Overview
Experience Ho Chi Minh City exactly like a local—from the back of a motorbike. This half-day Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour weaves through the city’s vibrant energy, taking you from world-famous colonial landmarks like the Central Post Office and the Tan Dinh "Pink" Church to secret historical sites such as the Hidden Weapons Arsenal and the Former CIA Building. You will also explore the solemn Burning Monk Memorial, navigate the colorful lanes of the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, discover local life at Tan Dinh Market, and visit the stunning Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda. Guided by our expert drivers, this tour offers a detailed and authentic perspective of Saigon that most travelers never get to see.
Highlights
- Ride through the lively streets of Saigon on a local motorbike, experiencing the authentic pulse of the city just like a resident.
- Discover the architectural beauty of the Central Post Office and the “Pink Church” (Tan Dinh Church), one of the city’s most photogenic icons.
- Uncover secret history at the Hidden Weapons Arsenal and the former CIA building, learning the moving stories behind the Burning Monk Memorial.
- Immerse yourself in local culture at the bustling Tan Dinh Market and the fragrant, winding lanes of the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.
- Explore the spiritual craftsmanship of the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, a hidden masterpiece of religious art.
Itinerary
Morning or Afternoon Session (Flexible Scheduling)
We offer two departure times daily to fit your schedule. Choose between the Morning Session (08:00 AM – 11:30 AM) or the Afternoon Session (14:00 PM – 17:30 PM).08:00 – 08:30 (or 14:00 – 14:30) | Departure & Local Immersion
- Pickup Schedule: We pick up guests from several central hotels between 08:00 AM – 08:30 AM (morning) or 14:00 PM – 14:30 PM (afternoon).
08:30 (or 14:30) | Central Post Office & Tan Dinh "Pink" Church
Ride on a local motorbike through the city's diverse districts, stopping to explore iconic landmarks and the secret heritage of Saigon. Ride past the historic Central Post Office, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. We then head to the charming "Pink Church" (Tan Dinh Church), known for its stunning Neo-Romanesque style and vibrant color, making it one of the city's most photogenic icons.
Reunification Palace (Exterior View)
We make a brief stop at the Reunification Palace to view its grand exterior. Your guide will discuss its pivotal role in Vietnam’s modern history and the dramatic events of April 30, 1975, that took place at these very gates.
The Former CIA Building & War History
Discover the former CIA Building and hear the intriguing, lesser-known stories of the final days of the Vietnam War. This site serves as a powerful reminder of the city's complex political past.
The Burning Monk Memorial
Visit the solemn memorial dedicated to Thich Quang Duc. Your guide will share the moving and courageous history behind his ultimate sacrifice at this intersection, a moment that resonated around the world.
Tan Dinh Market & Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Tan Dinh Market, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Saigon. Later, we navigate the colorful and narrow lanes of the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the largest wholesale floral hub in the city, filled with incredible scents and local energy.
The Hidden Weapons Arsenal
Explore a truly remarkable hidden gem: the Secret Weapons Arsenal. This underground bunker was used by the commandos during the war to store tons of weapons. Walking through this secret site offers a chilling and fascinating look at wartime ingenuity.
Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda (Chua Van Phat)
Conclude the sightseeing at the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, a uniquely crafted temple tucked away in a small alley. It features thousands of intricate statues lining the walls, creating a breathtaking and peaceful spiritual ambiance.
11:00 – 11:30 (or 17:00 – 17:30) | Return Journey
At the end of the tour, we will provide a safe and comfortable ride back to your original pick-up point or any central location of your choice, leaving you with a collection of unforgettable memories and stories of Saigon.
Things to Know
Includes
Tour Included
- Central hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Transfer by motorbike with a professional private driver.
- Professional Vietnamese-English speaking expert tour guide.
- All entrance fees to the arsenal and pagodas.
- A light meal (Banh Mi or traditional noodles).
- A local drink (Vietnamese coffee or herbal drink).
- High-quality helmet and rain poncho (if needed).
- Bottled drinking water.
- Travel insurance
- VAT.
Tour Excluded
- Personal expenses and shopping at the markets.
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and drivers (recommended).
- Additional drinks (beer, soft drinks, etc.).
Additional Info
Note
- All prices are quoted per person in Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- The itinerary may be adjusted without prior notice due to weather, tide levels, or other operational factors.
- Standard refund terms and conditions apply to all bookings.
- Special requests (diet or vegetarian…) must be submitted before your departure date.
- For the fastest processing, please select the payment method that best suits your needs.
Child regulations
- Free of charge for 01 kid under 5 years old. Parents are requested to pay the incurred costs themselves.
- Two adults can only accompany 01 child. The second child accompanying will be charged at the Child rate.
Cancellation policy
- Due to weather conditions, a full refund.
- Due to personal reasons from customers, no refund.
- The following charges will be levied on any cancellation if you cancel your trip at any time, provided you notify the company in writing:
- 30 days or more before the departure: 30% of the deposit
- 15 – 30 days before the departure: 50% of the deposit
- 8 – 15 days before the departure: 80% of the tour cost
- 1 – 07 days before the departure: 100% of the tour cost
- The tour cancellation time is on working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
Pricing & Packages
| Group Tour (min 2 persons) | Adult | Child (06-10) | Kid (01-05) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/person | 35 USD (875,000 VND) | 27 USD (660,000 VND) | FOC |
Meeting & Pickup
Start time: 08:00 AM – 08:30 AM (morning) or 14:00 PM – 14:30 PM (afternoon)
Pickup point: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City Center
We pick up guests from several central hotels between 08:00 AM – 08:30 AM (morning) or 14:00 PM – 14:30 PM (afternoon)
FAQ
Is the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour safe for someone who has never ridden a bike?
+Absolutely. You will be sitting comfortably behind one of Mekong Smile's professional, licensed drivers. Our team is trained to navigate the city's traffic at a steady, safe pace, and we provide high-quality helmets for your peace of mind.
What is the best dress code for the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Mekong Smile recommends wearing comfortable, breathable clothes and sturdy closed-toe shoes. For our visit to the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Bringing a light jacket is a good idea to protect against both sun and wind.
Are all entry tickets included in the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Yes, Mekong Smile covers all entrance fees to the Hidden Weapons Arsenal and any other pagodas or sites listed. You can focus entirely on the stories and sights without needing to worry about small change or tickets.
Can children safely join the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Mekong Smile warmly welcomes families. Children aged 6 and older can ride pillion with our expert drivers. We have specialized smaller helmets for kids and take extra care to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey.
What happens if it starts raining during the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Rain is part of the Saigon experience! Mekong Smile provides high-quality rain ponchos for all guests. If the rain is too heavy, we will take a short break at a local cafe for a drink until it passes, or adjust the route to visit more indoor sites like the Hidden Arsenal.
Is it tiring to sit on a bike for the duration of the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Not at all. Mekong Smile has designed the itinerary with frequent stops at landmarks and markets every 15-20 minutes. This gives you plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the sights while staying refreshed.
Can I choose between Banh Mi or Noodles for the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+Yes, Mekong Smile provides a choice of a light meal. Whether you want to try the world-famous Saigon Banh Mi or a steaming bowl of local noodles, just let your guide know your preference and any dietary requirements at the start of the tour.
Do I need to be an experienced rider to join the Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour?
+No experience is necessary! This is a pillion tour, meaning you are the passenger. You simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the 360-degree views of Saigon while your Mekong Smile driver handles everything else.
13 reviews for Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Tour: Sai Gon Inside Out
Note: for review to be approved, please refer to General Terms of Use
Liam Walker Verified booking
Tan Dinh Market felt very real and local, not touristy at all which I appreciated a lot
Sophie Turner Verified booking
The Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda was surprisingly peaceful after all the city chaos, super spiritual vibe.
elodie.sanders_08 Verified booking
This tour is the definition of “live the city, don’t just see it” honestly.
Ethan James Verified booking
The whole motorbike experience gave me a totally different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City, way more local than any bus tour.
Olivia Hughes Verified booking
ngl the traffic looked crazy at first but once you’re on the bike it actually feels super safe and fun.
Noah Bennett Verified booking
My driver was super friendly and gave so many insights about daily life in Saigon, not just sightseeing facts.
Daniel Moore Verified booking
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market was so vibrant, smells, colors, chaos everywhere but in a good way.
Mia Roberts Verified booking
Tan Dinh Pink Church was even more stunning in real life, that color is unreal