22 Aug 2025
(Solo traveler) The best way to quick start your tour when new to a country is a food tour. Better still, on a motorbike.
I arrived at the hotel 1 hour before the tour due to flight delay and was still in hyper anxious mood. My guide for the evening was Kim. Before we started, we discussed about my diet preference. For me, not a fan of vegetables and onions. She discussed a few options with me and we went on our way!
The journey was engaging, giving a quick briefing of some of the landmarks as we passed by. Every place we went to, she took care in informing the food vendor of my preference. Though the last stop had some onions in, she asked if I needed it removed but I decided to give it a try. And I love it.
We also went by foot on a few places passing by the flower market and street food market. Once again her interaction kept the tour interesting and engaging.
The entire tour exceeded the time a little. However she was not once hurrying me off a stop and the ride was smooth and safe. And did I mention she speaks good English?
I usually travel and explore on my own, not a tour package guy. But this tour did accelerate my understanding of HCMC and gets me excited for the next day. I will be back with my spouse next year. And I have to bring her for this tour.