5 (2)
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Culture: Local Food & Language Experience
210
Overview
Follow the Locals Real Viet Experience dives deep into the heart of Vietnamese culture, offering an authentic and engaging experience led by local students and young professionals. This is not a typical tour; it's an opportunity to connect with the Vietnamese people, learn about their culture, and even pick up some of the local language.
Participants will enjoy an intimate setting where they can learn Vietnamese, play board games, and share interesting conversations with locals. The experience culminates in a tasting of 2-3 iconic dishes, such as bánh xèo (crispy pancake) or cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork chops). This small-group experience ensures personalized interaction and a genuine cultural exchange.
This culinary and language adventure offers a unique window into Vietnamese life, moving beyond typical tourist attractions to create lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the local culture. 
Highlights
Connect with Locals: Engage in conversations with Vietnamese students and young professionals.
Taste Authentic Dishes: Enjoy an intimate tasting of iconic Vietnamese food.
Learn Basic Vietnamese: Pick up some phrases and learn about the Vietnamese language.
Small Group Setting: Enjoy a personalized experience with a small group of fellow travelers.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the local hosts.
-
Many appreciate the chance to learn about Vietnamese culture and language.
-
The food tasting is a highlight, with delicious and authentic dishes.
-
The small group size allows for personal interaction and connection.
Some wish there was more time to learn the language.
-
A few reviewers mentioned difficulty finding the exact meeting spot.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes dinner and coffee or tea. It does not include any additional purchases. Please note the meeting location provided upon booking as there is no pickup or drop-off service available.
Hot Tip
Some travelers mentioned that the exact meeting spot can be tricky to find. It's recommended to arrive a bit early and double-check the address or contact the tour operator beforehand to avoid any confusion.
Review Summary
People usually say this experience is one of the most memorable parts of their Ho Chi Minh City trip, praising it as a fantastic way to connect with locals and see Saigon from an authentic local perspective. Travelers highlight the vibrant, English-speaking environment and supportive community atmosphere that makes it feel less like a traditional tour and more like spending time with new friends. Reviewers appreciate the educational value regarding Vietnamese culture and the personalized attention to showing visitors favorite local spots for food and dining. The experience comes highly recommended for those seeking genuine cultural immersion and authentic connections with locals rather than standard tourist attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
P
Ho Chi Minh City
$55
Saigon Hidden Gems: Zero Tourist Food Tour by Moped
5.0
(257 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Ho Chi Minh/Saigon Zero Tourist Food Tour takes travelers on a unique culinary adventure through the hidden corners of Saigon. Unlike typical touristy food tours, this experience focuses on authentic, local cuisine found in areas untouched by mainstream tourism.
Participants explore the city via mopeds, guided by English-speaking locals who act as personal concierges, sharing insights into Vietnamese culture and answering questions about the country. The tour ventures to the outer reaches of Saigon, revealing parts unknown to many, even those from other districts of Vietnam. It promises the tastiest authentic food, untouched by foreign tastes, and is a 4-hour experience.
The tour includes visits to a fruit wholesaler market, the Chinese District, the East-West Freeway, a provincial street, and the Labyrinth of Eight. The operator ensures that as the tour progresses, tourists become a rare sight, offering an exclusive glimpse into the real Saigon. This experience guarantees exposure to local spots not found on Google Maps.
Ho Chi Minh City
$79
Saigon's Secret Cocktail Tour: Hidden Bars & Stories
5.0
(43 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Secret Cocktail Experience in Saigon takes you on a journey through the city's hidden nightlife.
This walking tour explores secret bars and unique spaces, even unknown to locals. Discover Saigon's charm through its vibrant bar scene, tasting signature cocktails crafted with local ingredients.
Hear stories about Saigon's past and present as you wander through the city's streets, guided by a knowledgeable host. Each venue offers a unique story and carefully selected drinks.
Ho Chi Minh City
₫750000
Saigon's Spirited Sips: Crafting Vietnamese Cocktails!
5.0
(42 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Uniquely Vietnamese Cocktails Workshop immerses you in Saigon's mixology scene. Explore Vietnamese coffee and local ingredients, crafting unique cocktails with provided equipment. Enjoy a flavorful journey into Vietnam's vibrant cocktail culture, creating unforgettable drinks and memories. No prior skills needed.
Ho Chi Minh City
₫760000
Taste Vietnam: Brew Your Own Coffee Journey
5.0
(28 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Vietnam Coffee Journey - Make extraordinary tasty coffee yourself in Saigon. This is a special way to learn about Vietnamese culture through its coffee. Instead of just drinking coffee, this tour lets people make it themselves and understand the stories behind each cup. It's perfect for anyone who wants to dive deep into Vietnam's history and culture through a tasty experience.
The journey includes trying six different coffee drinks, from simple black coffee to unique blends with special ingredients. Each drink has a story that connects to Vietnam's past and the different people who live there. Guests will learn how to use a 'Phin,' a traditional Vietnamese coffee dripper, and make iconic coffees from both Southern and Northern Vietnam, like 'Ca phe sua' (condensed milk coffee) and 'Ca phe trung' (egg coffee).
This experience provides a complete picture of Vietnamese coffee culture. It’s more than just a drink; it's a reflection of the country's history and its people. With tips and recipes from an experienced barista, everyone can recreate these delicious drinks at home.
Ho Chi Minh City
$29
Ho Chi Minh: Food, Coffee & History Hidden Gems Tour
5.0
(19 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
The Ho Chi Minh Food, Coffee Tasting and Historical Tour offers a unique way to see the city's hidden gems. It's different from other tours because it combines food, coffee, and history all in one experience. In just four hours, discover places you would never find on your own.
Expect to zip around the city, visiting local spots and trying unique Vietnamese dishes and coffee. The tour includes stops at places like the Thich Quang Duc Monument, a memorial to a monk who sacrificed himself for religious freedom, and the Cheo Leo Cafe, a hidden coffee shop with a unique atmosphere. You'll also explore the Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment, a historic residential building, the Saigon Secret Weapons Cellar, a covert weapons storage facility during the Vietnam War, the Thien Hau Temple, a beautiful Chinese temple, and Bánh Xèo Ngọc Sơn, a local restaurant famous for its crispy Vietnamese pancakes.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, lunch, and breakfast. Tips are not included. This private group tour ensures a personal experience where participants have plenty of time to ask questions and learn from their guide.
Ho Chi Minh City
$30
Embark on a Culinary Journey: Private Vietnamese Cooking Class with Market Tour
5.0
(35 reviews)
Duration: 210
minutes
Private Culinary Class offers an immersive 4-course Vietnamese cooking experience, including a wet market tour led by a head chef. Learn about local ingredients and prepare classic dishes in a hands-on setting. Enjoy a unique culinary adventure with provided recipes and vegetarian options.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Ho Chi Minh From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, , Bus Tours & in Ho Chi Minh. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Ho Chi-Minh Activities