Skip to content Skip to footer

Saigon Cyclo Tour
30 USD/Person

The Saigon Cyclo Tour is best if you want to learn more about the Vietnam War, as well as what happened in South Vietnam when the country got divided into two parts. Get a deep dive into Vietnam’s history and local perspectives on war and life after the war. 

Visited stops include: 

  • The corner where the great monk Thich Quang Duc set himself on fire in 1963
  • The VC’s secret weapon bunker for the American Head Quarter attack in the Tet Offensive 1968
  • Independence Palace (stay outside)
  • Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral 
  • ⁠The building where the picture “The last helicopter out of Saigon” was taken
  • Ben Thanh market (get passed)
  • City Hall and Nguyen Hue’s Waking Street

Why cyclo? (Pronounced “sik-low”)

In the 1990s, the cyclo was a popular mode of transportation in Saigon. It was not uncommon to see many beautiful young Vietnamese women wearing Ao Dai while sitting in cyclos on their way to the market, a bar, or carrying bouquets.

In today’s bustling city of Saigon, where cabs, motorbikes, and ride-sharing services like Grab dominate the transportation landscape, the traditional cyclo is becoming a rare sight. 

However, taking a cyclo ride around the city center offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Instead of enduring the sweltering heat on foot, hop on a cyclo and immerse yourself in the chaotic yet captivating traffic of Saigon. Embrace the “Slow and Furious” adventure! 

If you’re interested in a private Saigon Cyclo tour, please get in touch with us at xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com for a customized itinerary and pricing. 

8 Reasons to Book this Experience

Know Before You Go

3 hours

Saigon downtown

Group tour. Private tour for a minimum of 4 pax

Cyclo

Cyclo riding, Information consuming, Shopping, Chitchating, Storytelling, Relaxing, Photo taking, Laughing, and so on…

  • Morning: 8.00 -11.00
  • Afternoon: 14.30 – 17.30.

Saigon Cyclo Tour Itinerary

  • Our cyclo drivers and local guide will meet and greet you in your hotel lobby if you opt for a private tour. For a group tour, we’ll set up a meeting point.  

  • Begin the tour with a visit to the Thich Quang Duc Monument. The image of the monk who self-immolated in 1963 to protest the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam shocked people worldwide, particularly peace advocates, for decades. Why did he take such a drastic step? What were the consequences related to the Vietnam War? Discover the answers to these questions here. 

  • Next, venture through the alleys to reach the secret weapon bunker used by the Viet Cong to launch their surprise attack on the Independence Palace during the Tet Offensive in 1968. You’ll be amazed by the intelligence and resilience of the soldiers and civilians who managed to hide the bunker and weapons without being detected by the U.S. forces.

  •  Continue on to the Independence Palace, which served as the headquarters and a source of pride for the American government during the war. Take some time to listen to the history of the palace and the momentous events that unfolded here on April 30, 1975, marking the moment when Vietnam defeated America in the exhausting 20-year war, leading to the reunification of Vietnam from North to South. 

    • Note: Since the palace complex is large, we won’t tour inside to save our time for the next stops. 

  • Hop back on the cyclos and visit the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll have some time to explore and do a bit of shopping at the post office. While you’re there, your local guide will also point out the building where the famous photograph, “The Last Helicopter Out Of Saigon,” was taken. Was it truly the last one? Don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable guide!🤪

  • Saigon’s streets become increasingly bustling during rush hour. Nevertheless, it’s the perfect opportunity for our skilled drivers to showcase their abilities as they deftly navigate through the busy traffic and bring you to the Ho Chi Minh Statue, where the architecturally stunning City Hall stands tall. After taking some memorable photographs, you’ll say goodbye to the guide and drivers since this marks the final stop of the tour. Feel free to explore the nearby Coffee Apartment or head to the iconic rooftop bar of the historic Rex Hotel for some refreshing drinks. 

  • For private tours, we’ll ride you back to your hotel before saying goodbye. 

Tips for a better trip:

  • Wear comfy clothes and sunglasses 

  • Trust your drivers! Sit back, relax, and let the drivers do their job

  • Make sure you put on suncream and bug spray 

  • When taking photos while riding a cyclo or walking on the street, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially your phones and cameras.

Included

  • Skillful local cyclo drivers
  • Good English-speaking guide
  • All entrance fees 
  • All stops mentioned in the itinerary  
  • One water bottle per pax

Not Included

  • Travel insurance 
  • Tips for cyclo drivers and the local guide
  • Beverages and foods in the tour
  • Anything that’s not mentioned in “Included”

Child Policy

  • Children under 4 years old: Free of charge 
  • Children under 12 years old: 75% of the adult fare

Cancellation Policy

  • Up to 48 hours before the start of the activity: 50% refund
  • Less than 48 hours before the start of the activity or in the event of a no-show:  no refund 
  • If your flight is delayed, you have food poisoning, or you become sick and are unable to attend the tour, we will reschedule your start date (depending on our availability) with an additional charge of 50% of the total tour cost.

How to Book this Tour?

Email us at xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com or complete this form. We will get back to you within a day with a tailor-made itinerary that suits your tastes.

Leave a comment