Ho Chi Minh City tours

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a place where modernity meets tradition in the most fascinating of ways. The city pulses with an energy that is both exhilarating and overwhelming, with every corner offering something new to experience. With a guide from ToursByLocals, you get more than just a tour; you get an insider's perspective. Picture yourself navigating through the chaos of markets, or standing in the solemn silence of historic war sites, all while learning the rich stories behind them. A culinary tour here is more than just food; it's a chance to savour the authentic flavours that define this vibrant city. Your guide ensures you don't just see Ho Chi Minh City, but that you truly connect with it. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Ho Chi Minh City your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ho Chi Minh City tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ho Chi Minh City for every interest, including: Off The Beaten Path tours: Slip into hidden hẻm alleyways in Districts 3 and 10 for apartment‑cafés, street temples, and a snack crawl that locals love. Visit Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh to sample sticky rice and learn how vendors prep herbs and noodles. History tours: Walk through the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum, with context from your guide that connects exhibits to neighbourhood sites. Add Cholon’s Ba Thien Hau Temple for incense‑filled halls, or head out to the Cu Chi Tunnels to see the underground network up close. Boat tours: Cruise the Saigon River from Bạch Đằng Wharf at sunset to watch the skyline light up, with the flexibility to stop for dinner along the quay. Go farther by speedboat into the Can Gio mangroves to spot macaques and learn about crab traps and salt farms. Getting around: Central District 1 is walkable, but the city is wide and public transit isn’t the easiest for visitors. Ask your local guide about tours with private transportation or a chauffeured car to cut travel time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ho Chi Minh City inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Join a private walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City and uncover the charm of its neighborhoods with the help of a local guide. - District 1: Home to historic landmarks and bustling markets, this area is perfect for cultural tourists and shoppers alike. - Chinatown (District 5): Discover vibrant streets and traditional shops, ideal for those interested in cultural diversity and street food. - Thao Dien: Known for its trendy cafes and boutiques, this area caters to families and those interested in modern urban life. Day trip ideas from Ho Chi Minh City Use Ho Chi Minh City as your base, then mix in day trips that swap traffic for tunnels, rivers, mangroves, or sea air, with your tour tuned to history, nature, or food. Cu Chi Tunnels: See the underground network, crawl through safe sections, and learn how the system worked. Strong for history lovers and families with teens, and easy to pair with a local craft village stop. Mekong Delta, Ben Tre or My Tho: Boat quiet canals, cycle past coconut groves, taste fresh fruit, and visit small workshops. Good if you want a slower pace, simple eats, and river photos without a long drive. Can Gio Biosphere Reserve: Trade concrete for mangroves, salt farms, and bird activity in season, plus a seafood market lunch. Ideal for nature watchers and anyone who needs a green break close to the city. Tay Ninh and Ba Den Mountain: See the colourful Cao Dai Holy See at midday ceremony, then ride the cable car up Ba Den for broad views and pagodas. Combines culture with light hiking and fresh air. Vung Tau: A straightforward coast run for beach time, a lighthouse viewpoint, and a climb to the Christ statue. Suits seafood fans and anyone who wants a simple beach day without flying. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ho Chi Minh City most travellers miss.