
Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour worth booking?
Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $1 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $1 per person
Discover the unique life and culture of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown on a guided walking tour and wander around its hidden streets and alleyways.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the unique life and culture of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown on a guided walking tour and wander around its hidden streets and alleyways.
What's included
Included
- Suggested extra tip 15-25USD/person
- English speaking guide
- This walking tour works on a Tips-only basis
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hao Si Phuong Alley, located in the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the local way of life. With a history spanning over a 100 year, this narrow passageway is steeped in the traditions and cultural heritage of its residents. It is originally established by the Chinese community with the support of the French government.
30 minutes here
Nghia An Hoi Quan was constructed before the 19th century, and after a few times of reconstruction, the structure now owns a unique archaic look amidst modern buildings in Ho Chi Minh. Thousands of people visit this place to pray for good luck in important Vietnamese festivals, and international visitors would come here to admire the beauty of ancient Chinese structure in the metropolitan city.
30 minutes here
Ba Thien Hau Temple
This is a unique Chinese-style architectural heritage, built in the late 19th century by the Cantonese community in Saigon. The pagoda stands out in the heart of the city with its ancient beauty, yin-yang tiled roof, and vividly colored ceramic statues. Entering here, the space is filled with the scent of flowers and bright light coming from rows of lanterns as if taking visitors into a space from ancient times.
30 minutes here
Chợ Lớn
This place is now a significant commercial center of the Chinese in Ho Chi Minh City which still preserves the precious values of culture, religion and architecture dating back thousands of years. The pipe-shaped tiled roofs in Chinatown streets combining with typical Chinese architectures feature a unique classic beauty. Aside from wandering the streets of Chinatown, you can also have a taste of local flavors through a mini food trip! Drink the famous Vietnamese coffee, have a plate of Chinese duck soup noodles, and enjoy a hearty dumpling and sweet soup meal.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ho Chi Minh City
We will meet at Minh Huong Assembly Hall (380 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh City). When you arrive, please feel free to go inside, have a seat, and relax. It’s a peaceful place to wait. Your guide will come and meet you there.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet at Minh Huong Assembly Hall (380 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh City). When you arrive, please feel free to go inside, have a seat, and relax. It’s a peaceful place to wait. Your guide will come and meet you there.
Options you can book
Join-in Prepaid Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tip-Based (20–50USD PP)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Suggested tip: 20–50USD PP
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Detoured Asia
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Saigon free walking tour with Thang from Detoured Asia
Brilliant walking tour!! We went to several places and essentially covered the entire district 1 area. Thang is the perfect guide, he is very knowledgeable and told us everything about Vietnamese history and politics from the early Chinese era until today. We learned a lot! I would highly recommend this tour to everybody who wants to see the main sights (and more) in Saigon and to deeply dive into the country’s past.
via Tripadvisor
Informative Walking Tour of HCMC
This tour covers majority of the main sites in the city, with detailed information provided not only on the broader history of Vietnam but also the history of the city itself. Thang is an excellent guide with great knowledge and was able to answer all questions with detail. I learnt a lot on this tour and would highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about the country and city, as well as get the lay of the land as you walk a big portion of district 1 and 3 in the 2.5 hour tour.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic walking tour
We did a fantastic walking tour with Thang. Wow so much information,, we also went off the beaten track which was great. I would highly recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
7 Stages of Historic Buildings in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City
It was an exceptionally interesting tour. The Gight knew how to inspire us on historic buildings with their history. We have learned a lot and recognized connections. Special praise for that.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Wonderful cultural experiences at Chinatown walk
We enjoyed every moment with Thang. He is knowledgeable, sincere, and very friendly. He built a strong connection from the start, and made us feel very comfortable throughout the walk. The bus ride was a good experience, very clean and comfortable. The temples and market places were unique experiences. We totally enjoyed the stories and history told by Thang.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1 to $920
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Detoured Asia, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.2.
See everything Detoured Asia runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $1 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ho Chi Minh City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ho Chi Minh City is not rushed.
Is Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ho Chi Minh City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ho Chi Minh City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
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On Outty we rank every Ho Chi Minh City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cai Be Mekong Delta Tour: Cooking Class, Cycling & Craft Villages, Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour With Small Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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Included: Suggested extra tip 15-25USD/person; English speaking guide; and This walking tour works on a Tips-only basis. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Tea and coffee; Snacks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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We will meet at Minh Huong Assembly Hall (380 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh City). When you arrive, please feel free to go inside, have a seat, and relax. It’s a peaceful place to wait. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ho Chi Minh City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Join-in Prepaid Tour, Tip-Based (20–50USD PP). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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