Ho Chi Minh City: Motorbike Tour, Local Markets & Food Tastings

Summary

Saigon’s markets, flower scents and temple stories on two wheels

You’ll feel Saigon’s energy from the back of a motorbike with a student guide — tasting snacks at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, hearing stories at Thich Quang Duc Monument, exploring Chinatown’s medicine streets, and pausing for incense at Thien Hau Temple. Expect laughter over language slips and moments that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hum — scooters everywhere, weaving like schools of fish through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Our guide, Linh, handed me a helmet with a grin that made me trust her instantly (even if my nerves didn’t quite get the memo). The city felt alive in a way I wasn’t ready for; exhaust and jasmine from a passing flower cart mixed in the air as we zipped toward our first stop. I clung on tight but started to loosen up when Linh pointed out street vendors waving at us — not sure if they recognized her or just liked my awkward scooter posture.

We stopped at the Thich Quang Duc Monument, and Linh shared the story quietly — about the monk’s protest in 1963. People around us moved fast but that spot felt still somehow. Later, at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, it was all color and chatter. We tried this cold juice (I never did catch the name) and a crispy banana cracker that left sugar on my fingers. There was a woman arranging lotus flowers who smiled when I tried to say “xin chào” — she laughed gently and corrected me. It’s funny how those tiny moments stick.

Chinatown was next — medicine shops with jars stacked high, people bargaining in quick bursts of Vietnamese and Cantonese. At Thien Hau Temple, incense hung thick in the air and Linh explained about Mazu, the sea goddess. I watched an old man light three sticks and bow so slowly you’d think time paused for him alone. After that we cruised past Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office — both leftovers from French times but somehow right at home here. The ride back was quieter; maybe I was just thinking about how much you see when you’re not behind glass windows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ho Chi Minh City highlights

• Visit Thich Quang Duc Monument
• Walk through Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
• Explore Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown
• See Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Visit Saigon Central Post Office
• View Saigon Opera House
• Photograph Ho Chi Minh City Hall
• Stroll along Nguyen Hue Street promenade

Top questions

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

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

What food tastings are part of this Saigon motorbike tour?

You’ll try local snacks like crispy banana crackers and a cold juice drink at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.

Are helmets provided for passengers?

Yes, helmets are provided for all guests during the tour.

Can infants join this day trip by motorbike?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap for safety reasons.

How long does it take to reach Chinatown from central Saigon?

It takes roughly twenty minutes by motorbike from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Chinatown (District 5).

Is there an English-speaking guide on this Saigon scooter tour?

Yes, your driver-guide speaks English fluently.

What is special about Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City?

Thien Hau Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess; it’s the oldest Chinese temple in HCMC.

Does this tour include visits to famous landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral?

Yes, you’ll pass by Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and other colonial landmarks during your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts, private transportation by licensed motorbike with helmet provided, friendly English-speaking student guides as drivers, all tastings such as crispy banana crackers and a cold drink at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market — plus plenty of conversation along every stop before returning you safely to your hotel.