

Hi, I'm David,
I've called Ho Chi Minh City home for more than 12 years, getting to know Saigon one neighborhood, street, market, café and conversation at a time.
Over the years, I've developed a deep familiarity with the city, from its well-known landmarks to the neighborhoods, hidden streets and everyday rhythms that make Saigon what it is.
I'm happy and even proud to say that the city I love successfully domesticated me.
I still see Saigon and Vietnam a little differently, and I enjoy sharing that perspective, along with the stories, observations and experiences I've gathered along the way.
Saigon With Me is for curious travelers who want to experience Saigon, not simply visit its sights.
Explore at your own pace
What interests you might be a local market, an old neighborhood, architecture, street life, history, food, cafés or simply whatever is happening around the next corner.
Some walks begin with a particular idea. Others develop naturally as the city reveals itself.
There is time to stop, look around, ask questions, have a coffee or change direction when something more interesting comes along.
New to Saigon?
A Day Walk can be a good introduction to the city: how Saigon works, how its neighborhoods differ and what might be worth coming back to during the rest of your stay.
And if you're looking beyond the walk itself, I'm also happy to share what I've learned from living here, from everyday practicalities and places to explore to traveling elsewhere in Vietnam.
A walk, not a tour
The walks are private and personal. There are no mixed groups, flags, microphones or sightseeing checklists, and no need to rush from one attraction to the next.
The idea isn't to collect as many sights as possible. It's to spend time in the city, notice what's happening around you and discover the parts of Saigon that interest you.
A friend along the way
Conversation is part of the experience.
Ask me about Saigon, Vietnam, food, culture, neighborhoods, everyday life, living here, travel plans or whatever comes up along the way. Sometimes the conversation is as interesting as the street we're walking down.
Questions are welcome. Curiosity is encouraged.
No Fixed Itinerary • No Mixed Groups • No Sightseeing Checklist
From Sunrise to Late Night

Saigon may be where we meet. Vietnam doesn't have to end there
Everyday Saigon, Your Way
Explore Saigon on foot with a knowledgeable local companion and discover the neighborhoods, markets, hidden alleys and everyday life of Ho Chi Minh City.
Build your own Saigon walking experience
Start with what interests you, combine different themes, take a break when it makes sense, change direction, or simply see where the day takes us.
PRIVATE · 1–4 GUESTS · FROM SUNRISE · 2.5–8 HOURS
ℹ️ Note! A full-day walk can combine several themes and can also be split into two parts
What Kind of Evening Are You Looking For?
Explore Saigon on foot with a local companion as the city shifts into evening.
Build your evening walk around what interests you
Combine different themes, stop for food or a drink,
take a break when it makes sense, change direction, or simply see where the evening takes us.
PRIVATE · 1–4 GUESTS · FROM 5 PM · 2–4 HOURS
Late At Night, Saigon Picks Up the Pace
Explore late-night Saigon with a knowledgeable local companion
PRIVATE · 1–4 GUESTS · FROM 9:30 PM · 2–4 HOURS
Planning a trip to Vietnam is exciting, but working out where to go, how long to stay, how to get around, and what it will actually cost can be surprisingly complicated.
Vietnam is a long and diverse country, and the best trip isn't necessarily the one that tries to see everything.
Distances between destinations, transportation options, weather, travel time, and your budget can all make a big difference.
With more than 12 years living in Vietnam and having travelled from North to South,
I can offer practical, independent advice based on real experience of the country.
Whether you're planning your first visit, returning to Vietnam,
or considering a longer trip, we can work together to build
or refine a plan that makes sense for your time, interests, travel style, and budget.
I can support you with:
• Help you decide where to go and what you can realistically fit into your trip
• Discuss how much time to spend in each destination
• Compare transportation options, routes, and travel times
• Work together to shape your itinerary around your interests, travel style, and budget
• Estimate the likely costs of your trip before you book
• Review your existing itinerary and identify unnecessary travel, unrealistic schedules, or better alternatives
• Provide an independent second opinion when you're unsure whether your plans make sense
Details
Format: Online Consultation
Advice: New Plans • Itinerary Reviews • Second Opinions
Budget: Trip Planning • Cost Estimates • Budget-Based Options
Coverage: Vietnam Nationwide
Session: 45–120 Minutes
Timing: Available Months Before You Travel
Pricing: Confirmed Upfront

Understand what living in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City is really like before you make the move.
Moving to a new country is about much more than finding an apartment or arranging a visa.
It’s about understanding the neighborhoods, lifestyle, everyday costs, local services, and the realities of daily life.
Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 12 years, I offer practical, independent relocation and expat advice, information, and tips tailored to your plans, lifestyle, and priorities.
Whether you’re considering a move, preparing to relocate to Vietnam, or already living here, I can help you understand everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City,
find relevant information, and make informed decisions about where and how you want to live.
Expat advisory can take place in the way that works best for you: online, over a coffee, or on foot. A walking orientation is highly recommended, as it allows us to explore neighborhoods, local services, and everyday life while discussing the things that matter most to you.
Advice can include
• Neighborhoods, housing & where to live
• Cost of living & everyday expenses
• Healthcare, insurance & pharmacies
• Banking, SIM cards & mobile services
• Transportation & useful local apps
• Gyms, supermarkets, cafés & everyday essentials
• Schools, family life & local services
• Expat life, practicalities & local recommendations
• Advice tailored to your lifestyle and priorities
See Saigon as a visitor.
Understand it as someone who may live here
Format:
💻Online Consultation, ☕️Over Coffee, 🚶By Foot Orientation
💰 Price:
Depends on the scope of the orientation and areas to cover

Sometimes that means advice or recommendations. Sometimes it means research, finding the right person,
making a local connection, coordinating something, or checking it out for you on the ground.
And sometimes you simply need a local fixer: someone who can figure things out, find a way forward and get things moving.
Explore: Discover places and experiences together
Research: Find information, investigate options and check things out for you
Advise: Get a local perspective when making sense of Vietnam
Plan: Work through destinations, possibilities, timing and ideas
Arrange: Coordinate local services, contacts and practical details
Accompany: Have someone local beside you when the situation calls for it
Connect Find the right person, specialist or resource when something falls outside my expertise.
Sometimes it's a walk. Sometimes it's something completely different, We figure it out together
Pricing:

"David is super-organized, and super-responsive.
So he did in a few days what would have taken me weeks.
Not the typical things he even does, but he has greatly facilitated my relocation from New York City to Vietnam -- by himself!
This guy is worth every penny (or every 850,000 dongs, or whatever it is). "
"We had an outstanding experience with David and Saigon With Me.
From the very beginning, David took the time to understand what we wanted to get out of our visit and tailored the experience accordingly.
Rather than just showing us the main attractions, he helped us discover different neighborhoods, local culture, hidden gems, and everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City. His knowledge of the city is exceptional, and he was always happy to answer our many questions with honesty and great insight.
He is professional, friendly, patient, and clearly passionate about what he does.
Thanks to David, we left Ho Chi Minh City with wonderful memories and a much deeper understanding of the city than we could have gained on our own.
If you’re looking for an authentic, personalized experience in Ho Chi Minh City, we highly recommend David and Saigon With Me.
Thank you again, David.
We hope to see you again on our next visit to Vietnam!"
“I came to Ho Chi Minh City with only 1.5 days and wanted to make the most of it.
I reached out to Dave for something beyond the usual tourist checklist, and he really listened.
We ended up having an amazing half-day exploring places that matched exactly what I was looking for.
Later that night, we met again for the Saigon Late Night Special — bars, clubs, late-night spots — such a fun experience and something I never could’ve done alone.
David felt more like a friend than a guide. I’ll definitely meet him again on my next trip. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.
Thanks, David!"
“WOW, what an experience. I wanted a real look at the city, not the guidebook spots and I also wanted a long walk to keep me moving.
David ended up taking me on a 20+ km walk through places I’d never find on my own. Exactly what I was hoping for.”
“I worked with David to plan a 3‑week trip across Vietnam, simply amazing.
He restructured my itinerary and saved me hundreds of dollars with smart tips.
Thank you so much, David."
“I came to Ho Chi Minh City for a one-week mix of business and pleasure — and luckily, I met Dave.
From the first minutes, it felt like traveling with a friend.
I joined 2 daytime walks, a nightlife walk, and even a weekend trip to Vung Tau.
Every moment was a joy. What an expert, what a great service!”


➤ What is Saigon With Me?
Saigon With Me offers private walking experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, personally tailored to your interests, pace, time, and route.
Rather than following a fixed itinerary or joining a group tour, you explore Saigon with a long-term resident, discovering neighborhoods, markets, cafés, hidden streets, and everyday city life beyond the usual tourist landmarks.
➤ What does having a private companion actually mean?
A private companion is more than someone who shows you around.
Think of me as your local person in Vietnam.
Someone you can explore with, talk to, ask questions, get advice from, and turn to when you need to figure something out.
- Want to understand HCMC better? Let's explore it together.
- Curious about Vietnamese food, music, neighborhoods, nightlife or everyday life? Let's go and see.
- Opinion about where to go next, what to eat, how to get there or what is worth your time? Ask me.
- Need something arranged, coordinated or figured out? I can help.
- Have a specific interest or something unusual you'd like to explore? Tell me about it and we'll see what we can make happen.
Companion • Advisor • Local Connector • Facilitator
And sometimes, I'm simply a knowledgeable local to explore Vietnam with.
There is no fixed formula. We figure it out together.
➤ How is Saigon With Me different from a traditional Saigon walking tour?
There are no fixed routes, mixed groups, or standard itineraries. You choose your time and interests, and the experience is shaped around you.
It is less about following a sightseeing checklist and more about discovering and understanding the city at your own pace.
➤ Are Saigon With Me walks private?
Always. Every experience is exclusively for you and your own group of up to 4 guests. You are never mixed with strangers.
➤ Can I choose the time, route, and what I want to explore in Saigon?
Yes. Start times, interests, pace, and route are flexible, with experiences available from sunrise to late night.
Culture, markets, cafés, architecture, photography, local food, hidden neighborhoods, or everyday city life: tell me what interests you.
➤ Who are Saigon With Me private walks for?
Solo travelers, couples, friends, and small private groups (1-4 people) who want to experience Ho Chi Minh City beyond the usual tourist attractions.
They are especially suited to travelers who value flexibility, local insight, conversation, and discovering the city at their own pace.
➤ How long is a private Saigon walk?
Day Walks range from 2.5 to 8 hours, depending on how much of Ho Chi Minh City you want to explore.
Longer walks allow plenty of flexibility for coffee, food, rest stops, and spontaneous discoveries along the way.
➤ Can I split the 8-hour Saigon Day Walk into 2 sessions?
Yes. The 8-hour private Day Walk can be split into 2 sessions on the same day or across 2 consecutive days, subject to availability.
You still receive the full 8 hours without having to spend an entire day continuously walking.
➤ How much walking is involved?
Depending on the experience, expect approximately 3–12 km at a comfortable pace.
This is not a fitness walk. We can stop for coffee, food, photos, or a break whenever you want.
➤ Which neighborhoods and places can I explore on a Ho Chi Minh City walking tour?
There is no fixed route. Depending on your interests, we can explore local markets, hidden streets, cafés, riverside areas, architecture, everyday neighborhoods, and both familiar and lesser-known parts of Saigon.
Each walk is different.
➤ Do you offer Saigon walks during the day, evening, and late night?
Yes.
Day Walk explores neighborhoods, markets, cafés, culture, and everyday Saigon.
After Dark discovers the city after sunset, while the Late-Night Special starts around 10 PM and explores hidden bars, karaoke culture, local spas, rooftops, 24-hour eateries, and Saigon's later-night world.
➤ Where do private Saigon walks start?
Most walks start from an easy-to-reach central location in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
The exact meeting point is agreed in advance based on the experience and planned route.
➤ Can you pick me up from my hotel in Ho Chi Minh City?
Hotel pickup in or near District 1 may be available depending on the walk and location.
For full-day and some Nearby Saigon experiences, pickup arrangements can also be agreed in advance.
➤ Are food, drinks, entrance fees, or transportation included?
Unless specifically agreed, personal expenses such as food, drinks, entrance fees, and local transportation are separate.
Any expected additional costs are discussed in advance, so there are no surprises.
➤ Can you help with day trips or overnight trips Near Saigon?
Yes. I can provide practical advice for Vũng Tàu, the Mekong Delta, and Mũi Né, with optional accompaniment depending on the destination and your plans.
Ask me about the possibilities for your trip.
➤ Can you help me plan a trip to Vietnam or review my existing itinerary?
Yes. Vietnam Travel Planning is available whether you're planning a trip to Vietnam from scratch or want an independent second opinion on an existing Vietnam itinerary.
I can help with destinations, routing, timing, travel options, and avoiding unnecessary time and costs based on your interests and travel plans.
➤ Can you help if I'm moving or relocating to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. I offer practical relocation and orientation advice for people considering moving to Vietnam or living in Ho Chi Minh City.
We can focus on neighborhoods, where to live, cost of living, healthcare, transportation, banking, shopping, gyms, everyday services, and what daily life in Saigon is really like.
➤ How far in advance should I book a private Saigon walking experience?
Booking around one week in advance is recommended, especially for longer experiences.
Short-notice and last-minute bookings may also be possible depending on availability.
➤ What happens if it rains during my Saigon walk?
Saigon weather can change quickly. When possible, we can adapt the route, take a break, adjust the timing, or reschedule depending on the conditions.
Flexibility is part of the experience.
➤ What language are Saigon With Me experiences offered in?
All Saigon With Me walks, Vietnam Travel Planning, and Ho Chi Minh City relocation consultations are currently offered in English.
➤ How do I pay for Saigon With Me?
Keeping things simple.
Walking experiences and local trips: you can pay in cash when we meet.
Online advisory services: you can pay through Remitly, sent directly to my bank account, or by international bank transfer.
Your payment arrangement is confirmed when you book, so everything is clear before we begin.
➤ Why choose Saigon With Me instead of a standard Ho Chi Minh City tour?
Because the experience is private, personal, and flexible.
No strangers. No fixed itinerary. No rushing to keep up with a group. Choose your interests, pace, route, and start time, with around-the-clock availability.
Explore with someone who has called Ho Chi Minh City home for more than 12 years, with the flexibility to experience Saigon from sunrise through the day, after dark, or late into the night.

1. Traveler Responsibility
Travelers are expected to have valid healthcare and/or travel insurance and be reasonably fit for light walking and city exploration (approximately 3–12 km, depending on the selected service).
Personal safety, health, and belongings remain the traveler’s responsibility throughout the walk or trip.
2. Conduct
Mutual respect and professionalism are expected at all times.
Aggressive, unsafe, or disrespectful behavior, or failure to comply with Vietnamese laws and regulations- may result in immediate termination of the service without refund.
3. Companion Role
SaigonWith.Me provides independent local companion and travel planning services, focused on flexible, personalized experiences shaped around the traveler's interests and preferences.
The traveler remains responsible for personal decisions, activities, belongings, and safety throughout the service.
4. Liability
SaigonWith.Me is not liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or inconvenience caused by:
Third-party services (transport, venues, vendors, accommodation), or Circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, strikes, or force majeure events.
Any additional costs arising from such situations are the traveler’s responsibility and are handled directly by the traveler.
5. Payment & Refunds
Payment is due upon meeting on the day of the service unless otherwise agreed in advance.
All bookings are non-refundable, including cases of early termination due to conduct or external circumstances.
SAIGON WALKS | ABOUT
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© 2025 Saigon With Me | Private Saigon Walks in Ho Chi Minh City · Built with ❤️ in Saigon
WhatsApp: +84 382 691 631 · Email: saigonwithme@gmail.com
Diploma in Tour Guide Skills · Alison · 2026