Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour offers travelers a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and daily life of Ho Chi Minh City. This 3-hour experience blends must-see landmarks with opportunities to engage with the local community. From exploring a secret war bunker to savoring authentic Vietnamese coffee, participants can expect an immersive and personalized adventure. With a small group size, this tour provides an enriching experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.

Key Points

• A 3-hour walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) that explores local history, culture, and authentic flavors.
• Highlights include visiting a Buddhist monk’s self-immolation site, a secret Vietnam War bunker, and a vibrant flower market.
• The tour is conducted in English with a maximum group size of 5 participants and a minimum of 3 people required.
• Participants should prepare for approximately 4 km (10,000 steps) of walking and be mindful of hot and humid weather.
• The tour includes an English-speaking guide and entrance fees, while personal refreshments and gratuities are handled individually.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour is a 3-hour excursion that takes participants on a journey through the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a 3-hour walking tour through Saigon.

Priced from Kč 92 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 5 people and is conducted in English.

The meeting point is a FamilyMart convenience store, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Participants can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Reserve now and pay later options are available.

The tour explores highlights like the story of Thích Quảng Đức, a secret weapon bunker, and a local flower market.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at 199 Đ. Cách Mạng Tháng 8, the tour explores the history and culture of Saigon.

Visitors learn about Thích Quảng Đức, the Buddhist monk who self-immolated in 1963.

Next, they discover a secret weapon bunker, a remnant of the Vietnam War.

The tour then visits a local coffee shop, allowing participants to savor authentic Saigon flavors.

Old apartments showcase real local life, while the fresh flower market offers a vibrant sensory experience.

Highlights include learning about the community’s history and making new connections with fellow participants from around the world.

Conditions and Recommendations

Participants should be prepared for approximately 4 km (around 10,000 steps) of walking during the tour.

Participants should be prepared for approximately 4 km (around 10,000 steps) of walking during the tour.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City can be hot and humid, so those sensitive to heat may find the conditions challenging.

Respectful attire is required at the monument sites, with no revealing clothing permitted. A minimum of 3 people is needed for the tour to proceed.

Recommended items include sunglasses, sun hat, umbrella, and sunscreen.

Participants should consider their physical limitations before booking due to the walking involved.

Enjoyment of street food and drinks is encouraged but at the individual’s own expense.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes an English-speaking guide and entrance fees to a local museum.

Participants will need to cover the cost of any street foods, snacks, or drinks they wish to enjoy during the tour.

The guide is paid separately, with a recommended tipping range of 250,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture and history while handling the costs of personal refreshments and gratuities.

The tour is designed to be an engaging and informative exploration of Saigon’s vibrant streets.

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Preparation and What to Bring

To fully enjoy the Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour, participants should bring a few essential items.

Sunglasses and a sun hat will protect against the hot, humid weather. An umbrella can provide shade and shelter from rain. Sunscreen is a must to avoid sunburns.

Plus, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the 4 km (10,000 steps) of walking involved.

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the 4 km (10,000 steps) of walking involved.

It’s crucial to be mindful of the tour’s start time, as it will leave promptly. Participants should consider their physical limitations before booking the tour due to the significant walking required.

Burning Monk Story

One of the key stops on the Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour is the story of Thích Quảng Đức, the Burning Monk.

In 1963, this Buddhist monk self-immolated in protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government. Witnesses reported he sat calmly in the lotus position as he burned, not moving a muscle.

His death brought international attention to the religious tensions in Vietnam. Visitors learn about this pivotal moment in history and the monk’s courageous act of defiance, which became a symbol of the Vietnamese Buddhist movement against political oppression.

Secret Weapon Bunker

As visitors walk along the scenic streets of Saigon, they come across a rather unassuming structure – the secret weapon bunker.

This underground facility was used during the Vietnam War to store and maintain weapons and supplies. Today, it stands as a sobering reminder of the country’s tumultuous past.

Visitors can explore the narrow passages, see the various storage rooms, and learn about the clever tactics employed by the Vietnamese forces.

The bunker offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resourcefulness that helped them overcome a formidable foe.

It’s a powerful stop on the Saigon sightseeing tour.

Local Coffee Experience

What better way to take in the local culture than by savoring the authentic flavors of Saigon’s renowned coffee scene?

As part of the walking tour, participants have the opportunity to visit a cozy local café, where they can:

• Indulge in the rich, bold taste of Vietnamese-style coffee, brewed using a traditional metal filter

• Observe the locals’ daily ritual of sipping coffee, often accompanied by a delectable pastry or snack

• Learn about the unique preparation methods and the importance of coffee in Vietnamese social life

• Engage with the friendly café staff, gaining insights into the city’s vibrant coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Native to Ho Chi Minh City?

The tour guide is likely a local of Ho Chi Minh City, as the tour focuses on exploring the city’s history and culture with an insider’s perspective. This allows participants to gain a more authentic understanding of Saigon.

Can Participants Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are welcome to take photos during the tour. The tour itinerary encourages capturing the sights and experiences encountered, providing an opportunity to immortalize the local culture and history shared by the knowledgeable guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. Prices are the same for all participants, regardless of age or student status. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for those with mobility needs.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Personal Interests?

The tour can be customized to fit personal interests. Participants can request the guide to adjust the itinerary or focus on specific areas of interest, subject to availability and guide’s discretion. Customization may incur additional charges.

Is Water Provided During the Walking Tour?

The tour does not provide water, but participants are encouraged to bring their own water to stay hydrated during the 3-hour walking tour. Bottled water can also be purchased along the way if needed.

The Sum Up

The Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour provides an immersive 3-hour experience exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s history, culture, and local flavors. Participants will visit significant sites, enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee, and engage with fellow travelers. With a small group size, the tour offers a personalized and enriching adventure, blending historical insights and cultural experiences into an unforgettable exploration of this vibrant city.

You can check availability for your dates here: