Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and beautiful city with a lively and energetic atmosphere. Once known as Saigon, this former capital is famous for its quirky blend of the modern and traditional aspects of Vietnamese culture.
There’s so much to see and do, and it’s widely agreed that one of the best ways to do so is by riding a motorbike.
We want you to have the best possible experience, so here’s your short but comprehensive guide on how to plan your awesome Ho Chi Minh tour by motorbike!
Pros And Cons of A Motorbike Ho Chi Minh Tour
Most people opt to see the sights of Vietnam on a tour bus with a mass group of unknown people or by public transport – bus, train, private car, or even plane.
When you travel, you’d want to immerse yourself in the cultures and societies you’re going to and meet locals as well as fellow travelers at your pace.
Of course, there are pros and cons you should consider to help you decide whether this is the travel option for you.
Pros of Ho Chi Minh Tour by Motorbike
• With the motorbike tour option, you get to go through narrow alleyways and see more off-the-beaten-path places where cars and tour buses cannot go through. You simply get to see more.
• Fully immerse yourself in the city’s traffic and see things from the locals’ perspectives
• A motorbike tour is a one-on-one option where you ride behind a Saigon local
Get yourself a professional local guide to show you around the city on a motorbike
• It saves you (a lot of) time because motorbikes can navigate the city’s traffic faster than cars
• Easier to stop, eat, shop, and park anywhere in the city
• You’ll never forget this adventurous tour!
Feel free to stop by a street vendor to try the local snacks
Cons of Ho Chi Minh Tour by Motorbike
• The weather can be hot and humid, so put sunscreen on before the day tour if you have sensitive skin
• You don’t have the comfort of traveling in an air-conditioned car
• This option is not for families with children under the ages of 5 (their small heads might not fit our standard safety-tested helmets)
• You’ll get a numb booty if you’re not used to riding as a passenger.
Places to See on Your Ho Chi Minh Tour by Motorbike
Once you’ve decided to use a motorbike tour service, you have some tour options to choose from.
For a quick run-down, however, here are a couple of ideas:
Day Adventure Motorbike City Tour – This trip is perfect for anyone who is interested in sightseeing and learning more about the rich history Vietnam has to offer.
Visit all of Ho Chi Minh’s prime attractions in one day
Night Adventure Motorbike City Tour – discover Vietnamese cuisine and see the city at night!
Join the night scene of this vibrant city
Saigon’s Other Side – This tour aims to provide you with a more in-depth analysis of the city’s culture and lifestyle away from the regular tourist hot spots.
See the city from another authentic angle
I Love Food Motorbike Tour – Get driven around Ho Chi Minh City on motorcycles and try the local foods with all food and drinks included!
Experience Vietnamese exquisite culinary culture in Ho Chi Minh City
Tips And Tricks to Help You Plan Your Ho Chi Minh Tour by Motorbike
There are some things you might want to know to help you plan. Speaking of tips, tipping is becoming more common in Vietnam as the country becomes more developed.
While it’s not compulsory, you should make sure you have some cash on you to reward excellent service where you can; tips are not required but appreciated. Some restaurants and bars have started imposing mandatory service charges on their bills. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is widely used, but limited places will accept US dollars (USD).
The best times to visit Ho Chi Minh are in the dry season, so between December and April, it’s not too humid. The average temperature is between 27 – 30 degrees Celsius, or 80 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It’ll still be warm, but this way you’re much less likely to get rained on as you ride around your Ho Chi Minh tour on a motorbike. During the rainy season, the city gets short, scattered showers. If it rains on tour, our team provides raincoats for you.
Be sure to check if your nationality needs a visa to enter Vietnam, as this can take a little while to sort out and you don’t want it to cut into your travel time.
Also, when looking into what kind of motorbike tour company to use, make sure you choose a reputable and professional one that cares about your safety, such as providing travel insurance on tour for an added security measure, using standard safety-tested helmets, and using highly trained and skilled tour guides/drivers.
Professional tour operators should have standardized helmets and insurance coverage
Also, be sure to check out our wide range of different tours. You get so much for your money, and you’ll see so much with the help of one of our knowledgeable, professional tour guides.
Don’t forget to bring a quality travel camera for your Vietnam trip