Jumping Chicken and Vintage Vespas

Some travel stories just stick with you, and this one from Asia Dreaming is one of our favorites. It captures the spirit of adventure, the charm of riding Vespa scooters, and the unexpected surprises that make every journey in Vietnam unforgettable. The original post, which you can read in full here, paints a vivid picture of the experience, and we wanted to highlight the incredible moments from their vintage Vespa tour.

It all started with an evening ride through Saigon’s bustling streets. The hum of scooters filled the air, neon signs flickered overhead, and the city pulsed with an energy that’s both thrilling and chaotic. The group joined Saigon After Dark —one of the most exciting things to do in Vietnam for foodies and nightlife lovers alike. The tour kicked off with a welcome drink, where fellow travelers gathered, exchanging stories of their journeys before hopping onto their classic Vespas.

What makes riding a vintage Vespa in Saigon so special is the way you become part of the rhythm of the city. The blog post describes it as “some kind of motorized ballet,” with riders effortlessly weaving through the organized chaos of the streets. Unlike cars or buses, scooters put you right in the heart of the action, allowing you to take in the city’s vibrancy with all your senses. The smell of street food sizzling on charcoal grills, the chatter of locals on plastic stools, and the cool breeze as you glide past historic buildings—it’s an experience like no other.

One of the highlights of the tour was a stop at a hidden eatery, where the group was introduced to a Saigon delicacy: “jumping chicken.” A dish as theatrical as its name, it was presented sizzling and crispy, full of flavors that delighted and surprised. The author of the blog post marveled at how food in Vietnam isn’t just about taste—it’s about experience. From tiny alleyway stalls to vibrant night markets, every bite tells a story of tradition and passion.

As the night progressed, the riders made their way through Saigon’s contrasting neighborhoods—from the glowing skyscrapers of District 1 to the dimly lit, nostalgia-soaked streets of Chinatown. Every turn on their Vespa scootersrevealed a different side of the city. The group also stopped by a rooftop bar, where they enjoyed panoramic views of the skyline, a stark contrast to the street-level chaos they had just navigated. This moment of calm, overlooking the endless motion of the city below, was the perfect way to soak in the beauty of Saigon at night.

The final stop of the tour brought them to a live music café, where the soft strumming of a guitar and the soulful voice of a local singer created a magical ambiance. Sharing drinks and laughter with newfound friends, it became clear why travelers love exploring Vietnam this way. It’s not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the pulse of the city, connecting with its people, and immersing yourself in a way that few experiences can match.

The beauty of Saigon After Dark is that it takes you beyond the usual tourist spots and into the heart of the city’s nightlife. Whether it’s tasting a dish you’ve never heard of, discovering a bar hidden behind an unmarked door, or cruising the streets with the hum of a vintage Vespa beneath you, it’s the kind of adventure that lingers in your memory long after the trip ends.

If this story has you dreaming of your own Vespa scooters adventure, you can check out Our Vespa Tours in Vietnam and see why so many travelers fall in love with the open-road freedom that only a vintage Vespa can offer. And if you want to dive deeper into the original tale, be sure to read the full post here.