Early Riser Walk: Grandma Noodles, Cafe, Exotic Fruits & History
Overview
3 hours
Mobile ticket
You’ll have to wake up early for this tour... but it’s worth it.
I’ll take you on a 3-hour walk I designed to capture the real Saigon, the one that’s alive and breathing only in the early morning.
We’ll kick things off with my favorite local breakfast: a hearty bowl of noodles and dumplings, or slow-cooked beef stew... all from a home made by a lovely grandma.
Next, we'll dive into the colorful chaos of the wet market (spoiler: it's not that wet), sampling juicy, exotic fruits at their freshest.
Then it’s off to an 86-year-old coffee house, where the aunties will show you the old-school way of brewing coffee and tea. We’ll sip bold Vietnamese brews that'll charge you up for the day ahead.
But that’s just the beginning.
Ask me anything, or just walk in peace and snap some photos.. introverts are more than welcome.
So, I’ll share stories, secrets, and hidden corners you won't find on Google, and make sure you leave a little more relaxed.
What could go wrong? :)
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Everything is included. You only need to book a taxi back home.
What To Expect
The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument
Heavy spot. Small, quiet, easy to miss — but once you know the story, it hits deep.
Grandma noodles and dumplings: We stepping into her living room that just happens to be a tiny restaurant. We sit down, she brings out these handmade dumplings and that slow-cooked beef stew... soft, rich, smells like home. Everything feels personal, like she’s cooking just for us. Simple, cozy, nothing fancy, but you walk out full and kind of happy inside.
Options
Private 6H Tour
Early Riser Walk: Grandma Noodles, Cafe, Exotic Fruits & History
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight of our visit in HCMC!
X1877KU,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was truly perfect! If you’re in Ho Chi Minh, you absolutely have to do it. Hiu was excellent and told us many things we didn’t know about the city. We walked through neighborhoods, tried fruits, and tasted the most delicious spring rolls. Truly an unforgettable experience and definitely the highlight of our trip.
Great Tour
N2011CAjamieh,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour and a must do experience when coming to HCMC. The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great way to experience some of the local food, fruit, and coffee.
Special morning tour in Saigon: beautiful, tasty and informative
piretk814,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful morning with Hieu, who knows a lot and takes you to beautiful hidden places which you wouldn't otherwise find . I learnt about Vietnamese history and local life in a captivating and personal way and got to enjoy my favourite breakfast here so far + very good coffee. Furthermore, I got loads of good tips what to do with the rest of the day. I recommend doing this tour on one of your first days in HCMC, it prepares you well so that you can make the most out of your timw here. It's not just a tour that is over in 3h... it stays with you in a positive way. Loads of love and thank you 🥰
Good time
J6958YA ,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience 🥰 i like this excursions, Hieu is very interesting Interlocutor Coffee was great and food too!!!
Local Vietnamese experience
Traveler08648219936,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spring was amazing! Very knowledgeable and fun. I learned so much and ate the most delicious food. Would highly recommend.
Absolutely perfect tour!
Scenic65030063916,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides are very nice and friendly. They provide really interesting information and make it easy to wander in the most local and crowded places to which tourists would probably not dare to go on their own. The food is delicious and they can adapt the menu to your needs. We were in a small group and we had the opportunity to talk and laugh with everyone. Highly recommend!
The real Saigon (with awesome snacks)
mattwE7669ZG,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was easily the best thing we did in Ho Chi Minh. Spring and Hieu were proper locals with great English and unlimited fun facts and knowledge about their city. The tour through the hidden locals markets and going to little eateries that will never be listed on Google really gave us an insight to the real Saigon that you won't see if you just stick to walking street and Ban Tanh market. I wish I had done something like this in previous visits to other Asian cities.
Must do for a unique food safari with a friendly local
kathryncJ253ED,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic way to spend your morning exploring with a knowledgeable and friendly local. Super relaxed and really interesting. Would recommend 10/10!
Amazing tour
ambra93,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour with local food and plenty of explanations about the local history with very friendly guides who bring their passion for what they do! Highly recommended!
A city that wakes up early (breakfast in a quiet alley, busy markets and relaxed coffee break)
awatifben,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time with Hieu and the other traveler I shared the experience with. I learnt a lot during this experience and was able to visit places I wouldn’t have been able to know about without it. It was a true local experience with some historical context. I appreciated Hieu’s knowledge about Saigon and Vietnam in general, as well as his general interests in other topics. It’s a good experience for anyone who wants to take a peek into Saigon’s very lively morning scene with a friendly guide. I highly recommend it 😊
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Operated by Spring Saigon Tours