Saigon: Scooter City Tour, War Bunker & Chinatown Food Stops

Summary

Ride through Saigon’s alleys to temples, war stories and vibrant markets

You’ll ride pillion through Saigon’s tangled streets with a local guide—exploring war-era bunkers, sampling street food at markets, wandering incense-filled temples in Chinatown and sharing laughs over coconut juice by the river. Every stop brings new flavors or stories; you’ll feel more like a friend than a tourist by sunset.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried grilled oysters with quail eggs?" That was the first thing our guide, Minh, asked as we zipped into Ho Chi Minh City’s flower market on our scooters. I just shook my head—honestly, I was still getting used to the rush of wind and all those colors blurring past. The smell here is wild: sweet petals mixed with something smoky from the food stalls. Minh laughed when I hesitated over the rice paper salad—he said it’s a local favorite but admitted he can’t make it at home either.

The afternoon started at the Thich Quang Duc monument. Minh told us about his sacrifice in 1963—there was this quiet around the place, even with traffic nearby. It felt strange to stand where something so heavy happened, but also kind of grounding. After that we ducked into an old apartment block—paint peeling, kids playing in the stairwell—and then down these tight alleys you’d never find alone. The city feels different from a scooter seat; you catch every shout and laugh and smell drifting out of kitchens.

We stopped for coffee near a house hiding an old weapons bunker from 1968. Minh showed us the trapdoor—just wood and dust now—but he got this look when he talked about it, like pride mixed with sadness. I didn’t expect to feel so close to history on what I thought would be just a fun ride. Later we cruised into District 5’s Chinatown for Thien Hau Temple—the incense was thick and there were women lighting coils for luck. Minh tried teaching me how to say “thank you” in Cantonese but honestly I probably butchered it.

Last stop was District 4—the “mafia area,” Minh joked—and we sat on tiny stools eating spring roll vermicelli while boats drifted past at the floating market. The coconut juice tasted cold and sweet after all that city heat. I still think about that view: neon signs flickering on as dusk came in, scooters weaving everywhere like fish in a stream. Never thought a day trip in Saigon could feel so personal—or that I'd remember such small details weeks later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon Saigon scooter tour

• Driver picks you up at 1:00pm
• Visit Thich Quang Duc Memorial Monument
• Drink coffee at local coffee shop
• Visit secret weapons bunker in District 3
• Explore oldest apartment and alleys
• Visit biggest flower market
• Visit Thien Hau Pagoda in District 5
• Go to floating market and drink coconut juice
• Enjoy spring roll vermicelli in District 4
• Driver says goodbye at tour end

Top questions

What time does the Saigon scooter tour start?

The tour starts at 1:00pm with pickup included.

Is food included on this Ho Chi Minh City scooter tour?

Yes, all food and drinks are included during stops along the route.

Do guides speak English on this day trip?

Yes, your driver-guides speak English throughout the tour.

Does this tour visit Chinatown or temples?

Yes, you’ll visit Thien Hau Temple in District 5 (Chinatown).

Is hotel pickup provided for this scooter adventure?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at the start of your tour.

Are helmets provided for riders?

Yes, high-quality open-faced helmets are provided for all guests.

Can vegetarians join this Saigon food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

How long does this Ho Chi Minh City day trip last?

The experience lasts about four hours starting from 1:00pm.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup by English-speaking drivers on scooters (female Ao Dai riders available if booked early), all food and drinks at each stop—including spring roll vermicelli and coconut juice—a high-quality helmet for safety, fuel costs covered, accident insurance throughout your ride, plus rain ponchos if needed for sudden showers before returning you back to your hotel at sunset.