Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Spotlight
SAIGON discovery
*This tour extension was previously called: Saigon Explorer Tour Extension
Enjoy an extra 2-nights and days exploring Saigon, before or after you set out on a two wheeled adventure of rural Vietnam and SE Asia.
Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, the names are almost interchangeable to us, but whatever you prefer to call it, this is a city with a strong, beating heart. It is the commercial capital of Vietnam, even if it’s not the actual capital. This vibrant southern metropolis is home to 9 million people, in a country where 39% of the population are aged 25 or under, so you can imagine what a fun place this must be! Many of the historical elements of the city are intact, from the French period to the war years, and this has all been added to by one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. You can literally see the city increasing in affluence, taste and sophistication as you watch it grow.
This fun, 2 day introduction to Saigon is an ideal add-on to a Grasshopper Adventures bike tour and works perfectly as either a conclusion, or precursor to your longer trip.
Activities
Ride / Walk
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Price From
US$690
Day to Day itinerary
Day 1
Meals: D
Welcome to Saigon
Whether you are arriving from the airport or coming in via a tour, we will have someone waiting on arrival, and it’s only a 30 minute drive from the terminal to your hotel.
Once settled in, it’s time for introductions to your guide and fellow travelers, before heading out on a two wheeled evening adventure, just this time with a motor and driver. This evening you will be exploring the city riding pillion on a vintage Vespa motor scooter, driven expertly by a Saigon local. You’ll be weaving in and out of the sea of other scooters, taking in the vibe of the city that really comes alive at night.
The stops for the evening are at local restaurants that provide a great sampling of authentic local fare and to make it all that much more enjoyable, we have free flow drinks and all you can eat, which makes for a perfect recovery from airline food. We see some live music and you can enjoy watching how the younger generation spend their evenings in this increasingly cosmopolitan city.
Day 2
Meals: BL
Saigon like a local
After you have enjoyed the generous and varied breakfast spread at the hotel, your guide and fellow travelers will again convene, this time for a multi-modal exploration of the city. By day the city is all about commerce, and this is immediately evident from the number of items being carried about on the back of motor scooters. Whole coffee table books have been dedicated to the hilarity and seemingly endless list of things you can carry on a scooter.
The walking part of the tour today takes in the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, both lasting relics of the French Colonial period. Then it’s onto some more modern monuments, such as the intriguing Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace), complete with well preserved 70’s decor. Those who lived through the years of the Vietnam/American war, will remember harrowing images of the monk who self immolated, and as grim and disturbing as that image may be, it’s an important historical moment and thus a visit to the monument memorializing the venerable Thich Quang Duc is a stop on today’s tour.
To switch things up we cover some distance on a traditional form of conveyance, a Cyclo (cycle rickshaw), and along the way we’ll try a few local specialties and visit a cafe in a bunker. We wrap up our wanderings enjoying lunch in a restaurant with an interesting twist, and have you back at the hotel with time to spare. From here you are free to explore the markets and city sights with you newly learned local knowledge, or you can enjoy a slow afternoon and free evening to wind down or prepare for your upcoming bike tour.
Day 3
Meal: B
Start your tour
Breakfast is included today, so if you are due to begin your bike tour you can do so sufficiently fueled up for a great adventure. If you are traveling on or exiting via the airport, our team will arrange onward travel plans.
Our Tour Coordinator will confirm any pickup times for you in advance.
Tour inclusions
What’s Included
- Airport transfer
- Entry fees where applicable
- All meals stated in Itinerary
- Shared snacks & nibbles
- Host & Guide
What’s not
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Extra meals & drinks
- Early hotel check-in or late check-out
Tour Package
The tour comes with 5-star hotel and a great selection of activities. The tour package is US$690 p.p. for two people, and for single travelers there is a surcharge of US$290.
Evening Vespa Adventure
5-Star MGallery Hotel
How to book an extension?
This package is available as an extra when booking one of our applicable tours:
If your multi-day tour is starting or ending in Saigon:
When completing your booking details please select the available option.
If your multi-day tour is not starting or ending in Saigon:
Please contact our team for the booking. We can also quote and arrange flights within Asia to/from Saigon.
Please note: If you are traveling solo, you must also select the “Single Supplement”.
