Trip overview
– Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by locals, is a city that never sleeps — vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. As Vietnam’s largest city and economic hub, Saigon blends the energy of a modern metropolis with deep historical roots and rich culture. From colonial architecture and bustling markets to rooftop bars and hidden alleys, every corner of this city tells a story.
– Tourists are often drawn to iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum, which offer glimpses into the country’s complex history. Just a short ride away, you can also explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, offering a powerful and immersive experience.
– But what truly makes Saigon unforgettable is its incredible food scene. Whether you’re dining at a family-run eatery or grabbing a bite from a street vendor on a scooter-filled street, the flavors are bold, diverse, and full of character. Don’t miss out on dishes like pho (beef noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), or hu tieu (Southern-style noodle soup). Saigon is also famous for its rich coffee culture — try a strong iced cà phê sữa đá while watching the world go by from a small roadside stool.
– By night, the city transforms — markets light up, food stalls come alive, and rooftop views offer a dazzling cityscape. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply a curious traveler, Saigon has something to offer you. It’s a city of contrasts, chaos, and charm — a place where tradition and modernity coexist in the most fascinating way.
– These food spots aren’t chosen at random — they come highly recommended by locals and are the best picks from over 100 must-try food in vietnam.
What's included
Scooter
Cultural insights
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Helmet
Food origins
Insurance
Historical insights
About our tour
- Transportation: by Scooter/Car
- Pick-up: free within District 1, 3 and 4. A $5 fee applies for other pick-up locations.
- Tour Length: around 3 hours
- Start Time: 9 AM or 5 PM (or on request)
- Pricing: $50 per person (USD), inclusive of all food and drink.
- Payment: Bank transfer or cash is preferred and will be collected in person at the start of the tour.
- Group Size: We usually host groups of around 6 people. For private tours or larger groups (up to 20 people) please contact us in advance
Cancellation policy
- A full refund is available for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the tour start time.
- A 50% cancellation fee applies to cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time.
- No refund will be issued for cancellations made within 2 hours of departure — the full tour price will be charged.
What to expect
- Led by friendly, English-speaking local students who know the city inside out
- No fancy frills — just real, authentic experiences. Dine with locals, connect with locals
- Hop on the back of a scooter with one of our friendly (and fully licensed!) local riders
- Soak in the vibrant energy of Saigon’s streets
- Treat your taste buds to some of the city's most famous street food delights
- Get fascinating insights into everyday Vietnamese life — from cultural quirks to food traditions
- Get the stories behind each dish
Food list
1. Papaya Salad (Gỏi đu đủ)
2. Huynh Hoa Baguette (Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa)
3. Spicy Satay Beef Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu xa tế bò)
4. Sugarcane Juice with Coconut (Nước mía dừa)
5. Dao Coffee
6. Beef Noodle Soup (Bún bò)
7. Crab Noodle Soup (Bánh canh cua)
8. Broken Rice with Grilled Pork (Cơm tấm Sài Gòn)
9. Stir-Fried Noodles with Seafood (Mì xào hải sản)
10. Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (Bánh xèo)
11. Grilled Pork Baguette (Bánh mì thịt nướng)
12. Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún mắm)
13. Southern Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (Bánh xèo miền Nam)
14. Herbal Sweet Soup (Sâm bổ lượng)
* Note: Some dishes are not listed here, as we often try food on a whim whenever we stumble upon something that looks good.
Itinerary
1. Pick-up
Enjoy free pick-up and drop-off services in Districts 1, 3, and 4. A $5 fee applies for pick-up or drop-off outside these districts
2. Le Van Tam Park (30mins)
About: Le Van Tam Park, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a beautiful and relaxing urban space. The park is a popular spot for locals to walk, jog, or enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature. Beyond its lush greenery, the park is also known for its vibrant food scene. Stalls and small vendors offer delicious Vietnamese street food, such as banh mi (Vietnamese Sandwich, Com Tam (Broken Rice), and fresh fruit juices. Visitors can enjoy a tasty snack or a full meal while relaxing under the shade of trees, making it a perfect spot for both nature and food lovers.
Must-try food: Papaya Salad (Gỏi đu đủ), Huynh Hoa Baguette (Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa), Spicy Satay Beef Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu xa tế bò), Sugarcane Juice with Coconut (Nước mía dừa), Dao Coffee
3. Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment Buildings (30mins)
About: The Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment complex has stood for nearly half a century, and it’s here that we’ll enjoy a bowl of Hue-style beef soup. Many residents have lived here for decades and have no desire to leave the place they’ve long called home — some have even been neighbors since the time of the Vietnam War.
Must-try food: Beef Noodle Soup (Bún bò), Crab Noodle Soup (Bánh canh cua), Broken Rice with Grilled Pork (Cơm tấm Sài Gòn), Stir-Fried Noodles with Seafood (Mì xào hải sản), Sugarcane Juice with Coconut (Nước mía dừa)
4. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market (30mins)
About: Ho Thi Ky is the largest flower market in Ho Chi Minh City, supplying blooms not only to the city itself but also to several southern provinces. Established in the 1980s, it remains one of the few places that still preserves the charm and character of old Saigon.
Must-try food: Spicy Satay Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu Sa Tế), Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (Bánh xèo), Grilled Pork Baguette (Bánh mì thịt nướng), Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún mắm), Sugarcane Juice with Coconut (Nước mía dừa)
5. Sai Gon Cho Lon (30mins)
About: Cho Lon, also known as Saigon’s Chinatown, is a bustling area located in District 5 and District 6. Known for its rich cultural heritage, this vibrant neighborhood is home to a large Chinese community. The streets are lined with colorful markets, temples, and traditional shops selling herbs, spices, and unique Chinese goods. The district’s architecture reflects its cultural blend, with old Chinese-style buildings and pagodas. Visitors can explore the lively atmosphere, indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine, or shop for local products. Cho Lon offers a glimpse into the history and vibrant life of Saigon’s diverse communities.
Must-try Food: Spicy Satay Beef Rice Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu sa tế bò, Southern Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (Bánh xèo miền Nam), Thick Crab Noodle Soup (Bánh canh cua), Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún mắm), Sugarcane Juice (Nước mía), Herbal Sweet Soup (Sâm bổ lượng)
6. Sai Gon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) (15mins)
About: The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the heart of District 1, this beautiful French colonial-style building was completed in 1900. Its grand architecture, with ornate details, arched windows, and a stunning facade, reflects the city’s colonial past. Inside, the theater boasts an elegant interior, featuring a spacious auditorium with plush seating and excellent acoustics. The Saigon Opera House hosts a variety of performances, from classical music and ballet to modern plays and musicals, making it a cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
7. Drop-off
This marks the end of our journey. Your tour guides will return you to your hotel or any other location of your choice. Thank you for joining our food tour! We’d love to hear your thoughts—your feedback helps us improve our service. Please feel free to share it with us via:
Whatsapp: +84794567875
Gmail: huynhvantrongminh@gmail.com