Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Street Food Tour & Flower Market

Summary

Saigon’s flavors and backstreets with local food lovers

You’ll follow local guides through Saigon’s backstreets, tasting dishes like bánh xèo and bò kho straight from neighborhood stalls, wander through Ho Thi Ky flower market’s colors and scents, then finish with sweet soup dessert or flan as evening settles in. Expect laughter, surprises, and food you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not full yet, right?” That’s what our guide, Linh, asked after the third stop — I’d already lost count of how many things I’d tried. We started in District 3 after a quick taxi from my hotel (pickup was easy, no stress), and right away Linh handed me this steaming plate of bánh cuốn. The rice roll was so thin it almost fell apart in my chopsticks — soft and warm, with that herby pork filling and a splash of fish sauce that honestly made me pause for a second. There’s something about eating on tiny stools with scooters buzzing past that makes everything taste sharper. Or maybe it was just the chili.

I didn’t expect to end up at Ho Thi Ky flower market either — one minute we’re weaving through alleys lined with food carts, next thing you know it smells like lilies and wet leaves everywhere. The colors were wild. We tried bò nướng sả (that lemongrass grilled beef thing) and Vietnamese pizza cooked right on the street; I still have no idea how they get the edges so crispy without burning the rest. Linh showed us how to “cheers” like locals do with Saigon beer (“Một, hai, ba, dzô!”) and laughed when I messed up the pronunciation. She knew everyone — or at least she waved like she did.

Somewhere between the grilled bananas with coconut milk (chuối nướng) and the real-deal bánh mì from a cart locals actually queue for (not those touristy ones), I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in ages. There was this moment where we just sat on a curb, eating flan out of little plastic cups while watching an old guy sell lottery tickets nearby. It wasn’t fancy but felt kind of perfect. The whole walking street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City was only about 2.5 km — not far — but every block had something new to smell or try or laugh about.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City street food tour

• Pickup at hotel or meeting point
• Taxi to District 3 center
• Taste Bánh Cuốn and Chuối Nướng
• Try Bò kho beef stew
• Walk to Ho Thi Ky flower market
• Sample Bò nướng sả and Vietnamese pizza
• Drink Saigon beer and taste Bò lá lốt
• Learn local cheers and explore backstreets
• Visit authentic Bánh Mì spot
• Eat Bánh Xèo crepe and Chè Mâm dessert
• Return to hotel or chosen bar/pub

Top questions

How long is the walking street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

The total walking distance is about 2.5 km, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ho Chi Minh City food tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4.

What foods are included on this street food tour?

You’ll try around 10 dishes such as bánh cuốn, bò kho, bánh mì, Vietnamese pizza, grilled bananas with coconut milk, and more.

Does the tour visit any markets?

Yes, you’ll walk through Ho Thi Ky flower market in District 10 during the tour.

Are drinks included on this walking street food tour?

The price includes drinks like Saigon beer along with your meals.

Can vegetarians join this Ho Chi Minh City street food tour?

The menu is flexible depending on dietary restrictions; let them know after booking.

How do I meet if my hotel isn’t in Districts 1, 3 or 4?

You can meet your guide at the Saigon Opera House; details will be arranged via WhatsApp if needed.

Is this street food tour safe for kids?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe for all ages and suitable for families.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel (or meeting at Saigon Opera House if outside central districts), all taxi fees between stops, ten different street foods plus drinks including local beer or soft drinks as you go along. You’ll be guided by friendly locals who know every shortcut—and yes—hand sanitizer is available if you ask ahead of time.