Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter

Outty Ranking 75 5.0 · 64 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $16
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter worth booking?

Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter is a 2-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $16 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
5/5 (64)
Duration
2 hours
From
$16 per person

On this group tour to the city's slum regions, ride a motorbike through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Stay away from many famous places and attractions in the central Metropol • Explore different areas of the city to get a closer look at the disparities between the rich and the poor. • Discover what slum dwellers experience every day while stopping at a charity food stand to try some regional fare. • Take a tour to learn about Ho Chi Minh City's slums. • Riding a motorcycle in the congested streets. For Rush Saigon option: you will have 2-hour HCMC experience by scooter with our local tour guide (If the tour lasts longer than 2 hours, you have to pay the tour guide $8 per hour) this option is not included any food or drinks

What you get

    About this experience

    On this group tour to the city's slum regions, ride a motorbike through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Stay away from many famous places and attractions in the central Metropol • Explore different areas of the city to get a closer look at the disparities between the rich and the poor. • Discover what slum dwellers experience every day while stopping at a charity food stand to try some regional fare. • Take a tour to learn about Ho Chi Minh City's slums. • Riding a motorcycle in the congested streets. For Rush Saigon option: you will have 2-hour HCMC experience by scooter with our local tour guide (If the tour lasts longer than 2 hours, you have to pay the tour guide $8 per hour) this option is not included any food or drinks

    What's included

    Included

    • Friendly and professional English-speaking guides
    • Free pick up and drop off at your hotel (district 1 and district 3)
    • Helmet & Raincoat (if needed)
    • Coconut Water
    • Fuel surcharge
    • Tea and coffee
    • Private trip

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Ho Chi Minh City

      Have you experienced a sightseeing tour in Saigon before? Did it truly satisfy your curiosity? Our tour aims to provide a deeper insight into Ho Chi Minh City, by join Slum tour or Chillspots tour from Toward Local 1. For Slum tour, you will be taken to some of the most impoverished ares in Saigon , you can take full service - included tour guide, food/ drink on the tour. if you would like to save your budget, you can only book the driver who can speak very basic English to give you a ride on the tour 2. For Chillspots tour, we will take you to visit most of the popular attraction of Locals, you can take full service - included tour guide, food/ drink on the tour. if you would like to save your budget, you can only book the driver who can speak very basic English to give you a ride on the tour

      120 minutes here

    2. Ho Chi Minh City

      The itinerary could be altered due to the possibility of the restaurant being closed or the attraction undergoing maintenance.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment Buildings

      ♦ One Of The Oldest Apartments in Saigon You can get into the classic authentic atmosphere of the local life and cultures of Saigonese with one of the oldest apartments built-in 1968. ♦ Slum around Old Apartment You see small old houses; especially, connect with old people that live here a long time ago.

      60 minutes here

    4. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

      ♦ One of The Biggest Flower Market in Saigon Have a chance to make a beautiful shape with a lotus flower by yourself (the national flower of Vietnam) and know more about the locals' cultures of buying and using flowers.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Explore slum area in 2 hours

      Duration: 2 hours No Food and drink Itinerary: 1. Slum areas in HCMC 2. Floating market in HCMC Scooter/ motorbike note: Quick glimpse of Slum area in HCMC Pickup included

    • Explore Slum in HCMC

      Duration: 4 hours Food and drink: 1. Vietnamese Baguette 2. Coffee Itinerary: 1. Slum market in old gangster area 2. Floating market 3. Slum area in center of city 4. Slum along the Saigon river Scooter/ Motorbike Note: You will explore the real local insight of HCMC and how they make the end meet to survive in this bustling city Pickup included

    • Explore the chillspots in HCMC

      Duration: 4 hours Food and drink: 1. Vietnamese Baguette 2. Coffee time Itinerary: 1. the most famous walking street 2. Ba Son Bridge 3. Former gangster district 4. Thu Thiem Tunnel 5. Biggest Flower market Note: You will explore the best weekend spot of locals living and learn about the crazy things in HCMC Pickup included

    • Explore Local Wet Market

      Duration: 4 hours Food and Drink: 1. Vietnamese Baguette 2. Coffee Time Itinerary: 1. Local Wet Market in old gangster district 2. unique floating market 3. Biggest wholesale market 4. Biggest flower market Note: Our tour guide will take you to local market, you can buy souvenir or item with the local price Pickup included

    • Explore Authentic Sightseeing

      Duration: 4 hours Food and drink: 1. Vietnamese Baguette 2. Coffee time Itinerary: 1. Thich Quang Duc Monument 2. One of the oldest apartment in HCMC 3. Biggest Flower 4. Hidden gems in HCMC Scooter / Motorbike Note: This not only the tour, but also local immersion Pickup included

    • 2-hour scooter experience

      Duration: 2 hours 2-hour HCMC experience Scooter/ Motorbike Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Toward Local

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, photo 2Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, photo 3Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, photo 4secret hidden way, Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh CityTwo Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, photo 6Enjoy coconut water and the chill atmosphere of little floating market in Saigon, Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 64 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    64 verified traveler reviews for Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    64
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Y7108KRlauraz · October 2026

    Fantastic experience

    Our guide Minh and his group are the best! We love them so much and we have so much fun. We learnt a lot of things of Ho Chi Minh city and see beautiful things.

    via Tripadvisor

    gabid564 · September 2026

    Great tour! Highly recommended

    Wonderful tour with Vincent! :) He is friendly, very knowledgeable and full of energy. We explored the low income areas of Saigon and it was a very touching and humbling experience. Thank you! 🙏🏻

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that Vincent made your Saigon experience meaningful and memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words about his knowledge, energy, and the local communities you explored together. We hope to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Flyer229537 · August 2026

    A Nice Scooter Tour in HCM

    We had a family vacation in Ho Chi Minh City, and the night scooter tour with Kellie was definitely one of the highlights! Night scooter riding was a great way to avoid the heat during the day. Kellie and her team took us to a local pork BBQ rice noodle place, and the food was great :) At the other sightseeing spots, we exchanged questions about each other’s cultures and talked about the things we have in common and the ways we are different. It felt like hanging out with old friends. Highly recommend this tour!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are very happy to hear that the night scooter tour with Kellie was a highlight of your family trip in Ho Chi Minh City. It is lovely to know you enjoyed the local food, cultural conversations, and friendly atmosphere with our team. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    juliebE6356PA · May 2026

    An insight into the real Ho Chi Minh

    We did a slum tour of Ho Chi Minh City with Mallorie and Kay, and honestly it was one of the best tours we’ve ever done. It gave us a real insight into the different lifestyles and realities of Vietnamese people in a way that felt respectful, eye-opening, and genuine. Mallorie and Kay were thoughtful, informative, and so easy to talk to throughout the experience. They shared personal stories, local knowledge, and answered all our questions openly, which made the tour feel much more personal than a standard tourist experience. It was an experience that really stayed with us and gave us a deeper appreciation and understanding of Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots. Highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We are very happy to hear that the tour with Mallorie and Kay gave you a respectful, genuine, and deeper insight into local life in Ho Chi Minh City. Our team truly appreciates your recommendation and hopes to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    DayTrip11566853746 · April 2026

    Recommended experience!

    Jay was an amazing guide who couldn't do enough to tell me about all the locations. He was patient and made sure I am leaving Vietnam with a lot of information about places not typically seen in the most ethical way!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience with Toward Local. Our team truly appreciates your support and hopes to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $16 to $39
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    22
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Toward Local, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.5.

    See everything Toward Local runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)56
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)62
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.

    How much does Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter cost?

    +

    Prices start at $16 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ho Chi Minh City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ho Chi Minh City is not rushed.

    Is Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 64 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ho Chi Minh City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ho Chi Minh City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Ho Chi Minh City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cai Be Mekong Delta Tour: Cooking Class, Cycling & Craft Villages, Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour With Small Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    Included: Friendly and professional English-speaking guides; Free pick up and drop off at your hotel (district 1 and district 3); Helmet & Raincoat (if needed); Coconut Water; and Fuel surcharge. Not included: Gratuities; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 338 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    Across 64 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including Explore slum area in 2 hours, Explore Slum in HCMC, Explore the chillspots in HCMC, Explore Local Wet Market. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Two Sides of Saigon: Local Life, Markets & Slum Tour by Scooter.

    Pick your date