Private vs group food tour in Saigon: Should I travel in a private Ho Chi Minh food tours or a group Ho Chi Minh food tour? Each choice has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, some solo travelers prefer joining group tours to interact with other people while others would like to enjoy on private tours which offer personalized experiences.
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Private vs group food tour in Saigon (pros and cons)
Advantages of private Ho Chi Minh City food tour
Having flexibility and freedom
A private Ho Chi Minh City food tour is totally personalized so it gives you flexibility and freedom. The tour program, menu, list of local dishes, visiting places are planned and focused around you. You will stop at favorite places, enjoy your favorite Vietnamese dishes and Saigon specialty dishes. You should discuss with the customer support team when booking tour tour so they can arrange everything to meet your expectation. In some situations, travelers can choose what time to start their private Saigon food tours.
Moreover, the tour itineraries can be changed to make travelers comfortable and enjoyable. If you are tired, you can decide to return to your hotel sooner. You can not do that on a group tour because the tour must end at a certain time.
Exploring the city and enjoying your culinary adventure at your own pace
Have you ever found that it is a pity to leave a stunning place where you would like to see more? You can not stay more because you must accommodate the group’s itinerary. You are welcomed to stay longer at a particular place. For example, you can tell your tour guide to stay longer at Ho Thi Ky flower market because there are too many interesting things. If a local dish is delicious and your child would like to eat more, you can feel free to let the tour guide know about that. If you are not enjoyable at a visiting place or an activity, you can leave sooner.
Being taken cared of and assisted specially
They will provide a private car/motorbikes and a private tour guide for your group. The menu is arranged to meet the favorites and tastes of your group. For example, your children can only eat tender food and adults prefer crispy food. One member of your group can only eat vegetarian food or is on gluten-free diet. In addition, the tour guide will talk to only your group and answer all the questions asked by your group. In summary, your tour guide will focus on you and your partners’ needs.
Private vs group food tour in Saigon – Older adults feel more comfortable on a private tour because they are specially taken cared of by professional tour guides.
Disadvantages of private Ho Chi Minh City food tour
Having higher cost (sometimes)
Private tours are often considered more expensive due to the convenience, flexibility, personalization, and privacy. You can ask a company about prices of group and private tours, group food tours are usually cheaper than private food tours.
For example, a group 4-hour Saigon night food tour costs $30 USD, an additional fee of $5 USD is applied for private tour with the same itinerary. Vespa Saigon food tours are usually operated in group and the prices are from $70 USD. Meanwhile, a moderate or high quality private Saigon food tour costs from $29 USD.
Some food tour companies in Saigon only provide group food tours or private food tours. If you really would like to book a private Ho Chi Minh City food tour, you can find a budget one easily thanks to various choices in the city.
No chance for meeting new people
Some solo or couple travelers feel so boring to travel with their tour guide on Ho Chi Minh food tours. They would like to meet new people in the group and are happy to make new friends.
Who should join private Ho Chi Minh City food tour?
- Families with kids.
- Elderly travelers.
- People who like privacy.
- A group of people with different preferences and tastes.
- People having food allergies or food restrictions.
- Couples on honeymoon vacations.
- Travelers who want more flexibility and personalized itinerary.
- Foodies who would like to eat specific local dishes and visit some special local restaurants.
- Travelers who would like to spend their time with their friends.
- Travelers who look for comfortable or luxurious services.
- Travelers having some special requests.
- Travelers with health problems.
Private vs group food tour in Saigon – Private Ho Chi Minh food tours are great choices of families traveling with kids.
Advantages of group Ho Chi Minh City food tour
Saving money
As mentioned above, a private food tour can be more expensive than a group food tour if they are arranged by the same company. Instead of paying more, you can choose the cheaper option and save your money in Ho Chi Minh City.
Chance to meet new people and make friends
Group food tours often comprise a mix of travelers from all over the world so it is a great chance for you to talk to other travelers and learn more about their cultures and lifestyles. It is perfect to expand your network of friends on tours in Ho Chi Minh City. You can learn from their experiences and get more helpful information for your trip.
Private vs group food tour in Saigon – Group tours offer great chances to meet new people who are passionate about traveling.
Disadvantages of group Ho Chi Minh City food tour
Following the group
The fixed program should be followed by all members of the group. You must be transferred to all planned visiting places and stay there as planned. Dishes at eating places are ordered and they may not any change. In fact, you can leave them a note when booking the tour or let the tour guide know about your special requests. It is not guaranteed that all of your requests are satisfied.
No flexibility
Shortly, you can not change the tours such as departure and end times, itineraries, menu, foods, drinks, visiting places, eateries.
No special care
If you would like to stay longer or eat one more portion at a stop on your group Ho Chi Minh food tour, it can not be satisfied. The tour guide must take care of the whole group, not only you and your partners. He sometimes can not answer all of your questions and are responsive to your requests.
Private vs group food tour in Saigon – A group of friends wearing uniforms joins a private tour
Who should join group Ho Chi Minh City food tour?
- Travelers on tight budgets.
- Solo travelers.
- Travelers who prefer meeting new people and making friends.
- Travelers having no requirements or few special requests.
Some great Ho Chi Minh City food tours
- Saigon Night Food Tour: classic and popular choice, great street food after dark
- Saigon Sightseeing & Food Tour: a great mix of tourist attractions and street food
- Saigon Unseen & Food Tour: a great mix of tourist attractions and street food
- The AoDai Foodie: traveling with nice female riders in Ao Dai traditional dress
- Street Food Tour with local students: budget choice, going with talented local student, more simple but impressive menu
- Walking Ho Chi Minh City food tour: the most popular choice for travelers that wouldn’t like to sit on motorbikes
- Ho Chi Minh City food tour by vintage vespa: more expensive and unique experience
- Ho Chi Minh City food tour by jeep: more expensive and unique experience on open-air jeep
- Morning Saigon Street Food Tour: exploring the city and trying amazing food that locals eat for breakfast and lunch
- Saigon Food Tour with Chef: going around and eating with a professional Vietnamese chef
Scooter Saigon Tour is one of the oldest and best food tour company in Ho Chi Minh City. Please contact Tracy Do & Bill Bui at +84938314386 (Whatsapp/iMessage/Viber/SMS) for detailed information about food tours in Ho Chi Minh City and best prices for your group.
