The Letters from The Past
Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour
Step back in time and discover the untold stories of Ho Chi Minh City with our free walking tour, Letters from the Past. Immerse yourself in a 2.5-hour journey through the city's landmarks, led by our local guides. We will reveal the thrilling tales and secrets that most visitors miss. This free walking tour is an opportunity to experience Ho Chi Minh City like never before through the eyes of those who truly know its past and present. Moreover, no hidden costs, just an authentic insider’s view of this vibrant city. See Ho Chi Minh City in a whole new light—join us today!
Included and Excluded
- Guided walking tour with a licensed local guide
- Stories and insights about history, culture, and architecture
- Photo opportunities at key landmarks
- Local tips and recommendations (food, attractions, hidden gems)
- Fun, interactive experience with a small group atmosphere
- Mineral water before departure
Excluded
- Transportation (no pickup/drop-off or vehicles included)
- Food and drinks (personal purchases at stops are at your own expense)
- Entrance tickets to any paid attractions (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities (not required, but appreciated if you enjoyed the tour!)
- Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, etc.)
Activities
Itinerary
Our first stop is Turtle Lake, a unique structure shrouded in mystery. This mysterious architectural marvel is more than meets the eye. Its octagonal shape, a masterful blend of yin and yang, whispers ancient secrets of Feng Shui.
Next, we’ll walk along Pham Ngoc Thach Street to the Central Post Office. It's where the East met the West in a dance of ideas and traditions. Feel the echoes of letters and telegrams, each weaving into Saigon's rich cultural tapestry.
Continue to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an architectural masterpiece built by the French. It was regarded as a replica of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Over a century old, this cathedral stands as a symbol of Saigon and holds cultural significance for the locals.
Across the way, the Saigon Opera House beckons. Once the playground of aristocrats, it tells the story of Saigon's transformation into the "Pearl of the Far East."
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building is a landmark French colonial structure built in 1908, admired for its elegant facade though not open to visitors, making it a popular photo spot in the city center. "
Nestled along the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the 42 Nguyen Hue apartment building stands as a quirky yet iconic symbol of Saigon’s creative spirit. Once an ordinary residential block, this mid-century structure has been transformed into a vertical maze of indie coffee shops, local fashion boutiques, co-working spaces, and art studios.
Bach Dang Quay Park offers a peaceful riverside space ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the sunset, with easy access to local cafes and historic attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vietravel's Free Walking Tour is a carefully curated experience that allows participants to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history, culture, and architecture on foot, guided by licensed local experts.
The Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour is completely free of charge and runs every Saturday and Sunday from 3:30 pm. The name of the tour is The Letter From The Past.
The Letter From The Past (2.5 hours | 2.3 km) – A journey through Ho Chi Minh City's iconic colonial-era landmarks, including Turtle Lake, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, The People's Committee Building of HCMC, Café Apartment Building on 42 Nguyen Hue, and Bach Dang Quay Park.
The tour starts from Vietravel HQ (190 Pasteur St.), ensuring a structured and immersive experience. Vietravel’s Free Walking Tour offers an authentic and insightful way to discover the essence of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour is ideal for first-time travelers to Ho Chi Minh City who wish to gain a comprehensive introduction to the city's history, culture, and landmarks. It is perfect for those looking for a sustainable travel experience while exploring the city on foot.
Tours are designed for optimal walking conditions, covering approximately 3 kilometers over an average duration of 2.5 hours. To ensure the best experience, we do not recommend participation for:
- Children under 6 years old (unless accompanied by an adult that ensures the child can walk a long distance of 3 km)
- Individuals with mobility difficulties
- Elderly participants over 65 years old
- Those with medical conditions that limit physical activity
We encourage all participants to assess their comfort with walking before joining to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
While we love having younger visitors join us, we require that minors (under 16) attend the tour with an adult. We recommend the tour for children aged 6 and above. Infants or children under 6 may still participate, but parents or guardians should ensure that they can keep up with the walking pace or be carried if needed. We cannot accommodate those who are not attending with an accompanying adult.
Yes, the Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour have no charges, booking fees, or hidden costs. Led by expert local guides, the tour offers an engaging journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks.Although participation is free and no tip is required, guests may show appreciation to the guide at their discretion. Any gratuity given belongs entirely to them - Vietravel does not take any portion, ensuring your support directly benefits their dedication and expertise.
Our tours require a minimum of 1 participant, so even solo travelers are welcome! For the best experience, we aim for an ideal group size of 15 guests, with a maximum of 20 per tour.To keep groups comfortable and engaging, spaces are limited, and tours can fill up quickly. Therefore, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Maps
