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Culinary Journey Through Ho Chi Minh City Street Food

Get ready to take a foodie adventure with our Culinary Journey Through Ho Chi Minh City Street Food the ultimate food experience! Our guided tour will indulge you in the heart and lively streets of Saigon, from where every corner carries a new taste and every dish tells a story. From sizzling pan bánh xèo to aromatic bowls of phở, explore the rich cultural blend that exists in this city and take some time to trace the food heritage. Join Ho Chi Minh City for an unforgettable tour that will explain to you why Saigon is a paradise in the eyes of every cuisine lover worldwide. You’ll meet the enthusiastic locals who have restaurants and taste mouth-watering delights.

Ho Chi Minh City: The Melting Pot of Vietnamese Cuisine

Banh Mi Bay Ho in Ho Chi Minh City street food

Banh Mi Bay Ho

Indeed, Ho Chi Minh City is an ethnic melting pot, a place where every single taste boasting the rich tapestry of Vietnamese food comes alive. Throughout centuries, the historic trading port called together cultures and culinary traditions from all over the nation and beyond. It’s here that you get to savor the delicious influences of French baguettes turning into the iconic bánh mì, the Chinese-style noodles leaving their mark on the aromatic spice soups of Vietnam, notably phở, adding that special twist of citric notes from Cambodian dishes to the traditionally local delicacies. This incredible fusion puts Ho Chi Minh City street food out there with some of the most interesting and varied in the world!

Food on the Ho Chi Minh City street food then represents a convergence of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Each is delicately crafted to bring out fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Street vendors play an important role in this vibrant food culture of the city, bringing cuisines with great passion to the busy streets. From the savory aroma of the sizzling pans of bánh xèo to steaming bowls of cơm tấm topped with grilled meats and pickled vegetables, every corner has something delicious. Much more than dishes, these are part of daily routine and well reflect the dynamic blend of tradition and innovation inside the city.

Get ready to indulge in this street food paradise on any of our Ho Chi Minh City tours! Think bustling markets, passionate vendors, and food polished for generations. Crunch into the freshness of crispy gỏi cuốn, or be comforted with a steaming hot bowl of phở you’ll know exactly why this city is the entrance ticket for food lovers. Come for the magic of Ho Chi Minh City street food, because an unforgettable foodie adventure is what awaits you.

Detailed Itinerary: Sample Tour of Culinary Journey Through Ho Chi Minh City Street Food

Morning (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Start with Breakfast and Local Landmarks

8:30 AM – Meet at Ben Thanh Market
Our food adventure will commence at the iconic Ben Thanh Market, the beating heart of Saigon! This chaotic marketplace is an ideal indulgence into the world of Ho Chi Minh City street food. It is here that you will meet your guide at the main entrance and get a thrilling overview of what the day has in store for you. We’ll take a walk past colorful stalls overflowing with exotic fruits, aromatic spices, and an endless array of street snacks. Everything from fresh-cut dragon fruits down to brilliantly grilled meats, with their alluring smell corners are diverse, filled with flavors yet to be discovered.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Banh Mi Bay Ho
Next – within walking distance for a few minutes we head towards a local legend: Banh Mi Bay Ho at 19 Huỳnh Khương Ninh, District 1. There, the magic starts to take place with your Vietnamese sandwich! You will also enjoy the delicious and crispy bánh mì with marinated pork, pate, pickled veggies, and special house sauce. Savor slice to slice and learn about quite a unique history that somehow manages to marry the best of the French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. A perfect way to kick-start our Ho Chi Minh Tours on a high note!

9:45 AM – Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
After breakfast, we head to the serenely tucked-away Jade Emperor Pagoda. With its exceptional architecture and an interior filled with spiritual spirit, it is one of the better-kept secrets of the bustling city. We’ll take a while exploring its vibrantly colored statues, intricate woodwork, and koi ponds. As you drink in the serenity, you will also learn about the local beliefs and traditions that make this place special.

Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City street food

Jade Emperor Pagoda

10:30 AM – Mid-Morning Snack at Xôi Gà Number One
Hungry again? Good! We will head to Xôi Gà Number One, 15 Nguyễn Trung Trực, District 1, for a look at one of the locals’ favorite dishes: sticky rice topped with shredded chicken, fried eggs, and crispy shallots. This is one of the real treats of Ho Chi Minh City street food culture. While snacking, learn about preparation methods and what sticky rice means within Vietnamese culinary traditions real comfort food!

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Lunch and Iconic Sights

12:00 PM – Lunch at Com Tam Ba Ghien
Lunchtime, and we’re off to one of Saigon’s most loved restaurants: Com Tam Ba Ghien at 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phường 10, Phú Nhuận. Now, get ready for a belly-full of com tam, or broken rice, served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a liberal dash of sweet fish sauce. Soon, it would be pretty easy to understand why this is the South’s favorite dish. It’s not just about flavors, it’s about the love and tradition in a serving.

Com Tam Ba Ghien

Com Tam Ba Ghien

1:30 PM – Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Full-bellied and joyous, we proceed to two of the most famous areas of Saigon-the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Central Post Office. These stunning examples of French colonial architecture offer a glimpse into the city’s history and cultural fusion. Stroll through this majestic cathedral and step into the grand post office, where you can admire the beautiful interior, plus send a postcard back home if you like!

2:30 PM – Explore Reunification Palace
Next, we’ll reach the Reunification Palace, the most important place in Vietnamese modern history. Walking through its halls and secret bunkers, you will learn not only about the events leading to reunification but much more. Take a minute to appreciate the reflection-locals with a complex past blending with their vibrant present.

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Street Food Tour and Night Market Visits

5:00 PM – Dinner at Lau Ca Keo Ba Huyen Thanh Quan
When the sun begins to set, it’s back to Ho Chi Minh City street food to have dinner consisting of hot pot at Lẩu Cá Kèo Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, 87 Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, District 3. Expect a flavorsome hot pot loaded with fresh herbs, vegetables, and tender fish. This meal is a kind of communal meal, an authentically Vietnamese time for bonding over a well-shared meal consisting of dishes that warm the body and soul.

6:30 PM – Visit Bui Vien Walking Street
We end our day with a visit to Bùi Viện Walking Street, the beating heart of Saigon’s nightlife! This street comes alive with the sounds of music, ringing laughter, and of course, another wave of street food. From delicious grilled skewers to sweet desserts, the street food varieties are endless, and these can be taken in with this lively atmosphere. It will be a perfect wrap-up for your day during our unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City tour: full of flavor, full of culture, and full of adventure in every single moment!

Lau Ca Keo Ba Huyen Thanh Quan

Lau Ca Keo Ba Huyen Thanh Quan

Tips and Useful Information for Joining Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tours

Planning a Ho Chi Minh City street food tour? Great decision! It was about time some valuable tips and helpful information were presented to make such an adventure hassle-free but, at the same time, a fantastic discovery of Saigon street treats.

Health and Safety Tips

Eating Ho Chi Minh City street food safely and healthily requires attention to some key factors that will enhance your adventure. First, select a food stall that is hygienic, which is usually indicated by a high volume of locals. It means the food served is fresh. Observe how the street food is being handled, whether the food is prepared cleanly, and if the vendor uses gloves or utensils. It is also very important to stay hydrated; the heat and humidity of Saigon may get quite overwhelming. Take a water bottle with you in case you are trying spicy dishes. Do not forget to use a hand sanitizer before and after eating and dress comfortably in light, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes if you want to get the most out of your tour!

Ho Chi Minh City Street Food: Cultural Etiquette You Need to Know

To delve into the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City street food, first of all, it is relevant to understand and respect the customs of the place. When it comes to ordering food, start with a friendly “Xin chào!", meaning “Hello!", followed by simple phrases like “Cho tôi…", which means “Please give me…", added to the name of the dish. This little humble effort will bring out smiles among the vendors. Communication might be with a mix of gestures and pointing at dishes, as little English is spoken. Bearing in mind that an amiable manner will go a long way,

Language Tips

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it’s always good to do so to give a little leave after paying the bill, especially if you have enjoyed your meal. That little can brighten their day. Language Tips How much more exciting will it get to navigate the bustling  Ho Chi Minh City street food scene when you can communicate with locals? Do try using some basic Vietnamese phrases, and that will make your experience even smoother. For example, how much this dish price, “Bao nhiêu tiền? “, would come in handy when you need to know the prices, while “Ngon quá! It is a way of appreciating food, meaning great! (Delicious!).

Vendors appreciate that visitors make an effort, so don’t be shy and practice a few words. Even a simple “Cảm ơn! " can amp up your interaction with these people who make this food culture so special.

The Best Time to Join a Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour

There is never a bad time to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City street food, but some seasons and times of the day are more comforting and thrilling. The good season is the dry season, between December and April, with warm but pleasant weather ideal for street wandering. Morning tours are good for enjoying fresh breakfast items and a cooler temperature, while on the other hand, evening tours give one a chance to experience the exciting atmosphere of night markets or even street food stalls. Whether for the first time or even after many years, Ho Chi Minh has all the means to take you on an irresistible journey to the premier gastric treasures of the city.

Impress Travel: Your Trusted Provider for Ho Chi Minh City Tours

Welcome to Impress Travel, your ultimate partner in exploring Ho Chi Minh City street food! Having been one of the leading tour operators in Vietnam for many years, we are committed to the provision of authentic and memorable experiences. Discover the culture and cuisine with greater insight into this city on our expertly guided Ho Chi Minh City tours for a journey always filled with flavor and memorable moments. Savor famous dishes, find the most hidden culinary treasures, and let us make your adventure truly extraordinary. Why choose Impress Travel for Ho Chi Minh City street food?

Our customized tours will cater to your special preferences and wishes concerning food and drinks, as well as offer professional advice on some of the best venues in town. Don’t just take our word for it: many happy guests give reviews about our tours, speaking highly of their guide’s knowledge and the delicious varieties of food they can sample. Buckle up for the tasty ride. Contact us today to book your Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour. Telephone: (+84) 912 379 189 Email: info@impresstravel.com

Hanoi Head Office

  • 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
  • Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
  • Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

Saigon Office

  • 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
  • Tel: (+84)961675566
  • Email: saigon@impresstravel.com

Conclusion

The culinary journey through Ho Chi Minh City itself is a gourmet safari unlike any other, where every taste, from the crispy bánh mì at a busy market to a soothing hot pot at a bustling street corner, tells a story about the culture and one that much closer to the heartbeat of Saigon. Ready to explore more? Book your tour with Impress Travel and discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City street food! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel  for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.

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Tours Itinerary

Day 01

WELCOME TO VIETNAM & HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL

  • On arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, our guide & driver – Impress Travel Team will be there to meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
  • Enjoy free leisure time
  • Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

 What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 02

HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR AND CU CHI TUNNELS

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. We will visit the following places of interest:

  • The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th, 1975 the Vietnam War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
  • War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.
  • Jade Emperor Pagoda: Building in 1909 in honor of the supreme Taoist god, this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in HCMC, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also, on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there’s even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range

• Free time & overnight at hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, hotel accommodation

Day 03

HO CHI MINH – MEKONG – MY THO (B,L)

Pick-up time: 8:00-8:30/ End tour 18:00 19:00
Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, and drive 1,5 hours to Mỹ Tho. We will stop along the way for refreshments and toilet.
• Upon arrival, we board a motor-boat and cruise along a vast network of canals and channels to enjoy wonderful views of the Mekong River, including four famous islands “Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix”.
• Stop at one of the floating fish houses, in nets and wire baskets under their house, the villagers cultivate freshwater fish and shrimp – a major export product of the region.
• Cross the River to the other side, you will stop at a traditional workshop to witness a step-by-step process on how to make coconut candy, honey farming… while trying some yourself and listening to traditional music.
• Enjoy what local people offer by hand rowing a sampan along the shady, breezy canal. We will transfer to local transportation called Xe Lôi to travel throughout the villages.
• Lunch will be served at a riverside restaurant with a Vietnamese 5-course set menu. Please request in advance if you have a food allergy, you are a vegetarian, or you observe Halal.
• Take a rest after lunch before boarding the motor-boat back to Mỹ Tho. We drive to Vĩnh Tràng pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem built in the middle of the 19th century. There are many Buddha statues including some that are over a hundred years old.

We drive another 1,5 hours back to Hồ Chí Minh city and drop you at your hotel or somewhere in District 1 on request. End of services.
***Please note that timing and itinerary are subject to change without notice. However, we will do everything we reasonably can to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Inclusions: breakfast, A/C land transfer, lunch, local English-speaking tour guide, entrance fee, boat trip, hotel

Day 04

HO CHI MINH– FAREWELL ( B )

• Your free leisure time may be spent shopping in Ho Chi Minh City center at Supermarkets etc or at Ben Thanh market.
• You will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh city airport via your scheduled flight back home or continue seeing other cities in Vietnam.
• We hope you enjoyed your trip and see you again!

Inclusion:  hotel breakfast, English speaking tour guide, private A/C transfer, hotel accommodation – check out before 12:00 mid-day

What’s included in this trip:

  • Accommodation based on Twin/Double sharing room, ( notice: a single room is surcharged following single supplement policy/ all room night including daily hotel breakfast.
  • All the meals as mentioned in the detailed itinerary
  • Entrance Fee to visit attractive places are mentioned as itinerary
  • Private Car/Van/Bus with air-conditioned and good experienced driver.
  • Boat trip in My Tho
  • Experienced English speaking tour guides as specified ( French-speaking guide/ Chinese speaking guide are available on request )
  • Complimentary drink water and Tissue on Van/Bus/Van as mentioned on itinerary
  • International Ticket Fare with insurance surcharge and Fuel surcharge
  • Arport tax.
  • Visa Fees & Travels insurance
  • Porter Charges & Camera Fees.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) do not mentioned as in this itinerary
  • Tipping for Tour guides, Bus driver, Crew
  • Other personal expenses such as beverages, telephone calls, laundry services, Minibar, etc….
  • Other services are not specifically mentioned in the tour Itinerary and the above Inclusion

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh City 3-star Hotels

Signature Deluxe

 HA HIEN SIGNATURE HOTEL 

Refer:http://hahienhotel.vn

 

4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh City 4-star Hotels

Palace Saigon Suite Room

SAIGON PALACE HOTEL

Refer: www.palacesaigon.com/en/

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Ho Chi Minh city

Superior Room Sofitel Hotel Saigon

SOFITEL HOTEL SAIGON

Refer: https://sofitel.accorhotels.com/

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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