There is a particular thrill in watching a city’s evening unfold from the back of a motorbike. This street food tour, titled as a Can Tho tour on the back of a bike, takes you between food stops in the company of a local rider-guide, covering more ground than a walking tour and reaching neighbourhood stalls that sit away from the riverfront. Riding gives you a sense of the city’s scale and rhythm: the crowded lanes, the neon signs, the families outside shops, the smell of grills. The guide takes care of navigation and ordering, and the pace is relaxed, with plenty of time at each stop. Typical foods include noodle soups, grilled meat, seafood, savoury crepes and desserts, and the order is chosen to give you contrast. The experience is especially popular with travellers who like to see the city in motion and who are comfortable on two wheels as passengers. Safety is taken seriously by reputable operators, who provide helmets and keep speeds moderate. For anyone nervous about traffic, a walking food tour may be a better fit.
How it works
The tour is guided, and you ride as a passenger on the back of a scooter or motorbike driven by a local guide. Helmets should be provided, and you should check that the operator confirms insurance and experience of its riders. Tastings are normally included, but ask exactly what the price covers. The tour usually starts in the late afternoon or evening, from your hotel or a central meeting point.
What to expect
The ride between stops is short, typically a few minutes at a time, so you spend more time eating than riding. Stops may include a family stall where the same recipe has been served for decades, a seafood grill beside a canal, a dessert shop and a coffee stand. The guide explains each dish and the local etiquette, such as how to wrap herbs and dip rolls.
Traffic in Vietnamese cities can look chaotic, but its flow is predictable once you ride in it, and the pillion seat is surprisingly comfortable. Wear closed shoes, trousers or a long skirt that will not catch, and keep bags secured across your body.
Making the most of it
Tell the guide about food allergies and spice tolerance before you start, and drink water between stops. If you wear glasses, a strap helps them stay put. Avoid dangling items and loose scarves. Keep your hands and feet still while riding, lean with the bike on bends, and hold on to the grab rail or the guide’s shoulders if that feels comfortable.
The tour is not suitable for very young children, pregnant travellers or anyone with mobility issues. If you prefer to keep both feet on the ground, choose the walking tour instead.
Either way, plan to finish hungry for dessert, because the best sweet stops are often at the end of the evening. If rain falls, ask whether the operator provides ponchos, and whether the route is shortened, since wet roads call for slower riding and fewer stops. Keep your phone secure in a zipped pocket, and agree a signal with the guide for stopping if you feel uncomfortable at any point. A good operator will welcome the question and make the ride easier for everyone.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening street food tour as a pillion passenger with a local rider.
Best time
Evening, from late afternoon into night.
How long
Around three hours.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and long trousers, use the helmet provided and tell the guide about allergies.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Confident travellers who want to cover more of the city than a walking tour allows.
- Families
- Best for teenagers; not suitable for small children.
- Couples
- A fun and slightly adventurous evening.
- Pair with
- A morning boat tour the next day.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
Is the motorbike tour safe?+
Reputable operators provide helmets and ride at moderate speeds. Ask about experience and insurance before booking.
Do I need to ride a motorbike?+
No. You are a passenger and a local guide drives.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes and long trousers or a skirt that will not catch, plus a bag you can secure.
Are drinks included?+
Tastings are normally included, but confirm what drinks are covered.
Who should avoid this tour?+
Very young children, pregnant travellers and anyone with mobility problems should choose a walking tour instead.
