Slum Tour by Motorbike
- Go beyond the touristy areas of Ho Chi Minh to see where old meets new, and discover the boundary between rich and poor
- Meet and make friends with the locals that live in the communities
- Take a motorbike around the local slum areas and observe the community's lifestyle
- Be safe in the hands of your friendly and professional drivers and guides all throughout the tour
- Embark on a unique tour that may just change your perspective on life as you know it
What to expect
A trip to the city slums may be an unusual way to spend your day, but this immersive half day tour to the less traveled roads of Ho Chi Minh will open your eyes to a different side of the bustling city. Choose between a morning or afternoon time slot, and take off from your hotel together with your guide and driver on a local motorbike. You'll first make your way around the busy city center before heading off to the nearby slums. There, you'll get the chance to fully observe the difference in lifestyle and conditions of those in the less developed communities, compared to those living in the urban areas as you go. Along the tour, you'll get to immerse yourself among locals living in the slums around and beyond the city, and see makeshift houses along the Saigon river and the floating market, as well as slum areas being built or torn down. Your last stop of the tour will find you at the charity food stall and see where the locals can purchase cheap meals at VND2,000. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a better understanding of the slum communities, and maybe even a broadened perspective on the way of life of the people that comprise it.






Reviews
Met my guide Varen outside my hotel and away we went. She showed me many different places outside what tourists usually see. Very informative and also a great driver. Very interesting to learn about "the other side" of Saigon and the huge economic gaps here. Learned a lot about the history of the area. Tour was around 3 hours (it was just me and my guide so we got around pretty quick) and included a stop off for a banh mi and iced coffee! Would definitely recommend this!!
We did a slum tour of Ho Chi Minh City with Mallorie and Kay, and honestly it was one of the best tours we’ve ever done. It gave us a real insight into the different lifestyles and realities of Vietnamese people in a way that felt respectful, eye-opening, and genuine. Mallorie and Kay were thoughtful, informative, and so easy to talk to throughout the experience. They shared personal stories, local knowledge, and answered all our questions openly, which made the tour feel much more personal than a standard tourist experience. It was an experience that really stayed with us and gave us a deeper appreciation and understanding of Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this slum tour! Our guide, Hana, was amazing, very detailed and informative. I learned a lot of things during the tour, and it even reminded me of my previous home. I also liked that the group was small, which made the experience more personal and comfortable. And the banh mi was the best I’ve had! Highly recommended experience. 🙏✨
The tour was amazing! The guide and the drivers was caring, polite. we saw a lot of places hidden from the tourists sight, it was really interesting, Bean told us a lot about the slums and the people. thank you!
The tour guide contacted me via WhatsApp the day before, and Tom (Peter) arrived promptly at the hotel to pick me up in the morning. He guided me through three slum areas, which he referred to as Land, Water, and Air, each with varying degrees of hardship. He has a deep understanding of these areas and has interviewed people in the community, making him very knowledgeable. The tour included a cup of coffee and Bún Bò (beef noodle soup). He was also able to answer all my questions about Vietnamese culture, helping me understand a lot. He's a fantastic guide, highly recommended!
The slum was a very interesting experience. Although walking through the slum was tense and I was hesitant to take pictures (the guide said not to take pictures inside homes or look inside homes for safety), it was interesting to see another side of the city. Later, we moved to the riverside to see the boats where people lived and the houses on the opposite bank, with a whole row of slums along the riverbank. I originally only saw one, but later, while moving, I saw a larger riverside slum cluster along another branch of the river from the bridge, so I was even more shocked by the scale. Finally, we arrived at Ho Chi Minh City's oldest apartment building, where we could see more of the lives of the locals. Overall, I think it was worth participating!
Danny and Sophie took great care if us and it was good to see the city on a bike. We did the 8am trip and so it was nice and cool. Highly recommend this 3 to 4 hour visit.
Very interesting Tour offside the main atteactions of HCM. We got an impressive how poor / normal people live. Great guide with a fantastic knowledge. I highly recomend this Tour
This morning I got up early and joined Bean for a slum tour, and what an amazing experience it was. The tour ran for roughly 4 hours, and from the moment I was picked up we were off scooting around the city exploring places I never would have found on my own. Beans English is excellent, and his knowledge of Vietnamese culture, daily life, and local history was incredible. Every question I asked was answered with enthusiasm and insight. He was cheerful, friendly, and an absolute pleasure to spend the morning with. We stopped for coffee by the river before finishing with a delicious pho lunch, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend Bean and his services to anyone wanting a unique and authentic experience. Definitely 10/10!
The Harlem tour was one of the most special experiences of this trip. It was incredibly impressive to directly experience the local culture and atmosphere, which would normally be difficult to access on my own. Thanks to the kind explanations and thoughtful consideration of our guides, Kalin, Sirah, and Jim, I was able to enjoy the tour even more safely and pleasantly. Thank you for creating such unforgettable and precious memories.
Good to know
Insider Tips:
- As you will be visiting some very local, residential areas, please show respect to the locals
- Ask your guide if it is appropriate to take photos before doing so
Contact us
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