Saigon cityscape

Saigon: Phở at Dawn, Rooftops at Dusk

Street food, French colonial architecture, and 10 million motorbikes — your complete guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

Your Guide to Saigon

Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.

Interior of a high-rise observation deck with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city and river
Editor's Pick
Headout
9.0/10
(89 reviews)

This combined tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ho Chi Minh City by first visiting the Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Guests begin by ascending to the observation deck, where panoramic views stretch across the sprawling cityscape, the Saigon River, and distant mountains on clear days. The itinerary allows flexible entry times for the Skydeck, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the city from above at their own pace. After taking in the skyline, the tour continues with an evening performance of the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1. This traditional art form dates back centuries and features puppeteers skillfully manipulating wooden puppets over a water stage, accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music. The key stops include the Saigon Skydeck, where visitors will witness the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture below. The spectacle of motorbikes weaving through the streets, the glittering lights as dusk falls, and the gentle flow of the Saigon River create a rich visual narrative of city life. At the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, the audience is treated to lively scenes depicting rural Vietnamese folklore, daily village life, and mythological tales. The sound of traditional drums, chimes, and the splash of water enhances the storytelling, while the puppets’ intricate movements captivate viewers. This tour is designed for small to medium groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Participants can choose their Skydeck entry time, allowing for flexibility depending on their schedule. The Skydeck visit involves a self-guided experience with informative displays about the tower and city, while the water puppet show includes seating in a cozy theater setting. Transportation between the two locations is not included, but both sites are accessible by taxi or public transport. Knowledgeable local staff are available to provide background information and answer questions. Ideal for visitors interested in combining a modern perspective of Ho Chi Minh City with a traditional cultural performance, this tour suits travelers who appreciate architectural vistas and performing arts. It works well for solo travelers, couples, and families with children old enough to enjoy a theatrical show. Those seeking a relaxed yet enriching afternoon and evening in Ho Chi Minh City will find this combination rewarding.

From
€20
per person
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Five people standing indoors in front of a wall covered with pink paper sheets with Asian script
Viator
10.0/10
(26 reviews)

This tour is crafted to offer visitors insights into local life, particularly focusing on the Chinese-Vietnamese community residing in Saigon, along with exploring various beliefs and religions practiced by the locals. For Chinatown tour, you can travel around the largest Chinatown in Vietnam, and learn about the markets and beliefs of Chinese-Vietnamese people. Book full service ( included food/drink, tour guide) to enjoy the tour fully. , if you would like to save your budget, you can choose " only driver" option which is that driver can speak very basic English . For Beliefs & Ghost tour, You can learn about the beliefs and culture of Saigon, Book full service ( included food/drink, tour guide) to enjoy the tour fully. , if you would like to save your budget, you can choose " only driver" option which is that driver can speak very basic English .

From
€14
per person
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People in small boats with colorful lanterns on a river at night with crowds on the riverbank
Viator
9.7/10
(26 reviews)

TOUR PROGRAM : 14:00p.m : Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An City. Then, We Transfer to Marble Mountain, we take the elevator up to the Water Mountains and visit tower, Pagoda,Caves, the amazing & breathtaking View Point to enjoy other beautiful mountains with names Wood, Earth, Metal and Fire. You will be rewarded by breathtaking city and ocean views, and you will also be able to explore interesting natural caves and visit the holy pagoda After that , we head to Hoi An City. During your guided walking tour around the Hoi An old town, your tour guide will explain the history of the Japanese bridge, a traditional house, a Chinese Assembly Hall, a cultural and historical museum, Next , 20 Minute Boat Ride on Hoai River to see HoiAn at Early Night you will have a chance to go to the night market and see the lovely lanterns that Hoi An is famous for, shop or Have dinner on Your own. Finish & Send you to your hotel or You have freetime and back by yourself

From
€77
per group
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A child emerging from a tunnel entrance surrounded by dry leaves and a night cityscape with a tall illuminated skyscraper
Editor's Pick
Headout
8.8/10
(362 reviews)

This combined tour begins with a guided visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passages located about 70 kilometers northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. After hotel pickup in District 1, you'll travel through suburban and rural landscapes, arriving at the Cu Chi area where the tunnels were constructed during the Vietnam War. The guided portion includes an introduction to the tunnels' strategic importance and a walkthrough of select sections adapted for visitor access. After approximately three hours at Cu Chi, the tour returns to the city center for tickets to the Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower. Here, visitors ascend to the 49th floor for panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City's sprawling urban landscape. The tour package also includes access to the Ao Dai Museum, located on the same floor, where traditional Vietnamese dress is displayed alongside contemporary interpretations. At Cu Chi, key stops include the trap doors of the tunnels, narrow passageways, small rooms once used as command centers, kitchens, and medical stations. Visitors can see original artifacts such as weapons, tools, and photographs that illustrate guerrilla tactics and daily life underground. The guide points out how the Viet Cong used these tunnels to move undetected and launch surprise attacks. At the Bitexco Tower, the Skydeck offers sweeping views of the Saigon River winding past skyscrapers and colonial buildings. The Ao Dai Museum provides a quiet contrast, showcasing silk garments and the cultural symbolism of the traditional Vietnamese dress, offering insight into local craftsmanship. The tour typically operates with groups of 10 to 20 people, providing a balance between informative commentary and personal attention. Guides are usually local experts with detailed knowledge of the war history and city development, offering context beyond the standard script. Transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring comfort during the roughly 90-minute transfer each way to Cu Chi. Hotel pickup and drop-off in District 1 reduce logistical concerns. At Bitexco Tower, entry is timed to avoid crowding, and visitors have flexibility to spend as much time as they like on the Skydeck and in the Ao Dai Museum. This tour appeals to travelers interested in the Vietnam War’s historical sites combined with a contemporary city experience. History buffs will appreciate the detailed wartime narrative and preserved underground tunnels, while urban enthusiasts benefit from elevated city views and cultural exhibits. The tour is suitable for adults and older children capable of navigating narrow tunnel sections and walking moderate distances. Those interested in contrasting different eras of Vietnamese history and daily life will find this itinerary particularly rewarding.

From
€32
€22
Save 31%
per person
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Caravelle Saigon accommodation image
Ho Chi Minh City
5 Star Rating
VN Recommended
€174
per night
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La Vela Saigon Hotel accommodation image
Ho Chi Minh City
5 Star Rating
VN Recommended
€159
per night
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Hotel Nikko Saigon accommodation image
Ho Chi Minh City
5 Star Rating
VN Recommended
€205
per night
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Mia Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel accommodation image
Ho Chi Minh City
5 Star Rating
VN Recommended
€282
per night
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What Travelers Say About Saigon

5 avg rating|1.8k+ reviews

Best experience!! So much fun for all ages & a great way to see Ho Chi Minh City. The team catered to all needs and even included special celebrations for a birthday! Can’t thank them enough.

N
N8747PBah
Private Jeep Street Food Tour and Night Roof Top Bar

Great introduction to the unique dishes of Saigon. It was low season so I had a private tour and was able to go at my own pace. The host was also very accommodating when I requested a special dish I wanted to try.

C
Chengma1120
Committed Non-Touristy Saigon Street Food Tour By Scooters/Car

It was a good tour to see a nightsight of the city. Guide Leo was great fun guide

W
wonl978
Saigon: City Unseen Highlights 2h Tour | Opt: Ao Dai Riders

Guide to Saigon Neighborhoods