Motorcycle Tasting Tour Of Sai Gon

Motorcycle Tasting Tour Of Sai Gon: A Unique Food Adventure on Two Wheels

If you’re looking for a way to explore Ho Chi Minh City beyond the usual walking tour or sitting in a restaurant, the Motorcycle Tasting Tour offers a lively, engaging experience. It’s a chance to ride through the chaotic streets of Saigon on the back of a motorbike, sampling dishes that locals enjoy every day. While it’s not a perfect tour—some reviews mention traffic delays and shop closures—it does promise a fun, flavorful immersion into the city’s street-food culture, with the added thrill of riding through bustling neighborhoods.

What makes this experience stand out? First, riding a motorbike through Saigon’s lively streets gives you a close-up view of local life. Second, tasting authentic Vietnamese dishes like Banh Trang Tron and Banh Xeo allows you to enjoy flavors many travelers don’t get to experience on their own. Third, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics simple, especially for those unfamiliar with the city.

However, a potential consideration is the timing and weather—since tours start at 6:00 pm, you might encounter traffic congestion or weather-related delays, and the experience may vary depending on shop availability during Tet or holidays. This tour is best suited for adventurous food lovers comfortable with riding on busy streets and eager to try local specialties in an authentic setting.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines city sightseeing with food tasting on a motorbike, adding excitement to your culinary adventure.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off in the city center simplify logistics.
• Local Delicacies: Enjoy Vietnamese favorites like Banh Trang Tron, Banh Xeo, and roasted snails paired with local beer.
• Cultural Interaction: Opportunity to interact with locals and experience Saigon’s street food scene firsthand.
• Duration and Price: About 3.5 hours for $60, offering good value for a guided, all-inclusive experience.
• Mixed Reviews: While some loved the food and thrill, others found the experience less satisfying due to shop closures or traffic delays.

Exploring the Motorcycle Tasting Tour of Saigon

An Introduction to a Different Kind of Food Tour

This tour, priced at around $60 per person, offers a 3.5-hour journey into Ho Chi Minh City’s street food on the back of a motorbike. It’s a negotiated blend of sightseeing, culinary exploration, and local interaction—designed for travelers who want a more vibrant, on-the-move experience rather than a sit-down meal at a restaurant.

The tour is popular—booked on average 81 days in advance—and is organized by Hoi An Express Travel, a reputable provider known for handling transportation and guided experiences in Vietnam.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

First Stop: Le Thi Rieng Culture Park

Your adventure begins at Le Thi Rieng Park, a lively local spot where motorcycles and scooters are the heartbeat of daily life. Sitting at the back of your guide’s bike, you’ll weave through the streets, feeling the rush of traffic and the hum of city life. It’s an exhilarating way to see the city from a different perspective, with an emphasis on local street foods.

Here, you’ll taste Banh Trang Tron, a rice paper salad that’s both crispy and refreshing, and Bo Bia, a spring roll packed with vegetables—simple, but packed with flavor. Later, you’ll try Banh Xeo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake that sizzles and crackles as it cooks—a dish thought to have originated during the French colonial period.

Pro tip: The food here is fresh and served in small, flavorful portions, making it easy to sample multiple dishes without feeling overly full.

Second Stop: Experience Saigon’s Nightlife and Snails

Next, the tour moves toward a busier part of the city, where you’ll sample “Oc”—steamed and roasted snails—paired with local beer. It’s a quintessential Saigon experience, especially popular among locals and often enjoyed in the evening after work. As one review mentions, “locals typically enjoy their beer poured into a mug with ice,” adding a casual, refreshing touch to the experience.

This part of the tour highlights the social aspect of Vietnamese street life—many locals sit in small groups, chatting over drinks and snacks, a scene you’ll get to witness firsthand.

Note: Tour guides emphasize the importance of proper documentation for riding (like an International Driving Permit), and group sizes are small—max 15 travelers—for a more personal feel.

Authentic Flavors and Local Encounters

Many travelers find this tour a rewarding way to taste traditional delicacies they might not order themselves or find easily at tourist restaurants. One reviewer mentions, “If you’re nervous to order street food, this is perfect,” highlighting how it’s a safe yet immersive way to explore Saigon’s culinary scene.

However, some travelers have faced challenges—such as shops being closed during Tet or traffic congestion delaying the schedule. For instance, one reviewer was disappointed because “many shops were closed, and the tour was totally different from what was advertised.” Still, others praised the experience: “Pickup at our hostel was smooth, and the guide was friendly and informative,” says another.

The Practicalities

• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 6:00 pm, making it a good option for evening exploration.
• Price: $60, which covers food, beer, motorbike and driver, guide, insurance, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Inclusions: Bottled water, foods, beer, and a knowledgeable guide—good value for a guided food adventure.
• Not Included: Personal expenses like shopping or extra beverages.

Travelers should ensure they have the proper documentations necessary to ride legally, and children are limited (one child per adult, second child pays adult price).

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

The overall vibe of this tour is energetic and authentic, offering a glimpse into everyday Saigon life that many visitors miss. The ride itself is exciting, especially if you’re used to riding a motorbike or eager to try riding in a foreign city. For some, it’s a highlight—the thrill of zipping through busy streets on a warm evening, coupled with delicious bites at every stop.

The food is a standout feature; the dishes chosen are familiar to locals and provide a good sense of Vietnamese street fare. One reviewer raved about the opportunity to “finally ride a motorbike in Vietnam,” calling it “a must-do for anyone wanting a taste of real Saigon.”

That said, the experience can be affected by external factors. Shop closures, traffic jams, or weather can alter the flow, so flexibility and patience are key. Some travelers found the tour’s pace a tad rushed or felt the stops could be better scheduled to avoid delays.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers not afraid of riding a motorcycle, foodies looking to taste local specialties, and those eager to experience Saigon’s street life directly. It’s ideal for those wanting a lively, sociable evening, rather than a quiet, structured food tour.

Final Thoughts

The Motorcycle Tasting Tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s street food scene. Its combination of riding through busy streets, tasting traditional dishes, and interacting with locals provides a genuine, memorable adventure. While the experience might be inconsistent due to shop closures or traffic issues, the core appeal—authentic flavors and local ambiance—remains strong.

For travelers seeking an active, fun-filled evening with plenty of opportunities for cultural interaction, this tour hits the right notes. Just remember to come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the proper riding documentation.

If you love trying new foods, enjoy a bit of adrenaline, and want to see Saigon from a different angle, this tour could be a real highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Do I need a special license to join this tour?
Yes, you need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle license, or a Vietnamese driving license to ride legally in Vietnam.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City center are included, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city.

What meals are included?
You’ll enjoy a selection of street foods like Banh Trang Tron, Banh Xeo, and roasted snails, plus a beer. Bottled water is also provided.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 6:00 pm, with time allocated for stops and sampling.

Are there group size limits?
Yes, a maximum of 15 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

What if some shops are closed?
Shop closures during holidays like Tet may affect the experience. Guides try their best to adapt, but some disappointment is possible if expected stalls are unavailable.

To sum it up, this Motorcycle Tasting Tour of Saigon is a spirited way to combine sightseeing, street food, and local interaction in a single evening. It’s perfect for those who crave authentic flavors, enjoy a bit of adventure, and are open to a lively, sometimes unpredictable, but ultimately memorable experience.