Saigon Night Food Adventure: US Army Jeep & Local Motorbike

On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc rode to Saigon from the war-torn city of Huế in an Austin Westminster. He stepped out of the baby blue automobile onto a busy intersection and sat calmly in the lotus position while a colleague poured gasoline from a five-gallon container over his head. Surrounded by a circle of protesters, burned himself to death. He described his intentions in a final note: “I respectfully plead to President Ngo Dinh Diem to take a mind of compassion towards the people of the nation and implement religious equality to maintain the strength of the homeland eternally.” In 2010, a memorial, displaying the monk wreathed in flames, was installed on the very corner where he died a half century before. Prior to the statue, which sits in front of a bas-relief depicting the powerful action, American journalist Malcolm Browne’s photographs were the most accessible reminders of the event.

Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City’s street food scene on this half-day tasting tour, dedicated to local favorites that many culinary tours overlook. We will pick you up by motorbike at your accommodation then walk, eat and explore deeply to Saigon's real life through the craziness of Saigon's traffic. The menu could be slightly changed depend on the day and time and availability of local food stalls. Let's do the 13 - 16 must-try to immerse yourself to local culture hidden in the back alleys: Taste 1: Banh Xeo - Vietnamese savory crispy pancake: crispy pancake with a lot of flavors from herbs and sauce: Sit back and relax while watching your sizzling cake being done in front of your eyes Taste 2: Chuoi Nep Nuong - a bit sweet and salty grilled banana with sticky rice and coconut milk Taste 3: Bun Bo Hue- famous spicy noodle soup with beef Taste 4: Ngheu Hap Sa - steamed clams with lemon grass Taste 5: So Diep Nuong Mo Hanh -Grilled scallops with onion oil

We head to the lovely Ho Thi Ky flower market, which, at night, turns into a bustling street food market that has everything from hot freshly cooked dishes, to sweet desserts, and everything in-between," the couple shared. The menu could be slightly changed depend on the day and time and availability of local food stalls. Let's do the 13 -16 must-do to immerse yourself to local culture hidden in the back alleys: Taste 6: Oc Buu Nuong Tieu - grill apple snails with pepper Taste 7: Banh Trang Nuong - Vietnamese pizza Taste 8: Bo Nuong Sa - Grilled beef with lemon grass Taste 9: Bo Nuong La Lot- Grilled beef with betel leaf which is known as one of most famous appetizers in Vietnamese party Taste 10: Gà sốt cay hàn quốc - Fried chicken with Korean spicy sauce Taste 11: Bo Luc Lac – Vietnamese stir & BBQ beef Taste 12: Tráng miệng - Dessert- Coconut ice cream Taste 13: Saigon Beer: Enjoy a Saigon beer on the terrace of a local restaurant.

Banh xeo, also known as Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, is a traditional dish that is affordable for all walks of life. It is gaining popularity on the Vietnamese culinary map and is recommended as a must-try dish for anyone visiting the country. Although banh xeo can vary in shape and size depending on its origin, it generally strikes a perfect balance between yin and yang in its cooking and eating. We will guide you through its history and everything you need to know about this flavorful street food. One of typical well known place, where is attractive the local people we will visit, is Ngo Gia Tu Apartment. This is very amazing paradise of street food. We will have a change to taste Banh Mi, Pancake, which are two most typical famous cuisines in VIetnam.

As we cross into District 5 (Chinatown), hold on tight as our Jeep merges into the legendary Nguyen Trai Street. Known as the busiest fashion corridor in the city, this street comes alive at night with an electric energy that you have to see to believe. From your open-air seat, you are instantly immersed in a "river of lights." Hundreds of neon signs from clothing shops, shoe stores, and sidewalks vendors create a kaleidoscope of colors flashing by. You are not just watching the traffic; you are part of it. Surrounded by a sea of motorbikes, you will feel the true pulse of Saigon's nightlife—chaotic, loud, and incredibly vibrant. This is the ultimate "urban safari" experience. Witnessing the hustle of locals shopping, the endless flow of vehicles, and the glowing lantern decorations of Chinatown creates a mesmerizing visual spectacle that looks like a scene from a cyberpunk movie.

Get ready for a rush of adrenaline as we descend 27 meters below the water’s surface into the Saigon River Tunnel—a modern engineering marvel connecting the old city with the new. Riding in an open-air Jeep makes this experience completely unique compared to a standard car or bus. As we enter the glowing tube, the sound of the Jeep’s engine amplifies, echoing off the concrete walls to create a powerful, thrilling roar that you can physically feel. The futuristic amber lights whizzing by create a "sci-fi" atmosphere, making you feel like the star of an action movie. The best part is the finale: The "Light at the end of the tunnel." As we burst out from the underground depth back into the open night air, the sparkling skyline of District 1 suddenly reveals itself right before your eyes. It is a stunning visual contrast—from the enclosed intensity of the tunnel to the wide, glittering panorama of the city center.

Prepare for the most cinematic moment of your night! As our open-air US Jeep roars onto the Ba Son Bridge (Thu Thiem 2), you will feel like you are flying over the Saigon River. This is the absolute best vantage point to see the city’s transformation. With no windows to block your view, you are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. To your left, the glittering skyline of historic District 1 shines bright with the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower. To your right, the futuristic Landmark 81 pierces the night sky, reflecting its dazzling lights onto the dark water below. Feel the cool river breeze rushing through your hair and the adrenaline of the ride as we cruise along the bridge’s artistic illuminated cables. It is not just a transfer; it is a front-row seat to the spectacular light show of modern Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t forget to have your camera ready—this is the "money shot" of the entire trip!