24H SAIGON-CHO LON CHINATOWN CITY TOUR HOP ON – HOP OFF BUS

Traveling through Ho Chi Minh City and exploring its vibrant Chinatown, known locally as Cho Lon, can be a fascinating experience. This hop-on-hop-off bus tour offers a way to see the city’s highlights at your own pace, with the flexibility of 24 hours of unlimited rides. While it might not be the most comprehensive or luxurious option, it’s a practical choice for those wanting a quick overview with some cultural flavor.

What draws us in are the colorful streets and Chinese architecture, the convenience of free WiFi onboard, and the opportunity to explore markets and temples at your leisure. However, some reviews suggest that the tour’s route and overall organization might fall short of expectations, especially considering the price. This tour could be perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a snapshot of Saigon’s diverse neighborhoods, or anyone looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to navigate around key sights.

Key Points

• Flexible 24-hour access allows you to hop on and off at various attractions throughout the day.
• Cultural highlights include traditional temples, markets, and streets showcasing Chinese community architecture.
• Limited route options mean some reviews note only a few stops are accessible with the ticket.
• WiFi onboard helps you stay connected without extra cost.
• Price vs. value may be a concern, especially if you expect extensive routes or more stops.
• Accessibility and multiple language options make it user-friendly for diverse travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This 1.5-hour bus journey is designed as a quick, scenic overview rather than an in-depth exploration. The main advantage is the ability to hop on and off at key sites around District 1 and Chinatown, giving you the freedom to explore without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.

Starting at Ben Thanh Market, the tour provides a snapshot of the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where history, commerce, and local life collide. From there, you’ll pass by Pullman Hotel, a notable landmark, and glide through the lively streets of District 1, including Western Area and Bui Vien Walking Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere.

The tour emphasizes Chinatown’s Chinese heritage, with stops at temples like Thien Hau Temple and Quan De Temple, as well as markets such as Binh Tay Market and Kim Bien Market. These locations are perfect for experiencing authentic local cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking in the colorful street scenes.

The City Highlights and Stops

Ben Thanh Market

The starting point is the iconic Ben Thanh Market, a hub of commerce and culture. Here, you’ll find local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. The market’s lively buzz makes it a great first impression of Saigon’s energetic spirit. However, since the tour is only 1.5 hours, you might only get a brief look, so plan to return for more in-depth shopping later.

Pullman Hotel and Western Area

Passing the Pullman Hotel, the bus offers a quick glimpse of upscale hospitality before heading toward the Western Area and Bui Vien Street. These districts are known for their modern cafes, bars, and the infamous backpacker street, making it a good spot to experience Saigon’s nightlife, even if only from a distance.

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Chinatown and Temples

The heart of the tour lies in Cho Lon, the world’s largest Chinatown, where Chinese influence is visible in architecture, street names, and markets. You’ll get to see Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess, and Quan De Temple, both of which showcase intricate designs and spiritual ambiance. The Hao Si Phuong Alley and Hao Si Phuong Street offer a glimpse into local life and some of the city’s historic charm.

Markets and Shopping

In Cho Lon, markets like Binh Tay and Kim Bien are perfect for browsing textiles, jewelry, and traditional Chinese medicinal products. Indulging in Chinese cuisine at local eateries is highly recommended, with options ranging from dim sum to noodle dishes that are both authentic and affordable.

The Practicalities

Transportation and Duration

The tour operates using a double-decker bus equipped with free WiFi, making the ride comfortable and connected. The buses run from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, with no stops after 4:00 pm, which is important to consider when planning your day.

While the 1.5-hour ride is relatively short, the 24-hour validity allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like during the day, giving you a chance to explore attractions at your own pace. Some reviewers found that the limited route means only three stops are accessible with the ticket, which could be frustrating if you hoped for more extensive exploration.

Price and Value

Given the price point, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction, citing that they expected more stops and routes for the cost. One reviewer pointed out that you only get to do one circuit, and for the more interesting route, you might need to pay extra. Therefore, if you’re concerned about value, this tour might not be the best bargain unless your main goal is to get a quick, oriented overview rather than extensive sightseeing.

Accessibility and Language Options

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers a variety of audio guides in languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. This makes it suitable for a diverse range of travelers seeking a multilingual experience.

The Review of Real Travelers

Two reviewers shared their thoughts, and both were largely critical. One from France described the organization as “Très mauvaise organisation,” noting long wait times and high prices that didn’t seem justified by the experience. Meanwhile, a Spanish traveler called the tour “very disappointing,” citing limited stops and the fact that the blue line, which might be more interesting, wasn’t accessible with the ticket they purchased.

From these comments, it’s clear that the route limitations and value for money are common themes. However, some may still find it useful as a quick orientation tool rather than an in-depth tour.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This Hop On Hop Off experience suits travelers who want a brief overview of Ho Chi Minh City without committing to full-day tours or complicated arrangements. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the route limitations, it offers a decent way to see some of the city’s most famous sites and explore Chinatown at your own pace.

However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive or immersive experience, this tour might fall short, especially considering some reviews’ comments about route restrictions and organizational issues.

Final Thoughts

This tour is quite possibly the most budget-friendly way to get a snapshot of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown and District 1, especially if you want the flexibility to hop on and off throughout the day. The free WiFi onboard and multilingual audio guides are added bonuses that make the experience more accessible, even for first-timers.

That said, route restrictions and limited stops mean you won’t get to explore every corner or enjoy a full day of sightseeing. If you value good value for money and are willing to accept the route limitations, this could be a practical option for a first taste of Saigon. But those seeking deeper engagement or more stops might want to consider other options or plan additional visits on foot.

Overall, it’s a useful, straightforward way to orient yourself in the city — just keep your expectations realistic, and plan to explore further on your own.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The actual bus ride takes about 1.5 hours, but with a 24-hour ticket, you can hop on and off multiple times within the day.

Where do I meet the bus?
The meeting point is at Ben Thanh Market, No. 23 Phan Chu Trinh Street, District 1. Staff in red T-shirts at the West Gate’s Anh Viet Hop On Hop Off counter will assist.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is available on the bus, which can help you save on roaming charges and stay connected.

Can I buy the ticket on the day?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours before.

Are there language options for the audio guide?
Yes, guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by at least one adult; specific vehicle policies aren’t detailed, but as a public tour, it’s generally family-friendly.

What attractions can I see?
You’ll visit key sites such as Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown, Temples, and Markets like Binh Tay and Kim Bien.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

How many stops can I expect with my ticket?
Based on reviews, only about three stops are accessible, so plan your exploration accordingly.

Can I explore Chinatown on foot after the tour?
Absolutely. Many of the stops, such as temples and markets, are walkable, and you can extend your sightseeing on your own.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour offers a practical, flexible way to get a quick orientation of Ho Chi Minh City and Chinatown. While not perfect, it’s worth considering if you want a simple introduction with the option to explore at your own pace. Just be aware of route limitations and keep your expectations aligned with the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: