9 Best Day Tours in Ho Chi Minh City (Tried & Tested by Expats!)
One day in Ho Chi Minh City? Make it count. From dining cruises to haunted motorbike rides, these are the tours we recommend to our own friends.
Hey friends 👋, we're Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!
We've lived in Vietnam for the last few years since 2023 and have spent many months exploring Ho Chi Minh City, from its buzzing markets to serene temples. Known as Saigon to locals, HCMC is renowned for its blend of modern skyscrapers and historic sites like the War Remnants Museum, attracting visitors who crave authentic Vietnamese experiences and dynamic nightlife. Here are our favorites and what we recommend all of our friends & family to do when visiting.
Looking for the best things to do outside HCMC instead? Check out our best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to escape the city here.
If we only had one day in HCMC? No question, we'd join the Street Food & Sightseeing Tour with drivers wearing the traditional outfits for an authentic night adventure.
The Aodai Rider Tour lets you ride through Saigon at night with a local guide in traditional dress, tasting 10+ dishes and discovering hidden spots. It's fun, flavorful, and shows the real side of the city 😎
Book the Aodai Rider Food Tour🔍 Quick Comparison
| Tour | Price | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saigon Dining Cruise | $$ | 2h | River views, meal, live band |
| Aodai Rider Food Tour | $$ | 4h | Street food, hidden spots, night ride |
| Double-Decker Bus Tour | $ | Flexible | Hop-on-hop-off, key landmarks |
| Local Cooking Class | $$ | 3-5h | Market visit, cooking, dietary options |
| Shinrin Spa | $ | 1-2h | Massages, facials, relaxation |
| Haunted Motorbike Tour | $$ | 4h | Ghost stories, abandoned sites |
| Lotte Seafood Buffet | $$ | 2h | Lobster, international dishes |
| Instagram Tour | $ | 3h | Photo spots, historical sites |
| Egg Coffee Course | $ | 2h | Brewing techniques, tasting |
🚢 Saigon Dining Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Style: Luxury cruise
Vibe: Scenic, relaxing
Enjoy a memorable evening on the Saigon River with skyline views, optional meal, and live music. Perfect for couples or groups.
🍜 Street Food & Sightseeing with Aodai Rider
Duration: 4 hours
Style: Motorbike tour
Vibe: Authentic, adventurous
Ride with a local guide in Ao Dai, taste 10+ dishes like banh mi and ice cream, explore hidden spots and skyline views.
🚌 Double-Decker Bus Tour
Duration: Flexible
Style: Hop-on-hop-off
Vibe: Convenient, exploratory
Visit landmarks like Notre Dame and Ben Thanh Market at your pace, no commuting worries.
🧑🍳 Local Cooking Class
Duration: 3-5 hours
Style: Hands-on
Vibe: Immersive, fun
Shop at markets, cook Vietnamese dishes, options for vegetarians.
💆 Shinrin Spa in District 1
Duration: 1-2 hours
Style: Spa treatments
Vibe: Rejuvenating, luxurious
Forest bathing-inspired massages and facials with natural products.
👻 Haunted Saigon Motorbike Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Style: Motorbike adventure
Vibe: Spooky, historical
Hear ghost stories, visit abandoned sites, learn Vietnamese beliefs.
🍤 Seafood Buffet at LOTTE Hotel
Duration: 2 hours
Style: Dining
Vibe: Opulent, delicious
Diverse dishes including lobster, sophisticated atmosphere.
📸 Saigon Instagram Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Style: Guided tour
Vibe: Picturesque, informative
Visit iconic spots like Notre Dame, historical stories included.
☕ Egg Coffee Course
Duration: 2 hours
Style: Workshop
Vibe: Educational, tasty
Learn brewing techniques for Vietnamese coffees, hands-on.
Still Can't Decide?
- Want romantic views + food? Dining Cruise
- Want authentic eats + adventure? Aodai Rider Tour
- Love flexible sightseeing? Bus Tour
- Prefer hands-on cooking? Local Class
- Need relaxation? Shinrin Spa
- After spooky thrills? Haunted Tour
- Craving buffet? Lotte Seafood
- Want photos + history? Instagram Tour
- Into coffee culture? Egg Coffee Course
Final Thoughts
We've tested all these tours ourselves, and honestly, they're all solid picks. Whether you're here for one day or more, there's something to match your vibe (and your budget).
Book the one that feels right for you and if it's the Aodai Rider, we'll be over here nodding in approval as you zip by tasting Saigon's best.
DM us on Instagram @two_peas_abroad and tell us your vibe - we'll send back a personal recommendation 🤓
Send us a message
and Sarah 
, the duo behind this Vietnam adventure. We moved here in 2023 after surviving 4 years of long-distance 💻❤️🎉