Private Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour 4 Days 3 Nights – Saigon River

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, where French colonial charm, local street life, and modern high-rises collide in a thrilling urban energy.

After settling in, your first evening kicks off with a one-of-a-kind experience - the Saigon Jeep Tour by Night, a lively culinary and cultural safari on wheels.

Hop aboard a vintage jeep as your driver picks you up from your hotel or meeting point around District 1. The ride begins with a scenic crossing over the Saigon River, where the skyline glows golden under the night sky. You’ll head straight into District 4, a neighborhood famous for its street food scene and sizzling seafood stalls to enjoy fresh and flavorful seafood dishes.

Next, you'll explore a hidden spot to savor “banh xeo”, the crispy Vietnamese rice flour crepe stuffed with shrimp, pork, and herbs - a dish beloved by locals but often missed by tourists. Your guide will share the origins and tips for wrapping it up in lettuce and dipping it in homemade fish sauce.

As the jeep rumbles onward, you’ll weave through tiny alleyways and backstreets, catching glimpses of real Saigon life - children playing and family-run shops buzzing late into the night. Between bites, refresh your palate with a scoop of Saigon’s signature coconut ice cream.

To end the night in style, cruise over to Saigon’s buzzing Beer Street for a stop at a rooftop bar. With a glass of local craft beer in hand, gaze across the glittering city skyline, soaking in the electric vibes of this unstoppable city.

This jeep tour reveals the authentic layers of Saigon - loud, flavorful, raw - setting the tone for your journey ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

At 09:00, begin your journey to the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve from Ho Chi Minh City. Get ready for a day of nature, wildlife, and river adventures!

Upon arrival, lace up your shoes for a scenic hike through lush mangrove trails, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the forest.

In the heart of the reserve, get hands-on with nature as you experience local life by harvesting “oc len” (mud creepers) and catching small crabs in the soft, silty mud - a joyful and muddy activity shared with local fishermen.

Then, transfer to a peaceful riverfront area where you can paddleboard (SUP) in the waters between stilt houses and dense mangrove roots. If the tides allow and your group exceeds 20, try casting traditional fishing nets to catch your own lunch, just like the locals have done for generations.

Around 12:00, sit down to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, feasting on fresh seafood and regional specialties while enjoying the gentle breeze off the water.

Afternoon

At 14:00, delve deeper into the ecosystem at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve Museum, where you'll explore exhibits detailing the rich biodiversity of the forest, from rare saltwater crocodiles to migratory birds and medicinal plants.

Conclude your adventure by climbing the 36-meter-high observation tower, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the endless green canopy stretching to the sea - an awe-inspiring reminder of Vietnam’s natural treasures.

By 15:30, your Can Gio journey comes to a close, leaving you a deepened connection to Vietnam’s wild side.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Step into the soul of Ho Chi Minh City, where ancient healing traditions meet artistic expression and mindful living. This half-day journey is more than a sightseeing tour - it’s a cultural immersion that nourishes both body and spirit.

Your morning begins with a warm welcome and hearty bowl of pho at the beloved Pho Hung restaurant. As you slurp the aromatic broth filled with rice noodles and tender beef, you'll taste one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes in a setting filled with local life.

Next, venture into the world of holistic wellness at Tan Hung Long Tu, a revered herbal medicine temple nestled in a quiet corner of the city. Here, you'll step into the healing atmosphere of a traditional medicine clinic, wander through a herbal garden, and even receive a pulse diagnosis and personalized health advice from a local practitioner - an intimate glimpse into the wisdom of Eastern medicine.

Continue your journey through time at the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, where over 3,000 artifacts showcase the history of herbal healing from the Stone Age to modern times. Step into the shoes of a healer as you grind herbs with ancient tools, or dress in a traditional “ao dai” and pose as a local doctor preparing remedies. For a deeper sense of renewal, opt to enjoy a relaxing herbal foot bath (available at your own expense).

Creativity meets tranquility at Quynh Vy Rice Painting Studio, where you'll be guided through the meditative process of crafting your own artwork from grains of rice. Under the patient guidance of local artisans, you’ll design a keepsake that blends Vietnamese culture with your personal touch.

End your experience at Ba Xa Vegetarian Restaurant, a hidden gem known for its elegant ambiance and plant-based delights. In this peaceful space, savor a thoughtfully curated vegetarian lunch, while learning how a plant-based diet supports health, balance, and environmental harmony.

Afternoon

After lunch, your guide and driver will escort you back to your original pick-up point, concluding a soul-soothing day that connects you with Saigon’s ancient roots and creative energy.

NOTE: The program can be changed accordingly but still ensure the attractions included in the program.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

As your memorable journey through southern Vietnam draws to a close, take a moment to soak in the energy of Ho Chi Minh City one last time. With its vibrant streets, rich culture, and flavorful cuisine still fresh in your mind, today offers a final glimpse of the charm that makes this city.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a bit of time to wander the neighborhood near your hotel, grab a last bowl of pho, or sip Vietnamese iced coffee at a sidewalk café while watching the world go by. Your driver will pick you up and transfer you comfortably to the airport, ensuring a smooth journey as you depart Vietnam, carrying with you the sights, flavors, and warmth of the people you've met along the way.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: NA