Sights and Scooters: The Ultimate Way to Explore Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re planning a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, one of the must-do experiences is a scooter tour. With the city’s bustling streets and countless mopeds, it’s an exhilarating way to see the sights and feel like a local. The Sights and Scooters tour offers a private and customizable experience that allows you to tailor your itinerary to your interests while avoiding traffic jams.

Overview

The Sights and Scooters tour is a private half-day experience that’s perfect for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll meet your friendly and English-speaking guide at the tour’s starting point, the Cyclo Resto in District 1. Then, you’ll hop on a scooter with a high-quality helmet and explore the city’s best sights and lesser-known landmarks. One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its flexibility. You can customize your itinerary to suit your interests and pace, with your guide providing insider tips and recommendations along the way. Whether you want to focus on historical sites, local markets, or street food, your guide will tailor the tour to your needs. Plus, with the undivided attention of a private guide, you’ll get to ask any questions you have and go at a pace that suits you.

What’s Included

The Sights and Scooters tour includes everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience. Firstly, your friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guide will lead the tour, providing you with valuable insight into each stop. You’ll also receive a high-quality helmet for your safety and comfort, as well as motorbike fuel, so you don’t have to worry about running out of gas. It’s worth noting that anything not mentioned in the itinerary is not included in the tour price. That means that any food or drink you purchase along the way, or any entrance fees to sights, are not part of the package. However, your guide will be on hand to advise you on the best places to eat or drink during your tour.

Itinerary

The Sights and Scooters itinerary is customizable, but typically includes some of the most popular sights and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some of the stops you can expect to see:

Stop One: War Remnants Museum

One of the most important tourist sites in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum gives insight into the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. With over 20,000 objects, photographs, and documents on display, it’s an educational and sobering experience.

Stop Two: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Built in the 19th century, the basilica is an important religious site and a popular spot for photography.

Stop Three: The Independence Palace

Also known as Reunification Palace, this landmark building has played an important role in Vietnam’s history. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with its retro decor and preserved underground tunnels.

Stop Four: Ben Thanh Market

A bustling market in the heart of the city, Ben Thanh Market is a great place to explore and shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and street food.

Stop Five: The Saigon Opera House

Built in 1897, the Saigon Opera House is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. It’s worth taking a quick stop to admire its grandeur and snap a photo.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Sights and Scooters tour is the Cyclo Resto in District 1. If you prefer, you can request a pickup from your hotel for an additional fee. Your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point with your scooter and helmet, ready to start your adventure.

Book Your Tour Now

The Sights and Scooters tour in Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent way to explore the city, with a local guide showing you the best sights and hidden gems. The private and customizable nature of the tour means you can tailor it to your interests and pace, with your guide providing insider tips and recommendations along the way. Book your tour today to experience an unforgettable adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. Book your Sights and Scooters tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Being a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is a popular travel destination for both locals and international visitors. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, you may have many questions about this exciting city. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about Ho Chi Minh City that will help you out.

1. What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit the city is between December and February when the weather is cooler and drier. However, this is also the peak season, and accommodation and flight prices are likely to be higher. The rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City is from May to November, with occasional typhoons from August to October.

2. How to get around in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has various transport options available, including taxis, motorbikes, bicycles, buses, and the metro. Taxis and motorbikes are the most convenient and popular mode of transportation for visitors. Grab is the widely-used ride-hailing app in Ho Chi Minh City, and you can pay in cash or credit card. It is recommended to use the metered taxis only to avoid being ripped off. Additionally, you can explore the city on a bicycle, which can be rented from many tour agencies and hotels.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is home to many iconic attractions, including:

• The Independence Palace
• The War Remnants Museum
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The Central Post Office
• The Ben Thanh Market
• The Bitexco Financial Tower

4. What is the local currency in Ho Chi Minh City?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are also widely accepted, especially at tourist sites, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Exchanging foreign currency is easy in Ho Chi Minh City, and you can do it at banks, money changers, and some hotels.

5. What is the local food like in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a foodie’s paradise, with an abundance of delicious street food and restaurants. Some of the must-try local dishes include phở (beef noodle soup), bánh mì (French baguette filled with meat and vegetables), bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory crepe), cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork or chicken), and gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese fresh spring rolls). You can find many local eateries, food stalls, and markets throughout the city.

6. What are the cultural customs and etiquette to follow in Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality and politeness, and it is essential to respect their customs and traditions. Some of the cultural customs and etiquette to follow in Ho Chi Minh City include:

• Remove your shoes before entering a Vietnamese home or a temple
• Bow slightly when greeting an elder or a person of higher status
• Use both hands to accept or give something
• Avoid pointing your feet at people or things as it is considered impolite
• Avoid public displays of affection
• It is customary to give small gifts to your hosts or to someone you meet for the first time

7. What are some safety tips to keep in mind while visiting Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a relatively safe city, but it is always recommended to take some precautionary measures to ensure your safety. Some of the safety tips to follow include:

• Avoid carrying a lot of cash or valuables with you
• Be wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas
• Be cautious when crossing the road as traffic can be chaotic in Ho Chi Minh City
• Drink bottled water only and avoid street food that looks unhygienic
• Respect the local laws and customs

Book Your Tour Now

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city that offers an exciting blend of cultural heritage, history, and modernity. Understanding the basics of the city and its customs will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. By following the frequently asked questions above, you can plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City with confidence and make the most of your visit to this fascinating destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of things to see and do in HCMC, so it can be difficult to decide what to prioritize during your visit. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular attractions and activities in the city to help you plan your trip.

1. Visit the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the Vietnam War. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts related to the war, including photographs, weapons, and other military equipment. Visitors can also learn about the effects of the war on Vietnamese civilians through powerful displays.

2. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore a section of the tunnels and learn about their history and significance. You can also see some of the traps and weapons used in the war.

3. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Some must-try dishes in HCMC include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). You can find plenty of street food vendors and restaurants throughout the city.

4. Visit the Ben Thanh Market

The Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic landmarks in HCMC. The market sells a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. If you’re looking to do some shopping, this is the place to be.

5. Take a Tour of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a beautiful region in southern Vietnam known for its lush greenery and floating markets. You can take a guided tour of the delta and see how locals live and work in the area.

6. See the Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is a landmark in HCMC and a popular spot for tourists. The cathedral was built in the late 19th century and features beautiful stained glass windows and neo-Romanesque architecture.

7. Visit the Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace was the residence of South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War. Visitors can tour the palace and see its many rooms and features, including a helicopter landing pad on the roof.

8. Experience Nightlife in HCMC

HCMC has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Some popular spots include the rooftop bar at the Rex Hotel and the Bui Vien Walking Street, which is lined with bars and street performers.

9. Relax in One of HCMC’s Parks

HCMC has several parks where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Some popular parks include Tao Dan Park, which features a bird sanctuary, and 23rd September Park, which boasts a large lake and plenty of green space.

10. Take a Day Trip to the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station

If you’re interested in wildlife, a visit to the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station is a must. The facility rescues and rehabilitates animals including bears, monkeys, and crocodiles. Visitors can take a tour of the station and learn about the animals and their care.

Book Your Tour Now

With so many things to see and do in HCMC, you’re sure to have an exciting and fulfilling trip. Be sure to prioritize the attractions and activities that interest you the most, and don’t be afraid to try some of the delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or nightlife, HCMC has something for everyone.