Ho Chi Minh: Street Food Motorbike Tour & Local Markets

Summary

Saigon’s street food by scooter with locals from grilled banana to late-night sweet soup

You’ll ride through Ho Chi Minh City on a motorbike with local guides who know every shortcut and snack stall. Taste grilled banana sticky rice, rich Bun Bo Hue noodles, barbecue beef wrapped in betel leaves, sizzling pancakes from Mekong recipes, and finish with sweet soup under old apartments—plus sugarcane juice or beer along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the blur of headlights and the smell of grilled banana sticky rice — smoky, sweet, and just a little burnt at the edges. Our guide, Vy, handed me a helmet that was definitely too small (I have a big head, what can I say) and grinned like she knew exactly what we were in for. Riding pillion through Ho Chi Minh City at night is like being inside a pinball machine — but somehow you trust it. We stopped at this tiny corner in District 3 where an old couple pressed sticky rice around bananas and grilled them over charcoal. The steam hit my face when I bit in; it was chewy, hot, and weirdly comforting.

We zigzagged into Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments next. Vy told us her grandma used to live here — she pointed up at someone’s laundry flapping against the pinkish walls. There was this bowl of Bun Bo Hue that honestly ruined all other noodle soups for me: deep beefy broth with lemongrass, slices of pork sausage floating on top, bright green coriander everywhere. The owner had been making it since before I was born (she said so herself). After that we walked past seafood grills — the air thick with fish sauce and smoke — until we landed at a spot for Bo La Lot: beef wrapped in betel leaves, charred outside but juicy inside. I tried to say it right; Vy laughed and corrected me three times.

I lost track of time after that. There were sizzling pancakes (Banh Xeo) made right in front of us — you could hear the batter hit the pan over all the scooter horns outside. We sat on plastic stools drinking sugarcane juice while students nearby cracked jokes over “Vietnamese pizza” (which is nothing like pizza but pretty addictive). Someone handed me a Saigon beer; someone else poured jasmine tea. It felt like everyone belonged here except maybe us — but nobody minded.

Our last stop was under an old apartment block in District 10 where a woman named Khanh Vy has been selling che (sweet soup) for 45 years. She smiled without saying much as she scooped beans and coconut milk into plastic bowls. It was quiet there for once — just the scrape of spoons and distant traffic echoing off concrete walls. Sometimes I still think about that moment: sticky hands, full stomach, city humming somewhere out of sight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City

• Start at Chuoi Nep Nuong Vo Van Tan
• Explore Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment area
• Try Bun Bo Hue with local vendor
• Walk along barbecue seafood street
• Taste Bò Lá Lốt at local restaurant
• Watch Bánh Xèo and Bánh Khọt made
• Try Bo Nuong Sa grilled pork
• Eat traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi
• Enjoy refreshing sugar cane drink
• Visit Khmer market near Ho Thi Ky
• Snack on Vietnamese pizza and Saigon beer
• Have Vietnamese sweet soup at Che Mam Khanh Vy
• Ride back to hotel or drop-off spot

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ho Chi Minh street food tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is in Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 or 10 or near the Opera House.

What foods do you try on this Ho Chi Minh street food motorbike tour?

You’ll sample grilled banana sticky rice (Chuoi Nep Nuong), Bun Bo Hue noodles, Bo La Lot (beef in betel leaves), Banh Xeo pancakes, Vietnamese BBQ pork, Banh Mi sandwiches, Vietnamese pizza, sugarcane juice or beer, and traditional sweet soup (che).

How long does the street food tour last?

The evening tour covers several hours as you ride between districts and visit multiple food stops before returning to your hotel.

Do I need to know how to ride a motorbike?

No—you ride as a passenger with an experienced local driver/guide.

Are vegetarian options available on this Saigon food tour?

The focus is on traditional dishes which often include meat; vegetarian options may be limited but can be requested in advance.

Is this day trip suitable for families or kids?

Yes—specialized infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

Does the price include all food & drinks?

Yes—all dishes, snacks, drinks (including beer or tea), and transport are included at no extra cost.

What areas of Ho Chi Minh City does this tour cover?

You’ll visit Districts 3 and 10 plus key street food spots near Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments and Cholon/Chinatown area.

What’s included

Your evening includes private motorbike transport with pickup from central districts; every dish—from grilled banana sticky rice to sweet soup—is covered along with drinks like sugarcane juice or beer; rain ponchos if needed; plus friendly local guides who share stories between each stop before dropping you back at your hotel.