Free tour

A walk through history: the heart of Ho Chi Minh City

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Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: Spanish

Guru: Nguyen

Registered on 7 September 2025

I'm a local who loves showing travellers the authentic side of my city. I enjoy history, food, and street life, and I’m passionate about sharing these experiences with new friends. Guiding tours allows me to combine my love for culture with meeting people from all over the world.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Join me on a fascinating walking tour through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where history, culture, and architecture come alive.

We'll start at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a French-built masterpiece that has stood for over a century. Right next door, we'll explore the Central Post Office, a stunning building designed by the same mind behind the Eiffel Tower, where you can still send a postcard the old-fashioned way. Finally, we'll enter Independence Palace, the place where modern Vietnam's history changed forever in 1975.

This tour is perfect if you want to see the essentials of Saigon in a short walk. Along the way, I'll share local stories, hidden details, and interesting facts you won't find in guidebooks. Come with curiosity and take home unforgettable memories!

*Note: Entrance to the Independence Palace costs 40,000 VNĐ ($1.52) per person.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

1 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

We will meet in front of the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn), at the main entrance facing Paris Square (Công xã Paris). Please look for me near the statue of the Virgin Mary in the square.

Outside visit

Paris Commune Square

Located right in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris Square is a charming open space in the heart of the city. With the statue of the Virgin Mary at its center, it’s a favorite meeting spot for both locals and visitors. Surrounded by colonial landmarks and tree-lined streets, the square offers a peaceful pause before exploring Saigon’s bustling life.

Outside visit

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Built by the French in the late 19th century, this cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its red bricks were imported from France, and the twin bell towers rise proudly above Paris Square. It remains a peaceful symbol of faith and history in the heart of Saigon.

Free entry

Sai Gon Central Post Office

Right next to the cathedral, this grand colonial building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same mind behind the Eiffel Tower. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, beautiful mosaics, and old wooden phone booths. It’s still a working post office where you can send a postcard the traditional way.

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 €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).