Experience the best of Ho Chi Minh City with Withlocals
Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City to the max with the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!
Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City to the max with the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!
Enjoy the Best of the Ho Chi Minh City Like a Local
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Once called Diamond of the Far-East, Ho Chi Minh City is now one of the top places to visit in Vietnam. To help you to get the most out of this destination, we made a top 10 things to do in this amazing city. Check it out!
Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City Highlights with a Local
HCMC is home of many highlights and a bunch of museums like the War Remnants Museum. This museum is one of the best places to learn about Vietnamese history. Another highlight you cannot miss while visiting HCMC is Notre Dame Cathedral, a place where you can see the combination of traditional Vietnamese culture and French colonial culture.
Let your local guide show you the best of HCMC. The best part is that you can personalize your tour to see the places that interest you the most!
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Share the joy of travel! With a Withlocals gift card, your friends and family can explore unique experiences they’ll treasure forever.
Feel the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City like a true local! From vibrant markets to interesting day trips, you’ll love discovering all the unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City offers the perfect activity for everyone, and you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay a little longer. Foodies will be sipping freshly made pho with dumplings and dried shrimp, devouring green papaya and cooling off with an ice cold Siagon beers at the street cafés. Cultural explorers can get lost in the intricate markets, visit the control rooms at the War Remnants Museum and see the famous Saigon Central Post Office. With your local host, you’ll discover where to go to find the top things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City on your private tour! Exploring with a local host who knows the city like the back of their hand is the best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels of the Mekong Delta, learn about Vietnamese history on a private city tour or eat your way through the markets, your local host will ensure you experience all the best activities. Simply let your local host know your interests and hobbies, and they will personalize your tour to show you all the things you would most love to see in Ho Chi Ming City! When you’re planning what to do in Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than a Withlocals private tour. Your day with a local host is fully customizable, so you’ll be able to discover all the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City on your own terms. Your host will sort everything out for you!
"We had such a wonderful time with Jecky! He showed us some hidden gems in Saigon that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. Jecky’s love for his city is truly infectious, and I’d definitely recommend him to anyone!"
MihkelAbout local JeckyHo Chi Minh City, January 18, 2026
5.0
Private Mekong the only way
"We hate big tours, and Thien delivered with a customised experience with a fast forward on some activities and being flexible with our time. We gave a hard deadline to be back to the city and Thien delivered perfectly.
Thien has a relationship with all the places we visit and ensures you are not ripped off. Other people touring often commented how Lucy we were to have Thien. We saw quite a lot of other tour guides not interacting with there tour members.
Overall a great trip with Thien - once again.!"
StephenAbout local ThienHo Chi Minh City, January 14, 2026
5.0
Excellent
"Spring was wonderful, we tried lots of new foods and fruits. "
Eric About local Spring or HieuHo Chi Minh City, January 14, 2026
5.0
Great fun
"I had a great morning in China town with Thien! As the real local she is very knowledgeable but also very friendly and huge fun! We had lovely chats and she navigated me through the parts of the city I would hardly get to on my own. Thien was also very flexible and was ready to adapt the itinerary of the tour according to my preferences. She was actually more friend than just a tour guide and I loved that. I trully enjoyed myself!"
AlesAbout local ThienHo Chi Minh City, January 10, 2026
5.0
Great Cu Chi Tunnel Tour
"It was a great tour with Jecki. He brought the tunnels and the events of that time very vividly to life for us. Jecki is a wonderful guide—friendly and attentive. He is full of knowledge and stories that make the terrible time of the war tangible and deeply moving.
By the way: Jecki is also a great photographer. Let him show you his photos—they’ll make you want to explore Vietnam even more."
MartinAbout local JeckyHo Chi Minh City, January 10, 2026
5.0
Excellent HCM / Cu Chi Tunnels tour.
"We did a one day tour with Thien that was exceptional. We only had one full day and needed to catch a late night flight. I contacted Thien and laid out what we wanted to do and our constraints. She set up a great itinerary, met us at our hotel, and took us to the tunnels. She has some great insights into the tunnels, and guided us through them carefully. It was really a great experience. We drove back into town and did a quick afternoon tour of the city, stopping for lunch and at the oldest coffee shop in town, a local authentic one, no chains. Then back to the hotel to grab our luggage and head out. Can't say enough about how well she and the driver took care of us. If you want a real experience in the tunnels and HCM city, I highly recommend you contact her!!!"
MARTINAbout local ThienHo Chi Minh City, January 9, 2026
5.0
Amazing and delicious adventure!
"We had such an amazing time with Elise. She took us through Chinatown and guided us through sampling all the delicious vegan treats that Chinatown had to offer. We went to the flower mart as well and then to a park where we tried amazing green papaya salad. She even sent us home with some extra snacks for later. Elise was delightful to spend a few hours with and I’m grateful we met her!"
AliAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, January 9, 2026
5.0
A true street food experience
"Our family of three had an unforgettable street food experience with Elise. Elise took us places we would not have visited on our own: The most insignificant places had the most delicious food, one even being Michelin recommended.
Elise is the most sweet and open person you could dream of as your guide.
Thank you, Elise 🤲 "
HeidiAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, January 9, 2026
5.0
awesome tour
"we had the best time with hieu!! he is so nice, explains everything you want to know about the city, culture, food etc. even made sure the tour was great for me as a veggie. can highly recommend!"
FriederikeAbout local Spring or HieuHo Chi Minh City, January 7, 2026
5.0
Excellent coffee experience
"We had such a great initiation into the local coffee culture with Elise, who took us to 3 fantastic locations to try different types of coffee. The places she took us were well thought out and unique. We had a great afternoon and really appreciated all the recommendations Elise gave us and we were able to try some of them before we left HCMC. Thanks so much Elise! "
RhodaAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, January 6, 2026
Feel like a local, not a tourist
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
More you, less checklist
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Travel that feels good
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Ho Chi Minh City: Street Food
492 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Ho Chi Minh City
Ready to taste the best food in Ho Chi Minh City? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Ho Chi Minh City.
We all know that the Asian food is absolutely delicious! While a restaurant can give you a local experience with all the buzzing atmosphere around it, it doesn’t come close to the magic and coziness a home-cooked meal, so let a local host help you on that. Lovely locals, personal stories, travel tips, these authentic moments are all included on your personal home cooked dinner.
Some of the dishes you'll taste might include Banh Cuon a dish made from a thin, wide sheet of steamed fermented rice batter filled with a mixture of cooked seasoned ground pork. Also, you don`t want to miss Bún chả which comes with grilled pork sausage patties, a basket of herbs, bean sprouts and pickled veggies. Let a local introduce you to their traditional Vietnamese delicious dishes. And if you have any special requests, let your local host know!
Go on a Local Market Adventure
For shopping enthusiasts and first-time visitors looking to experience the daily lives of the locals, the best thing to do is to go visit the local markets. From major markets like Cho Binh Tay or Ben Thanh to several local small markets, variety will not be an issue. Here you`ll find some of the friendliest and liveliest people in the city. To enjoy this experience at its fullest come with a sense of adventure and expect products and aromas both wonderful and surprising.
Your host will help you shop around, giving you amazing tips and insights. See, taste and feel the real HCMC`s life, only with a local!
Enjoy a Vietnamese Historic Experience
Once you come to HCMC, you can't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels. This is your chance to see and learn how Viet Cong, a political organization that operated during the Vietnam war, survived and fought during the war. The huge network of tunnels include living quarters, weapons bomb-making factories and more.
Get all your historical facts from your private guide and find out more about the secret network of deep underground tunnels. You will be amazed!
A Unique Off the beaten Track Tour
Done with the famous landmarks in HCMC? Now it is time to discover another part of the city, only known by locals. Get ready to walk through Saigon's back roads and neighborhood alleys. Uncover urban tales and visit less wandered districts.
This is an authentic way to see the city and meet its people. All of this, away from the common tourist hot spots. Join your local host on this incredible tour!
Take a Cooking Class with a Local Foodie
Have you ever wanted to learn the secrets to the delicious Vietnamese food? Then we've got you covered! You will learn to make an original Vietnamese dish by picking all the ingredients from an organic farm with your local host and then together you’ll get a hands-on experience cooking. One of the most well-know dishes is Pho, a basic dish consisting of a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, a sprinkling of herbs and chicken or beef.
Go on this complete cooking class and take home with you this unique souvenir: A Vietnamese original recipe that you can cook at home. All thanks to your local host!
Discover the City on a Motorcycle Tour
A private motorcycle tour is the easiest and most exciting way to travel and discover everything the city has to offer. This experience is great for anyone who is interested in sightseeing and learning more about the rich history HCMH has to offer on the back of a motorbike. Have you read about Vietnam’s crazy traffic? Who better than a local to show you around, teach you the way to deal with the no-rules traffic situations and show you how daily life happens in Ho Chi Minh City?
Get ready to jump on the motorcycle and discover Ho Chi Minh together with your private guide! That’s a story to remember, eh?
Explore the Nightlife of the City with a Local
For those who seek to find the thrill of the night in HCMC go on a nightlife tour alongside a local. Ho Chi Minh has plenty to offer specially at night, from late snacks to shopping or local clubs, your host can personalize the experience for you. Want to enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar? Check out the Saigon Saigon Rooftop bar for a fabulous view among expats and locals ready to party. Or head out to View Rooftop Bar located on the 9th floor of Duc Vuong Hotel for a crowd of backpackers and cheaper drinks. You can also visit the Pham Ngu Lao Market, a travelers’ hub that has all the ingredients for a night to remember.
Want something else? Check out any of the city’s live music bars for a good time: Sax n’ Art Jazz Club, Acoustic Bar, Yoko Bar or Seventeen Saloon.
Your private guide can show you where you can have the best food after hours or even how to bargain in the market. Ask your host for suggestions and let the fun begin!
Go on a Day Tour Outside HCMC
For a better knowledge of the culture and the locals, go outside of the city and visit the surrounding areas for a truly unique experience. A trip to My Tho city is a good way to get away from the hustle & the bustle of HCMC. This small city has a lot of interesting activities and worth a visit when you are in the big capital!
If you want to try something different, a chocolate workshop in Bình Thủy is what you need! You`ll have the chance to make chocolate, try cocoa wine and find out the secrets of making cocoa butter. It's handmade and it smells delicious too!
Let your personal guide know that you wish to see outside of the city. They’ll take care of everything to make sure make sure you enjoy the experience!
Go on a Tour for Local Food Lovers
Are you ready to start eating insanely delicious Vietnamese food when you’re in Saigon? Enjoy local snacks, try new food, enjoy live music and plenty of other fun things to do. You`ll have the chance to discover Ho Chi Minh City and get the tastiest private experience so far! You can try a wide range of local food such as: bạch tuộc nướng (grilled octupus), bánh xèo (savoury crepes filled with pork and bean sprouts) or Chè, a sweet Vietnamese dessert that incorporate fruit, vegetables, beans, seeds, glutinous rice and tapioca powder.
You can let your host your diet restrictions and food preferences and they'll make a 100% personalized tour for you. Friendly tip: don’t eat before the tour!
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Embark on a Cu Chi tunnels day trip outside of Ho Chi Minh City where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective. Give yourself the gift of a Cu Chi tunnels day trip with a local - it’s a must-do!
Want to see the best of Ho Chi Minh City? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Ho Chi Minh City!
Embark on a Mekong Delta day trip outside of Ho Chi Minh City where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective. Give yourself the gift of a Mekong Delta day trip with a local - it’s a must-do!
2.5 hours | Off the beaten track | Ho Chi Minh City
Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Ho Chi Minh City. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Quân 6 where you’ll experience a different Ho Chi Minh City, like a local with a local by your side!
See two sides of southern Vietnam in one day — the peaceful countryside around the Cu Chi Tunnels and the energy of modern Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the original Ben Duoc site, explore underground history, and later discover the city’s iconic landmarks with your local host
How do you imagine the perfect Ho Chi Minh City tour? See Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights in comfort and style. Travel by private car with your local host to explore Saigon’s famous landmarks, colorful markets, and authentic local life — all at your own pace
Did you know that the Ho Chi Minh City tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Ho Chi Minh City, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
Want to get a real local taste of the Ho Chi Minh City? Give it a taste and find out on this the Local Coffee Culture private tour in Ho Chi Minh City!
Taste, smell, and experience the essence of Saigon through its coffee culture. From colonial cafés to hidden alleys, discover how locals enjoy their daily brew and how coffee became part of the city’s soul.
