Insider’s Tour of Saigon by Vespa
Discover authentic Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a vintage-style Vespa! Your tour begins at the Bird Lovers Club, which operates till 9 am in Tao Dan park, from where you continue on to Thich Quang Duc monument, a charming flower market, a Vietnamese funeral parlour, the Nhi Phu temple, a colorful tailor market, the Chinese medicine district, and through the Thu Thiem Tunnels to a local market. As you head back to the city centre you will pass by historic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the CIA Building, Opera House and bustling Dong Khoi Street. (Time of the Day: Morning, 8 am; Notes: Guests ride as passenger behind an experienced Chauffeur; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please inform us in advance about any food allergies.)
Cooking up a Storm in Saigon
Sample a slice of history and some delicious local food in this hands-on cooking class in the historic home of Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., former American Ambassador to South Vietnam. Discover his villa, which has been fully restored to its former glory, a beautiful mix of Vietnamese, French and American architecture. Begin your tour with a trip to iconic Ben Thanh Market to purchase fresh ingredients needed for your private cooking demonstration. Head to Cabot’s residence and while the chef preps ingredients, take a tour of this beautiful home. Pick up interesting tips as you watch the cooking demonstration featuring typical Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Learn how to present each dish before the meal and then savor your own culinary creations. (Half Day ; Duration: 3 hrs; Time of the Day: Morning or Afternoon, 0900/1330 hrs; Shared Activity; Distance to the Activity: 10-min drive from downtown Saigon; Meal included; Fitness level: Easy)
Saigon’s Culinary Delights
When in Ho Chi Minh City, do as locals and hop onto a vintage Vespa. You will be zipping around the best foodie neighborhoods in your quest for local, authentic eateries, known to only the city’s dedicated food lovers. There are a plethora of treats on offer – try the Vietnamese versions of French-inspired flavors including freshly baked baguettes and a cup of “ca-phe phin” or rich, drip coffee, served in a vintage coffee shop. Appreciate the way the Vietnamese respect fresh seafood in an out-of-the-way restaurant. Marvel at how a mid 20th century apartment complex transforms into hundreds of food and drink stalls in the evening. Wind up your food jaunt with a Vietnamese dessert at a 50-year-old sweet shop, followed by a glass of local beer or a cocktail at a cosy Saigon bar tucked down a quiet alley. (Evening; Time of the Day: 1800; Private Activity & Transfer; Meal included: Street Foods; Please inform us in advance about any food allergies. This tour is not available during Tet holidays.)