Skip to content HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM
TTo get the best experience in Ho Chi Minh, you need to book one of our local friendly tour guides. They will be able to show you around and make you feel like a local. Whether you want to see the main tourist sites or venture off the beaten track to discover something new, our Guides4me guide is there to make it happen. We also offer convenient private shore excursions from Phu My Cruise or Hiep Phuoc Terminals, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience from port to city and back again.
Lee
Lee is LGBT friendly and speaks English & Vietnamese.
Born in the south of Vietnam and graduated from the National University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism. With over a decade of experience, he has worked as both a local tour guide and a tour leader across Indochina, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. His deep knowledge of Vietnam’s history, culture, and regional customs allows him to provide enriching and engaging travel experiences.
Lee is passionate about sharing the beauty of his homeland. From historic landmarks and vibrant street food to the everyday lives of locals in both urban and rural areas. He has also guided guests arriving on international cruise lines such as Celebrity Millennium, Viking, Silversea etc at either the Phu My Cruise or Hiep Phuoc terminals. With his extensive experience and warm hospitality, Lee ensures every journey is not just a tour, but a true cultural adventure.
Total cost for the guide services of Lee for one full day (12 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 180 in cash to Lee after his services. This makes a total of USD 219. Ideal for shore excursions.
Alternatively, the cost for the guide services of Lee for one full day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 120 in cash to Lee after his services. This makes a total of USD 159.
For shore excursions from the Hiep Phuoc cruise terminal or Phu My Port cruise terminal, the cost for the guide services of Lee for one full day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 200 in cash to Lee after his services. This makes a total of USD 239. This is because the ports are located 45km or 68km south of the city.
This INCLUDES Transport and fuel but does not include any entrance fees, food & beverage costs.
“Lee was an outstanding guide, warm, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. He introduced us to hidden gems around Ho Chi Minh City that we never would have discovered on our own. If you’re visiting and want an authentic, enriching experience, I highly recommend connecting with Lee.” – Greg Canada.
Charles
Charles is LGBT friendly and speaks German, English & Vietnamese.
He has a Masters degree in History and he has been a licensed tour guide since 2001. In addition he also has experience of lecturing on Tourism at a local University. Passionate about his work, Charles says,”I always work with all my heart, my head and highest responsibility”. You simply cannot experience the real Ho Chi Minh without Charles and his infectious smile.
Total cost for the guide services of Charles for one day or evening (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 65 in cash to Charles after his services. This makes a total of USD 104.
This does not include any entrance fees, food & beverage or transport costs.
“Charles was polite, friendly and professional. He was able to take us to places we never would have found otherwise. I would definitely recommend him for anyone coming to Ho Chi Minh. ” – Micheal, USA.
Tony
Tony is LGBT friendly and speaks French, English & Vietnamese.
He is an experienced guide, especially for those who are passionate about different cultures and who would love to know more. A very friendly guy and we guarantee you will leave Ho Chi Minh with a new friend for life. You simply cannot experience the real Ho Chi Minh without Tony.
Total cost for the guide services of Tony for one day or evening (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 50 in cash to Tony after his services. This makes a total of USD 89.
This excludes transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs. Also there may be an additional fee as Tony needs to travel to this city as he is normally based in Hanoi. You will be advised at the time of the booking, if this applies.
Our other destinations in Vietnam are
Discover Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide to Vietnam’s Bustling Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city. It’s a place where old meets new. You’ll find ancient temples next to modern skyscrapers. The city is fast-paced, exciting, and full of life.
Turn a standard port stop into a memorable, one-of-a-kind journey.
Booking a private shore excursion with one of our friendly local tour guides offers a far more rewarding and personal way to experience Ho Chi Minh City than joining a large, impersonal group tour. Instead of following a rigid schedule with limited interaction, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, focus on what truly interests you, and even make spontaneous stops along the way.
Our knowledgeable local guides not only introduce you to the city’s must-see highlights but also reveal hidden gems and authentic experiences that most group tours miss. With their insider knowledge, cultural insights, and genuine passion for sharing their city, you’ll gain a deeper connection to Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Things to See and Do
In Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore a mix of history, culture, and local life all in one trip. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a powerful and moving insight into the Vietnam War, or head just outside the city to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can crawl through the underground network used during the conflict.
In the heart of District 1, admire the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a striking red-brick landmark built by the French in the 1800s. For a taste of local life, wander through Ben Thanh Market, a bustling spot perfect for picking up souvenirs, clothes, and street food, just remember to haggle.
To unwind, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Saigon River, especially at sunset, for a beautiful view of the city from the water.
Discover Vietnamese Culture
Ho Chi Minh City is rich in culture. The streets are filled with the scent of pho, fresh herbs, and grilled meats. Locals gather at small street stalls, sipping iced coffee or slurping noodles. Family and tradition are important here. So is respect for elders. You’ll notice small altars in shops and homes, used to honour ancestors. The city also loves scooters! Watch how locals navigate traffic with skill and speed. It’s chaotic but strangely organised.
Why Booking a Friendly Local Tour Guide Is a Great Idea
Hiring a local guide can make your visit much more enjoyable. A knowledgeable guide can show you places that many tourists miss. They know the best beaches, hidden cafés, and authentic restaurants. This helps you experience the real local culture.
Guides also help with practical things such as transport, language, and planning your day. This saves time and avoids stress, especially for first-time visitors to Vietnam. Most importantly, a friendly local guide adds a personal touch. They can share stories, traditions, and recommendations that you would not find in guidebooks.
Ho Chi Minh City is bold, vibrant, and full of energy. Whether you’re here for the history, food, or culture, it’s a destination that stays with you. Whatever you choose to do in Ho Chi Minh, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a Guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend.
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