Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour
TOUR INFORMATION
Join our free guided walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City to explore the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and history. From the city’s founding, through French colonization, the Vietnam War, and into the 21st century, this tour offers a fascinating journey through time. You’ll also discover hidden gems and local secrets that many visitors miss.
What’s Included
- Expert local guide, fluent in English
What’s Not Included
- Personal expense
- Tips and gratuities
Support: +84 91 238 8676
Email: info@detourasia.com
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY BY DAY
HO CHI MINH CITY FREE WALKING TOUR
Morning Departure Times: 09:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 01:30 PM / 03:00 PM / 05:00 PM
Meeting Point: outside Bitexco Financial Tower (Skydeck Entrance), opposite Nhu Lan Bakery
Tour Overview: Meet your local guide at the Bitexco Financial Tower and set off on an unforgettable walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Your journey begins with a short introduction, followed by a scenic walk along the Saigon Riverfront. This path offers a unique perspective on the city’s transformation, from its historic roots to the modern metropolis it is today. Take time to relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the view over the working river, where the bustle of the city contrasts with the calm of the water. Though Saigon can be a challenging city to walk in, this route is relatively clear and, in parts, quite pleasant.
Next, we’ll explore Saigon’s colonial quarter, passing by bustling streets and the everyday scenes that bring the city to life. Along the way, admire the stunning architecture of landmarks like the Opera House, City Hall, and the iconic Saigon Post Office, while learning about the influence of French Indochina on modern-day Vietnam.
Stroll further to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, where you’ll encounter impressive colonial-era buildings such as the People’s Committee Building, the Rex Hotel, and a luxurious shopping mall. In front of the People’s Committee, you’ll find the statue of Uncle Ho Chi Minh, with a delightful fountain show lighting up the area at night.
No visit to Saigon is complete without admiring the architectural masterpieces of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. The Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883, was constructed with stones imported directly from France. Standing beside it, the Central Post Office, completed in 1891, is another remarkable example of French colonial architecture and remains Vietnam’s largest post office.
TOUR NOTES
Tipping Policy: As this is a free walking tour, there is no fixed price. At the end of the tour, you are encouraged to give your guide an amount that reflects your satisfaction. Typical contributions range from €15 to $50, depending on your experience.
Support: +84 91 238 8676
Email: info@detourasia.com
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TOUR REVIEWS
Customer reviews
Speak to a trip specialist on +84 912388676, Or, fill out the form and we reply within 12 hours.
We Love this Saigon History Tour
This was an great tour. We booked it through our guesthouse. The guide we had was Joseph and he really knew his history and boy is he enthusiastic about it. He took us to some really interesting sites. The tour is mainly about the Vietnam war and is real eye opener to some of the horrific things that went on during the war. Its also a really good way to see the whole city plus our guide gave us some hidden gems we should visit while in Saigon. Overall a great tour, a must do tour if you even have the slightest interest in Vietnamese history and the Vietnam War.
Top quality tour with actual information!
My friends and I did this tour while traveling through Vietnam, when we stopped over in Ho Chi Minh, recommended by our hotel (I’m usually wary of stuff they promote where you stay, but this was a lucky bet). Our guide was awesome, a local expert, super knowledgeable and a great storyteller. It was heavy on the war history, understandably I guess, but the anecdotes were really interesting, and I think I learned something in spite of myself 🙂 He also went into some gritty details, and into history outside of just the Vietnam War, for a change. I also liked that he didn’t focus on stuff we could find ourselves (it’s called a map, we can find the war remnants museum all by ourselves, so no thanks annoying guy outside our hotel). This tour markets itself on the guides’ extensive knowledge, and we were all pretty impressed. It is about $5 more than other tours, I think, but it’s worth it to hear some actual information and not some bs from a propaganda tour (there’s lots in the city). Be warned, bring water bottles, it will be hot and there’s a lot of walking! Our tour ran over 4 hours, and we ended up cabbing to the final destinations ($1.50 fare, love this country!), but definitely worth it. And ask lots of questions! We recommend these guys : )
Fascinating historical narratives through the city.
Awesome tour! Joseph delivers fascinating historical factoids and narratives in his charming Vietnamese brogue as he guides you effortlessly through the city streets. At least it felt effortless with Joseph leading the way. He’ll even offer some practical pointers on how not to get mowed down by the torrent of motorbikes streaming down the avenues. I can see only one explanation for the high quality, professionalism, and relaxed attitude he brings to this tour: Joseph clearly has a passion for Vietnamese history, the war, the politics, and the culture. Two big thumbs up!
Amazing tour guide!
My boyfriend and I spent several days in HCMC last fall and booked this tour as it came highly regarded by a good friend. Our tour guide, Joseph, was incredible!!! I’m not sure if he has a PhD on the Vietnam War or what, but in the several hours we walked through HCMC with him I learned so much. I’m a big history buff and this tour was exactly what I was seeking. I highly recommend this tour for people wanting a unique history tour in Vietnam.
Recommend – Saigon History Half-day tour
I did this tour on a Sunday at 2:00pm. I recommend this tour for anyone, not just history buffs. Walked past many of the “tourist” destinations, but instead of just pointing and shooting with the camera, we got some insight into the history and the significance of each sight.
As an expat living in Saigon, I went on this tour to help me gain insight into the city I am living in for the next few years. I am trying to broaden my understanding of the culture, language, history etc.
There is a lot of information about the war, but this is so significant in this country, that it has to be addressed in order to understand where it has come from and where it is going. Visual aids (photos and documents) to help give perspective, and references to back up any points made.
It is hot, but there are regular breaks if needed, and plenty of places to get a cool drink. It’s worth it!
Joseph, our guide was easy going, great at explaining, answering questions and it was all at a good pace. Went for a beer and a chat with the group at the end of it all. Perfect end to a good tour! I recommend this tour.
THIS TOUR IS AMAZING
This tour in my opinion trumps all other tours in Saigon.
1. Guide was top notch, with every question answered in the most informative of ways
2. Sites on the tour so interesting with our personal favorite site being the MACV buildings
3. Saigon history tour route around the city was the best way to see this city
We recommend this tour to everyone who loves history
A must do in Saigon
I used to get bored of learning history in school but 4 hour walking tour completely changed my mind. I was pleasantly surprised by our very professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide Joseph (who just returned from the Philippines). This was a delightful experience from start to finish which made my Sunday so wonderful. I strongly recommend this tour to everyone.
A great way to spend an afternoon
Don’t hesitate to take this great tour if you are at all interested in learning more of the history of Saigon and Vietnam. Joseph our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history of this vibrant and colorful country. The afternoon was hot and humid but the time past so quickly and we were given short breaks for cool drinks. A great experience, thanks Joseph.
Really interesting and different view of Saigon
After living in dynamic Saigon for more than a year, this walking tour was the first time I felt like I came to grips with its recent past. Thanks, Joseph, for your well-researched, well-thought out tour.
Great knowledge and very interesting
Joseph is a top class historian, who devours history like James Bond drinks his vodka martini. Vast knowledge, fun, good humor and permits you to discover the real Saigon of back in the days, and also some secrets that are fascinating to discover! A MUST!
All the best Joseph,
Edward & Bennett
Saigon History Half-day tour
The Saigon History Half-day tour was a great tour, and look into the history of Ho Chi Minh. It also raised my awareness of the development of modern day Ho Chi Minh and some of the current issues. As all good tours of this type, it is a bit of an information overload, but one that also makes you want to find out more yourself. I highly recommend this tour, particularly if you like history and walking.
Echoing the sentiment of most other reviews — this was a great experience!
My dad and I took the Saigon Must-See Spots Half Day this past summer, with Joseph as our walking guide. Fantastic! He is super-knowledgeable, both in the baseline narrative he shares, and in responding thoughtfully to questions. Joseph has worked hard to create a pithy tour of important historical sights in Saigon — an excellent way to build up (or add to) your historical knowledge-base of a fascinating time and city.
Highly recommended for those who want an in-depth tour of Saigon
It’s not the usual touristy tour that just takes you from here to there, make a quick intro about the place, then photo shooting and off to the next place. Our tour guide, Joseph, is fun, very knowledgeable and question welcoming :). He has an amazing collage of pictures of Saigon in the old days as well as important events happened during the war. As a Vietnamese who was taught Vietnamese history since elementary school, I still found myself learned lots of new things. Highly recommended for those who want an in-depth history tour of Saigon!!!
Great way to learn about Saigon in a short time
We had Joseph as a guide. He was punctual and interesting as a guide. He spoke very good English and we learned a lot. Unfortunately we had to leave earlier running late for a booked Cu Chi tunnels tour in the afternoon, so we had to skip The Jade emperor temple and the War Museum. However Joseph suggested we do the War Remnant museum the next day morning just before our flight which we did.
We were happy we could arrange the city walking tour with Detoured Asia and wish we could spend more time with Joseph and have other tours together. Sadly 1 month is not enough to see everything we wanted in Vietnam and we shall return again. Thanks – Polina and George