Saigon Tet experience motorbike tour

Tour snapshot

Tour code:
TET-MB

Length:
haft day

Start From
Ho Chi Minh city

Tour type
Saigon Day Trips

Overview

Discover Vietnam’s Lunar New Year Celebration

Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant Tet celebration on a motorbike tour

Looking for an authentic Tet experience in Saigon? Discover Ho Chi Minh City at its most vibrant time of the year! This is not just a sightseeing tour; it is a journey into the “Pre-Tet Rush” – the energetic preparation for Vietnam’s Lunar New Year. This exclusive Saigon Tet motorbike tour takes you through the fascinating cultural contrast between Chinese and Vietnamese communities as they prepare for this special celebration.

On the back of a motorbike, you will witness a fascinating cultural contrast that makes Saigon unique during Tet season.

Why choose TNK Travel’s Saigon Tet experience motorbike tour?

Perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion during Vietnam’s most important holiday, this tour is a unique Saigon experience available only during Tet season (January-February). Join small groups and discover why over 1,000,000 travelers have trusted TNK Travel for their Vietnam journey. Learn more about Vietnamese Tet traditions and explore our other Vietnam cultural tours.

Tour highlights – What makes our Saigon Tet motorbike tour special?

Zip through the traffic safely on a motorbike – see the city come alive with festive energy
Experience two distinct Tet traditions:

The Chinese Community (Cholon – District 5): Immerse yourself in the heritage of Chinatown, where preparation is deeply rooted in tradition, spiritual offerings, red lanterns, and dried goods for herbal medicine

The Vietnamese Community (Districts 3 & 10): Dive into the freshness of the Flower Market, where the focus is on nature, renewal, and bringing the “scent of spring” into the home

Start with traditional Ao Dai shopping at Tan Dinh Market – discover where locals shop for Vietnam’s iconic dress and learn about traditional fashion before exploring the rest of the city
Contrast nostalgic, spicy aroma of Binh Tay Market (Chinese influence) with the colorful peach blossoms at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market (Vietnamese influence)
Cruise down the lantern-lit Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street – witness the modern youth shopping rush on Nguyen Trai Street
Skip the tourist restaurants – sit down for a bowl of Hu Tieu or Pho at a famous local eatery in District 3
Capture the perfect Tet photo at Mong Bridge or Ben Thanh Market with festive decorations

Timeline (Quick Reference)

08:00: Pickup at Hotel & Safety Briefing
08:15: Tan Dinh Market – Ao Dai Shopping & Cultural Learning
09:00: Chinatown & Thien Hau Pagoda
09:45: The “Red Road” & Nguyen Trai Fashion Street Ride
10:15: Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
11:00: Local Lunch (District 3)
11:45: Check-in Photo Session (Mong Bridge or Ben Thanh Market)
12:30: Drop-off

Important information

Pickup service:

Available for hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (except Sai Gon Ward and Tan Dinh Ward)
Pickup time: 8:00 AM. Please wait in your hotel lobby.
Exact pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before your tour via email or WhatsApp
For hotels outside Ben Thanh ward: Meet at TNK TRAVEL meeting point – 112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 AM

Weather and safety:

This motorbike tour operates in most weather conditions including light rain
Helmets provided for all passengers with safety briefing before departure
Professional drivers with years of experience navigating Saigon traffic
In case of severe weather, the tour may be rescheduled with full flexibility

What to bring:

Comfortable clothing suitable for motorbike riding (pants recommended)
Sun protection: sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera or smartphone for photos (secure it well on the motorbike!)
Light jacket (mornings can be cool)
Cash for personal purchases and optional Ao Dai shopping

Physical requirements:

Basic fitness level – must be comfortable riding on the back of a motorbike
Not recommended for people with motion sickness or severe back problems
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before booking
Children must be able to sit safely on motorbike (minimum age 7 years recommended)

Tour availability:

Seasonal tour only – available during Tet preparation period (mid-January to early February)
Limited departures – book early as this tour sells out quickly during Tet season

Itinerary
Price & Bookings
Reviews

Itinerary

Day 1

Half Day: Ho Chi Minh City Tet Cultural Discovery

08:00 AM: Hotel Pickup & Safety Briefing

Your English-speaking guide (and driver) picks you up at your hotel. After a comprehensive safety briefing and helmet fitting, we join the morning flow of Saigon. Feel the energy of the city as millions prepare for Vietnam's most important celebration.

08:15 AM: Tan Dinh Market – Traditional Ao Dai Shopping

We start our Tet experience at Tan Dinh Market, a local favorite for authentic Ao Dai – Vietnam's iconic traditional dress. This is where Saigonese families shop for their Tet outfits, not a tourist trap!

Watch locals carefully selecting fabrics, colors, and styles for their Lunar New Year celebrations. Your guide explains the symbolism of colors in Vietnamese culture and helps you navigate the stalls if you wish to purchase or try on an Ao Dai. This is your chance to see (and shop for) authentic Vietnamese fashion at local prices with expert bargaining assistance.

Cultural insight: Learn why Vietnamese people buy new clothes for Tet – it symbolizes renewal, fresh beginnings, and prosperity for the new year. Red and yellow are particularly popular colors as they represent luck and wealth.

Shopping tips from your guide:
Best stalls for quality Ao Dai
Fair prices (typically $20-50 USD for ready-made)
How to check fabric quality and fit
Bargaining techniques that work in Vietnamese markets

09:00 AM: Chinatown (Cholon) & Binh Tay Market – Chinese Tet Traditions

We continue to District 5 (Cholon), Saigon's historic Chinatown. Explore the bustling architecture of Binh Tay Market, the wholesale hub where tons of candied fruits and jams are traded for Tet. Experience the nostalgic, spicy aroma of dried goods, traditional Chinese medicine, and festive decorations.

We then visit the atmospheric Thien Hau Pagoda, filled with the smoke of spiral incense coils, where Chinese-Vietnamese families pray for a prosperous new year. Your guide explains the significance of offerings, ancestor worship, and the unique blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and folk traditions.

Cultural contrast: Notice how Chinese Tet preparation focuses on dried goods, preserved foods, red envelopes, and spiritual ceremonies – very different from Vietnamese traditions you'll see next!

09:45 AM: Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street – The "Red Road" Experience

First, we cruise down Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street – known as the "Red Road" – completely covered in red lanterns and lucky envelopes. This street transforms into a spectacular sea of red during Tet season, symbolizing luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Next, we weave through Nguyen Trai Street. Here, you will see a different side of Saigon: the modern youth rushing to buy the latest fashion. It's a chaotic, energetic, and beautiful slice of modern Vietnamese life where tradition meets contemporary culture.

10:15 AM: Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – Vietnamese Tet Essence

We slow down at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10. Walking through the narrow alleys, you will be surrounded by thousands of blossoms arriving from the highlands. This is how Vietnamese families bring nature and luck into their homes.
Flowers you'll see:
Peach blossoms (Hoa Đào): Symbol of the North, represents luck and romance
Apricot blossoms (Hoa Mai): Symbol of the South, represents wealth and prosperity
Kumquat trees (Cây Quất): Golden fruits symbolize abundant fortune
Marigolds (Hoa Vạn Thọ): Long life and health

Your guide explains why Vietnamese Tet focuses on fresh flowers, renewal, and "spring fragrance" – contrasting beautifully with the dried goods and preserved traditions of the Chinese community.

11:00 AM: Authentic Local Lunch

We head to the vibrant food district of Vo Van Tan / Nguyen Thuong Hien. Pull up a plastic stool and enjoy a truly local meal. Depending on the day, we will serve:
Hu Tieu Vang (Pork & Seafood Noodle Soup), or
Pho (Traditional Beef Noodle Soup)

This is authentic "sidewalk cuisine" at its best – the way Saigonese eat every day. No tourist restaurants, just pure local flavor!

11:45 AM: Photo Stop at Mong Bridge or Ben Thanh Market

We head to Mong Bridge (Cau Mong) or the South Gate of Ben Thanh Market for the perfect Tet photo. Against the backdrop of colonial architecture or the city skyline, with festive decorations all around, we capture the defining photo of your trip.

Photo opportunities:
Festive Tet decorations and lanterns
Colonial French architecture
Street vendors with traditional items
Your group with motorbikes against iconic Saigon landmarks

Photo tips from your guide: Best angles, lighting, and poses to capture the Tet spirit!

12:30 PM: Hotel Drop-off

We drop you off at your hotel or leave you at Ben Thanh Market to continue your exploration. Your guide provides recommendations for the rest of your day in Saigon, including where to find more Ao Dai shops if you're still hunting for the perfect dress!

Price & Bookings

Tour type	Group size	Price per person	Special features
Small group tour	6-10 people	$59 USD	Intimate experience, authentic local guide, helmet included

Special discounts:

Children 7-11 years: 15% discount (must be able to ride safely on motorbike)
Children under 7: Not recommended for safety reasons
Private tour option available upon request – contact us for pricing.

Payment methods:

We accept cash (USD or Vietnamese Dong), all major credit cards, bank transfer, and popular payment platforms including Viator and Klook.

What’s included in your tour

Professional English-speaking guide and experienced motorbike driver (1 guide + 1 driver per motorbike)
Modern motorbike transportation with safety helmet
All entrance fees (Thien Hau Pagoda, markets)
Authentic local lunch (Hu Tieu, Pho, or Vietnamese specialty)
Water and light refreshments
Safety briefing and helmet fitting
Hotel pickup and drop-off in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (or meeting point)
All taxes and service charges

What’s not included

Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Additional food and drinks beyond included lunch
Ao Dai purchases and shopping (optional)
Personal expenses
Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)

Important policies

Cancellation policy:

Cancel 48+ hours before departure: Full refund
Cancel 24-48 hours before departure: 50% charge
Cancel less than 24 hours before departure: 100% charge (no refund)

Weather policy:

Tour operates in light rain with raincoats provided
If cancelled by TNK Travel due to severe weather, full refund or reschedule

Why Choose TNK Travel’s Saigon Tet Experience Motorbike Tour?

Vietnam’s trusted tour operator since 2000

TNK Travel is a leading Vietnam-based tour company with over 25 years of experience. We specialize in authentic, sustainable tourism that connects travelers with real Vietnamese culture and communities.

Our commitments:

Exclusive seasonal experience: This tour is only available during Tet season – a once-a-year opportunity to witness Vietnam’s most important celebration
Small group intimacy: Maximum 10 people means personal attention, better cultural immersion, and genuine interactions
Expert local guides: Born and raised in Saigon, our guides share personal family Tet traditions and insider knowledge
Safe motorbike experience: Professional drivers, quality helmets, comprehensive insurance, and thorough safety briefings
Authentic local encounters: Real markets where locals shop, authentic eateries, hidden gems – not tourist traps
Cultural education: Deep insights into the fascinating contrast between Chinese and Vietnamese Tet traditions
Customer service: 24/7 support before, during, and after your tour

Looking for more Vietnam adventures? Check out our Vietnam Tour Packages or Halong Bay Cruises.

Award-winning service:

Ranked #3 on TripAdvisor among Ho Chi Minh City tour operators
Over 24,000 verified reviews from happy travelers
Viator Top-Rated Tour Operator badge
94% of travelers recommend our tours to friends and family

Frequently Asked Questions about Saigon Tet experience motorbike tour

What is the Saigon Tet experience motorbike tour?

This is a unique cultural tour available only during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year season (January-February). You’ll ride on the back of a motorbike through Saigon’s streets to experience how both Chinese and Vietnamese communities prepare for Tet, visiting traditional markets, pagodas, flower markets, and enjoying authentic local food.

When is the best time to take this Tet motorbike tour?

This tour operates only during Tet preparation season, typically mid-January to early February (dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar). The best time is 1-2 weeks before Tet when markets are most vibrant and festive decorations are at their peak. Book early as this tour sells out quickly!

Is riding a motorbike safe in Saigon traffic?

Yes! You ride as a passenger with an experienced driver who has years of navigating Saigon traffic. We provide quality helmets, comprehensive safety briefings, and full insurance. Our guides are trained in safe route planning to avoid the most congested areas while still giving you an authentic experience.

What should I wear for this motorbike tour?

Wear comfortable pants (not shorts) and closed-toe shoes for safety. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection. A light jacket is recommended as mornings can be cool on the motorbike. Avoid loose scarves or clothing that could get caught in the motorbike.

Can I buy an Ao Dai during the tour?

Absolutely! The tour starts at Tan Dinh Market, one of the best local markets where Saigonese families buy Ao Dai for Tet celebrations. Your guide will help you find the right style, explain color symbolism, negotiate prices, and ensure proper fit. Prices range from $20-50 USD for ready-made Ao Dai at this authentic local market. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress at local prices with expert assistance!

What is the difference between Chinese and Vietnamese Tet traditions?

Great question! Chinese Tet focuses on dried goods, preserved foods, red decorations, ancestor worship, and spiritual ceremonies (seen in Cholon/Binh Tay Market). Vietnamese Tet emphasizes fresh flowers, peach blossoms, renewal, spring fragrance, and bringing nature into homes (seen at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market). This tour beautifully contrasts both traditions!

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children 7 years and older who can safely sit on a motorbike are welcome (15% discount). Children under 7 are not recommended for safety reasons. Parents should consider if their child can remain seated and calm for 4.5 hours on a motorbike.

What food is included in the tour?

Authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local eatery (Hu Tieu or Pho – traditional noodle soup), plus water and light refreshments throughout the tour. We eat where locals eat, not at tourist restaurants!

Can vegetarians join this Tet motorbike tour?

Yes! Vietnamese cuisine has excellent vegetarian options. Please inform us of dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll arrange vegetarian Pho or other suitable local dishes.

Book your Saigon Tet Experience motorbike tour today!

Experience Vietnam’s most important celebration through the eyes of locals. This exclusive seasonal tour offers a once-a-year opportunity to witness the fascinating cultural contrast between Chinese and Vietnamese Tet traditions. Join TNK Travel’s Saigon Tet experience motorbike tour and create unforgettable memories!