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We just wrapped up a Saturday afternoon with our Pedal & Paddle: Saigon’s Sunset Adventure program, and it turned into one of those outings everyone keeps talking about. From a friendly meet-up by the river to cycling and paddling as the sky turned orange, every part of it felt lively and full of small surprises. Here’s a look back at how the day took shape.
Getting ready for the ride
After the success of Vietnam Adventure Cycling: Chapter One, we teamed up again with Exotrail to create another city escape on two wheels and a paddleboard. By early afternoon, Trạm Chèo was already alive with activity as crews checked bikes, set up paddleboards, and marked mission spots to keep the evening running smoothly.
Three guest captains brought their own energy. Ricky Sahni set a lively pace with quick wit and a knack for keeping everyone laughing. Thuong Vu (Samie) added a bright, playful humor that made every team challenge feel lighter. Feddy Pham balanced it all with a steady presence and calm encouragement that kept each group moving together.
The participants matched that spirit from the moment they arrived. They greeted one another like old friends, laughed through the briefings, and were ready to dive into every challenge. Their enthusiasm set the tone for a Ho Chi Minh cycling tour with SUP paddle that felt like a true Saigon outdoor adventure before the first pedal touched the path.
Cycling challenge in Thanh Da
With everyone ready, three teams rolled out of Trạm Chèo toward Thanh Da, a green peninsula of shady paths and quiet bends that felt far from the city center. The air smelled of river water and grass. Narrow lanes curved gently, giving riders room to settle into a steady rhythm and enjoy the view.
Each team followed a different route and tackled its own set of missions. One group raced playfully, another moved with calm focus, and the third mixed easy pedaling with bursts of laughter. A few riders got so caught up in the scenery that they drifted off course, but the captains’ clear guidance kept everyone on track.
The tasks called for more than strong legs. Teams cracked a quick Morse code, tried a blindfold fruit guess, and snapped photos for a playful challenge. By the time the last group returned, the light had softened and the river was ready for the next stage.
SUP Paddle on the Saigon River
Back at Trạm Chèo, everyone gathered for a clear, hands-on briefing. The crew showed how to balance, paddle, and turn until even first-timers felt ready. Boards waited along the dock, and once the last question was answered, the river was ours.
What came next felt more like an after-school game than a challenge. Teams zipped through the task, then stayed out to play. Boards spun, paddles slapped, water sprayed in small splash fights. A few tried wobbly tricks and tipped in on purpose. Others drifted quietly, letting the current pull them into the soft late-afternoon light. For a little while the Saigon River was less a route and more a wide playground of ripples and laughter.
Sunset party with local flavor
As the last boards came back to the dock, the mood shifted from action to easy relaxation. Tables filled with street-style snacks and chilled craft beer from Thơm Brewing waited on the riverside deck. Known for small-batch beers that use local ingredients, Thơm’s crisp pours were the perfect match for the soft evening air.
People settled onto low benches and steps by the water. Some leaned back with cold beers, others shared bites of savory treats while a soft breeze moved across the river. Conversations flowed from funny detours on the cycling routes to quiet moments on the paddle. A low playlist played in the background, adding a gentle rhythm to the night.
When the team results were read, the cheers were quick and warm. By then it felt like everyone had already won. Each guest left with a small gift bag featuring bean-to-bar chocolate from The Cocoa Project, a sweet ending to a day of bikes, boards and new connections.
Wrapping up the adventure
Saigon Pedal & Paddle ended as the river slipped into night, but the spirit of the day stays with us. Thanks to the careful preparation by Jackfruit Adventure and Exotrail, the spirited guest captains, the energetic participants and the support of Trạm Chèo, Thơm Brewing and The Cocoa Project, it became a Saturday gathering to remember.
If this kind of adventure calls to you, you can book the Pedal & Paddle: Saigon’s Sunset Adventure or follow Jackfruit Adventure to hear about the next outdoor experience. Each event is different, and we would love to see you there.
