Cyclo Ride Through the Heart of Saigon

There are few experiences that capture the rhythm of Vietnam’s largest city better than a cyclo ride through Saigon.
Once the most common form of transport, the humble xích lô has become a living symbol of the city — a slow, open-air seat to its vibrant daily life.

For travelers, the cyclo is not just a ride; it’s a journey through the layers of history, heritage, and humanity that make Saigon unique.
With Explore Real Asia, guests are invited to rediscover the old charm of the city in a truly authentic and real tour, guided by friendly local hosts who know every corner, alley, and aroma of Saigon.



A Slow Journey Through Fast Streets

Saigon is a city of contrasts — modern skyscrapers and ancient pagodas, luxury hotels and roadside cafés, quiet alleys and bustling avenues. The cyclo cuts right through this contrast, offering a perspective no car or bus can give.

From your seat, the city unfolds at eye level. Motorbikes hum past, vendors push their carts of fresh fruit, and schoolchildren laugh as they cross the street.
You’re moving slowly enough to feel the warmth of the air, smell the aroma of street food, and exchange smiles with people as they pass.

Unlike most forms of transport, the cyclo places you right in the center of the street’s energy. You are part of Saigon — not watching from behind glass, but gliding within it.

The Cyclo — From Tradition to Timeless Icon

The xích lô first appeared in Vietnam in the 1930s, during the French colonial era. Over time, it became the everyday vehicle for locals — carrying families, flowers, goods, and even wedding guests.

Today, the number of cyclos has dwindled, but they remain a cherished icon of Vietnam’s classic heritage. Each driver, or bác tài xích lô, has his own story — often generations of working in the city, watching its skyline rise and its culture evolve.

During the ride, many drivers share their memories or point out small details most visitors miss — an old French-style balcony, a hidden pagoda, or a famous phở stall that locals love.
This connection between traveler and local host turns the tour into more than sightseeing — it becomes a living conversation between past and present.



Discovering Saigon’s Landmarks

A cyclo ride through Saigon passes both the famous and the familiar. Depending on the route, you might visit:

- Ben Thanh Market, the city’s beating heart, where vendors sell spices, coffee, and colorful fabrics.

- Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, French-era landmarks standing side by side.

- Dong Khoi Street, a lively boulevard lined with colonial architecture, cafés, and art galleries.

- Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where modern Saigon gathers every evening in a swirl of light and laughter.

- Thien Hau Temple in District 5, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and surrounded by the scent of incense.

Each stop along the route reveals a different rhythm — from the buzz of shopping streets to the calm of spiritual spaces.

A Sensory Experience of the City

The magic of the cyclo ride lies in its simplicity.
Without windows or air-conditioning, every sense awakens:

The sound of vendors calling out their goods.

The smell of bánh mì and grilled corn drifting from street corners.

The sight of golden sunlight on the Saigon River.

You begin to notice what most visitors miss — the details that make the city alive. A child chasing a paper lantern, the gentle smile of an old woman selling flowers, the rhythm of bicycles crossing bridges.

This is what real Vietnam feels like: raw, human, and full of warmth.

Cyclo Ride for Groups Travelers

Imagine rows of colorful cyclos weaving through the boulevards, your team laughing as they wave to passersby, taking pictures against the backdrop of heritage landmarks.
It’s an ideal way to open or close a corporate trip, balancing professionalism with cultural connection.

With Explore Real Asia’s full service organization, the logistics are seamless — from route planning to guide support, coordination, and safety.
All that’s left for guests is to relax, enjoy the ride, and let Saigon unfold naturally.



Market Encounters – The Spirit of Local Life

Many cyclo routes end or pause at one of Saigon’s vibrant markets, such as Ben Thanh, Cho Lon, or Ba Chieu.
These markets are microcosms of Vietnamese daily life — loud, colorful, and endlessly fascinating.

Strolling through narrow aisles, you’ll find fresh herbs, dried seafood, handmade crafts, and smiles everywhere.
Vendors call out friendly invitations to sample dried mango, lotus seeds, or coffee beans.
The energy is contagious, and for a few minutes, you’re no longer a tourist — you’re part of the rhythm.

Markets are also a perfect spot for team-building experiences: small photo challenges, cultural quizzes, or souvenir hunts — each moment helping groups engage deeply with local life.

Slow Travel, Authentic Connection

In an age of speed, the cyclo ride reminds us to slow down.
It’s the essence of wellness travel in a bustling city — no rush, no noise, just movement and observation.

For many visitors, this ride becomes a meditation of its own.
The driver pedals slowly, the city flows around you, and for a while, everything feels balanced — the old and the new, the silence and the sound.

This, ultimately, is what Explore Real Asia stands for: authentic connection between travelers, locals, and culture.

A Ride to Remember

When the cyclo finally returns to its starting point, you may realize something subtle has changed.
You’ve seen Saigon not as a visitor but as a part of its living pulse — its laughter, chaos, and kindness.

The ride may last an hour or two, but its memory stays much longer — like the soft hum of the city that never truly sleeps.

In the heart of Saigon, on three simple wheels, you’ve found the rhythm of Vietnam itself.