Vietnam · City Tours

4-Hour Saigon Motorbike Tour with Historic Landmarks and Pagoda

4 Hours Round trip from Ho Chi Minh City Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the historic Independence Palace and its preserved monuments and remnants
02 Admire the Gothic-styled French colonial architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office
03 Ride through central Saigon to Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, City Hall, and the impressive Opera House
04 Visit the War Remnants Museum for insight into a sad period of Vietnam's history
05 Marvel at the spectacularly colourful Jade Emperor Pagoda and its exquisite statues

Discover Saigon from the back of a motorbike as you ride through central Ho Chi Minh City to see its historic landmarks and architectural icons. Visit the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, City Hall, Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, the War Remnants Museum, and the impressive Opera House, then stop at the colourful Jade Emperor Pagoda. This tour combines the city's colonial heritage, modern energy, and powerful wartime history in just four hours.

Discover Saigon from the back of a motorbike as you ride through central Ho Chi Minh City to see its historic landmarks and architectural icons.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Ho Chi Minh

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Saigon Historical Landmarks by Motorbike

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Independence Palace, one of Vietnam's most unique and historic palaces. It used to be the headquarters of the old government before the 1970s. Today, it is a remarkable heritage site that preserves many monuments and remnants.
Next, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office near the palace. Both are symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. These Gothic-styled French colonial buildings were constructed around 1880-1886. The cathedral was nominated as a Basilica by the Vatican, and the post office was designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel.
Continue to the more elegant side of Saigon to see the impressive structure of the Opera House.
Then go to City Hall, one of the city's most important buildings, located at the end of the beautiful walking street Nguyễn Huệ.
Explore the War Remnants Museum, a place that highlights a sad time in Vietnam's history. However, it is also a unique destination to see how far the country has come and what it will do in the future.
Last but not least, stop at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most spectacularly colourful temples dedicated to the King of Heaven and filled with exquisite and phantasmal statues.
At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel by your Ho Chi Minh City guide, ending the experience with gifts for beloved tourists.

Time: 08:00 - 12:00; 13:00 - 17:00

Where this trip takes you

Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, Jade Emperor Pagoda

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ho Chi Minh City 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off (District 1, 3, and 5 - some exclusions apply)
High-quality open-faced helmet
All food and drinks, motorbike, and fuel
Rain poncho (if needed)
Friendly and professional Ho Chi Minh/Saigon guides
Accident insurance and lots of smiles
Transportation: walking and motorbike

What's Not Included

All items of a personal nature

Know before you go

By joining the tour, you will discover the modern city by taking a trip through central Ho Chi Minh City. The streets, where much of the city life takes place, are a jumble of markets, shops, and pavement cafes. Everywhere you turn, there are rolling food carts and vendors selling wares spread out on the sidewalk.
War Remnants Museum: The War Remnants Museum was operated by the Vietnamese government and established in 1975. It contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War involving the French colonialists.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Notre Dame Cathedral is located at No. 1, Paris Commune Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Located at an airy intersection and surrounded by rows of trees, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the most magnificent architectural work in this area.
Saigon Central Post Office: Saigon Central Post Office was also built in the 1880s based on the design of Gustave Eiffel, a famous French architect. Tourists can come here and discover the ancient world of old Saigon, from the post office boxes to the phone booths.
Saigon Opera House: The Saigon Opera House was custom-built in 1897 by the French architect Eugene Ferret. It is one of the top venues in Vietnam to listen to opera and classical music.
Walking Street Nguyễn Huệ: Nguyễn Huệ is the first walking street in Saigon. It is worth spending a short time here to enjoy the crowded atmosphere of downtown and admire the surrounding buildings.
Jade Emperor Pagoda: Jade Emperor Pagoda is a 100-year-old pagoda built by Vietnam's local Chinese Cantonese community. It was visited by former President Obama in 2016 and is listed among the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
The secret armoury in District 3: Nestled in an alley in District 3, this idyllic house is an important piece of history. It served as a hiding place for nearly 2 tons of weapons used by the Saigon Rangers during the 1968 Tet Offensive. The small house on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street became a vital historical site. Everything there speaks of Vietnamese heroic victory. Mr Tran Van Lai (Nam Lai) bought this house and turned it into a weapons base in agreement with the unit commander. The weapons hidden in the armoury were used in the battle at the headquarters of Nguy - Reunification Palace. Transporting the weapons from the secret basement into the city was extremely difficult and dangerous. If detected by the enemy, the rangers had to destroy the weapons themselves, sacrificing both the shipping route and the hiding place. The construction of this armoury was carried out secretly and safely, contributing significantly to the victory of the 1968 General Offensive. The Saigon Rangers suddenly captured their targets. Fifteen soldiers of Team 5 received weapons from the house and then bravely headed toward the Independence Palace to conduct a daring battle.
Group size: 1 - 6 people
Categories: Historical Tour; Street Food Tour
Time: 08:00 - 12:00; 13:00 - 17:00
Weather condition: The tour takes place whether it is raining or the sun is shining.
Remarks: Vegetarian option available. Private option available.
Cancellation: Cancel 2 hours before the tour - 50% fee charged.