Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour

Introduction: What to Expect from the Make Your Own Gin Experience & Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour

When it comes to unique activities in Ho Chi Minh City, a hands-on gin-making experience at Saigon Baigur Distillery truly stands out. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s largest premium gin brand and lets you get involved in the process of creating your own spirit—something that appeals to both spirit lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly love about this experience is the interactive distillery tour, the chance to personalize your own gin bottle, and the relaxing garden bar at the end. It’s a perfect combination of learning, hands-on fun, and enjoying a few well-crafted cocktails.

One thing to keep in mind is that the distillation process happens in pairs, so solo travelers might want to consider booking two tickets if they wish to work alone on their still. This experience suits those wanting a memorable, authentic activity that blends education with a touch of creativity.

Key Points

• Hands-On Gin Making: Create your own gin with guidance from experienced distillers.
• Educational & Entertaining: Learn about botanicals, distillation, and Vietnamese spice profiles.
• Beautiful Setting: Relax in a lush garden bar with cocktails and scenic views.
• Value for Money: For under $50, you get a distillery tour, your own gin bottle, plus cocktails.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 16 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Ideal for Spirits Enthusiasts & Curious Travelers: Suitable for couples, friends, or solo adventurers looking for a unique cultural activity.

Exploring the Distillery Tour

The adventure begins at the District 9 Distilling Company, where you’ll be welcomed by friendly guides who bring enthusiasm and expert knowledge to the experience. Expect to see the working distillery, where Saigon Baigur gin—Vietnam’s largest premium gin brand—is crafted. The guides walk you through the entire process, from selecting botanicals to observing the stills in action.

One of the highlights here is the chance to see rare botanicals that give Saigon Baigur its signature spice-forward profile. You’ll get a close look at the ingredients that make Vietnamese gin distinct, such as citrus peels, floral notes, earthy spices, and herbal elements. This part of the tour is very informative but also accessible, even if you’re new to spirits.

The reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable and personable. For example, one review notes that the host explains the gin-making process in a clear, engaging way, making complex concepts easy to grasp. This is crucial because understanding the science behind distillation enhances the appreciation of your final product.

The Hands-On Gin Workshop

After the distillery tour, the experience shifts to the Gin School, where the real fun begins. You and your partner—or if you’re traveling solo, you might want to buy two tickets to work alone—select your botanicals from a selection of 18 ingredients. The process involves tasting, smelling, and choosing to craft a balanced gin that reflects your preferences.

The pair work on a still allows you to distill your own batch, with each person taking home a 350ml bottle of their creation, or if you prefer, you can opt to work solo and take home a 700ml bottle (by purchasing an extra ticket). The reviews highlight how enjoyable and personal this part of the experience is, with one guest describing it as “very nice to end the tour at a bar in a beautiful garden with some free drinks.”

While working on your gin, you’ll sip on a complimentary cocktail from the signature menu, which makes the process even more enjoyable. As your spirit develops, you’ll learn to bottle and label your own gin, adding a personal touch to the packaging.

The Garden Bar & Final Cheers

Once your gin is distilled and bottled, the tour concludes in a tropical garden bar. Here, you can unwind with a second complimentary cocktail in the shade, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and lush greenery. The reviews repeatedly mention how relaxing and well-designed the garden setting is, creating a perfect spot to reflect on your new creation.

The experience typically ends around 4:30 pm, with a shuttle bus returning you to Thao Dien metro station or providing options for your own transportation. The whole activity lasts about three hours, making it an ideal afternoon activity without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Special?

What sets this experience apart is its emphasis on education combined with hands-on participation. Unlike passive tours, you’re actively involved in every step—from selecting botanicals to distilling your spirit. The guides’ friendliness and expertise shine through, making complex distillation jargon accessible without diluting the experience.

The value is also notable; for just over $47, you get a detailed distillery tour, your own bottle of gin, and two cocktails—an impressive package considering the quality and uniqueness of the activity. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Many reviewers, such as Boris and XuanHuong, praise the balance between learning and enjoyment—you’ll leave with not just a bottle of gin but also a new appreciation for the craft and Vietnamese botanicals.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, ideal for an afternoon outing.
• Price: $47.20 per person, offering excellent value for a personalized activity.
• Included: Distillery tour, your handmade gin, two cocktails, and shuttle transfer.
• Not Included: Transportation to the distillery (you might want to arrange your own).
• Meeting Point: District 9 Distilling Company, starting at 1:30 pm.
• Group Size: Max 16 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
• Booking Tip: Solo travelers may want to buy two tickets to work independently, especially if they want the 700ml bottle.

The Sum Up

This Make Your Own Gin Experience at Saigon Baigur Distillery offers a compelling mix of education, creativity, and relaxation. It’s perfect for those who want more than just a tour—they’ll love the chance to craft their own spirit and enjoy the lush garden setting. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness turn this into a warm and engaging activity, making it suitable for couples, friends, or even solo travelers eager to do something memorable.

The experience’s value is clear, offering a personalized souvenir and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese distillation traditions. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply looking for a fun activity outside the usual tourist spots, this tour provides an authentic taste of Vietnam’s spirit craft.

FAQ

Can I participate if I’ve never made gin before?
Yes, the workshop is designed to be accessible, even for beginners. Guides will walk you through each step, making it easy to create your own gin.

How many botanicals can I choose from?
You’ll have 18 different botanicals to select from, allowing you to customize your gin to your taste.

What if I want to work alone on the still?
You’ll need to purchase two tickets, as distillation is done in pairs on one still. This way, you can craft your own 700ml bottle.

What’s included in the price?
The package includes the distillery tour, your own gin bottle (350ml or 700ml), two gin-based cocktails, drinking water, and shuttle back to Thao Dien metro station.

Is transportation to the distillery arranged?
Transport to the distillery is not included—instructions mention a shuttle bus back from the activity, but you’ll need to arrange your own journey there.

When does the experience take place?
The tour starts at 1:30 pm and typically concludes around 4:30 pm, making it an excellent option for an afternoon in Saigon.

This tour offers a delightful combination of learning, creativity, and relaxation—perfect for those looking to add a personal touch to their Vietnam trip while exploring local flavors and craftsmanship.