Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city and offers a vibrant mixture of innovation, tradition, art and culture. Join a free walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City to explore one of Asia’s most exciting metropolises on foot.

Experience this Vietnamese city’s plethora of attractions and landmarks with a professional guide leading the way and providing fascinating information and anecdotes about everything you see.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the best options for sightseeing tours in Ho Chi Minh.

How do free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City work?

Free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

While it can be tricky to decide how much you should tip your tour guide, keep in mind that the decision is completely up to you. When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best tours available?

Walking guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Experience one of the best walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City, led by a guide with over two decades worth of guiding experience. See the city through the eyes of a local expert and experience the city’s top-rated attractions and hidden gems.

Itinerary

Meet at the famous statue of the former president in front of the City Hall, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your tour.

As you walk through the city center, you’ll see some of the best attractions that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer, including Independence Palace, Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and so much more.

The tour ends at the famous Ben Thanh market, where you’ll enjoy a special, local treat.

Local sightseeing walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Not only does this tour have a special focus on Vietnamese coffee and local snacks, but it is also led by a friendly and passionate Ho Chi Minh City resident who has called the city her home for a number of years.

Itinerary

Meet at a famous local coffee shop, Highlands Coffee, before making your way to your next destination by cab.

On this tour, you’ll visit a secret weapons bunker, learn the story of The Burning Monk, enjoy tasty local coffee, experience the fresh flower market and even visit an old apartment to see the local way of life first-hand.

At the end of the tour, your friendly guide will help you arrange a taxi back to your hotel if need be.

Typical highlights walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City

As the name suggests, this tour takes you to the city’s typical and most popular highlights, as well as a few hidden gems. The tour is led by a passionate and licensed tour guide, that cannot wait to show you around Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

Once you have met your guide and got acquainted, the first stop of the tour is usually the Cu Chi Tunnels — a must-see for any newcomer to Vietnam.

Other items on the itinerary include the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and the City Hall.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the Vietnam War as well as other aspects of Vietnam’s rich and interesting history.

The tour ends at the Benh Thanh market, which you are encouraged to explore and enjoy on your own.

In which languages are they available?

Most free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City are in English, but there is one tour available that is offered in Spanish.

The language most commonly spoken in the city is Vietnamese, and while local guides may be able to speak Vietnamese, tours are not offered in this language.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City begin at easily-identifiable public locations, such as the President Ho Chi Minh Statue in front of the City Hall. Other meeting points include the Highlands Coffee and Local Saigon Cafe.

Guides also usually provide brief descriptions of themselves, so that they are easy to find.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City is about 3 hours, but there are a few walking tours that are slightly longer including a walking tour that lasts 5 hours.

When is the best time to join?

Most tour participants tend to opt for morning tours. This way, they get to explore popular landmarks before they get too busy, and have the rest of the day free to roam the city on their own.

Book your free walking tour at the beginning of your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. This way, you gain a better understanding of the city’s layout and popular attractions, which will be advantageous for the rest of your trip.

Should it be booked online?

Group sizes for free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City are limited, and spots on the tours can fill up quickly. Therefore, it is a good idea to book your walking tour in advance. This way you’ll be able to secure your spot on your preferred tour, on your preferred date and at your preferred time.

Furthermore, it is very simple and easy to book your tour online, and booking is completely free! So, there is no reason not to book in advance. Once you know what dates you will be in Ho Chi Minh City, you should book your free walking tour as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Free Walking Tours in Ho Chi Minh City