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This is a chill tour ^^
We will try hot dumplings, grandma noodles, exotic fruits, wet market (not so wet), good cafe, cat spotting, cool alleys, fried bananas, and a little but heavy history. I designed this tour because this is the best time to enjoy Saigon. It is a chill tour, but I will share some heavy history, so it's most suitable for adults.
Read some reviews if you want proof. Booking direct with me, not through a platform, also gets you the best price.
Early in the morning, Saigon has this soft side that most people never see. That's the part I love sharing. It's usually me, Spring, taking you around the neighborhoods I like a lot. On the rare day I can't, it's someone I trained myself, and I'll tell you upfront who that is. We'll wander through back alleys that don't make it to Google Maps, try the kind of breakfast only locals know and talk about what life here is like. By the time the city is fully awake, you'll have a belly full of good food and a little piece of Saigon that belongs only to you :)
1. The Thich Quang Duc monument
This is where we meet and where the walk begins. In 1963, the monk Thich Quang Duc sat down at this exact intersection and set himself on fire to protest religious persecution. He sat still the whole time. I will share with you stories of him and how Buddhism affects Vietnamese culture.
2. Noodles in a secret alley
We kick off the morning the Vietnamese way: noodles. The kind of spot that has no sign, no English menu, and has never needed either. I like these spots a lot and the grandma's family is friends of mine, she makes really good noodles, dumplings and beef stew :)
3. Exotic fruits
Fresh juicy fruits from the local market. Whatever is in season that day.
4. The chessboard market
The second-largest wet market in the city. Locals call it the chessboard market because of how the alleys cross in a grid. Fruits with wild names, curious vendors, a food maze that most visitors never find.
5. Taste of the Mekong
Chuối chiên. Golden crispy banana fritters fresh from a bubbling street-side wok. Sweet and savoury Mekong-style snacks, like grandma used to make. Crunchy, messy, ridiculously satisfying. You'll want a second one, just let me know. I mean, I can eat like 7 of these and I'm not feeling guilty :D
6. The hidden communist complex
A short but powerful story about the American war, in the exact alley where generations of communist families still live. This is also heavy stories and images, and I will cover the American war from my perspective.
7. Coffee making with the aunties
See how aunties do it. Bold Vietnamese coffee, made the old way. We will do some chit chat too.
Not included: transport to the meeting point, anything you choose to buy at the market. You don't need to bring money, though small bills are handy. Private guests get hotel pickup included.
In front of the Thich Quang Duc monument, District 3. It's the monk on the plinth at the intersection. Hard to miss. I'll send a photo of the exact spot after you message me on WhatsApp.
Private tour guests get hotel pickup and drop-off.
Easiest for both of us: pay cash after the tour. Any currency you're carrying works, dong, dollars, whatever's in your pocket. Rather sort it before we meet? Use the card option above instead.
It sounds early. In practice most guests find it easy once they're out. The morning air is cooler, the streets are quieter, and the food is genuinely better at that hour. The stalls we visit start selling at 5am and are often sold out by 9. If you can get yourself out the door, the rest takes care of itself.
Around 2 kilometres over three hours. Mostly flat, very light activity. We stop often and we don't rush, I am getting old and I also get tired of walking fast. If you have mobility concerns or need a slower pace, tell me when you book and I'll adjust the route.
Yes. Tell me before we go out. The morning walk has a lot of naturally gluten-free and dairy-free options because that's just what Vietnamese breakfast is. If you have a specific allergy, message me and we'll go through it. Vegetarians and vegans are fine.
The small group walk is adults only, 18 and up. Private tours can work for families with older teenagers. Message me and we'll talk through it.
Morning is the best time to see this city. Come out with me and you'll understand why within the first twenty minutes.
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