Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon City Discovery by Vespa
- Duration
- 4 Hours
- Prices:
- On request
Experience the sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly known as Saigon, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Begin today's excursion with a morning pick up from your hotel and a short ride to Tao Dan Park. Located just behind Reunification Palace, the park is one of the city's most pleasant recreational areas and at its coolest and most enjoyable at this time of the day. Head to an area of the park locally nicknamed Bird Cafe. Here bird lovers of all ages, but mostly elderly gentlemen, show off their prized cage birds and enjoy the morning air.
Continue to the sombre monument dedicated to Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk who demonstrated against the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War by setting himself on fire. The monk's self-immolation in 1963 became one of the most iconic images of the war. Ho Thi Ki Flower Market is next on the agenda. Located in District 10, west of the downtown Saigon, this eye-catching market is a riot of colour and narrow alleyways with the flowers themselves coming from as far away as Dalat and Hanoi. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 3,000 boxes of flowers pass through the market daily, depending on the season.
Leaving the flower market behind, drive along chaotic streets towards the city's huge Chinatown, commonly known as Cholon. Visit one of two of the district's numerous pagodas and also learn a little about traditional Chinese medicine before heading to District 2 via the Saigon River Tunnel. The tunnel is the largest in Vietnam and there are great views of the city skyline from a vantage point on the river. Returning to downtown Saigon, stop for photo opportunities at the city's must-see landmarks; the imposing Reunification Palace, romantic Notre Dame Cathedral and the French colonial-era Central Post Office, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. The tour ends with a tasty lunch at the Vespa-themed Cafe Zoom.
Duration: 4 Hours
Departs: 8 a.m. - Returns: noon
Departs: noon - Returns: 4 p.m.
From: Ho Chi Minh City
