Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide worth booking?
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide is a 2-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from CHF 14 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- CHF 14 per person
Your expert local guide will show you the city's highlights and hidden gems. On this walking tour you will be able to see a lot of places within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sights, your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city through the eyes of a local. This private tour can be customized according to your personal preferences. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. Therefore, the sightseeing points listed below in the itinerary are just an example of what is possible. Your guide can suggest other sightseeing points that better suit your interests. Please note that this is a tour with a local person or expat, not with a tour guide who has detailed historical knowledge. If such knowledge is important to you, you should book another tour.
What you get
About this experience
Your expert local guide will show you the city's highlights and hidden gems. On this walking tour you will be able to see a lot of places within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sights, your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city through the eyes of a local. This private tour can be customized according to your personal preferences. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. Therefore, the sightseeing points listed below in the itinerary are just an example of what is possible. Your guide can suggest other sightseeing points that better suit your interests. Please note that this is a tour with a local person or expat, not with a tour guide who has detailed historical knowledge. If such knowledge is important to you, you should book another tour.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Walking tour (fully customizable and private)
- Local tour guide (Vietnamese or expat)
Not included
- Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Nguyen Hue Street
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is the vibrant, modern heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, connecting the historic People's Committee Building to the Saigon River. This spacious boulevard is a favorite gathering spot for locals and tourists, especially in the evenings and on weekends when it becomes a bustling hub for street performances and social activities. Key attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Statue and the unique 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building, which houses numerous trendy cafes and boutiques with great city views.
15 minutes here
The 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building is a unique, nine-story residential block that has been creatively transformed into a trendy vertical mall, featuring over 30 independent cafes, boutiques, and co-working spaces. As you ascend the old staircase or elevator, each former apartment offers a distinct style, often featuring a balcony with great views overlooking the bustling pedestrian street below. This spot perfectly captures the energetic and creative spirit of modern Ho Chi Minh City.
15 minutes here
Saigon Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office is the largest post office and one of the oldest colonial structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Its breathtaking architecture, featuring a grand hall and intricate details, makes it a vital part of the city's colonial legacy and a popular photo stop.
15 minutes here
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral boasts breathtaking architecture, originally featuring stained-glass windows, elaborate stone carvings, and spires reaching heights of over 100 meters. This iconic landmark stands as a testament to the city's colonial past and religious heritage.
15 minutes here
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is the most famous shopping destination for tourists, offering a wide array of local handicrafts, branded items, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. It's a bustling hub where you can experience the vibrant local trade culture.
15 minutes here
The Independence Palace
Independence Palace is a historical monument witnessing significant changes in Saigon’s history. This iconic building served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and its preserved rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation's past.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a poignant museum that vividly shows the evolution and brutal realities of the Vietnam War. It displays military equipment, photographic exhibits, and historical artifacts, offering a powerful perspective on the conflict's impact.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Walking Street is the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, renowned for its dynamic energy and round-the-clock activity. Visitors can experience a mix of inexpensive bars, street food stalls, music venues, and souvenir shops that create a lively, bustling atmosphere. It's the perfect place for tourists to socialize, people-watch, and enjoy a quintessential Saigon street scene, especially after dark when the street is closed to traffic.
30 minutes here
The Saigon Waterbus offers a relaxing boat ride on the Saigon River with excellent panoramic views of the city skyline, especially perfect during sunset. It provides a unique perspective of Ho Chi Minh City's urban landscape and waterways.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Saigon Japan Town
Saigon Japan Town, centered on the small alleys between Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung streets, is a charming "Little Tokyo" with a distinctly Japanese feel. This compact neighborhood is characterized by red-and-white lanterns, wooden storefronts, and is a haven for authentic Japanese cuisine, from cozy ramen shops to traditional izakayas. It truly comes alive at night, offering a peaceful, immersive experience that stands out amid the bustle of District 1.
15 minutes here
Bitexco Financial Tower
Bitexco Financial Tower is an iconic skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, with a unique design modeled after the image of a lotus bud reaching up to the sky. Its Saigon Skydeck observation platform offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
15 minutes here
Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a bustling street market known for offering some of the best and most diverse street food in Vietnam, with a strong influence from Cambodian cuisine due to its location near a Cambodian market. It's a vibrant spot for culinary exploration.
60 minutes here
Thao Dien is Ho Chi Minh City's lush, cosmopolitan enclave, known for its tranquil, tree-lined streets and position along the Saigon River. It is a popular spot for expats, offering a distinct lifestyle with a wide range of international restaurants, stylish boutiques, and trendy independent cafes. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, riverside dining at places like The Deck, and browsing unique art galleries and shops.
45 minutes here
Chợ Lớn
Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown, a historical and cultural district bursting with energy. It's characterized by its bustling markets, traditional Chinese temples, ancient assembly halls, and traditional medicine shops, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Chinese-Vietnamese community.
15 minutes here
Thien Hau Temple is a beautiful Chinese-style temple in Cholon, holding high cultural and historical significance. Dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, it is renowned for its elaborate porcelain dioramas, intricate woodcarvings, and the pervasive scent of burning incense spirals.
15 minutes here
Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market is the oldest and one of the largest wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City's Cholon (Chinatown) district. It's a vibrant hub for local commerce, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, with everything from fresh produce to textiles and household goods.
15 minutes here
Emperor Jade Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Tortoise Pagoda) is one of the most atmospheric Taoist temples in Ho Chi Minh City, filled with intricately carved statues of divinities and grotesque heroes. Its incense-filled interior and unique artistry create a spiritual and mystical ambiance.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ho Chi Minh City
Meet your guide at Ciao Cafe on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 1 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meet your guide at Ciao Cafe on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street.
Options you can book
4-hour tour
Duration: 4 hours: Choose this option if you have more time to explore the city's main attractions and discover hidden gems. Pickup included
6-hour tour
Duration: 6 hours: Choose this option to experience 2-3 districts in the city. Pickup included
3-hour tour
Duration: 3 hours: Choose this option to visit some of the city's main attractions and discover 1 or 2 hidden gems. Pickup included
2-hour tour
Duration: 2 hours: Choose this option if you have very limited time and want a brief overview of 1-2 districts with a few selected attractions. Pickup included
8-hour tour
Duration: 8 hours: Choose this option to spend a full day exploring the city's main attractions and hidden gems. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- vi, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Suisse Plus Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Saigon scene
Tu was an excellent guide. He was flexible and fitted in my requests with exceptional timing. I had perfect confidence in him.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- CHF 14 to CHF 130
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Suisse Plus Travel, who run 17 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.3.
See everything Suisse Plus Travel runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide cost?
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Prices start at CHF 14 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide?
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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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide?
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Around 0 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Walking tour (fully customizable and private); and Local tour guide (Vietnamese or expat). Not included: Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3249 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Be ready about 1 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide offered in?
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It is offered in Vietnamese and 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide?
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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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; 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 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What booking options are available for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Private Tour with a Local Guide?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including 4-hour tour, 6-hour tour, 3-hour tour, 2-hour tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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