Free tour

Saigon's hidden gems that most tourists don't know about

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Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: 3 hours

Languages:

Guru: Detour Asia

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Registered on 23 April 2023

Detour Asia is the alternative tour experience for travelers in Southeast Asia designed and led by city-savvy experts. Visit worthwhile spots and integrate with the culture, without hopping between landmarks and tourist sites. Explore with the ones who know and love the secrets and surprises of their cities. Make your next travel adventure a little more unconventional. Our company is proudly featured in Lonely Planet (2016 & 2019 editions)

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Discover the hidden gems of Saigon as we take you on a journey to explore the off-the-beaten-path destinations that will leave you breathless. From secret alleyways to hidden cafes, this guided walking tour unveils the city's best-kept secrets for intrepid travelers seeking an authentic experience. Get ready to discover the authentic side of this vibrant and dynamic city, as we venture beyond the tourist hotspots and delve into its heart.

We will discover the best places like:

Saigon Archbishop's Residence
Self-immolated Monk Monument
Secret weapon bunker in Saigon
The Oldest Coffee Shop in Saigon
Former Barracks Apartment
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
End at a local eatery

One of the highlights of this guided walking tour is undoubtedly the incredible street food scene. Experience the local flavors without breaking the bank by indulging in mouthwatering street food: Pho; Banh Mi; Banh Xeo (a savory pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs); Com Tam (Saigon broken rice).

Don't miss this off-the-beaten-path walking tour to take with you a great memory from Ho Chi Minh City 😉

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Turtle Lake, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Meet at "Turtle Lake" which is surrounded by a traffic roundabout in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Address: Cong Truong Quoc Te Roundabout, Ward 6, District 3

Outside visit

Thích Quảng Đức Monument

We start off with a visit to the Thich Quang Duc Memorial, a powerful monument commemorating the Buddhist monk who famously self-immolated to protest the Vietnam War. Then, we dive into the history of the Vietnam War and explore the reasons behind the split between North and South Vietnam.

Ticket not included

Secret weapon bunker in Saigon

Next, we take you to the Saigon Secret Weapons Bunker, a fascinating relic of the Vietnam War that's often overlooked by tourists. You'll be amazed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during this turbulent time in history.

Ticket not included

CHEO LEO Cafe

After that, we visit the Cheo Leo Cafe, a hidden gem that's beloved by locals for its authentic Vietnamese coffee and traditional music performances. We'll also give you tips on what to wear in Saigon to stay comfortable in the city's hot and humid climate.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).