If you’re looking for a truly local, immersive, and slightly thrilling way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, hopping on a vintage scooter might just be the answer. The Vespa Adventure in Saigon isn’t just a city tour, it’s an open-air experience packed with local flavor, hidden gems, and unforgettable sights.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- What Is a Vespa Adventure Tour in Saigon?
- Why Explore Saigon on a Vespa?
- What You’ll Experience on the Vespa Adventure
What Is a Vespa Adventure Tour in Saigon?
The Vespa Adventure is a guided scooter tour through Ho Chi Minh City, typically done in small groups on restored vintage Vespas. Riders sit behind experienced local drivers, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery, taste local food, and explore spots you might never find on your own.
Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll cruise past French colonial architecture, slip down alleyways buzzing with food stalls, or ride into districts where tourists rarely wander. And yes, the scooters are authentic Vespas, sleek and retro, adding a nostalgic charm to your adventure.
When’s the Best Time to Join?
- The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather for cruising.
- Avoid heavy downpours during the rainy season (May to October), though tours often still operate with ponchos.
- Evening tours are the most popular, typically starting around 5 PM. This allows you to catch the city during its lively transition from day to night.
What to Wear & Bring
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes
- Avoid dresses or skirts for easier riding
- Bring a light jacket or scarf for the evening breeze
- Don’t forget your camera or phone, you’ll want to capture it all
What’s Included in the Tour?
Everything is organized so you can simply enjoy the experience:
- Vintage Vespa and helmet
- Skilled local driver and English-speaking guide
- All food and drinks (including alcohol)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance tickets, raincoat, and basic insurance
Why Explore Saigon on a Vespa?
You might wonder, you could walk, bus, or even cycle, but there’s nothing quite like riding a Vespa through Saigon’s buzzing streets. Why a Vespa and not just any scooter, bike, or car? Here’s the difference:
Scooter vs. Vespa: While all Vespas are scooters, not all scooters are Vespas. Vespa is a classic Italian brand known for its vintage charm, comfort, and distinctive design. It adds a retro, stylish flair to your ride that perfect for capturing fun photos and feeling like you’re part of the culture.
Vs. Motorbikes: Regular motorbikes are faster and often noisier. They’re built more for practicality than comfort. Vespas, on the other hand, offer a smooth, quiet ride. It’s a true ideal for relaxed sightseeing through city streets and alleys.
Vs. Cars or Buses: Cars keep you separated from the street life. Buses follow fixed routes and can’t dive into Saigon’s narrow alleys. With a Vespa, you’re out in the open, taking in the smells, sounds, and spontaneous moments of Saigon. It sounds just like the locals do every day.
This experience offers a unique and exhilarating way to explore the city while feeling like a local. You’ll gain access to places regular tours simply can’t reach those quiet alleys, hidden markets, and unmarked food stalls.
Is It Safe and Worth It?
Yes, and yes. Many travelers are surprised at how comfortable and safe they feel, even in the chaotic traffic of Saigon. You won’t be driving; a professional driver handles the road while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Drivers are well-trained and the tour moves at a comfortable pace, with plenty of stops.
Vespa Adventures is suitable for nearly everyone:
- Couples looking for something romantic and memorable
- Solo travelers who want to meet others or explore independently
- Families with kids aged 6 and above
- Older travelers who appreciate slow-paced, curated experiences
- Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Saigon beyond tourist traps
- Great for couples or small groups looking for a unique evening plan
- Also suitable for older travelers looking to enjoy a calm, authentic adventure, just like a local.
💡Note: If you have back issues or fear riding on scooters, you might want to reconsider, but the tour team is generally accommodating and helpful.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned traveler, this is an ideal way to understand and enjoy Saigon on a deeper level.
What You’ll Experience on the Vespa Adventure
Ride Through the Real Saigon
Forget the highways. This tour takes you on a thrilling ride through backstreets, flower markets, and even hidden alleyways. You’ll pass colonial buildings, bustling roundabouts, local cafes, and chaotic intersections, all from the back of a vintage Vespa. It’s exciting, photo-worthy, and gives you a pulse of the real city.
Dive into Street Food Heaven
You’ll stop at some handpicked local eateries, where there is a delicious mix of savory and sweet. Vietnamese cuisine is more than just phở. On this Vespa tour, you’ll dive into an edible adventure featuring:
- Bánh Mì – A crispy, fluffy French-style baguette filled with pickled vegetables, herbs, pork, and pâté. A perfect bite of Vietnam’s colonial past and street food present.
- Bánh Xèo – A sizzling rice-flour pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, wrapped in mustard leaves and dipped in tangy fish sauce.
- Fresh spring rolls – Light, rice paper-wrapped rolls with herbs, vermicelli, shrimp or pork, and dipped in peanut or hoisin sauce.
- Grilled seafood – Often served at “no-name” local joints, expect snails, prawns, and clams bursting with lemongrass and chili.
- Sticky rice desserts and grilled bananas – Sweet, chewy, and smoky treats that perfectly round off your food journey.
- Local beer and rice wine – No Vietnamese meal is complete without a “Dzô – cheers” of cold lager or a shot of strong homemade rice wine
Each stop showcases Southern Vietnam’s unique culinary style. One of the highlights is a no-name seafood restaurant favored by locals, where the flavor and authenticity beat any fine-dining spot.
Experience Saigon’s Nightlife Like a Local
As the sun sets, Saigon reveals a completely different side, it’s vibrant, atmospheric, and buzzing with energy. Your Vespa adventure takes you through this nighttime magic with carefully selected stops:
- Lively evening markets – Dive into the colorful chaos of local markets brimming with food stalls, souvenirs, and the rhythms of daily life winding down.
- A rooftop bar – Unwind with a drink and panoramic city views from above, where the twinkling skyline offers a romantic and cinematic perspective.
- A hidden basement venue – Enjoy live music surrounded by a welcoming crowd of locals and fellow travelers. The vibe is cozy, eclectic, and a bit bohemian.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails, tapping your foot to a local band, or chatting with new friends, the Vespa tour blends you right into the city’s pulse.
You’ll feel part of the scene, not just an observer.
Pairing It with Other Activities
Tours last about 4 to 4.5 hours and can be easily arranged through us. Many visitors enjoy pairing this evening tour with a morning visit to the War Remnants Museum, a walk through Ben Thanh Market, or relaxing with a coffee along Nguyen Hue Walking Street. We’re happy to help you include it in a custom itinerary that fits your interests and pace.
The Vespa Adventure in Saigon isn’t just a food tour or a scooter ride, it’s a deep, delicious dive into the heart of Vietnam’s most electric city. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with locals, discover hidden gems, and see how Saigon comes alive after dark. At Vietnam Travel Online, we believe the best way to explore a city is to live it like a local. That’s why we love recommending the Vespa Adventure in Saigon because it’s a thrilling ride that takes you beyond the typical tourist stops and into the true heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City.
