Ho Chi Minh City Pagodas Incense Streets and Coffee Scooter Tour
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Ho Chi Minh City Pagodas Incense Streets and Coffee Scooter Tour

Active
(2 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Discover the spiritual essence of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided tour that takes you through fascinating pagodas and vibrant incense streets. Start your adventure with hotel pickup in District 1, and visit the architectural marvel of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, followed by the hidden Lan Ong Temple, where you’ll learn about traditional healing practices. Stroll along Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Street, observing locals crafting incense sticks. Savor a vegetarian meal in Cholon, enriched with cultural heritage, and cap off your experience with a Vietnamese coffee workshop at the historic Cheo Leo Café, where you’ll master brewing phin coffee.

- Guided tour with hotel pickup in central District 1
- Visit iconic sites including Jade Emperor Pagoda and Thien Hau Temple
- Enjoy a vegetarian meal in Cholon and learn about local culture
- Participate in a hands-on coffee brewing workshop at Cheo Leo Café

Available options

Lunar New Year - 01/01/2026

Pickup included

Ho Chi Minh City Pagodas Incense Streets and Coffee Scooter Tour

Pickup included

What's included

One Meal + Drink Included
Coffee Tastings (Traditional Vietnamese Coffee) - you can make by yourself
Helmet & Safety equipment
Rain Poncho (if needed)
Extra water & rest stops provided
Scooter + Driver
All Pagoda/temple visits

Detailed itinerary

1

Begin your cultural journey at Lan Ong Temple, dedicated to Lê Hữu Trác, Vietnam’s most respected traditional physician.
Walk through ancient wooden halls, incense-filled altars, and murals that honor the philosophy of Eastern medicine.
Your guide explains how Vietnamese people blend spiritual beliefs with healing practices — a fascinating introduction to local culture.
Highlights:
18th-century architecture
Incense rituals & ancestor worship
Insight into Oriental Medicine traditions

2

Stroll down one of Saigon’s most historic Chinese-Vietnamese streets, where hundreds of herbal shops sell:
dried roots & medicinal herbs
traditional incense
essential oils
herbal tonics
Learn how residents use herbs for healing, balance, and spiritual offerings.
This street is incredibly photogenic with its colorful displays and old shopfronts.
Highlights:
Local herbal pharmacies
Incense bundles (perfect for photos)
Guide explains meaning of each herb

3
Stop 3

Enter the majestic Thien Hau Temple, more than 250 years old, dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
Marvel at the ancient incense coils hanging from the ceiling, intricate carvings, and the smoky spiritual atmosphere.
You’ll witness locals praying for health, protection, and safe travels.
Highlights:
Spiral incense coils
Ancient Chinese architecture
Cultural & spiritual storytelling

4

Visit the iconic monument of Thích Quảng Đức, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 to protest religious inequality.
Your guide will share powerful stories about Buddhist compassion, sacrifice, and Vietnam’s modern history.
Highlights:
Important historical landmark
Emotional storytelling
Photography-friendly statue & mural

5

Dive into one of Saigon’s most authentic local markets.
Explore fresh produce, tofu stalls, spices, flowers, street snacks, and daily kitchen life of local families.
Highlights:
Real Saigon daily life
Street food & fresh ingredients
Vibrant market photography

6

A colorful oasis filled with lotus, orchids, sunflowers, and fresh floral bouquets.
Walk through alleys that smell like jasmine & tropical blossoms.
This spot is loved by photographers and cultural travelers.
Highlights:
Most colorful market in the city
Endless photo opportunities
Friendly flower vendors

7
Stop 7

Explore the mystical Jade Emperor Pagoda, famous for its statues, sacred altars, and symbolism.
You’ll learn about Taoist & Buddhist beliefs, how locals pray for love, fertility, luck, and protection.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama visited this pagoda in 2016.
Highlights:
Historical architecture
Sacred Taoist statues
Famous “Obama pagoda”

8

Finish the tour at a charming local coffee shop where you can try:
Cà phê vợt (old-school sock filter coffee)
Cà phê phin (Vietnamese drip coffee)
Or coconut coffee
Your guide explains Saigon coffee culture and why locals spend hours in coffee shops connecting with friends and family.
Highlights:
Coffee tasting
Learn brewing styles
Local lifestyle atmosphere

What's not included

Personal Expenses
Tips

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.

Top Attractions

War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Cu Chi Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Historical Half-day tour Moderate (tour prices vary)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Ben Thanh Market

One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.

Observation Deck 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels Boat tours in the Mekong Delta Beach relaxation in Vung Tau Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum Exploring local markets and temples

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Vietnamese
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Bargain for better prices at markets

Getting there

By air
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center
By train

Saigon Railway Station

By bus

Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District 1 District 3 District 5 (Chinatown) District 7 Phu Nhuan District

Day trips

Mekong Delta
130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cu Chi Tunnels
60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Vung Tau
120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
  • Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
  • Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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