Eat – Shop – Pray Like A Local

Discover the hidden pulse of Saigon in a morning packed with real moments: sipping coffee, weaving through alleyways alive with stories, and soaking in the chaos of a traditional wet market, and a temple where culture meets community.

This isn’t the Saigon you’ll find in guidebooks: it’s the one you’ll never forget.

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Peel back the polished layers of Saigon and step into the heartbeat of the city, where alleyways hum with life, ancient rituals still breathe, and stories unfold over steaming cups of coffee brewed the old-school way. This isn’t the Saigon of postcards; this is the side locals live and love.

In just one morning, you’ll sip history in a 1938 coffee shop, duck into narrow alleys echoing with decades of daily life, and wander through vibrant wet markets that bombard the senses in the best way possible.

It’s real, it’s raw, it’s the kind of experience that lingers long after lunch at a humble local favorite. Bring your curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes—Saigon’s secret soul is waiting.

Trip highlights

Coffee stand with time

Market

Caodai temple

Local apartment

What’s included

Experienced English-speaking guide

Private transportation for group

Food mentioned in the itinerary

Drinks mentioned in the itinerary

Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary

Pick and drop off for all locations in D1, D3

Exclusions

  • VAT, International flight
  • Personal expenses: laundry, souvenirs,…
  • Visa entrance fee
  • Tips for Tour Guide and local servings. 
  • Changing ticket fee, visa extension cost, foreign currency exchange,…

Itinerary

Start your day with a taste of history at a coffee shop that’s been brewing up its signature blend since 1938. This isn’t your typical tourist stop, here, you’ll experience coffee made the old-fashioned way, surrounded by locals who’ve made this spot their morning ritual.

From there, we’ll wind through busy streets and alleys, visiting an old apartment with layers of history, and immersing ourselves in the lively chaos of a traditional wet market. Slithering through narrow alleyways is palpable as the alley culture in Saigon is alive with sounds and smells, covering a side of the city often overlooked.

Next, we’re heading to a wholesale flower market tucked away in the alleys. Flowers are woven into every aspect of Vietnamese life, both physical and spiritual. Let’s together hear out the stories centered around a single, yet significant element: flowers.

Our journey continues to a Cao Dai Temple, where you’ll learn about this unique Vietnamese religion through its distinctive architecture and beliefs. The temple also plays a role in the community, offering daily meals to those in need. If you’re up for it, you might get the chance to pitch in and be part of something meaningful.

Finally, we’ll grab lunch at a no-frills, local favorite spot. With a variety of authentic dishes to choose from, it’s the perfect way to end a morning of real Saigon experiences.

FAQs

01

Are airport transfers included?

Arrival: If you're there on Day 1 or crashing with us before, we've got your back with an arrival transfer. For other plans, kindly just sort your own ride. Departure: Since everyone's schedules vary, we don't arrange departure transfers. But we can help you find local transport options.
02

Are tips included in the cost?

Nope, tips aren't part of the deal. For a rough guide:
  • Trip Leader: 10-15 USD per day
  • Drivers: 4-5 USD per day
Your Trip Leader will help with local tipping advice. We'll collect tips during the welcome meeting. It's all up to you!
03

Can I book a customized itinerary for my family/close friends?

100% guaranteed. Please message Hum Team with your request — the more detailed, the better and quicker it will be for us to assist you! Hum Team is more than happy to accompany you and your loved ones every step of the way. No need to think further, let's just ask us anything. 
04

Can the itinerary change?

Yup, the itinerary can change! Sometimes things like availability, weather, or unexpected stuff might shake things up a bit. Don't worry, we'll try to keep things awesome and may tweak the plan to keep it fresh.
05

How much deposit do I need in advance?

50% of the trip value is the minimum you need to deposit for your trip. The rest will be completed 15 days before the departure date. Upon registration, our Trip Consultants will also immediately assist you in choosing the right flight for your departure location and personal needs.
06

What can I expect in terms of hotels and food quality?

The accommodations selected have been chosen for their prime locations and cozy amenities, although they may not all be categorized as luxurious. While we strive to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, it's important to acknowledge that standards can vary across countries. We understand that a significant aspect of travel is delving into local culinary delights. Nevertheless, fret not, as you will find an array of familiar Western dishes available in major urban centers such as Ha Noi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City to cater to diverse tastes.
07

What is the cancellation policy?

We support a refund of up to 10% of the registration value when you cancel your booking within 45 days before departure. And there's even no fee if you cancel 60 days before your departure date. However, the fee will increase gradually by 20%, 50%, and 75% if you cancel close to the booked departure date.

Price

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Tour type

Duration

6 hours

Location

Ho Chi Minh City

Language

English

Departure

Ho Chi Minh City

Depart from

Quantity

Contact for private solo traveler

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