Ho Chi Minh City: Motorbike Food Tour with 10 Street Eats

Summary

Saigon street eats by night motorbike tour with hotel pickup

You’ll ride pillion through five lively districts of Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike, sampling ten street foods only locals usually find. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, expect laughter over tricky pronunciations, quick bites at hidden spots, and even a rain poncho if needed. It’s noisy, deliciously messy—and you might find yourself thinking about those flavors long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — smoky, sweet, something sizzling in a battered pan. We were already weaving through District 1’s evening traffic, clinging to the back of our motorbikes (I swear my knees almost brushed a passing cart at one point). Our guide, Linh, shouted over her shoulder about bánh xèo and how it’s best eaten hot off the grill. I didn’t expect to laugh so much just figuring out how to hold on and snap photos at the same time. The city felt alive in a way you don’t get from inside a car.

We zipped down narrow alleys where the air changed — sometimes sharp with fish sauce, sometimes grassy from herbs piled high on plastic tables. At one stop in District 4, Linh handed me something wrapped in banana leaf. “Eat with your hands,” she said, grinning. I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese; she laughed and corrected my accent (honestly, I still can’t say it right). There was this moment where everyone at the table just watched me take my first bite — no pressure! — but then someone toasted me with a tiny glass of sweet iced tea and I relaxed.

By the fifth or maybe sixth dish (I lost count), the group had gone quiet except for slurping and little sighs. It rained for about ten minutes — not enough to bother us with those ponchos they handed out — and then we were back on the bikes again. The lights reflecting off wet streets made everything look softer somehow. We ended somewhere in District 5 where locals gathered for late-night snacks; I still think about that last spoonful of chè under neon lights. If you’re into food tours in Ho Chi Minh City that really get you moving (literally), this is one I’d do again just for those weird little moments between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saigon street food motorbike tour

• Visit 5 districts of Ho Chi Minh City
• Ride motorbike to 24 famous streets
• Try 10 authentic Vietnamese dishes
• Stop at popular local hangout at night

Top questions

How many dishes do you try on this Saigon food tour?

You try up to 10 authentic Vietnamese dishes during the tour.

Does the Ho Chi Minh City motorbike food tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, 4 & 5.

Is this street food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

How long does the Saigon motorbike food tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours from start to finish.

Is rain gear provided if it rains during the tour?

A poncho or raincoat is provided if needed during rainy weather.

Are infants allowed on this Ho Chi Minh City food tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; infant meals aren’t included.

Do I need to know how to ride a motorbike for this tour?

No riding experience is needed—you ride as a passenger with a local guide driving.

What languages do guides speak on this Saigon food tour?

The guides speak English and may be multilingual depending on availability.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts, all twelve-plus local foods and drinks sampled along five districts by motorbike (no need to drive yourself), English-speaking Tiger Guide throughout, plus a rain poncho if skies open up—just bring your appetite and sense of adventure.