Saigon Chinatown by Scooter: Culture, Beliefs & Ghost Stories

Summary

Explore Saigon’s Chinese quarter by scooter with local stories

You’ll weave through Saigon’s Chinatown on a scooter with a local guide, exploring markets full of incense and flowers, hearing stories about beliefs and ghosts, tasting strong coffee, and seeing old apartments up close. With hotel pickup included and flexible drop-off spots, it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left the city streets behind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Cholon to smell so much like incense and fried dough at the same time — it hit me right after we zipped past the first market stall. Our guide, Linh, waved us down a side street where lanterns hung low enough that I had to duck (not gracefully). She laughed and said something about “lucky red,” which I guess is everywhere here. It was busy but not rushed; people moved with this slow confidence, even as scooters wove around them. The main keyword for this tour is definitely “Chinatown tour Ho Chi Minh City,” but honestly it felt more like being dropped into someone else’s daily life than just ticking off sights.

We stopped at a flower market — apparently one of the biggest in Saigon — and Linh explained how people buy certain flowers for different gods or ancestors. I tried to pronounce the name of one blossom and got it completely wrong; an older woman selling bouquets just grinned at me and handed over a sprig anyway. There was this faint sweetness in the air from all those petals mixed with exhaust fumes (not poetic, but real). After that, we rode past old apartment blocks from 1968 — faded yellow walls, laundry hanging everywhere. Linh pointed out a shrine tucked between two noodle shops; she told us about local beliefs and even some ghost stories that made me glance over my shoulder once or twice.

The ride itself was half the fun — wind in your face, city sounds blurring together, and every so often Linh would shout some fact back at us over her shoulder. We had coffee somewhere tiny (I still think about that bitter taste) before heading back toward District 1. The drop-off was easy; you could pick your hotel or just get left near Ben Thanh Market if you wanted to wander more. I liked that there were options: you could book with a full guide or just a driver if you’re feeling brave about language barriers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chinatown and Local Culture Tour

• Walk in Saigon flower market
• Explore Chinatown and beliefs tour
• Visit oldest Saigon apartment
• Drop-off at hotel or central spots

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Chinatown scooter tour?

Yes, free pickup is available from hotels in District 1 and District 3.

Can I choose between a full guide or just a driver?

Yes, you can book either option: full service with an English-speaking guide or only a driver who speaks basic English.

What do you see on the Ho Chi Minh City Chinatown tour?

You visit markets (including a large flower market), old apartments from 1968, shrines, and local neighborhoods in Cholon.

Are food and drinks included on this scooter tour?

If you book the full service option, food and drinks are included.

How long does the Chinatown & beliefs tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several stops across Saigon’s Chinese district.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

Where does the tour end?

You can be dropped off at your hotel or famous central spots like Ben Thanh Market or City Hall.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts, an English-speaking local guide (or driver), helmet, bottled water, coffee or tea during the ride, fuel surcharge coverage, plus raincoat if needed for sudden showers.