Best tours of Ho Chi Minh

If you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, you will find that it is one of Vietnam's most attraction-rich destinations. With a wide range of cultural offerings and some of the country's most outstanding historical buildings and monuments, the city formerly known as Saigon will challenge you to choose the alternatives that are ideal for your travel plan.

Some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City include taking a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, boarding a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, taking a motorbike tour, visiting the Bitexco Financial Tower observation deck, attending a popular water puppet show and discovering Vietnamese cuisine on a guided tour.

If you want to visit one of the highlights of Vietnam during your tour of Ho Chi Minh City, you can't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels. These experiences will allow you to get to know the underground labyrinth that has been steeped in the country's history and has become a symbol of resistance.

During these tours you can explore the intricate network of tunnels that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and were instrumental in the victory of the North Vietnamese guerrillas. Assisted by an expert local guide, you will witness the tenacity and creativity of the soldiers during one of the most intense conflicts of the 20th century.

The Cu Chi tunnels reveal extraordinary underground craftwork, including narrow passages and secret rooms that served as hideouts, hospitals and command centres for the Viet Cong. Here visitors can discover how the Vietnamese created ingenious ventilation and camouflage systems to survive in adverse conditions and in the face of a militarily superior enemy.

These experiences offer an insight into daily life in the Cu Chi tunnels, from a walk through the makeshift kitchens to an overview of combat strategies. In this fascinating place, you can also find remnants of war, such as soldier's traps and historic battlefields.

Interesting details

• Price: around 17 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to participate in a traditional Vietnamese experience and experience the daily routine of these tunnels first hand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: not recommended for people with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

One of the best views of Ho Chi Minh City is from the Saigon River, and the most popular way to experience this is by taking a night-time dinner cruise. This river tour will not only offer you a captivating view of the illuminated city with its iconic skyscrapers and historic bridges, but will also allow you to discover the local cuisine.

The Ho Chi Minh City dinner cruise usually includes stops at some of the most iconic sites along the Saigon River, such as the Bitexco Tower and Mong Street Bridge. These strategic points offer sweeping views that transform as you move along the river, providing a unique and captivating visual experience.

When it comes to dining, you can discover authentic Vietnamese flavours. From traditional dishes such as pho, a rice noodle soup with beef or chicken, or bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich with fresh and tasty ingredients to sophisticated goi cuon, fresh spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, fresh herbs and rice noodles, you'll get a taste of the best of the local culinary culture.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 38 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to combine a panoramic tour with the highlights of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Disadvantages of these tours: during the summer or rainy season, the visibility of these tours can be significantly affected.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh on a motorbike allows you to immerse yourself in the very essence of the city, where this mode of transport is an inseparable part of the bustling urban life. These tours will also allow you to discover the most authentic and exciting corners of the city, as expert drivers will take you to the city's most striking sights.

During the tour you can visit iconic buildings such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Post Office and the lively Bui Vien Street, known for its nightlife and vibrant atmosphere. Motorbikes are also popular in the city as they are the perfect way to get around the chaotic city traffic.

Motorbike riding, then, is an activity rooted in Vietnamese tradition, where the streets teem with scooters zigzagging between markets, temples and street markets. Common itineraries usually also include a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you can explore the rich variety of fresh produce and handicrafts.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to tour the city in a typical local alternative and in an efficient way that will allow you to avoid the heavy traffic.
• Disadvantages of these tours: due to the fact that it is a very intense experience, it is not recommended for older adults or people with reduced mobility.

If you want an experience that will allow you to contemplate the contrasts of Ho Chi Minh City's urban and architectural layout from 262 metres above sea level, you can't miss the Bitexco Financial Tower observation deck. This observation deck will give you a full perspective of the city as far as the eye can see.

Bitexco Financial Tower is an architectural icon of old Saigon and rises with its imposing 68 floors in the heart of the city. The building is distinguished by its avant-garde design and unique shape evoking a lotus flower. What's more, this tower not only represents the city's economic progress, but also holds an intriguing history that is revealed as you ascend its heights.

Built in 2010, the tower has become an emblem of Vietnamese modernity and an unmissable landmark for those who wish to appreciate the city's evolution from a rural conglomerate to a thriving Southeast Asian financial centre during the 21st century.

Note that from the observation deck the view of the skyline stretches from the street markets to the tranquil Saigon River, giving you a complete perspective of urban life in this indecipherable metropolis.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 10 euros per person.
• Duration: the guided tour of the viewpoint lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you can discover the city skyline from one of the highest points in Southeast Asia.
• Disadvantages of these tours: during cloudy or rainy days the view from the observation deck is obstructed due to the height of the building.

If you want to partake in an age-old Vietnamese tradition, you can enjoy water puppet shows, known locally as Mua Roi Nuoc. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Golden Dragon Theatre is an outstanding venue for this unique experience.

With the purchase of your ticket for the show, you can discover a world where puppets, skillfully carved from fig wood, come to life on water, telling stories rooted in Vietnamese folklore and peasant traditions.

The history of water puppet shows dates back to the 11th century, when peasants celebrated events such as the end of the harvest with performances on water. The puppets, operated with bamboo sticks and strings, narrate local tales and children's legends, usually presented by Chu Teu, the puppet narrator of these adventures.

This theatre, located in the city centre, close to points of interest such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, is easily accessible. Whether by scooter, taxi or public transport, Golden Dragon awaits to take you on a captivating and entertaining journey through the traditions and art of Vietnam.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Duration: about 45 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: ideal experiences to enjoy with children in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You will need to book in advance as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during the high season months.

There is no better way to really get to know Ho Chi Minh City than on a culinary tour, an adventure that you can combine with a motorbike ride through the streets of the city. During these itineraries you can immerse yourself in the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine, guided by local drivers who know the best-kept secrets of Saigon's flavours.

During the tour you will explore various neighbourhoods, from the noisy District 1 to the authentic local markets of District 4, each with its own charm and unique gastronomic offerings. The motorbike will also allow you to get lost in the narrow alleys and discover off the beaten tourist track.

The rich and varied local cuisine will allow you to sample elaborate dishes such as bun thit nuong, which is grilled meat vermicelli, to more traditional alternatives such as pho, a popular rice noodle soup.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine two traditional and very popular activities in Ho Chi Minh City, which are touring the city by motorbike and discovering the gastronomy at the local food stalls.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are usually very intense tours with little free time for rest.

As with the best tours from Ho Chi Minh City, you can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city. The options are varied and there are many tour providers, so it's rare for sites to sell out, even during peak season, although you can get better prices if you book before you arrive in the city.

If you want to attend the water puppet shows, however, you'll need to book in advance, as they're at the Golden Dragon Theatre and tickets tend to sell out quickly due to the high demand for these traditional shows.

To get the most out of your tour in Ho Chi Minh City, keep in mind a few tips that will ensure an unforgettable experience. First, consider the option of a guided tour to explore the city. Tours such as motorbike tours or visits to the Bitexco Financial Tower observation deck will provide an expert narrative, contextualising each location visited and enriching your understanding of local history and culture.

When planning your itinerary, also include a variety of activities to capture the city's diversity. From exploring the Cu Chi tunnels and their historical impact to marvelling at the magic of traditional water puppet shows, each experience offers a unique perspective on this destination.

In terms of logistics, if you want to secure your spot and freeze the often dynamic rate, book in advance and choose convenient time slots, especially for activities such as puppet shows, where different options can fit into your schedule. Also, don't forget to consider the option of gastronomic motorbike tours to discover the delicious local cuisine, relying on local guides who will take you to the most authentic places in Ho Chi Minh City.

Opting for a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City over exploring the city on your own will offer you a number of advantages that will enrich your experience and guarantee you a complete insight into Vietnamese culture. Guided tours will provide you with expert local guides who will contribute their knowledge to give you a deeper understanding of the complex local history, architecture and traditions.

In addition, another comparative advantage of choosing a guided tour is convenience. On these experiences you will not have to deal with logistical planning and navigating the complex streets of the city, instead you can relax and enjoy the journey as local guides skillfully lead you through the highlights.

This allows you to optimise your time and make the most of your visit, especially at destinations such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, where a guide can reveal details and anecdotes that could substantially alter your experience. The same will be true when travelling to crowded places such as the Ben Thanh market, where a guide will suggest shortcuts and alternative routes.

Last but not least, safety is another aspect to consider. At sites such as the Golden Dragon Theatre for the water puppet shows, a guided tour offers the advantage of ensuring hassle-free entry, avoiding potential mishaps and last-minute price increases.