Ho Chi Minh City: Craft Beer and Local Food Tour by Scooter

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on a scooter while sampling its best beers and local bites might sound like an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Luckily, this guided tour by Vietventure offers just that—an authentic, fun, and flavorful way to experience the city’s bustling streets. Throughout the night, you’ll hop from lively street-style Bia Hoi spots to hidden craft breweries, all while enjoying local dishes that perfectly complement each brew.

What stands out most is the personalized touch of knowledgeable guides like Tuco, who keep the night engaging with stories, humor, and insider tips. The tour’s flexibility is a real plus—it’s designed to match your taste and adventure level, making it suitable whether you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a memorable night out.

One thing to consider is the tour’s focus on local and craft beers, but some may find the beer selection described as more local and canned rather than the “hip” craft beers they might expect. Still, at just $44, the experience offers excellent value considering the quality of food, drinks, and the guided adventure.

If you’re eager to explore Saigon’s lively neighborhoods, taste authentic flavors, and see the city from a unique vantage point, this tour is perfect. It’s a lively, delicious, and social way to dive into Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Ride around Saigon on a scooter, exploring off-the-beaten-path spots.
• Diverse Beer Sampling: Taste five beers, from street-style Bia Hoi to carefully brewed craft options.
• Food Pairings: Enjoy five dishes paired thoughtfully with each brew, inclusive of vegetarian options.
• Insightful Guides: Guides like Tuco and others share stories about Saigon’s beer history and neighborhood secrets.
• Flexible & Customizable: The tour adapts to your taste and adventure level for a personalized experience.
• Great Value: At $44, it combines food, drinks, transportation, and insider knowledge into one lively night.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Craft Beer and Food Tour

The Journey Begins: Scooting Through Saigon’s Nightlife

Once you’re picked up—either from your hotel or a central location—the adventure kicks off with a quick safety briefing, including a helmet and rain poncho, just in case. The guides are friendly, approachable, and eager to share their love for Saigon. The feeling of cruising through the city’s busy streets on a scooter is magnetic; you’ll get a real sense of how locals navigate this lively metropolis.

The pace is lively but controlled, with guides like Tuco making sure everyone feels comfortable. Saigon’s neon-lit streets, buzzing street vendors, and occasional scooter clusters create a backdrop that’s both chaotic and charming—perfect for the kind of authentic experience travelers crave.

First Stop: Bia Hoi & the Local Scene

The tour typically starts with a glass of Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s beloved fresh beer. It’s cheap, refreshing, and embodies the city’s casual drinking culture. Sitting in a lively alleyway, you’ll soak up the local vibe while enjoying this unpretentious brew. Several reviewers, like Ray, mention how Tuco’s hosting turned a simple beer into a memorable experience, even during a heavy rain.

From there, the journey takes you to lesser-known spots, showcasing the city’s thriving beer culture beyond the touristy bars. Our guides often take pride in showing guests the neighborhood gems where locals unwind, eat, and drink away the evening.

Discovering Saigon’s Craft Beer Scene

One highlight is Lao Gia Beer, brewed locally with a 19th-century technique that has garnered some international recognition. This street-style craft brew offers a hoppy IPA, a smooth Pale Ale, and even a Black and Golden Pilsner. These beers are freshly brewed and packed with flavor, giving you a taste of Vietnam’s evolving craft scene.

Reviewers like Felip and Mikael appreciated this part of the tour, noting that even dedicated craft beer lovers found new favorites. Felip, who is quite into craft beer, said, “The beers were great… but the food surprised me even more.” The guides often share stories about the brewing process and local customs, turning each tasting into a mini history lesson.

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Culinary Delights: Food and Beer Pairings

Food is a major part of the experience. The tour includes five carefully selected dishes, ranging from street-style snacks to hearty Vietnamese favorites. Many guests highlight the variety, with options accommodating vegan and non-vegan diets—important for inclusive travel.

Reviewer Maud appreciated the way guides like Travis introduced her to dishes she’d never encountered before, making her last night in Vietnam truly special. The food enhances the beer tasting, with each dish bringing out different flavors and textures—think smoky grilled meats, fresh herbs, and flavorful dipping sauces. Guides often make sure the food is not touristy but authentic, local fare that you wouldn’t easily find on your own.

Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Insights

Beyond the breweries and food stalls, the tour passes by some remarkable sights—temples, alleyway bars, and vibrant neighborhoods. Guides share stories about Saigon’s history, its beer culture, and the local lifestyle. Reviewers like Lindsay and Helen mention that these insights added depth to their experience.

A particular highlight is the ability to customize the experience. Guides like Alice and Eli are flexible, adjusting stops based on your interests—whether you want more beer, more food, or simply to soak up the city’s night scene.

Safety and Comfort

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, the tour makes logistics easy. The guides are experienced riders, ensuring a safe journey through the busy streets. Reviews frequently mention feeling secure, even in heavy traffic or rain—thanks to guides like Tuco and Levy, who are praised for their driving skills and friendly attitude.

The use of high-quality helmets and rain ponchos means your comfort and safety are prioritized, regardless of weather. Plus, accident insurance gives peace of mind in case of unforeseen mishaps.

Duration and Value

At approximately 3-4 hours, the tour is a substantial, well-paced experience. For $44, that includes multiple beers, five dishes, scooter transportation, and expert guides. Many reviewers, like Marcus and Robert, agree this is excellent value—an experience that combines culture, gastronomy, and adventure for a reasonable price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy local culture, food, and craft beer. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who aren’t afraid of a scooter ride through busy streets. The tour’s flexibility and willingness to tailor stops make it a good fit for both casual drinkers and beer connoisseurs.

It also suits travelers seeking a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path perspective on Saigon, with guides sharing stories and insights that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a fun, authentic night out in Ho Chi Minh City, this scooter-based craft beer and food tour delivers. You’ll love the chance to explore Saigon’s vibrant neighborhoods, taste local brews, and eat some of the best street food—often in places only locals know.

The guides, especially Tuco, Elevate the experience with their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. The tour’s flexible design allows for personalized experiences, making it suitable whether you’re a dedicated beer geek or just in search of a memorable night in Saigon.

The price point of $44 offers good value, considering the food, drinks, transportation, and insider tips packed into this adventure. It’s a lively, flavorful, and safe way to see the city from a different angle—by scooter, with a cold beer in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or vegetarians?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available for the food, and non-drinkers can opt-out of beer tastings or choose alternative beverages if needed.

How safe is riding a scooter in Saigon at night?
Guides like Tuco and Levy are experienced riders who prioritize safety. The tour includes high-quality helmets and rain ponchos, and the guides make sure everyone feels comfortable throughout.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours, offering enough time to enjoy multiple stops, food, and drinks without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the experience?
Absolutely. The tour is flexible and can be tailored to your personal taste, whether you want more beer, more food, or specific neighborhood visits.

What kind of beers will I taste?
You’ll sample five beers, including street-style Bia Hoi, Lao Gia Beer (Old Master Beer), and craft brews like IPAs and Pilsners, all freshly made and packed with flavor.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, helmets, rain ponchos, five beers, five food dishes (with vegetarian options), and accident insurance.

In essence, this scooter tour offers an engaging way to experience Saigon’s vibrant beer and food culture, blending adventure, local flavor, and insider stories. Perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing—looking for an authentic night that combines taste, tales, and a bit of excitement.

You can check availability for your dates here: