Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, nestled along the Saigon River, is often regarded as the economic locomotive of Vietnam, featuring a modern urban landscape and bustling commercial streets. Yet beyond the skyscrapers lie charming alleyways, lush green parks, and colonial-era architecture. Together with the heartfelt hospitality of its people, these elements create a vibrant, multi-layered urban tapestry – an ideal backdrop for exploration, interaction, and team challenges, especially The Amazing Race program designed and organized by Exotic Vietnam.

This journey is crafted with flexibility in mind, offering various modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, vintage Vespas, metro, and public buses – making it suitable for a wide range of participant groups. Throughout the race, teams tackle a series of diverse challenges: decoding puzzles that connect “Old and New Saigon”, completing cultural and historical tasks, or engaging in creative, interactive activities.

The program not only emphasizes teamwork and strategic thinking but also allows participants to immerse themselves in local culture in a vivid and emotionally engaging way

Top 10 Exciting Destinations for The Amazing Race Saigon

Independence Palace – A Historic Witness of Saigon

• Activity: A historical decoding challenge: participants must uncover clues inside the former Cabinet Room and overcome intellectual obstacles based on key events from Vietnamese history – all within a set time limit.
• Meaning: As one of the most iconic landmarks of Saigon, the palace was once the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. It was here that the historic moment of April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War and national reunification, took place. The structure showcases a unique fusion of modernist architecture and traditional feng shui principles, designed by Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ.

Ben Thanh Market – The Living Pulse of Saigon, Past and Present

• Activity: A “market hunt” challenge: teams must purchase specific local specialties using the local dialect, negotiate prices, interact with vendors, and document the process via smartphone video.
• Meaning: Inaugurated in 1914, Ben Thanh Market is a commercial and cultural icon of Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City. Featuring classic French colonial architecture with its signature clock tower, the market represents the intersection of modern lifestyle and long-standing tradition, offering a rich array of southern Vietnamese products and street culture.

Mariamman Temple – A Touch of India in the Heart of Saigon

• Activity: Challenge participants to identify Hindu deities through statues, and play the “Who is right – Who is fast” game guided by the Indian community.
• Meaning: Built in the late 19th century by Tamil immigrants, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman – a symbol of protection, healing, and fertility. The temple stands out with its vibrant architecture and intricate carvings of various divine figures.

Giac Lam Pagoda – The Spiritual Landmark of Saigon

• Activity: Practice 5-minute meditation, listen to the temple bell, and solve riddles related to the Buddha statues inside the pagoda.
• Meaning: Constructed in 1744, it is considered the oldest pagoda in Saigon, housing 113 ancient Buddha statues. Its traditional “Three” shaped architecture, yin-yang tiled roof, and tranquil meditation space allow visitors to connect inwardly and explore Buddhism across different historical periods.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden – A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

• Activity: The “Green Treasure Hunt” game – teams receive clues related to characteristic plants and animals at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, then work together to find and document them with photos or answer questions about each symbol.
• Meaning: Established in 1864, it is one of the oldest operating zoos in the world. Not only a sanctuary for rare plants and animals, it is also an ecological education site and a place for community bonding.

Saigon Central Post Office – The East-West Cultural Intersection

• Activity: The “Send Your Memory” challenge: write postcards themed around old Saigon and send them through the actual postal system; learn about the architecture through the “heritage puzzle” game.
• Meaning: Built in the late 19th century by the French and designed by architect Gustave Eiffel, this building combines Gothic and Asian styles, featuring iron vaulted roofs and symbolic historical motifs.

Saigon Opera House – A Belle Époque Architectural Gem

• Activity: “Classic Character Challenge” – Teams will view images of iconic characters from world-renowned classical plays and must correctly identify their names. Examples include Hamlet (Hamlet), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Don Quixote, Carmen, and more. This game enhances observation skills, classical performing arts knowledge, and team coordination.
• Meaning: Completed in 1900, the Opera House was built in the French Belle Époque architectural style. As a major performing arts center, it stands as a cultural landmark, reflecting European elegance in the heart of a Southeast Asian city.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A Modern Pulse in the Heart of the City

• Activity: “Memory Match Challenge” – Teams work together to observe and accurately recall logos, brands, or iconic visuals displayed on surrounding buildings. This collective memory game tests observation, teamwork, and attention to urban detail.
• Meaning: Once a riverside wharf, Nguyen Hue is now the city’s central boulevard – a lively hub where modernity and tradition converge. It regularly hosts public festivals and community events, symbolizing the vibrant pace of Saigon life.

Binh Tay Market – A Heritage of Chinese Architecture

• Activity: “Name That Item” – A game where teams identify unusual or lesser-known goods sold at the market. Participants will also take on the challenge of spotting traditional architectural elements such as chimney-tiled roofs and the “feng shui layout” designed for prosperous trade.
• Meaning: Built in 1928 in the heart of Cho Lon (Saigon’s Chinatown), the market reflects a unique blend of Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. It remains a major trading hub for the Chinese community, featuring iconic elements like a central clock tower, curved roofs, and intricate reliefs.

Thien Hau Temple – Sacred Spirit of the Chinese Community

• Activity: Learn the legend of the Sea Goddess Thien Hau, participate in the “Wishing Ritual” following Chinese customs, and solve a “prayer scroll cipher” challenge.
• Meaning: This sacred 18th-century temple, built by the Chinese diaspora in Cho Lon, is dedicated to Thien Hau – the goddess who protects seafarers and travelers. It is renowned for its tranquil incense-filled atmosphere and exquisite ceramic sculptures, embodying centuries of spiritual heritage.

The Amazing Race Saigon – A Journey to Discover Identity and Culture

Designed by Exotic Vietnam, The Amazing Race Saigon offers more than just physical and team-based challenges – it’s an immersive journey into the vibrant pulse of urban life, cultural heritage, and modern rhythm of the city. Each task unveils a vivid and memorable experience:

• Spiritual and Historical Interaction: Visit iconic landmarks such as the the Notre Dame Cathedral, Giac Lam Pagoda, and Thien Hau Temple, where teams engage in both physical movement and cryptic challenges rooted in history – unlocking golden milestones in Saigon’s journey of growth.
• Iconic Landmarks of Saigon’s Architecture: At stops like the Central Post Office, the Opera House, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and more participants are guided to spot and identify architectural hallmarks such as arches, reliefs, and Gothic-style columns – gaining deeper insight into the city’s colonial past and urban identity.
• Authentic Urban Cuisine: Teams sample and help prepare iconic street foods like hủ tiếu gõ (noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette), cơm tấm (broken rice), and traditional sweet soups, guided by local vendors. The challenge includes communication, bargaining, and “closing the deal” swiftly – testing adaptability in real-life contexts.
• Community Interaction and Local Connection: By talking with market vendors, street sellers, and artisans at Ben Thanh or Binh Tay Market, players participate in real tasks -arranging merchandise, packaging goods, handing out flyers, or recording orders -creating meaningful, lively connections with everyday Saigon life.
• Discovering Local Products: Along the way, participants collect and identify “Made in Vietnam” items such as coffee, handicrafts, silk fabrics, and fish sauce. Through the challenge of brand-spotting and marking a product map, teams enhance their awareness of Vietnamese goods and foster pride in local consumption.

Exotic Vietnam’s Commitment to The Amazing Race Saigon

With over a decade of experience in event tourism, team building, and MICE, Exotic Vietnam is committed to delivering The Amazing Race Saigon not only as a professional and engaging program but also as one that is rich in cultural, humanistic, and practical values.

Our Core Commitments:

• Professional logistics & flexible operations: We ensure absolute safety throughout the race with suitable modes of transportation (bicycles, public buses, metro, etc.), an effective on-site support system, experienced facilitators, and fully integrated equipment – all aligned with high-quality event standards.
• Tailor-made designs aligned with corporate culture: Each program is uniquely crafted based on your company’s goals, industry, and internal culture. Whether the focus is on physical challenges, strategic problem-solving, team bonding, or external networking, all activities are designed to “strike the right chord and leave a lasting impact”.
• Authentic experiences with meaningful value: Each challenge is more than just a game – it’s a chance to learn, from local culture and spiritual heritage to the everyday life of Saigon’s residents. Every checkpoint fosters connection; every moment leaves a lasting emotional imprint.
• Genuine interactions – unscripted and organic: Exotic Vietnam prioritizes real, spontaneous interactions – not overly staged or dramatized. Activities unfold naturally in daily urban life, with real locals, allowing teams to truly immerse in the heartbeat of the city and its communities.
• Sustainability – Respecting heritage and the environment: Our program emphasizes the use of public transportation, minimizes plastic waste, promotes local consumption, and supports community livelihoods. Destinations are carefully selected based on eco-friendliness and cultural preservation.
• Cost-effective – High value for investment: Exotic Vietnam helps clients maximize their budget without compromising on quality. Our creativity in planning and use of local resources ensures cost savings while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

The Amazing Race Saigon is more than just a typical team building event – it’s a journey that delves into the essence of local identity, bonding teams through vibrant and authentic cultural experiences. Every challenge is a lesson; every memory, a meaningful legacy. Exotic Vietnam is your trusted partner in crafting team journeys that truly matter.