Foodie Tour in Saigon

A joined Saigon street food tour usually costs 25–30 USD per person, including many dishes, drinks, and a local English-speaking guide. You’ll get to taste 6–8 different foods, from noodles to iced coffee. It’s like having a full meal with fun stories along the way.

A motorbike or customized tour may cost between $40 and $50 USD per person if you want a more private experience. It is more individualized, allowing you to decide where and what to eat. Either way, it’s great value for money because the total cost is similar to what you’d spend eating on your own — but with better taste, safer choices, and a local friend by your side.

Most Saigon food tours include 6–8 dishes, drinks like sugarcane juice or Vietnamese coffee, and a friendly local guide. You'll visit a number of food vendors and sample local specialties like hu tieu (noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancake), and com tam (broken rice). Your guide explains how to savor each dish like a local, and each stop offers something new.

Some tours also include short market visits where you can see piles of tropical fruits, herbs, and seafood. Others may offer cooking demos or dessert stops in cozy cafés. Everything is prepared for you — all you need to bring is an empty stomach and curiosity to explore Saigon’s amazing street food culture.

Yes, it's good to book your Saigon food tour well in advance, particularly during the peak travel seasons (December - March). If you want to join a food tour group, the spots for food tours can fill up quickly because they are small, especially for motorbike or evening tours. Making reservations in advance also let the guide create the ideal meal plan for your tastes.

Last-minute spots may still be available during low travel months. But booking the tour in advance will save you time and worry about availability. Moreover, it allows you to inform the team of any dietary restrictions or vegetarianism. In this manner, you can unwind and savor the meal without worrying about anything.

Yes, Saigon food tours are extremely safe, particularly if you travel with knowledgeable local guides. They pick hygienic, reliable food vendors that they have personally tried numerous times. Throughout the tour, bottled water is served, and the food is always prepared fresh.

Even though the city’s traffic looks busy, guides know the safest walking routes and quieter streets for motorbike rides. You’ll also get helmets, napkins, and hand sanitizer. Many families with children and solo travelers join these tours and say they felt comfortable the whole time. With a local guide, you can enjoy the lively streets with total peace of mind.

Saigon is warm all year. It’s suggested to wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes. Walking or sitting on scooters is easier with sneakers or sandals. The atmosphere is very casual, so you don’t need to dress up — most locals eat in T-shirts and shorts.

If you join a night tour, you might bring a light jacket for the evening breeze. During the rainy season (May to October), you can prepare a small umbrella or raincoat. Just wear what makes you comfortable. Food tours are about tasting and having fun, not fashion.

An evening Saigon food tour is most enjoyable, becasue the city is at its most vibrant time. The streets are crowded with food carts and bright lights. You can taste some famous Saigon foods like grilled seafood and banh xeo while enjoying the vibrant energy.

Morning food tours are a fantastic choice if you want something quiter. You can begin your day with a hot bowl of sticky rice or pho as the locals. Coffee lovers can unwind with a glass of ca phe sua da to enjoy the calmness afternoon tours. Saigon always has something to offer, regardless of the time of day you visit.

Tipping is a polite way to express gratitude if your guide made your tour extra special, but it's not necessary in Vietnam. Depending on the length of the tour and the level of service, most tourists pay between $3 and $5 USD per person. Expressing gratitude is more important than the amount.

In addition to guiding you, your guide will frequently assist with ordering food, describe each dish, and ensure your safety and comfort. Small-stall vendors don't ask for tips, but it's always appreciated when you smile and say "Cảm ơn," which means "thank you" in Vietnamese. In Saigon, small actions have a big impact!

A Saigon food tour lasts 3-4 hours for different routes. Nearby neighborhoods are typically covered by walking tours, which include multiple food stops and brief rest periods in between tastings. You won't ever feel hurried because of the leisurely and pleasant pace.

Since motorcycle tours cover more ground—from the bustling downtown to undiscovered local neighborhoods—they can be a little bit longer. There will be time for dining, taking pictures, and interacting with locals. Some private tours can be extended if you’d like to explore more or enjoy dessert cafés at the end. It’s the perfect way to spend half a day in Saigon.

Saigon is packed with delicious food that truly shows the warm and lively spirit of southern Vietnam. Among the most well-known are hu tieu (clear noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), banh xeo (crispy pancake), and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork). Each has its own unique flavor and story.

You should also try goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) — both are daily favorites for locals. The freshness and balance of Saigon cuisine—sweet, salty, spicy, and sour all in one bite—are what set it apart. You can experience more than just the city's attractions when you eat these dishes during your food tour.