Exploring Ho Chi Minh City is an adventure for the senses, best experienced by hopping between districts to sample the incredible culinary landscape. Whether you are navigating the traffic on a motorbike or booking a ride, the city's food scene is the primary driver for any itinerary.

One cannot discuss riding through Saigon without mentioning the iconic Pho. For a Michelin-recommended experience, head to Pho Hoa Pasteur. This establishment is a staple for locals and visitors alike. The soup is known for being sweet and fresh, and the portion sizes are substantial. A unique feature here is the availability of beef balls as a selection. Remember the local etiquette regarding the plate of herbs and bean sprouts served with your bowl: pick the leaves off to eat, as chewing the stems might be a bit tough.

Another must-visit on your route is Pho Viet Nam, famous for its stone pot presentation. The key here is the interactive element; you place the raw meat into the bubbling hot stone pot yourself, ensuring it remains soft and tender. The broth is fresh, and for those who like a strong flavor, adding garlic juice is recommended to increase the layers of the soup.

If you prefer chicken over beef, Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong is a stop that receives unanimous praise. The chicken soup is incredibly rich, and they offer unique options like instant noodles, crystal noodles, and even chicken giblets—a rare find.

• Banh Mi Hong Hoa: For a quick bite between rides, this spot offers a Vietnamese baguette that many sing praises for. The bread is the star—crispy enough to drop crumbs but not dry or choking. The filling is generous, featuring fried meat, ham, rich pork liver pâté, and special butter. It is balanced with pickles, cucumber, and cilantro to cut the grease.
• Pizza 4P’s: Often called the "queue king" of Western food in Ho Chi Minh, this is a detour worth making. The Pizza 4P's crab pasta is a favorite for many, and the durian pizza features cheese that stretches half a meter.
• Man Moi: Located near the War Remnants Museum, this Michelin-selected spot serves Vietnamese home-cooked dishes. It is a bit pricier (around 200r per person), but the setting is refined, and there is a gift shop on the first floor selling exquisite handmade items.

No ride through Saigon is complete without frequent stops for coffee and refreshments. The city runs on caffeine, and the variety is staggering, from street-side stalls to high-end specialty roasters.

For a refreshing break from the heat, iO Specialty Coffee offers what some describe as the best coconut coffee. The espresso is slowly poured over coconut ice slush. As the ice melts, the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the coconut merge perfectly, making it smooth and icy—ideal for the hot Saigon weather.

If you are looking for something fruity, Five Boys Number One is a top-rated juice spot. Their avocado and mango smoothie is legendary, described as rich with real ingredients and not diluted with too much water. It is a street stall, so the environment is casual, but the quality of the drink makes it a necessary pit stop.

For those who take their coffee seriously, The Workshop Cafe is a pioneer in specialty coffee. While some find the first sip challenging, it becomes addictive. It is ranked high in Asia and offers excellent salted coffee. Another notable mention is Little Hanoi Egg Coffee, where the egg coffee is rich and aromatic, offering a taste of the north in the southern metropolis.

• Cafe Linh: Known for a "Salted Cream" coffee that tastes like a melted Vietnamese coffee candy from childhood—rich and nostalgic.
• Ngoc Thach Quan: A dessert spot in District 1 where you can find a bowl of pudding with coconut jelly, pearls, and fruit for a very low price.
• Katinat: A popular chain where you can grab a drink and enjoy the riverside vibe at the Ben Bach Dang location.

While riding is the method, the destinations define the tour. Saigon offers a mix of high-octane activities and deep cultural immersion.

For a different kind of driving experience, check out Infinity Racing in Thao Dien (District 2). This is a unique indoor go-kart track located inside a mall, featuring a multi-level track layout. It's an intense 8-minute session that lets you satisfy your need for speed in a controlled environment.

If you prefer cultural spectacles, the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House is unmissable. It uses bamboo props to tell the story of Vietnam's transition from countryside to city. The performance blends bamboo circus arts, acrobatics, B-BOX, street dance, and modern dance. The lighting highlights the strength and beauty of the performers, and the show is filled with humor and "happy accidents" that are carefully choreographed.

Another phenomenal show is Vùng Đất Kỳ Bí (The Mysterious Land) at the Gia Dinh Park Circus. It features a stage where fire and water collide, 3D effects, and giant puppets up to 6 meters tall. The story follows two brothers seeking the five elemental gems to save their drought-stricken village.

For sports enthusiasts, Pickleball has taken the city by storm.

• Level Up Sport Club An Phu: A popular spot with 12 courts and a social atmosphere, often requiring advance booking.
• D'Lucky Pickleball: Located in District 4, this club has a strong social vibe where you can easily join games with locals and expats.

Finally, for a relaxing view of the city without driving yourself, consider the City Sightseeing double-decker bus. It offers a breezy way to see the major landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

After a long day of riding and exploring, finding the right place to rest is crucial. Saigon offers diverse options ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious retreats.

For a unique Japanese-inspired experience in the heart of District 1, Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung is a standout. It features a wine-red color scheme and offers a 24-hour smart Japanese onsen, complete with a private sauna and cold water pool—perfect for soothing muscles after a day on the road. Guests also enjoy access to an all-day business lounge with unlimited instant noodles, fruit, and coffee.

If you prefer a greener, more apartment-style stay, M Village The Garden in District 3 offers a quiet retreat near French colonial architecture. The duplex apartments come with small kitchens, and the staff are noted for their helpfulness, communicating via messaging apps for cleaning schedules. It is located near a large Co.opmart supermarket and many cafes.

For those seeking luxury with a view, the New World Saigon Hotel is located right opposite the 23 September Park and near Ben Thanh Market. It offers club rooms with Nespresso machines and a large pool perfect for sunset cocktails. Another excellent option is Mai House Saigon Hotel, praised for its French colonial style, cleanliness, and delicious breakfast.

• Anima Boutique Hotel: A design-focused hotel with an industrial minimalist style that feels like an art exhibition. It is within walking distance to the Notre Dame Cathedral and offers 24-hour service.
• CityHouse-Ariosa Apartment: A budget-friendly option with bathtubs and strong air conditioning, though be mindful of the room layout.
• M Village Living Tu Xuong: A hidden gem with a butler team, clean rooms, and a cafe downstairs, though street noise can be a factor in the mornings.