Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike and Scooter

Explore Ho Chi Minh City on a Scooter with a Vegetarian Twist

Imagine zipping through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a scooter, with the wind in your hair and a local guide leading the way. For just $39 per person, this 4-hour private tour offers a genuine taste of the city’s lively neighborhoods, colorful markets, and vibrant street food scene — all while savoring vegetarian options. Guided by friendly locals, you’ll visit some of Saigon’s most iconic spots, including the flower market, Chinatown, and a floating market, with plenty of stops for delicious plant-based dishes.

What we love most about this tour is how it lets you see Ho Chi Minh City from a local perspective—zipping through streets rather than just walking or sitting in a bus. Plus, the flexibility of a private tour means your guide can tailor stops to your interests, making the experience both authentic and relaxed. The included helmet and insurance add peace of mind, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics effortless.

A possible consideration is that riding a scooter in busy traffic can be hectic for some, especially if you’re not accustomed to city riding. But if you’re comfortable with two wheels, you’ll find this a fun and immersive way to explore. This tour suits travelers who enjoy lively street scenes, local flavors, and a bit of adventure—especially those interested in vegetarian cuisine and cultural sights.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Ride through local neighborhoods and markets on a scooter.
• All-inclusive: Food tastings, helmet, insurance, and hotel pickup are covered.
• Personalized: Private tour means flexibility and attention to your preferences.
• Cultural insights: Visit landmarks like Chinatown and the flower market.
• Delicious vegetarian options: Enjoy specialties like spring rolls, noodles, and mushroom hot pot.
• Informative guides: Guides are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring comfort and fun.

An In-Depth Look at the Saigon Vegetarian Scooter Tour

Why Choose This Tour?

For anyone wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and culinary discovery, this tour hits the mark. It promises a personalized experience that goes beyond typical city tours, offering not only the major sights but also intimate glimpses into the everyday life of Saigon residents. The fact that it’s highly rated (5.0/5 from 66 reviews) and recommended by 100% of participants speaks to its consistent quality and appeal.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Vegan Restaurant

The adventure begins at a vegan restaurant, where you can choose between vegan noodle Bun Thai Chay or spring rolls (Cha Gio). This early taste sets the tone—fresh, flavorful, and plant-based. Certainly, the tour emphasizes vegetarian options, making it ideal for plant-based travelers or those curious to see how Vietnam’s cuisine can be adaptable.

What reviewers say: “Rain, our guide, knew where all the good vegetarian spots were,” highlighting the importance of a knowledgeable guide in navigating local vegetarian cuisine.

Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment Area

Next, we explore the Nguyen Thien Thuat neighborhood, famed for its diverse street food and vibrant local culture. This area is a melting pot of residents from all over Vietnam, which is reflected in the variety of cuisine styles on offer. Here, you’ll get a sense of daily life—locals cooking, selling, and socializing.

Review insight: “This place has a lot of the residents from many parts of Vietnam, making its cuisine fascinating and diverse,” a perfect spot for food lovers seeking authenticity.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

A visit to the largest flower market in Saigon follows. Expect to see colorful blossoms from across Vietnam—from delicate orchids to vibrant roses—selling wholesale and retail. The aroma alone makes this a memorable stop. It’s the kind of visual feast you won’t see in typical city tours.

What travelers love: “Almost all kinds of flowers sold here are from all parts of Vietnam,” and it’s a photographer’s dream.

Chinatown and Thien Hau Temple

The tour then ventures into Chinatown (District 5), home to the Thien Hau Temple, over 300 years old, providing a window into Chinese heritage in Saigon. You’ll stroll lantern-lined streets, visit Chinese medicine shops, and see historic architecture—an enriching cultural experience.

Note: If you opt for the night vegan tour, you’ll visit Beverly Hill in District 7 instead, which adds a modern twist to the Chinatown experience.

Review highlight: “We enjoyed tea with many kinds of jam in a local coffee shop,” emphasizing the cultural richness of this neighborhood.

Floating Market

Next, you’ll take a boat ride to a floating market, where local people buy and sell tropical fruits, coconuts, and vegetables directly from boats. You’ll sample fresh coconut juice and hear stories about river life—an authentic slice of the Mekong Delta lifestyle.

Traveler comment: “You’ll hear about how people live on the river,” making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

District 4

The final stop is in District 4, a small, lively enclave surrounded by the Saigon River. Known for its diverse community and unique food scene, this neighborhood feels like a microcosm of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry. Here, you’ll enjoy a mushroom hotpot (Lau Nam), a peaceful meal that contrasts with the bustling previous stops.

Review mention: “Sitting in the Mushroom Hotpot restaurant felt peaceful and quiet,” providing a relaxing end to the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour comes with all food and drinks, helmets, fuel, and insurance, making it straightforward and worry-free. The private option ensures your group has a personalized experience, and the hotel pickup/drop-off is a big plus for convenience.

However, personal expenses like souvenirs or extra snacks are not covered, so plan accordingly.

The Experience: How It Feels

This tour is a blend of adventure and immersion. The scooter rides are lively and energetic—they can be noisy, bustling, and sometimes chaotic, especially in heavy traffic. But for many, this is part of the thrill, offering a front-row seat to city life. As one reviewer mentioned, “Rain, our guide, made sure I was comfortable”, which points to attentive service.

Guides are praised for their local knowledge—they are not just drivers but storytellers who can explain the significance of each site. You’ll learn about Saigon’s food culture, history, and daily routines, making this a learning experience as much as a sightseeing tour.

The Value Proposition

At $39, this tour offers remarkable value considering the scope of sights, the quality of food, and the personalized service. Compared to larger group tours, the private aspect means you can focus on your interests and move at your own pace. The included vegetarian options also make it accessible for special diets, a notable advantage in a city famous for its meat-heavy dishes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy local transportation and want an insider’s view of Saigon’s neighborhoods. It suits foodies, especially those interested in vegetarian cuisine and street food culture. It’s also excellent for those who appreciate cultural sights like flower markets and ancient temples but prefer a more dynamic, less traditional form of exploration. Be prepared for active riding—if you’re uncomfortable on a scooter, this might not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts

This Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike offers a unique, lively way to experience Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll see bustling markets, historic temples, and colorful neighborhoods, all while enjoying delicious plant-based dishes. The personalized approach and knowledgeable guides ensure an authentic experience that’s both fun and educational.

It’s a great choice for those willing to embrace a bit of the city’s chaos on two wheels. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply curious about local life, this tour delivers an engaging, tasty, and memorable journey through Saigon’s vibrant streets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. The tour specifically highlights vegetarian options such as vegan noodles, spring rolls, and mushroom hot pot, catering well to plant-based diets.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 4 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive glimpse into Saigon’s highlights.

What’s included in the price?
All food and drinks, helmets, fuel, and insurance are included. The tour also offers hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

Do I need to know how to ride a scooter?
No, you don’t have to drive. The tour provides a driver for your scooter, and you’ll be a passenger throughout, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, as the tour involves outdoor riding, rain ponchos are provided if needed, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of local insight, delicious vegetarian dishes, and the dynamic scooter experience makes it an engaging way to see Saigon, especially for those craving an authentic and active adventure.

In summary, for travelers eager to explore Ho Chi Minh City beyond the usual tourist spots, this private scooter tour offers a delicious, culturally rich, and adventurous way to experience the city. It’s perfect for those who enjoy local flavors, vibrant markets, and a bit of city buzz on two wheels.