Elise

A Life Lover

  • I live in Ho Chi Minh City
  • I speak English, Vietnamese
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 9 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Elise

Hi, my name is Phuong, but you can call me Elise. Raised in Vietnam, I spent my college years studying hospitality in Holland, before working in the USA in the hotel industry. I believe that traveling is quintessential in developing a more well-rounded global citizen, and that it is the antidote to ignorance.

But first and foremost, I'm a wanderer, a storyteller, a food lover who has a passionate interest in showing you how to enjoy a day in my beautiful city to the fullest. Just tell me what you would like to do, I will make sure to make it happen.

When I am not maximizing one's travel experience, I go explore the world around me, teach English, knit or happily spend time in the kitchen cooking.

  • I live in Ho Chi Minh City
  • I speak English, Vietnamese
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 9 hours

Book one of my offers in Ho Chi Minh City

Let's explore Ho Chi Minh City together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Ho Chi Minh City on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Reviews

Liane
18 July 2025
Elise was very friendly and showed us all her favorite streetfood places to be. Some of them have been around for more than 40 years. Good communication before the tour started and she gave us some great tips for Hoi An as well. It would have been nice if she could tell us a little more about the history of the city but I guess time flew by. It was incredible to taste some of the memories of my childhood.Tasty kickstart of Vietnam
Shaneka
26 June 2025
Elise and her mom provided an unforgettable Vietnamese spring rolls class. Elise was amazing and took her time explaining the ingredients and sharing insights into Vietnamese food and culture during our grocery store tour. Her mom was equally wonderful and taught me valuable techniques that I will definitely use again. The spring rolls were fresh and delicious and the homemade sauces added the perfect touch. They even shared some unique fruits I had never tried before. This was a warm, educational, and truly delightful experience. Highly recommend!Unforgettable
Tony
21 May 2025
Don't have a big lunch before this tour.. you will be guided through the streets on a magical journey tasting some of the best street eats The places you visit have been serving the locals for generations and know what flours means Elsie is very knowledgeable and happy to explain each dish and what your are eating 100% recommended this tour A tour with all the flavours
Taryn
15 May 2025
We had a wonderful time with Elise and her mom. We started in the supermarket where Elise explained so many local items and helped us pick out some spices to take home. We then went to their home where Elise translated while her mom cooked and we learned every step of three amazing traditional recipes. Everything was SO delicious and we had a great time chatting with Elise over the tasty food. She even ended the meal with some fresh fruits for us. Lovely way to spend an afternoon! True Homecooking Experience
Shannon
11 May 2025
We did an evening food tour with Elise on the first day of our trip. It was an excellent (and safe) introduction to the city and to Vietnamese food. Elise also gave us recommendations on local sites to see and places to eat in other regions we were planning to visit. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with her. This food tour was the highlight of our trip and we will gladly recommend Elise as your food tour guide.Great intro to HCMC
Ian
16 April 2025
'Elise is in a word FANTASTIC! We did the evening food tour with her: she was very knowledgeable, very personable and friendly, fluent in English, and a genuinely nice person -- highly recommend you book her. Note: she will also tell you where to go if you want to go off the normal touristy routes in the city and helps you with things like restaurant and museum suggestions and even will help you reserve a table. Recommend you book her as she loves her city!'Perfect Guide - Absolutely Recommended
Carolyn
14 April 2025
Elise is a fantastic guide. She knows a lot about Saigon and also about whole Vietnam. Elise brought us to great places, we had a lovely Ban Mhi. She gives super recommendations for shopping, restaurants and bars. Elise also had lovely chats with our daughter and gave her great tips for teenagers.Wonderful, very helpful guide
nicolas.chaise
14 April 2025
Very pleasant trip with Elise. Having a local opens doors and makes everything easier. We recommend ✌️Super experience
Laura
13 April 2025
We absolutely loved our evening with Elise! The entire experience was perfect. We highly recommend this tour with your small group, such an intimate experience. You will try food from stalls that you otherwise may not have! Elise is a beautiful person and generously shares local knowledge of the food and local culture from this wonderful city! It was a highlight of our trip to Vietnam! From our family to you, thank you Elise! X Amazing!!
Cathy
24 March 2025
The walking food tour with Elise was a highlight of our time in Saigon. Elise is lovely, articulate and provided great information about the food of Saigon, as well as some background on the culture of street food and about the Vietnamese people in general. We enjoyed all of the food, and there was so much of it. Most of the places we visited were in close proximity to Ben Tranh Market, but then we took a rideshare to District 3 which allowed us to experience another part of the city. I highly recommend booking a tour with Elise, and make sure you are hungry!!!Must do - Elise was a hospitable guide

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