vietnamese street food culture and taste a wide variety of popular delicacies. Try some traditional drinks and enjoy a dessert at the end of your tour. Your local street food guide, who has a huge passion with Vietnamese street food will pick you up at your accommodation by taxi or Grab car then leave the tourist area behind and start your food adventure to non-tourist district, a street food paradise, while tasting ‘Bánh Xèo” and “Bánh Khọt” – The Central, and South’s Rice Pancake with a lot of fresh Vietnamese vegetables and herbs. Stroll along a street known for its barbecue seafood vendors and head to a local-favorite restaurant to taste the best "Bò Lá Lốt" (Beef in Wild Betel Leaves) or the specialty "Bánh Canh"- Special Pork Noodle Soup or Thick Noodles Soup with Grilled Chopped Fish . Your immersion in mouth-watering food continues as you head to the alleys of food in the street food district and sample a tasty “Bột Chiên", Pan - Fried Rice Cakes with egg and spring onions which is cooked by a local chef with over 25 years experience or enjoy Steamed Rice Rolls "Bánh Cuốn" are thin sheets of steamed rice batter filled with ground pork and minced wood ear mushrooms. The rice rolls get a glaze of scallion oil and a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots, then served on a bed of fresh thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped lettuce, Vietnamese herbs, blanched bean sprouts and slices of Vietnamese sausage (Chả Lụa). Quench your thirst with a sugar cane juice mixed with a little orange. Next up on your food adventure is tasty Banh Mi - Saigon Baguette. You will experience the perfect fusion of 4 delicious flavors just after the first bite. Walk into the heart of district 3 and explore the old apartments has the name Nguyen Thien Thuat, which is home to dozens of famous Vietnamese street food that will tempt your stomach. On the corner of Seafood alley, you will sit like the locals, and get munching, crunching, sipping and slurping delicious BBQ seafood (if you are allergic to seafood, it will be replaced by BBQ meat). Have local drinks with Saigon special beer or soft drink, mineral water and especially homemade Forest Banana Sticky Rice Wine which is brewed in a clay pot with bananas picked from huge banana trees in the depth of the forest. Cap off your Saigon street food walking tour at the night flower market and street food paradise by enjoying an amazing dessert which is coconut ice cream or avocado ice cream. Your local guide will take a taxi or Grab car to go with you get back to your accommodation.

Private Vegan Food Tour By Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City

10. Private Vegan Food Tour By Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City

Meet your guide at your accommodation at 5:30 PM and set off right away on the back of a motorbike. Get ready to experience the insane Vietnam traffic! The only thing that really stands between you and some awesome vegan food is the ‘daily-dice-with-death’ traffic situation, but don't worry, your guide is an experienced driver and will calmly lead you through the traffic. Your first stop is in District 3, a hip new spot with a relaxed, historical environment all around. Here you’ll kick the tour off with a famous story about a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who burned himself for protesting the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government. After learning about the history of the people of Saigon, head up to a local vegan restaurant, a calm spot combined with nostalgic vibes, where you’ll savor "Banh Xeo" - vegan Vietnamese rice pancake served with fresh vegetables.   Coming over District 10 then going off-the-beaten-path and diving into Saigon’s deep-rooted culture. Visit a true maze of the biggest wholesale flower market and a local market inside to have an authentic local experience in hidden alleys by grilling banana crispy crackers and local hangouts that you should not miss out on. Don’t get too comfy among the cushions as we’ve got to hurry to experience the highest pagoda of the city "Viet Nam Quoc Tu" located in a quiet space with its spectacular architecture before closing! From there, cross the road to the most famous restaurant in Saigon to sample vegan food. At the peak of culinary innovation, let your senses run wild with carefully planned Vietnamese dishes featuring sustainable ingredients and sip on your old-fashioned water or vegan beer. Drive to District 5 and pass the local streets of the nightlife. Take a spin around on the journey along the banks of the Saigon River in District 4 - The perfect time to cross the bridge to Saigon’s bustling night scene. After getting a welcoming breeze from the back of the bike, we’ll finish you off with a sweet treat such as smoothies or a dish of fresh fruit.

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The best day trips and excursions from Ho Chi Minh City are:

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What people are saying about Ho Chi Minh City

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 3,735 reviews

Rick, my tour guide, made this evening perfect! He drove me to one place after the other. I got to taste different food and saw many interesting places. The highlight of this evening was to see a true ghost house. Rick told the story behind how 1000 people moved out because of many, many strange deaths and murders in the house. The whole building is locked since 2005. No one live there anymore. The perfect picture I took of it, later was no longer perfect. For some reason all pix had a strange spot in the exact same place of the house… Creepy(?) I also had the oportunity to see a real bunker of a war-spy underneath a café. Greatly recommended trip! And greatly recommended guide!

Very cool tool with students. They drive you to 4 or 5 places and tell you something about the history of Vietnam. During the drives on the motorbike you will have some smalltalk with the student wo will be the driver for the trip. Steven was our main guide I can totally recommend him :)

We had the most wonderful time with An and Rick! Delicious food, many corners of the city that we would never have seen. Lots of laughs and stories, can only warmly recommend the tour to everyone!

I loved it,just what I was looking for.My guide was so helpful

Great trip, fantastic tour guide and driver. Many thanks