Saigon Free Tour: Icons & Backstreets
Overview
We begin at the Independence Palace, where Vietnam’s modern history changed forever in 1975.
Next, admire the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and step inside the stunning Saigon Central Post Office, used to got chance to designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Just a short walk away, browse the cozy cafés and bookstores along Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.
We’ll continue past the old Opium Manufacture, then stop at the elegant Park Hyatt Hotel, once the target of a wartime bombing that shook the city.
From there, admire the beautiful Opera House and hear stories of the legendary Continental Hotel.
Stroll by the grand City Hall before ending at the Ho Chi Minh Statue and lively Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where the city’s past and present meet.
A perfect introduction to Saigon in just a couple of hours.
This activity includes:
- Independence Palace
- Notra Dame Cathedral
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Book Street
- Opium Manufacture Courtyard
- Park Hyatt (Brinks Hotel)
- Opera House
- JW Marriot (Intercontinental Hotel)
- People Committe of Ho Chi Minh
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Little Japan
- Roundabout Tran Hung Dao
- Ben Nghe Float Market
- Water Bus (Sai Gon River)
- Rothschild - The Riverie Sai Gon
- Bitexco (Iron Man)
- Coffe Apartment
- Ba Son Bridge
Our Guides
On arrival
On Arrival – How to Find the Tour
Meet at Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), main gate
135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
How to find us (no confusion):
Stand outside the main entrance, not inside the palace grounds
Look for the Sai Gon Vi Vu guide holding a sign or wearing a logo badge
Arrive 10 minutes early to check in and meet the group
Getting there:
Grab / Taxi: Tell the driver “Independence Palace – main gate, District 1”
Walking: Easy from Ben Thanh Market (about 10–12 minutes)
Bus: Any bus stopping near Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street / Dinh Độc Lập
Important note:
Entrance tickets to the palace are not required to join the tour, unless stated. The tour begins outside.
Simple. Clear. No stress.
Things to note
Walking distance: 2km (1.2 miles)
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Physical level: Easy
Themes: History, Politics, People, Architecture, War
The tour operates rain or shine.
Please bring some water with you; Saigon can be hot and humid, so a hat or umbrella is recommended.
This tour operates on a tip basis, allowing you to pay what you feel is appropriate.
How can the tour be free?
Our concept is simple — there is no set price. Instead, you tip your guide at the end of the tour whatever amount feels right to you. Typically, guests give between $10 to €50, depending on their satisfaction and budget.
Most guides accept cash or card payments, or you can do it via our app.
Free Cancellation
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
