About this tour
When Charlie from our team did this vegan walking tour in Saigon, we got a genuine feel for how locals actually eat in the city's hidden corners. Spring, who runs the tour, steers clear of famous-tourist-trap dishes and instead takes you through alleyways, old apartment blocks, and neighbourhood markets sampling naturally vegan comfort food — bánh xèo, chả giò, bánh bèo, and more depending on what vendors have on the day. It's three hours on foot with around 7,000 steps, plenty of eating stops, and a personal vegan Vietnam guide sent afterwards. The whole thing reads less like a structured tour and more like wandering with a friend who knows where the good food is.
Highlights
- Seven to eight different vegan dishes, all made for locals not tourists
- Wanders through hidden alleys and a lived-in apartment block
- Stops at lively local markets where you see real Saigon daily life
- Guide sends personal vegan Vietnam resource after the tour
- Mix of hot street food and seasonal fresh fruit throughout
- Small groups mean actual conversation, not rushed crowds
- Soda, water, and alcohol included — no surprise drink bills
What to expect
Charlie found the pace relaxed and sociable. Spring meets you and starts walking, stopping every 10 minutes or so at a vendor or small eatery. You'll try something unfamiliar most times — bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), bột chiên (fried rice cake), há cảo (steamed dumplings) — and Spring explains what you're eating and why locals love it. The alleyways are narrow, sometimes crowded, and the market stops can feel chaotic if you're not used to Vietnamese street life, but that's part of the authentic texture.
You'll cover about 7,000 steps over three hours, which includes eating pauses. The heat and humidity are real in Saigon, so pace yourself. Spring's honest about group size — sometimes it's just you and her, which is actually lovely for conversation. Everything is genuinely vegan (no hidden fish sauce tricks), and the food costs nothing extra beyond the tour price.
What travellers say
- Authentically vegan — no hidden animal products or tourist compromises
- Walkable pace lets you absorb alleyways and real neighbourhood life
- Seven to eight dishes gives genuine sense of local vegan eating
- Small-group feel means actual conversation with Spring and others
- Post-tour vegan guide is a genuine practical resource for Saigon
- Three hours walking in tropical heat takes stamina and preparation
- Daily vendor changes mean you can't guarantee specific dishes
- Narrow alleyways and markets feel crowded if you prefer space
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is perfect if you're vegan and tired of being steered toward salads or token options. Spring sources dishes that Vietnamese home cooks make every day, so you're eating real food, not a tourist version. The personal guide she sends afterwards is genuinely useful for solo exploration. Small groups mean you'll actually talk to your guide and maybe other travellers, not fade into a crowd of 20.
Three hours of city walking in tropical heat isn't for everyone — the source notes it's not recommended if you have cardiovascular concerns. Alleyways are narrow and can get crowded; you might feel squeezed at times. Public transport is your own problem (not included), so budget taxi or Grab there. Infants have to sit on a lap. The food lineup changes daily based on vendor availability, so if you've got specific cravings, Spring might not hit them all.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothes. Bring sunscreen and a hat. The tour includes drinks but not meals or transport to the starting point. Groups vary — could be two of you, could be five. Early mornings tend to be quieter; late afternoon gets busier as locals come out.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.