Thanks Christine for this.
The Saigon After Dark tour with Vietnam Vespa Adventures was an incredible way to explore the city’s food-focused nightlife in a truly local way: on the back of a motorbike. As Steve, an American expat who has lived in Saigon for more than 10 years and who owns Vietnam Vespa Adventures, explained: Saigon nightlife involves a lot of “cruising” from spot to spot: it’s essentially a tapas culture where you have a drink and a bite at each stop along the way, visiting several bars or restaurants on each night out.
Experiencing Saigon Nightlife on Two Wheels
There’s something exhilarating about experiencing Saigon nightlife from the back of a vintage Vespa. The city pulses with energy—neon lights flickering against bustling streets, the aroma of sizzling street food filling the air, and the unmistakable hum of motorbikes weaving through the chaos.
On my recent trip to Vietnam, I wanted to see the city through the eyes of a local, not just as a tourist hopping between landmarks. That’s where the Saigon After Dark tour with Vietnam Vespa Adventures came in. Riding through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City at night on a vespa tour was hands down the best way to soak in the atmosphere, taste authentic Vietnamese food, and get a true sense of the local culture.
The Ultimate Foodie Adventure on a Vespa Scooter
Saigon is synonymous with food, and a vespa tour offers the perfect way to navigate its hidden culinary gems. From steaming bowls of bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli) to crispy bánh xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancakes), every stop brought something new to the table—literally.
One of the most unforgettable stops of the night was a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant where we tried Ốc—Saigon’s famous seafood dishes. The spread included grilled scallops topped with spring onions and peanuts, snails stir-fried in lemongrass, and the must-try hột vịt lộn (balut, or fertilized duck egg). Our guide effortlessly translated the menu and explained each dish’s cultural significance, making the experience even more immersive.
➡ Want to explore Saigon’s food scene at night? Check out the Saigon After Dark tour to dive into the best flavors the city has to offer!
A Nightlife Scene Unlike Any Other
Beyond the food, this vespa tour offered a glimpse into a side of Saigon nightlife that most visitors don’t get to see. We cruised through District 3, where locals gathered at lively beer halls, and then stopped at a rooftop bar hidden away in an old colonial building.
The contrast between Saigon’s past and present became strikingly evident when we arrived at Bùi Viện Street—the city’s famed backpacker hub. Here, a completely different kind of energy took over: flashing lights, blaring music, and bars overflowing with tourists and locals alike. Our guide, a Saigonese native, led us to a tucked-away jazz club, where a live band played under dim, candlelit chandeliers—a perfect way to wind down the night.
Riding Through the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City
Riding a vespa scooter through Saigon’s winding streets is an adventure in itself. At first, I was a little hesitant—Vietnamese traffic is known for its organized chaos—but within minutes, I began to understand the unspoken rhythm of the road. The experienced drivers at Vespa Adventures made the journey feel effortless, navigating through the city with confidence and ease.
Along the way, we passed some of the city’s most iconic sights: the Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office—all beautifully lit under the night sky. At one point, we stopped at a street corner near Tân Định Church, where locals sat on tiny plastic stools sipping cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) while chatting late into the night.
➡ Looking for more unique experiences? Check out other Vespa tours in Vietnam for unforgettable adventures!
Why a Vespa Tour is the Best Way to Explore Saigon
For anyone wondering about things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this vespa tour is a must. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just someone looking for an unforgettable adventure, the combination of expertly curated food stops, vibrant Saigon nightlife, and seamless transportation makes for the perfect evening.
The best part? The tour gave me a deeper appreciation for the city. I wasn’t just a tourist; for one night, I felt like a local, weaving through the streets, stopping at places I never would have discovered on my own, and meeting people who were eager to share their love for their city.
A Night to Remember
As the night came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the evening while sipping on a final glass of rượu gạo(Vietnamese rice wine). This wasn’t just a tour; it was a memory in the making. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want to experience things to do in Saigon in a way that’s immersive, fun, and a little bit adventurous, I can’t recommend this vespa tour enough.
Read the full blog post here.