Southeast Vietnam, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and busiest city. Its central District 1 has colonial landmarks, war history and a legendary street-food scene.

Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
Featured walk: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Saigon is fast, loud and ambitious, with millions of scooters and a growing skyline. Its centre, District 1, keeps landmarks from the French colonial period, including the cathedral, the post office and the opera house, alongside museums of the Vietnam War.

The city is hot all year, and its pavements are busy, so walks are best taken early or in the evening, when street-food stalls come out and the alleys fill with life.

What makes Ho Chi Minh City distinctive

  • French colonial landmarks in District 1
  • Street food, often eaten on low stools by the road
  • Hidden alleys (hem) behind the main streets
  • Museums of the Vietnam War

Walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City

Hand-picked guided walks in Ho Chi Minh City, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Ho Chi Minh City · Night and ghost tours in Ho Chi Minh City

Compare with other cities: Free walking tours · Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide sells many of the same walks and some that Viator doesn't. Their list for Ho Chi Minh City is chosen and ranked by GetYourGuide, not by us.

Search Ho Chi Minh City on GetYourGuide

The button loads content from GetYourGuide, which may set cookies. Links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book.

Main sights

Ticket links are affiliate links: if you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • District 1

    The centre, with landmarks, hotels and Nguyen Hue walking street.

  • District 3

    Leafy streets, colonial villas and local food.

  • District 5 (Cholon)

    The Chinese quarter, with temples and markets.

Free self-guided walk

Colonial District 1, from Ben Thanh Market to the river

A free self-guided walk through District 1 from Ben Thanh Market past the Independence Palace, the cathedral and the Central Post Office to Nguyen Hue walking street and the Saigon River.

3.5 km · 7 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Colonial landmarks

    From the cathedral and post office to the opera house and Nguyen Hue walking street.

  2. Saigon river

    The riverside park and promenade by Bach Dang wharf.

Practical walking notes

  • Crossing roads

    Cross slowly and steadily so scooters can flow around you.

  • Heat

    Hot all year. Walk in the morning or evening and carry water.

  • Theft

    Snatch theft from passing motorbikes happens. Keep phones and bags away from the roadside.

When to visit

  • December–April

    The dry season; hot but with little rain.

  • May–November

    The wet season, with short, heavy afternoon downpours.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Tan Son Nhat airport is about 30 minutes from District 1, traffic permitting.

  • By rail

    The Reunification Express links the city with Hanoi, a journey of more than a day.

Local transport

  • Metro

    The city's first metro line links the centre with the eastern districts.

  • Ride-hailing

    Grab cars and motorbike taxis are cheap and convenient.

Questions travellers ask about Ho Chi Minh City

Is it called Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?

Officially Ho Chi Minh City, but Saigon is still widely used, especially for the centre.

Can I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, as a half-day trip from the city by road or boat.

Hanoi: Hanoi City Highlights Walking Tour – Landmarks & History
Red River Delta

Hanoi

Lakes, trade streets and street food on tiny plastic stools

Discover the city
Hoi An: Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour with a Local
Quang Nam

Hoi An

Lanterns and a riverside trading port

Discover the city
Huế: Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City
Thừa Thiên Huế

Huế

The imperial city on the Perfume River

Discover the city
Hanoi: Hanoi City Highlights Walking Tour – Landmarks & History
Country overview

Vietnam

Street food, scooters and some of Asia's liveliest pavements

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-26. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.