Saigon is a place where the modern rush meets timeless tradition, where every street feels alive with contrast. One of the best ways to take it all in is by joining one of the many tours in Ho Chi Minh City. From bustling alleyways and street markets to peaceful temples and rooftop cafés, every turn reveals something unexpected.
But for travellers arriving for the first time, or even for returning visitors, figuring out how to truly connect with the real Saigon can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where guided tours come in. With a thoughtfully curated tour, you’ll see the city through a richer lens, with background stories, local knowledge, and unexpected moments along the way.
So, if you’re ready to see Ho Chi Minh City from a fresh perspective, let’s jump into the best tours the city has to offer!
Why Are Tours in Ho Chi Minh City the Best Way to Discover the City?
Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), as it’s still lovingly called by locals; is the kind of place that instantly pulls you in. It’s bold, busy, full of energy, and packed with contrasts at every turn. You”ll be dazzled to see various traditional markets buzz just around the corner from high-rise buildings, and serene alleyways suddenly open into hidden gardens or sizzling street food corners. Hence, Saigon is a city built on layers and the best way to uncover them is through the lens of someone who knows it inside out.
That’s why tours in Ho Chi Minh City are more than just a way to reach the place; they’re your doorway into the soul of the city. Sure, you could try exploring solo, but without the guidance, it’s easy to miss what makes Saigon so special. From hidden alleyways to local hangouts, these tours often uncover off-the-beaten-path things to do in Saigon that you wouldn’t stumble upon on your own.
Top-Rated Tours in Ho Chi Minh City You Shouldn’t Miss
City Cycling Tour: Explore Saigon’s Iconic Landmarks
For those seeking tours in Ho Chi Minh City that blend history, culture, and fresh air, a city cycling tour is one of the most enriching ways to experience the city center. Unlike other transportation modes, biking through the city allows you to slow down and truly immerse in the little everyday scenes of local life that make Saigon feel alive.
A perfect way to kickstart this journey is to commence your journey at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office, two of the city’s most iconic French colonial landmarks. Next, pedal your way toward the Reunification Palace, where traces of the past come alive right in the middle of a bustling urban park. Along the way, you might glide past the elegant Saigon Opera House, take a small break at the Mong Bridge, or enjoy the free-spirited charm of the Turtle Lake, each stop revealing a different side of the city.
For a fresh and immersive take on tours in Ho Chi Minh City, Jackfruit Adventure’s Tour de Saigon guides you through the city’s iconic sights and lesser-known gems by bike. It’s a laid-back, story-rich ride that lets you see Saigon the way locals do.
Night Cycling Tour: Discover Saigon After Dark with Mysterious Local Tales
Not all tours in Ho Chi Minh City end with sunset and that’s when some of the most intriguing experiences begin. As the city lights turn on, Saigon transforms into a quieter, more mysterious version of itself.
On night cycling tours, you’ll typically start just before sunset, cycling through less-traveled streets as golden light fades into neon. On the road, you will stop at a preserved traditional house in District 1 that showcases Vietnamese spiritual customs and learn about its history. As you cycle deeper into the city, you’ll explore the hidden alleys of District 4 (once known as “Gangster Paradise”) and get a glimpse into a side of Saigon most tourists never see.
If you’re drawn to stories that lie just beneath the surface, Jackfruit Adventure’s Saigon’s Untold Tales City Night Ride is a cycling tour that blends atmosphere, urban folklore, and local history in all the right ways. Rather than sightseeing, you’ll be story-listening and place-feeling, experiencing Saigon at a rhythm few tourists ever get to know.
Saigon River Tour: Explore the City by Water
When planning tours in Ho Chi Minh City, many visitors picture walking through city streets or hopping on a motorbike for a street food adventure. But one of the most unique and refreshing ways to discover Saigon from the river. A Saigon River tour offers a slower, scenic perspective, letting you watch the city from the calm flow of the riverbanks.
These tours typically start from central piers like Bach Dang Wharf in District 1. Along the way, you’ll cruise past numerous colonial-era buildings, floating homes, riverside temples, high-rises reflecting in the water, and you’ll clearly see how the old and new coexist in harmony.
For travelers on a budget or with limited time, I recommend trying the Saigon Waterbus is a wonderful option. This waterbus runs from District 1 to Thu Duc City and treats you to gorgeous views across the Saigon skyline, especially at sunset without breaking the bank. A one-way Waterbus ticket costs around $1–$2 USD, while private or group Saigon River tours on boats or speedboats typically range from $25 to $60 USD, depending on duration and amenities.
Street Food Tour: Dive Into Saigon’s Culinary Scene
When visitors search for the best tours in Ho Chi Minh City, street food tours often top the list and for good reason. As you know, Saigon is a paradise for food lovers, from smoky roadside grills to colorful plastic tables packed with locals.
Along the way, you’ll taste beloved street food staples like Banh Xeo, Bun Thit Nuong, Goi Cuon, Bot Chien, Che, and Banh Trang Tron. Then, you can wash down with local favorite beverages such as fresh sugarcane juice, herbal iced tea, kumquat iced tea, or even a cold Saigon special beer.
Therefore, joining a guided Ho Chi Minh City food tour means you don’t have to guess where to go or what to try. For instance, you can freely explore bustling walking streets like Nguyen Canh Chan Street (famous for Vietnamese dishes), Vinh Khanh Cuisine Street in District 4 (for grilled seafood), and Nguyen Hue or Bui Vien Walking Street (sell signature desserts, skewers, and creative street snacks).
For those who want to combine street food with something more active and atmospheric, the Saigon Foodie Night Ride offers a unique twist. You’ll cycle with us through lively districts by night, stopping at beloved hidden local stalls where these classic dishes come to life.
Cultural Tour of Saigon: Discover the City’s Rich Heritage
When exploring tours in Ho Chi Minh City, travelers often seek more than landmarks; they’re looking to uncover the culture, history, and everyday stories that define the city. That’s exactly what a cultural tour of Saigon provides: a chance to go beyond the surface and connect with the heritage that lives on in its streets, temples, and local traditions.
A good cultural and historical tour in Ho Chi Minh City often includes visits to key landmarks like the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ba Thien Hau Temple, and historical quarters like Chinatown (Cho Lon) Saigon. These experiences give visitors profound insight into the diverse communities that have long called Saigon home, from Vietnamese to Chinese, Khmer, and French influences. Moreover, you’ll explore architectural relics, hear stories of resilience through wartime and colonization, and witness spiritual rituals that still shape daily life.
For those curious to explore this side of Saigon on two wheels, the Trails of Quach Dam: Chinatown Discovery in District 5 gently guides you through these historical enclaves. This tour route is specifically named after one of the city’s most notable merchants, focusing on the tranquil corners of Chinatown and streets where Chinese and Vietnamese heritage blend seamlessly. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to feel the real pulse of Saigon’s past in modern times, not just read about it in newspapers.
Explore Saigon at Sunset: Guided Cycling & Kayaking Adventure
Among many tours in Ho Chi Minh City, the sunset cycling and kayaking tour stands out for offering something truly unique. As evening falls and warm golden light dances across Saigon’s rooftops and riverbanks, the city slows down and reveals a calmer, more enchanting side of Saigon that many travelers miss.
This tour takes you out of the city and into the calm of the countryside, where your bike path winds past blooming lotus ponds, quiet fishing villages, and leafy garden homes tucked away from the noise. After cycling, it’s time to hop off the bike and paddle down the serene Saigon River just as the sun begins to set.
For those craving a peaceful escape into nature with breathtaking scenery, the Pedal & Paddle Saigon’s Sunset Adventure is a perfect fit. It’s one of the few tours in Ho Chi Minh City that lets you explore both land and water in one relaxing afternoon. Soon, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a quieter, more soulful side of the city.
Full-Day Combo Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Adventure
If you’re short on time but want to experience both wartime history and the rural charm of southern Vietnam, this full-day combo tour is one of the most worthwhile tours in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s also a great pick for anyone looking to check off iconic things to do in Vietnam, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and exploring the Mekong Delta, without the stress of planning it all yourself.
Your morning begins with a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network once used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. As you crawl through preserved sections of the tunnels, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilience, strategy, and daily life during wartime.
After lunch, the pace slows as you journey south to the Mekong Delta, a region of palm-lined canals, bee farms, and handmade coconut candy. Don’t miss Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats brim with fresh produce and daily life unfolds on the water. It’s a unique contrast to urban Saigon and a chance to see how life flows gently in the delta.
How to Choose the Right Tours in Ho Chi Minh City?
With so many tours in Ho Chi Minh City to choose from, we suggest picking the right one based on your interests, time, and how you want to connect with the local culture. Here are some insider tips to choose the best fit for your travel style:
- Match your interests: For first-time cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, choose beginner-friendly routes that align with your curiosity, whether it’s local culture, food, or scenic views.
- Think about timing: Smaller groups often mean a more personal and flexible experience, especially helpful during the rainy season cycling when weather can shift quickly.
- Don’t cram too many tours in one day: You’ll enjoy the tour more if you have space to rest, or freely explore the sites.
- Read the itinerary carefully: A well-detailed itinerary tells you exactly what to expect, no vague descriptions or surprise “shopping stops.”
- Check recent reviews: Real feedback helps you know what to expect, not just what’s advertised.
Why Jackfruit Adventure’s Tours in Ho Chi Minh City Offer a Fresh Take on Saigon?
If you’re searching for tours in Ho Chi Minh City that go beyond the usual routes, you’re not alone. More and more travelers want to explore Saigon in a way that feels immersive, connecting with local culture, uncovering hidden alleyways, and experiencing the city’s energy in a more personal, active way.
At Jackfruit Adventure, our guided cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City are designed for those who want to explore Saigon at street level, with time to pause, observe, and take it all in. In these rides, we’ll move through a mix of historic sites, local neighborhoods, riverside paths, and everyday moments that help you experience the city more fully.
Join us for a ride, and see a side of Saigon that most travellers miss!
