Let our local experts craft authentic private activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Unforgettable home dinners, mind-blowing cooking classes, exciting wildlife escapades, relaxed leisure activities, mouthwatering food tastings, and workshops that spark creativity. Let our locals hook you up with exclusive activities. Ready to dive in? Your adventure is just a click away!
Top 3 activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Make your stay in Ho Chi Minh City complete with these things to do
1
With Elise
Local Vietnamese Cooking Class
339 reviews
3 hours | cooking classes | Ho Chi Minh City
Foodies get your taste buds ready for a delicious cooking adventure. Join me for a typical Vietnamese cooking class. You're sure to impress your friends back home with your new skills. The best part? You'll start at the local market to hand pick fresh ingredients before your cooking experience!
Explore your talents and develop your skills by making your own pieces of jewelry. Decide, design, learn, make and take home unique pieces of jewelry that reflect your own style!
Learn how to cook the famous Vietnamese Spring Rolls from my lovely local home. Before creating your meal we'll visit the vibrant Vietnamese market around the corner. Take in the lively atmosphere and hand pick the freshest vegetables and ingredients. I bet you can't wait to start cooking now!
"It was truly a privilege to be hosted by Tu and his family for dinner in their family home. The 15km journey from our central hotel to the Nha Binh district during peak hour HCMC traffic was an experience in itself. We were greeted by Tu and his family and shared an unforgettable evening meal of seafood hotpot, a local specialty. Over the next two hours Tu shared stories of his life and te local culture. His family were so welcoming and generous. We leaned so much and will forever remember the experience. "
BernieAbout local TuHo Chi Minh City, September 17, 2024
5.0
Review about Elise
"What an amazing experience with Elise and her mum. They were both so welcoming, I felt like part of the family. The spring rolls we made are the best I’ve ever eaten and my only regrets is I couldn’t stay for longer to cook Pho.
I highly recommend any experience with this awesome duo."
NickAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, August 25, 2024
5.0
Amazing food experience
"We did the shopping and cooking tour with Elise and her Mum . It was absolutely amazing . Such a privilege to be welcomed into Elise’s home. Elise was such a wealth of knowledge on local food and cooking traditions. Her mother was warm and welcoming and the memories of our day together will last a lifetime. We learned how to shop and cook like locals ….and came home with an absolutely delicious recipe for traditional pancakes . "
KayAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, August 14, 2024
5.0
For the Love Of Spring Rolls…
"My husband and I love spring rolls, so when we stumbled across Elise’s private spring roll class and found ourselves with a few extra hours to spare, well…it was destiny! From the minute we signed up Elise was super friendly and helpful: she offered to answer any questions we might have about HCMC, make recommendations for food, and even book restaurant reservations if we needed help. So sweet! We met at a local supermarket in her neighborhood and as we shopped for ingredients she taught us about how food is integrated into the local culture. Very interesting. Then we walked a few short blocks to her family home where we were greeted warmly by her amazing mom and adorable dog. We sat at the dining table and started cooking right away, mostly chopping and grating, though I was “fired” from the latter because my grated radishes weren’t up to mom’s standards. That and she did it three times faster than me. LOL Once all the ingredients were assembled we rolled…and we rolled…and we rolled some more. There were only two of us but I swear we made 50 spring rolls! I was in heaven! Her mom then took them into the kitchen and showed us how to fry them. She made it look so easy, using chopsticks to fit far more in the fry pan than I thought possible. In no time at all we were stuffing our faces with the most delicious spring rolls you can imagine, wrapped in fresh lettuce and herbs with a homemade dipping sauce to impart even more flavor. We washed them down with local beer and somehow made room for fresh fruit for dessert. Oh, they also offered us some local sticky-rice desserts wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with coconut, mung bean, etc. Heavenly! It was a fabulous few hours and we walked away fat and soooo happy! Elise, big thanks to you and your mom for one of the highlights of our time in HCMC! If you love spring rolls, you’d be crazy not to take this class!"
KathyAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, May 18, 2024
5.0
A wonderful day with Elise in Saigon!
"We spent a great day with Elise in Saigon. We started our tour with a visit to a local grocery store where she explained all of the items there that were unique to Vietnam and identified several things that she felt we should bring home to the US. Following our trip to the store, Elise took us to her modest apartment where she and her mother cooked us an amazing meal while sharing with us the details of the recipes so that we can prepare the dishes back home. It was essentially an informal cooking class where we not only learned how to cook some delicious Vietnam dishes, but we also learned about Elise and her mom's life in Saigon. It was truly a special experience. "
DanielAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, February 13, 2024
5.0
A Lovely Afternoon of Cooking with Elise
"My cooking class experience with Elise and her mom was a delightful immersion into Vietnamese cuisine, filled with warmth, delicious flavors, and the joyful presence of their dog, Nou. It all started at the market, where Elise shared insights into the local foods and traditions of Vietnam. This wasn’t just any market visit; it was an engaging introduction to the ingredients that would later transform into our meal.
In the comfort of Elise’s home kitchen, her mom took the lead, showing us how to prepare three traditional Vietnamese dishes. Her expertise and welcoming approach made the cooking process both educational and enjoyable. Each dish came together like a piece of art, simple yet wonderfully authentic.
The aromas that filled the kitchen and the stories exchanged over the stove made the afternoon special. Adding to the charm was Nou, the playful and intelligent family dog. Her cheerful presence and our instant bond brought an extra layer of joy to the experience.
Sitting down to eat the dishes we prepared, I felt a sense of accomplishment and connection, not just to the food, but to the culture, traditions, and the lovely companions, human and canine alike. I’m grateful for this lovely Friday afternoon spent with Elise, her mom, and of course, Nou. It was more than just a cooking class; it was a warm and inviting glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese cooking, enriched by the company of wonderful hosts and a delightful four-legged friend. Thank you, Elise, your mom, and Nou, for a memorable experience and for the delicious tastes that I will surely remember."
TommyAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, January 20, 2024
5.0
Saigon Food Experience
"We absolutely loved our cooking class with Elise. She was knowledgable, fun, and we tried so many new and different Vietnamese snacks, fruits, and dishes. Thanks for a wonderful local experience!"
TrinaAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, December 19, 2023
5.0
20 Hearts If I Could
"Though our trip is only halfway over, we can say this cooking lesson was the highlight of our vacation.
We knew the concept was going to be unique and exciting. However, when we met Elise and her mom, they blew our expectations out of the water.
The tour started with an introduction to Vietnamese food while shopping at a local grocery store. We learned the difference between northern and southern tastes and were introduced to new spices, produce, treats, and grains we had never heard of, all while shopping for food like a local.
Then we went to Elise and her mom's home; we were welcomed like old friends. It was educational, delicious, and filled with laughter the entire time. We hung out in the kitchen, making Vietnamese cakes and learning the intricate process. (Though they made it look as simple as walking).
Finally, we ate dinner, which was the best of our trip! Much like eating at my mom's house: she loaded our plates with food, even though we couldn't stuff anything else in our faces. Haha. We left so FULL!
Elise and her mom were engaging, charming, and funny! Thanks for inviting us into your home. We hope to be back soon one day!"
JesseAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, November 23, 2023
5.0
I am now a Chef 😀😀🤔🤔
"I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Absolute 5 star ⭐️ day.
From start to finish it was brilliant.
Picking our own herbs from the garden and making 5 mouth watering dishes.
Our ever patient Chef making it all so easy.
Eating the products of our labour was even better.
I have my certificate on the wall 😂😂😂and have repeated some of the recipes at home .
Thank you 😊 "
LindaAbout local TanHo Chi Minh City, October 21, 2023
5.0
Elise is a wonderful host!
"Elise is a fabulous host! The tour started at a market where Elise showed us various items (produce, protein, spice, noodles, drinks, etc). She is so knowledgeable, and charming to boot! After the market we were welcomed into her home where her and her wonderful mother showed us how to make a mouth watering 3 course meal. We ate. We laughed. We shared stories. We learned a lot about Vietnamese cooking. If you are in Ho Chi Minh, do yourself a favor and sign up for Elise’s class!"
SarahAbout local EliseHo Chi Minh City, August 17, 2023
Why is Withlocals the best place to buy a tour?
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Enjoy the Best of the Ho Chi Minh City Like a Local
Private & Personalized Activities in Ho Chi Minh City with a local
Hey, fellow adventurer! As you step into Ho Chi Minh City, get ready to dive headfirst into a world of local activities that redefine exploration. We're all about personalized adventures that showcase the best of Ho Chi Minh City through activities that reflect its beating heart.
Imagine having a local buddy eager to show you the ropes of the city's activities scene. That's what our local experts bring to the table. They're the ones who'll take you to hidden home dinners that'll make your taste buds sing, cooking classes that'll turn you into a culinary wizard, wildlife and nature escapades that'll make you one with the outdoors, sports and leisure experiences for those chill vibes, food and drink tastings that'll make your belly do a happy dance, and workshops that'll spark your creativity. Whether you're a foodie, a nature enthusiast, a sports junkie, or an art lover, our local guides have got a whole range of activities up their sleeves to make your Ho Chi Minh City experience uniquely yours.
Here's the best part – it's all about you. No cookie-cutter agendas or places you're not vibing with. With personalized activities, you're calling the shots. Whether you're clicking Instagram-worthy shots, diving deep into local history, or getting artsy, the activity adapts to your groove and pace. Consider it your express pass to the awesomeness of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Ho Chi Minh City, forget the usual routine. Dive into local activities and unlock the city's real magic – the flavors that'll make your taste buds cheer, the stories that'll tug at your heart, and the experiences that'll make Ho Chi Minh City, well, Ho Chi Minh City. It's time to explore like a local – ready to dive in?