Ho Chi Minh City: Morning Scooter Tour & Ao Dai Riders

Summary

Scooter through saigon’s history with ao dai riders and french colonial sights

You’ll hop on a scooter behind local riders (sometimes in Ao Dai) for a morning weaving through Ho Chi Minh City’s history: French-built cathedrals, secret war bunkers, incense-filled pagodas. Expect stories from your guide, hotel pickup included — plus that rush of joining Saigon’s daily buzz instead of just watching from afar.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous about hopping on a scooter in Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic looked wild from the sidewalk, all those horns and weaving bikes. But our guide Linh just grinned, handed me a helmet, and said, “You’ll see — it’s like swimming.” She wore an Ao Dai that fluttered in the breeze as we zipped off. I clung on for dear life at first (sorry Linh), but after five minutes, it started to feel… fun? There’s something about moving with the city instead of watching it behind glass.

Our first stop was the Reunification Palace — it looks almost frozen in time, with those chunky 1970s lines. Linh told us stories about tanks crashing through the gates in ’75; I could almost hear echoes of shouting across the lawns. We wandered over to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office next (they’re right by each other), both built by the French way back when. The post office is still working — you can smell old paper and ink inside, and there’s this huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh watching over everything. I tried to send a postcard home but got distracted by all the locals chatting at the old phone booths.

We cruised past the Opera House (I didn’t expect it to be so white against all that city color) and stopped at Nguyen Hue Walking Street just as kids started practicing dance routines on the tiles. Linh pointed out City Hall at the end — she said it lights up at night like a wedding cake, which made me laugh because it really does look fancy enough for one. The War Remnants Museum was heavy; photos that stick with you longer than you think they will. After that, we needed some air, so we ducked into Jade Emperor Pagoda where incense hung thick and sunlight came in dusty rays.

I still think about riding pillion through those tangled streets, feeling part of Saigon’s morning rush instead of just passing through. If you get Linh or one of her friends as your rider (especially if they’re in Ao Dai), ask them what their favorite street food is — she had opinions. Anyway, I didn’t expect to love being on a scooter so much, but now every time I hear a horn blast back home it takes me right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ho Chi Minh City landmarks

• Visit Reunification Palace
• See Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Explore Saigon Central Post Office
• View Saigon Opera House
• Walk along Nguyen Hue walking street
• Tour War Remnants Museum
• Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Ho Chi Minh City scooter tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

What historical sites are visited during this morning tour?

You’ll visit Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Opera House, War Remnants Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and more.

Can I request a female rider in Ao Dai?

Yes—female Ao Dai riders are available if requested at least 6 hours in advance; otherwise rider gender may vary depending on availability.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request during the tour.

Is this scooter tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How long does this day trip around Saigon last?

The morning city historical scooter tour typically lasts several hours; exact timing may vary depending on stops and group pace.

Are helmets provided for all passengers?

Yes—high-quality open-faced helmets are provided for everyone’s safety.

What happens if it rains during my tour?

A rain poncho will be provided if needed so you can continue comfortably even if there’s rain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by scooter with fuel covered, accident insurance for peace of mind, open-faced helmet and rain poncho if needed. You’ll have options for private tours or female riders in Ao Dai (with advance notice), plus vegetarian meals available on request before returning to your hotel at the end of your ride.