Saigon: City Highlights and Saigon Unseen Scooter Combo Tour

Starting with a bang, this 3.5-hour guided scooter tour takes you through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring both the well-known sights and secret corners that most visitors miss. For just $22, you’ll hop on a motorbike with a small group, led by friendly, knowledgeable guides like Kai or Wisky, and get an authentic taste of local life. Expect to visit famous landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, while also wandering into lively Chinatown, ancient temples, and hidden alleyways lined with families going about their day.

Two things we really love about this experience are the personalized guides who share stories with genuine enthusiasm, and the variety of sights—from architectural marvels to bustling markets—that make every moment interesting. The tour’s small group size ensures you won’t feel rushed, and you get a real insider’s perspective on Saigon’s neighborhoods.

A possible consideration is that riding a scooter through chaotic traffic can be a bit overwhelming for some, especially if you’re not used to riding or sitting behind a motorbike. Also, the tour is fast-paced, so if you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience, you might want to consider how the short duration fits your style.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a dynamic, energetic overview of Saigon, especially those eager to see the city’s famous sights and hidden treasures in a short amount of time. Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers will find this combination of sightseeing and local flavor especially appealing.

Key Points

Unique experience riding on a scooter rather than walking or car.
Small group size (max 5) ensures personalized attention and safety.
Visit both well-known landmarks and secret locals’ spots.
Authentic insights from guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.
Options for food tastings add delicious local flavors.
Safety measures include quality helmets and insured drivers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Saigon Scooter Tour

What makes this tour stand out is how it balances seeing main sights with discovering hidden corners that reveal the true rhythm of Saigon. For many travelers, the highlight is zipping through busy streets on the back of a scooter, feeling like a local rather than just a tourist. With guides like Kai and Wisky, you gain insights that you won’t find in a typical guidebook—stories about local families, the significance of temples, and the hustle of Chinatown.

For broader city exploration in Ho Chi Minh City, we've covered these other tours

Itinerary Breakdown

City Highlights and the French Quarter

The tour kicks off by whisking you past notable architecture like the Saigon Opera House, the city hall, and the Post Office—a trio that showcases the French influence on Saigon’s design. These spots aren’t just photo ops; they tell stories of Vietnam’s colonial past and its resilience. You’ll love the way guides frame these landmarks with anecdotes, making history feel alive.

Chinatown and Ancient Temples

Next, your scooter whisks you into Chinatown, the largest and oldest in the world. Here, you’ll see bustling markets, and visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, built in 1760 by Chinese immigrants. The intricate architecture and the spiritual atmosphere here provide a glimpse into the Chinese-Vietnamese community’s enduring traditions.

Hidden Alleys and Local Life

One of the most appreciated parts of the tour is exploring local alleyways where Vietnamese families live, work, and play. These areas are less touristy, filled with vivid scenes of daily life—children playing, street vendors hawking their goods, locals sipping tea. As one reviewer noted, “The apartments were very special to us,” highlighting how these authentic neighborhoods deepen your understanding of Saigon beyond the tourist spots.

Markets and Temples

The Cambodian Market is a lively stop, ideal for cooling off with cold drinks and snacks. You might find stalls selling fresh fruit, street snacks, and handmade crafts—a feast for all senses. The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument is another notable stop, celebrating a significant figure in Vietnamese history and offering a peaceful moment amidst the chaos.

Optional Food Tasting & Sightseeing

For those who opt for the food tasting upgrade, you’ll enjoy six tastings including grilled beef with betel leaf, banh mi, beef noodle soup, and fresh juice. This is a real treat for food lovers, allowing you to savor authentic Vietnamese flavors without the hassle of finding them yourself.

What to Expect

Riding on a scooter means embracing chaotic traffic and bustling streets, but the guides emphasize safety—wearing quality helmets, and riding with experienced drivers who have undergone thorough training. The small group size (up to 5) keeps things intimate, and the hotel pickup and drop-off (in District 1 and 3) adds convenience.

Reviews highlight that guides like Kai, Wisky, and Lux are not only knowledgeable but also attentive to safety and comfort, sharing stories and tips along the way. Many reviewers mention feeling secure and well cared for, which is crucial for a scooter tour in a busy city.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

From their feedback, it’s clear that many find the balance of famous sights and hidden gems perfect. “We learned a lot about the city and had a perfect start here in Saigon,” one reviewer said, emphasizing how well-rounded the experience is. Others mention how the tour revealed local life in areas they’d never see on their own, making it especially valuable for those interested in authentic travel experiences.

One reviewer happily noted that despite initial apprehension, they “always felt safe on the bike,” thanks to the professional drivers. And the delicious street food—from banh mi to beef noodle soup—adds a flavorful dimension that makes the tour not just visual, but also tasty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Book This Tour?

This scooter combo tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy active sightseeing and want a personalized experience. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on a scooter, hungry for local stories, and eager to see both the tourist sights and the city’s more hidden areas. Food enthusiasts will love the optional tastings, and history buffs will appreciate the stories behind landmarks like Thich Quang Duc and the French colonial buildings.

Families with older children will find it a fun, memorable way to explore, but it might be less suitable for very young kids or those uncomfortable with riding.

While in Ho Chi Minh City, here are other experiences we've covered

Final Thoughts

This Saigon scooter tour offers an incredible value—just $22 for a detailed, exciting, and authentic glimpse into the life of Vietnam’s most energetic city. You’ll love the personalized service from guides who genuinely care about your experience, and the variety of sights keeps things interesting from start to finish.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for orientation or a seasoned traveler eager for hidden treasures, this tour combines fun, culture, and flavor in a way that few other experiences can match. It’s a lively, intimate way to see Saigon—fast-paced, fun, and full of surprises.

FAQs

How long is the tour? It lasts around 3.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure.
What’s included in the price? Pickup and drop-off (if selected), a snack and cold drink, helmets, and the scooter ride with an English-speaking guide.
Is the tour suitable for children? Children aged 3-6 will sit in the same seat as parents, while those 7-12 will have a separate seat. Keep in mind that riding on a scooter involves traffic.
Are safety measures in place? Yes, guides and drivers are trained, and helmets are provided. Drivers have scooter accident insurance up to $5,000.
Can I book the tour with food tastings? Yes, there’s an option for six tastings, including beef, banh mi, and drinks, but note that sightseeing stops are skipped in this upgrade.
Where does the tour start and end? Pickup is available from hotels in District 1 and 3; the tour ends nearby these districts.
What should I bring? Sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.
Is this tour legal? Absolutely. Saigon Adventure Travel is licensed and operates legally, unlike many unlicensed scooter tours.
What’s the group size? The tour is limited to groups of 1-5 people, ensuring a more personal experience.
Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In sum, this scooter tour is perfect for those wanting an energetic, authentic, and fun way to see Saigon. The combination of famous sights, hidden neighborhoods, and local flavor makes it a memorable way to get under the city’s skin—all for an unbeatable price. Just be prepared to hold on tight, enjoy the ride, and take in every colorful detail along the way.