Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour with a Local: Highlights & Gems
Active
2h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Uncover the many layers of Ho Chi Minh City on a private walking tour that blends well-known sights with back-alley charm. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so we can match you with a local host who tailors the day to your pace and preferences. Admire landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, explore Ben Thanh Market from a fresh perspective, then slip into quiet streets, explore lesser-known neighborhoods, and end your day at a peaceful café or lakeside spot that suits your mood.
- Explore Ho Chi Minh’s landmarks, backstreets, and quiet corners with a local host
- Enjoy a fully customized experience shaped around your interests and travel style
- Discover authentic neighborhoods beyond the city center like District 3 and Cholon
- A pre-tour online questionnaire ensures your itinerary is uniquely crafted
- Connect with local culture through genuine and meaningful encounters
Available options
2-hours Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Pickup included
3-hours Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Pickup included
6-hours Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Duration: 6 hours<br/>Pickup included
4-hours Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host
Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central!
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
Detailed itinerary
1
See Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of someone who calls it home—exploring hidden alleys, vibrant neighborhoods, and everyday life with a passionate local by your side. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections, designed around you.
Before your adventure begins, you’ll receive a short online questionnaire so we can craft an itinerary that reflects your interests—whether it’s colonial boulevards, street food, quiet pagodas, or tucked-away markets. Here are some highlights to spark your curiosity:
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Begin your experience at this French colonial landmark. Your host shares its story before guiding you through nearby historic streets and quiet corners often missed by tourists.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Explore this bustling market with your host, who may lead you into nearby alleys where locals shop, snack, and sell goods away from the main tourist stalls.
4
Walk through a leafy neighborhood filled with colonial villas, local cafés, small temples, and daily street life that reveals a slower, more authentic pace of the city.
5
Discover this historic area known for herbal medicine shops, ornate temples, and traditional markets. Your host brings local culture to life with real stories and local stops.
6
End your day at this laid-back gathering spot, where locals snack, chat, and unwind beside a city lake surrounded by food stalls, trees, and youthful street energy.
What's not included
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
VI
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
Meeting point
This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.
Important notes
Once you've booked your experience, your local host will personally reach out to tailor the adventure to your interests. Whether you're seeking authentic food spots, cultural insights, or hidden gems, we ensure your journey is immersive, personalized, and uniquely yours, transforming your tour into a meaningful connection with the city.
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.
Top Attractions
War Remnants Museum
This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Cu Chi Tunnels
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Historical
Half-day tour
Moderate (tour prices vary)
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Ben Thanh Market
One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.
Market
1-2 hours
Budget to Moderate
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.
Observation Deck
1 hour
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Com Tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Goi Cuon
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.
Appetizer
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels
Boat tours in the Mekong Delta
Beach relaxation in Vung Tau
Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest
Spa and wellness treatments
Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum
Exploring local markets and temples
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Bargain for better prices at markets
Getting there
By air
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center
By train
Saigon Railway Station
By bus
Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
District 1
District 3
District 5 (Chinatown)
District 7
Phu Nhuan District
Day trips
Mekong Delta
130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
Cu Chi Tunnels
60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Vung Tau
120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Festivals
Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year)
Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
- Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
