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As a center of economy in Vietnam, Saigon welcomes visitors from all over the world to the city for business trips and touring. It is not difficult to explore the culture of the city since there are many kinds of attractions and activities in Saigon. Touring Saigon on a motorbike is the most convenient option for full exploration, but getting around the town on foot can also be an interesting experience. Read more in our guide for some recommended itineraries for a Saigon walking tour.
You can tailor your own walking tour in Saigon with the help of the map and hired transportation booking apps on your mobile. But it will require you to do a little research beforehand and can be quite difficult if it is your first time in Vietnam. The below will list out some merits and things to notes if you want to have a walking tour in Saigon.
Take your time. If you are not on a tight schedule, you can have a walk around the streets in Saigon, enjoy the view slowly, and get closer to the locals working and selling things in their vendors along the sidewalks.
Go your way. When you walk, it is also more easy to make stops and spend time in some places. You don’t have to worry about the traffic direction or getting in small alleys and small shortcuts if you want to travel off-the-beaten-path in Saigon.
A bonus of this tour is that it is a chance to get exercise if you want to get fit.
The crowded sidewalks. Saigon is not a walking-friendly city as there are many motorbikes getting on the sidewalks during rush hours, motorbike parking in front of shops, and vendors on the sidewalks.
The unexpected weather. The weather in Saigon gets hot from 9 AM - 4 PM in the dry season, while showers often pour down from noon to evening in the rainy season. It is recommended to equip yourself with raincoats, hats, and sunscreen for a better touring experience.
The busy streets. Crossing the streets in Saigon also requires the skill of getting in sync with the constant traffic which won’t stop for you. You can find locals and tag along when they cross the streets but the strict is to keep the pace steady. Find out helpful tips in the video below.
The long travel time. You can spend as much time as you want and can, but normally, it should take you about 1-1.5 hours of traveling between places and 2 hours of visiting the attractions. The travel time could be longer if you lost your way.
The far distance. With a walking tour in Saigon, you cannot go very far from the city center either, because the attractions will be further apart from one another in the other districts. It may be impossible to visit all those attractions just on foot.
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Considering the goods and bads of a Saigon walking tour, we came up with a list of itineraries in the city which would bring out the best experience for you.
The French Quarter is also considered the center of Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. Most of the top attractions, hotels, local restaurants, and cafes are located around the area will be really convenient for you to have it all in one tour but it can also be quite crowded and touristy for some.
You can start early in the morning, late afternoon, and evening. Each time of the day, you will find a new kind of beauty
Detailed French Quarter itineraries
Chinatown in Saigon is a large area including 4 districts District 5, District 6, District 10, and District 11. District 5 is considered as the center of the Chinatown with the largest population of Chinese Vietnamese, many Chinese restaurants, and Chinese temples.
Most of the attractions like local markets, religious sites are opened from early morning to late afternoon (around 4 PM), but to see the busy lantern streets and enjoy Chinese cuisine, you should start the Saigon walking tour in Chinatown in the afternoon.
Each destination is only about 5 minutes walk from another
Detailed Chinatown itineraries
As one of the most developed cities in Vietnam, Saigon is never short of attractions and activities for a luxury tour. Many department stores are gathered in the streets in District 1, housing glamorous brand names, movie theatres, and eatery chains.
Most of the malls and the eateries open from 9 AM to 9 PM. After dawn (6 PM) and on weekends, these places will be packed with people hanging out, window shopping, and shopping.
You can choose whether you prefer the crowd or the quiet more when visiting a department store
Vietnamese street food is a wonder that you need to explore. While there are many eateries around the city, but on a Saigon walking tour, you can try these places we suggest.
Starting from late afternoon to evening, you can try many foods from Vietnamese cuisine to that of from all over the world.
To pick one favorite dish from hundreds of foods seems like an impossible task
The French Quarter and Chinatown are two ideal places for a Saigon walking tour because many attractions and restaurants are located near one another. The streets in these areas are also more walking-friendly for first-time travelers to Vietnam.
Want to know about other places in Saigon? See our guide to the best attractions and activities in Saigon, or our private guided motorbike tours in Saigon and contact us to make requirements or customize your trip.
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Comments
the streets were really crowded and sometimes we couldn't walk on the sidewalk
If you have decided on a walking tour, my advise is to go with a local tour guide as the streets are pretty crazy