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Free tour

Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour - All Must-visit Spots

5.00
Excellent(16)
Duration: 2 hours
Languages: English
Guru: Vietravel
PRO
Registered on 14 March 2025
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As Vietnam's leading DMC - the largest travel company in Vietnam, Vietravel takes immense pride in three decades of pioneering top-tier travel services for worldwide travelers. Our meticulously crafted tours delve deep into each destination, unveiling its essence beyond the surface. With a dedicated team exceeding 1,000 travel experts, Vietravel operates as an all-encompassing travel emporium, comprising airlines, ground transportation, tour operators, and event organizers.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

We highly recommend joining this tour upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. As a special treat, at the tour’s conclusion, we’ll send you a PDF of Only Locals Know: A Saigon Guide - packed with local recommendations for food, activities, rooftop bars, etc.

At 4:00 P.M., our tour guide will meet you at Vietravel's headquarters.

Begin your exploration at Turtle Lake, a peaceful spot built in 1967 with a unique octagonal shape, blending ancient Feng Shui principles with the city's modern energy.

Next, stroll along to the Central Post Office, where you'll feel the echoes of history in this iconic building that represents the meeting of Eastern and Western cultures.

Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a stunning French-built church that stands as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

Then, visit the Saigon Opera House, once a gathering place for the city’s elite, offering a glimpse into Saigon’s transformation into the "Pearl of the Far East".

Nearby, this is City Hall, a French colonial landmark facing a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, symbolizing his lasting legacy.

Afterward, head to the trendy 42 Nguyen Hue cafe apartment, where you can relax with a cup of coffee and reflect on the city’s incredible past.

On your way, you will pass by the Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập) - a landmark of great historical significance, where the fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

End your journey at Bach Dang Quay Park, a historic site along the Saigon River, and visit significant landmarks, including the Thu Ngu Flagpole and the iconic Tran Hung Dao Statue.

End of services.

Things to Note:
1. The tour has no charges, booking fees, or hidden costs. Vietravel organises free walking tours as a non-profit initiative driven by our commitment to cultural preservation - it's our way of giving back through responsible tourism.
2. No tip is required - our guides are fully paid. Guests may show appreciation to the guide at their discretion. Any gratuity given belongs entirely to them - Vietravel does not take any portion, ensuring your support directly benefits their dedication and expertise. 


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
190 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
- Address of the meeting point: Vietravel's Headquarter - No 190, Pasteur Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Send your requirements to [email protected] or contact via hotline at (+84) 35 235 61 61 (Zalo, Viber, WhatsApp)
1
Free entry
Turtle Lake
Our first stop is Turtle Lake, a unique structure shrouded in mystery. This mysterious architectural marvel is more than meets the eye. Blending ancient feng shui with French colonial history, it once marked a citadel gate and later became Saigon’s first roundabout. The lake's design reflects yin-yang balance and features the sacred turtle, symbolizing stability. Once a political symbol, it’s now a vibrant spot for street food and local life.
2
Free entry
Sai Gon Central Post Office
Next, we’ll walk along Pham Ngoc Thach Street to the Central Post Office. A must-see on our Ho Chi Minh City free walking tour, the Central Post Office showcases colonial elegance designed by Gustave Eiffel. This French-era building once served as Saigon’s communication hub. Inside, discover stories of Vietnam’s postal past. Also, learn about Vietnam’s early stamps and beauty icon Miss Ba Thieu.
3
Outside visit
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Continue to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an architectural masterpiece built by the French. It was regarded as a replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Featuring Romanesque and Gothic styles, it once symbolized colonial power, but now reflects Saigon’s evolving spirituality. The marble Virgin Mary statue out front stands as a symbol of peace and hope. Over a century old, this cathedral stands as a symbol of Saigon and holds cultural significance for the locals.
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not 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).

Tour reviews

5.00
Excellent(16)
Generic
16
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By category
Professionalism
5.00
Fun
5.00
Communication
5.00
Quality
5.00
Route
5.00

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour - All Must-visit Spots
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