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Ho Chi Minh City

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

After dark, the bars in Ho Chi Minh City cluster in District 1 and neighboring District 3, and many of the most interesting ones take a little finding.

The local take

Speakeasies hide down alleys, behind other bars or on upper hotel floors, pouring craft cocktails built on gin, whiskey, local fruit and fresh herbs. Rooftop bars trade that intimacy for skyline views and DJ sets, and craft breweries pour beers made with Vietnamese ingredients. Music is a big part of a night out in Saigon: jazz in low-lit lounges, acoustic sets that fill up on weekends and indie bands in grungier rooms.

When it's time to dance, the nightclubs bring big sound systems and a mix of locals and travelers. Every bar comes with a short note from the guide who suggested it; use the chips to filter for cocktail bars, live music or nightclubs.

BarsCocktail LoungesLive MusicNightclubs

Custom tour

Build a night out in Ho Chi Minh City around these

Tell us how you travel. We'll plan a private night out from places our local guides recommend, like the ones above, and match you with the guide best suited to lead it.

Private food and drink tours in Ho Chi Minh City

About private tours in Ho Chi Minh City

Gaido city guide

Private and custom tours in Ho Chi Minh City with vetted local guides - Gaido

Gaido currently offers 9 private tours in Ho Chi Minh City, with 2 vetted local guides and curated local recommendations for travelers who want a more personal way to explore.

Tour Type:
Private and custom tours
Tours Listed:
9
Vetted Guides:
2
Price Range:
$37-$168 USD

How we choose our guides in Ho Chi Minh City

Gaido isn't trying to list every guide or agency in Ho Chi Minh City. We partner with a small group of local guides from different backgrounds, each leading premium private experiences that show the authentic culture of Ho Chi Minh City, not a generic script.

Many guides reach out to join Gaido, and we only add the ones who meet that bar. That's why you'll find 2 guides in Ho Chi Minh City rather than hundreds: every one of them is someone we'd send our own friends and family to.

Meet the guides of Ho Chi Minh City

Answers to your questions

What are the best private tours in Ho Chi Minh City?

Gaido lists 9 private tours in Ho Chi Minh City, led by vetted local guides. Popular picks include Alleyway Cooking Class with Auntie (4 Hours), Authentic Walking Street Food Tour (4 Hours), and Floating Temple Experience (Group Tour) (3 Hours). Each one is private, so it is just your group and the guide. See the full list above to compare durations and themes.

What are the must-do things in Ho Chi Minh City?

It depends on what you are into. Travelers on Gaido often save hidden gems like Above Bar, Acoustic Bar, and Anan Saigon. These aren't always the most popular or touristy spots, but they're great places worth seeing that come recommended by locals. Gaido also groups Ho Chi Minh City tours by theme, like private transportation tours, off the beaten track tours, and food tours, so you can match the style to your trip. You can find more restaurants, bars, shops, and hidden gems in Gaido's Travel Guide section.

How much is a private tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

Listed prices in Ho Chi Minh City currently range from $37 to $168 USD. Price depends on the tour length, your group size, and whether you customize it. What's included and excluded, like entrance fees, transportation, food, or gratuities, varies by tour, so check each tour page for its own price and full description of what you get.

Do I pay when I book a tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

Not when you book. Your card is saved securely and charged 7 days before the tour's start time (right away if the tour is 7 days away or less). Cancel before then and you won't be charged at all.

Are Gaido's Ho Chi Minh City guides actually local?

Yes. Gaido hand-picks every guide. Most were born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City or have guided here for years, and they average over ten years of experience. Many speak multiple languages. Your recommendations come from these locals, not from sponsored placements or AI. Meet the guides of Ho Chi Minh City.

How much should I tip a tour guide in Ho Chi Minh City?

Tipping varies by guide, route, and what you prefer. If gratuity is not included, ask your guide or confirm the local norm during booking.

Do you need a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City?

No, you can explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own. A private guide helps with context, pacing, neighborhood choices, and a more personal itinerary, especially if your time is short or it is your first visit.

Can you do a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. Current longer and day-trip options include Full Day Mekong Delta Experience by Kayak & Bike (Group Tour) (11 Hours) and Full Day Mekong Delta Experience by Kayak & Bike (Private Tour) (11 Hours). These run around a full day with private transportation. Check each tour page for pickup details and group size.

Can I customize a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary?

Yes. Gaido guides can adapt a Ho Chi Minh City tour around your pace, group size, and interests. You can also set up a virtual consultation with a local guide to plan before you go.

By Gaido Editorial Team · Published 2026-06-16 · Last updated 2026-06-16