Why Book a Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

Street food is a huge part of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s affordable, full of flavour and convenient. Whether it’s banh mi, pho or spring rolls (to name a few), you’ll see locals eating on tiny plastic stools lining the streets at all hours of the day.

While I love trying street food, I’ll admit I sometimes hesitate when it comes to hygiene and food safety. No one wants to spend their holiday unwell after eating something dodgy. That’s where joining a Ho Chi Minh City street food tour really makes a difference. 

When you’re with a local guide, you’re taken to places that are tried, tested and trusted. Not only does that give you peace of mind, but it also means you’ll get to discover hidden local spots that you’d likely never find on your own and they’re often the ones serving the best food. 

Check availability for the most popular street food tours here

Types of Street Food Tours in Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to booking a street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City, you typically have two options: joining a tour as a pillion passenger on the back of a scooter, or by taking a walking tour.

Motorbike/Scooter Food Tours

Tours start with pick up from your hotel, where your driver-guide will help you fit your helmet and ensure you feel comfortable before setting off. Riding through the busy streets is an experience in itself as you’re completely surrounded by bikes, with the constant sound of honking horns and the city buzzing around you. 

One of the biggest advantages of a scooter tour is that you can cover much more ground, giving you the chance to explore multiple districts that you likely wouldn’t visit on foot.

Even if you join as part of a group, the experience still feels very personal, as you are each riding with your own driver-guide.

HCMC Motorbike Adventure & Street Food Tour
This Ho Chi Minh City street food tour offers morning, afternoon or Saigon by night options. I’d personally recommend the night tour as the city feels completely different after dark, with the bright lights and busy streets creating a much livelier atmosphere. 

Over approximately 4 hours, you’ll visit several locations across the city including the Ho Thi Flower Market and a stop at Nguyen Van Cu Bridge for a panoramic view over Ho Chi Minh City at night. 

Food and drinks are included in the price, and you can expect to try a mix of Vietnamese favourites such as noodle soup, barbeque meats, and banh xeo (a savoury pancake), finishing up with a local dessert before being dropped back at your hotel.

Walking Food Tours

Walking tours are a great alternative for people who aren’t comfortable riding on the back of a bike in Ho Chi Minh City’s busy traffic. They are also a great way to explore and see more of the city at a slower pace.

Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Street Food Tour with 12 Local Tastings
Despite being a walking tour, this Ho Chi Minh City food tour still includes convenient hotel transfers by car to the meeting point, making it an easy and stress free option.

Over around 4 hours, you’ll get to try up to 12 different local dishes and drinks. This typically includes Vietnamese classics like banh mi, noodle soups, and fresh spring rolls, alongside other traditional specialities you might not think to order yourself. 

All food and drinks are included in the price, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs.

What to Expect on a Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour

While each tour varies depending on the guide and route, you can typically expect to visit several stops and sample up to 12 different dishes and drinks. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the food, culture and local traditions. 

On my own tour, our guide even taught me how to say cheers in Vietnamese “Một, hai, ba, dô!” which translates to “1, 2, 3, cheers!”.

Some dishes you may try include:

If you have any dietary requirements, it’s best to mention these at the time of booking. Guides are generally very accommodating and will adjust stops or dishes where possible. I went on the tour with a pescatarian friend, and they were easily catered for without any issues.

What I also loved about the experience is that the guides took plenty of photos and videos throughout the evening and shared them afterwards via WhatsApp, so you can enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing everything yourself.

Tips for Booking a Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour

Book in advance

Booking tours in advance ensures that your guides can properly plan for your group size and accommodate any necessary adjustments such as dietary requirements. It also helps secure your preferred time slot, especially during busy travel periods.

Day vs night

Most tours offer morning, afternoon or night time slots. I’d personally recommend choosing a night tour, as it’s when Ho Chi Minh City really comes alive, the streets are busier, the atmosphere is more vibrant, and the city feels completely different after dark. 

That said, the best option is simply the one that best fits your itinerary.

Wear comfortable clothing

Depending on what type of tour you choose, you’ll either be riding on the back of a scooter or walking around between stops. In both cases, it’s best to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes such as sneakers.

Bring cash

Although food and drinks are usually included in the tour price, it’s a good idea to bring some cash in case you want to buy extra food or drinks, or to leave a tip for your guide at the end of the tour.