Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

City: Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by most locals, is Vietnam’s commercial engine and its most restless city. The official name reflects the post-war era, but “Saigon” survives in daily speech, signage, food culture, and attitude, signaling a place that moves forward fast without fully letting go of its past. French colonial architecture sits beside glass towers, temples sit down alleys behind cafés, and history is never abstract here—it’s visible, documented, and still openly discussed.

Life in Saigon runs loud, hot, and outward-facing. Motorbikes dominate the streets, meals spill onto sidewalks, and the city’s social life is built around food, coffee, and late nights rather than formal schedules. People eat often and cheaply, meet casually, and stay out late, whether that means plastic stools and beer, rooftop views, or clubs that don’t really get going until after midnight. The pace can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also forgiving; there’s always another café to duck into, another park or river walk to slow things down.

For travelers and long-term visitors alike, Saigon rewards curiosity more than checklists, so heed this guide as more of a jumping-off point than a fixed itinerary. It’s not a city of singular landmarks so much as overlapping routines: morning coffee culture, afternoon heat, evening street food, and nights that stretch longer than planned. It’s pragmatic, social, and constantly in motion, a place where history, hustle, and everyday pleasure coexist without much ceremony.

Official Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND)
Official Language: Vietnamese
English Proficiency: Widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and by younger locals; less common in traditional markets or older neighborhoods.
Visa & Vaccine Requirements: E-visa available for many nationalities; no vaccines required, though routine ones like hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended.
Climate: Tropical – hot and humid year-round with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for dry, cooler conditions and outdoor exploration

Costs (1–10)
Flights: 7 – Major international hub with reasonable regional fares; long-haul flights can be pricier
Lodging: 3 – Excellent variety from budget hostels to boutique hotels and high-end towers
Food: 2 – Street food and local restaurants are extremely cheap and widely available
Overall Price Rating: 4 – Big city options at very affordable prices

Local Highlights
Iconic Foods: Phở Sài Gòn (southern-style pho), Bánh mì (baguette sandwich), Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodle bowl), Bánh xèo (crispy savory pancake), Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), Hủ tiếu (southern noodle soup), Bò lúc lắc (shaken beef), Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk), Cà phê trứng (egg coffee)
Famous Sites: War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Cu Chi Tunnels

Known For: Bustling Street Food Scene, French Colonial Architecture, War History, Rooftop Bars, Motorbike Culture, Vibrant Nightlife, Temples and Pagodas, Mekong Delta Access

Restaurants:

  • Anan Saigon ($$$) – Chef Peter Cuong Franklin’s modern Vietnamese restaurant set inside a former wet market near Ben Thanh Market. Go for the bun cha made famous by Obama, the banh xèo taco, and one of the city’s most influential takes on contemporary Vietnamese cooking.

  • Bánh Mì 37 Nguyen Trai ($) – No-frills late-night legend in District 1, known for charcoal-grilled pork banh mi that’s smoky, messy, and worth the wait. Go after dark, stand on the sidewalk, and eat it hot.

  • Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa ($) – The heavyweight banh mi stop in District 1, famous for absurdly overstuffed sandwiches packed with cold cuts, pâté, and butter-rich bread. It’s not subtle or cheap, but if you want to understand the city’s banh mi obsession in one bite, this is the place.

  • Bún Mọc Thanh Mai ($) – Famous for its northern-style bun moc (pork meatball noodle soup) with a rich, flavorful broth.

  • Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Thông ($) – A busy local favorite serving bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli) with crispy spring rolls. the kind of everyday lunch spot you circle back to because it never misses.

  • Bún Bò Huế Đông Ba ($$) – One of Saigon’s most trusted spots for the spicy, lemongrass-heavy noodle soup done the central Vietnam way, rich broth, thick noodles, no shortcuts.

  • Chay Garden ($$) – Tranquil vegetarian restaurant with creative, beautifully plated plant-based Vietnamese dishes.

  • Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền ($$) – Legendary michelin listed spot famous for its massive charcoal-grilled pork chop served over broken rice with all the classic fixings.

  • Cục Gạch Quán ($$) – Cozy, home-style restaurant in a restored French villa known for clay-pot dishes and recipes rooted in southern family cooking.

  • Dim Tu Tac ($$$) – One of the city's best spots for dim sum, serving Cantonese-style dumplings, roasted duck, and seafood with polished dining rooms in District 1 and Landmark 81.

  • El Gaucho ($$$) – A polished Argentine steakhouse with a prime riverside location in District 1, known for premium cuts of meat, strong cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. It’s a reliable splurge when you want a break from Vietnamese food without sacrificing quality or atmosphere.

  • Hoa Túc ($$$) – Contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish colonial-era opium refinery, with standout dishes like tamarind duck.

  • Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Nhân Quán ($$) – a long-running local shop known for Phnom Penh–style hủ tiếu with a clear, pork-and-shrimp broth and generous toppings. It’s a reliable stop when you want something lighter but deeply comforting, especially late in the day.

  • Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc Mỹ Tho ($) – Just south of Saigon in Tien Giang, Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc Mỹ Tho specializes in authentic hu tieu from the Mekong Delta, known for its clear pork broth and delicious, chewy noodles. It’s a straightforward, locals-first spot that shows how regional noodle traditions travel into Saigon. 

  • Phố Nướng JOKUL ($$) – A lively open-air grilling spot in central Saigon known for tables packed with sizzling seafood, skewers, and cold beer late into the night. It’s loud, social, and built for groups, the kind of place you end up at when the night isn’t ready to end yet.

  • L’Usine ($$) – Chic café-meets-boutique with French-Vietnamese fusion dishes, artisanal coffee, and a trendy ambiance.

  • Lẩu Cá Kèo Bà Huyện ($$) –  A longtime local favorite known for its sour, herb-packed hot pot built around snakehead fish, a southern specialty that’s hard to find done right. It’s casual and focused, the kind of place you go specifically for the dish and nothing else.

  • Lẩu Mắm Bà Dú ($$) – The go-to spot for Lẩu Mắm – Mekong Delta–style fermented fish hot pot, famous for its deep, funky broth loaded with seafood, pork, and a mountain of herbs and vegetables. It’s unapologetically intense and best tackled with friends who want to understand the bolder side of southern Vietnamese cooking.

  • Nhà Hàng Ngon ($$) – A great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, serving a variety of regional street food dishes in an elegant setting. A sprawling, colonial-style restaurant near Reunification Palace that gathers regional Vietnamese dishes from across the country under one roof. It’s tourist-friendly but well executed, a smart move when you want breadth, air-conditioning, and reliable versions of the classics.

  • Ốc Đào ($$) – Beloved local seafood spot in District 1 serving fresh snails, clams, and shellfish in different Vietnamese-style sauces.

  • Phở Hòa Pasteur ($$) – One of the city’s most famous pho restaurants, known for its rich, aromatic broth. It’s been serving generations from the same Pasteur Street location, the benchmark stop when you want to understand phở in the southern style.

  • Phở Lệ ($) – A long-running local favorite in District 5 known for its rich, slightly sweeter southern-style beef broth and generous cuts of meat. Famous for its rich and flavorful southern-style pho with tender beef slices and fragrant broth.

  • Quán Ốc A Sòi ($$) – Local seafood joint specializing in ốc (Vietnamese-style snails) and shellfish.

  • Quán Cơm Gà Xối Mỡ Su Su ($) – District 1 street stall serving Crispy fried chicken with aromatic rice, a go-to quick comfort meal for locals.

  • Quán Út Cà Mau ($$) – Best place in town for Cà Mau-style crab, served in garlic butter or tamarind sauce.

  • Secret Garden ($$) – Hidden rooftop restaurant serving home-style southern Vietnamese dishes in a quiet, plant-filled courtyard setting above the chaos of downtown Saigon. It’s known as much for the calm, nostalgic atmosphere as the food; a good reset when you want peace, quiet, and a slower paced meal.

  • Vĩnh Khánh Food Street ($) – A seafood lover's paradise with dozens of street vendors selling grilled oysters, clams, and shrimp. Vĩnh Khánh Street is Saigon’s go-to strip for late-night seafood, famous for endless snail spots, sizzling grills, and cold beer flowing curbside. Come hungry, order too much, and settle in, this is where the city eats after dark.

  • TukTuk Thai Bistro ($$) – Authentic Thai dishes with a stylish, modern twist, great for curries and som tum.

  • Xôi Gà Number One ($) – Street food cart with only two dishes on the menu: xôi gà (sticky chicken rice with egg, chicken offal and gravy) and xôi bắp (sticky sweet corn rice with sugar and lard). Both done up to perfection (obviously), and best enjoyed sitting on the sidewalk on the famous red plastic stools.

  • Bánh Xèo 46A ($) – One of Saigon’s most famous bánh xèo spots, known for large, crackling rice pancakes stuffed with shrimp and pork, cooked over open flames. It’s loud, smoky, and beloved by both locals and tourists alike. The benchmark for bánh xèo in the city.

  • Phở Phú Vương ($) – A respected local favorite for southern-style beef phở with a deeply savory, well-balanced broth and quality cuts of meat. Often cited by locals as a reference point when the phở conversation gets serious.

  • Phở Minh (Phở Tàu Bay) ($) – An old-school institution serving northern-style phở with a cleaner, lighter broth. No frills, small menu, and decades of consistency that loyal regulars swear by.

  • Hồ Thị Kỷ Food Street ($) – One of Saigon’s best night food streets, packed with vendors selling seafood, snacks, desserts, and regional dishes well into the evening. It’s busy, chaotic, and deeply local. Best explored on foot.

  • Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street Food Area ($) – A dense stretch of street food stalls known for bánh tráng trộn, grilled snacks, sweets, and casual grazing. More neighborhood-driven than tourist-focused, and a favorite for late-afternoon to nighttime eating.

  • The Deck Saigon ($$$) – A calm, upscale riverside restaurant known for refined international cuisine and one of the city’s most peaceful dining settings. Best at sunset, when the river slows down and the bustle of the city feels more distant

  • Boat House Bistro ($$) – A relaxed riverside spot popular for brunch, casual meals, and sunset drinks with open views of the Saigon River. Less formal than The Deck, with an easygoing, social atmosphere that works any time of day.

  • Café Apartments (Nguyễn Huệ) ($–$$) – A converted apartment building filled with independent cafés, dessert shops, and boutiques overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Less about one specific spot and more about wandering, people-watching, and sampling Saigon’s modern coffee culture.

  • Cộng Cà Phê ($) – A widely recognized Vietnamese coffee chain known for its retro war aesthetic and strong cà phê sữa đá. Not a hidden gem, but culturally significant and consistently reliable for a quick, atmospheric coffee stop.

  • Little Hanoi Egg Coffee ($) – A dependable spot for cà phê trứng in Saigon, serving the creamy, custard-like northern specialty without any added frills. A good introduction if you want to try egg coffee without hunting for obscure stalls.

  • Quince Saigon ($$$) – Chef Julien Perraudin’s Michelin-recognized modern Vietnamese restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and clean, contemporary presentations. Polished but approachable, bridging traditional flavors and modern technique without overcomplication.

  • Vietnam House ($$$) – Chef Luke Nguyen’s flagship Vietnamese restaurant offering refined versions of classic dishes in an elegant colonial-era setting. Centrally located and consistently executed.

  • Ốc Oanh ($$) – One of Saigon’s most famous snail restaurants. Known for generous portions, bold sauces, and a buzzing, beer-fueled atmosphere. Loud, social, and ideal for groups who want to lean into the city’s ốc culture.

  • Hủ Tiếu Thanh Xuân ($$) – A long-running favorite for Nam Vang-style hủ tiếu with clear broth, springy noodles, and abundant pork and seafood toppings. Reliable, comforting, and frequently recommended by locals who take this dish seriously.

  • Bò Tơ Tây Ninh ($$) – Casual restaurants specializing in tender young beef from Tây Ninh, served grilled, stir-fried, or in hot plates similar to bò lúc lắc.

  • Bình Tây Market ($) – The main market of Chợ Lớn, known for Chinese-Vietnamese ingredients and cooked food stalls tucked among wholesale vendors. Less touristy than Ben Thanh and better for seeing everyday commerce and eating like a local.

  • Tân Định Market ($) – A neighborhood market with respected cooked-food counters serving traditional southern dishes. Popular with locals for breakfast and lunch, and a solid alternative to more crowded central markets.

  • Cheo Leo Café ($) – A classic, no-frills Saigon coffee shop known for strong traditional brews and a loyal local following. It’s more about ritual than aesthetics, the kind of place that shows how coffee fits into daily life here.

  • Oasis Cafe ($$) – Long-running, expat-friendly cafe built around lush gardens, koi ponds with booth seating set directly over the water, and winding stone paths that give the place a jungle-like feel. The food leans Western with some Vietnamese staples, but the real draw is the serene, almost surreal setting that feels far removed from the surrounding city.

Nightlife:

  • Apocalypse Now – Long-running late-night institution known for loud music, cheap drinks, and a mixed crowd that skews backpackers, expats, and night-owls. It stays open later than almost anywhere else in the city, making it the default stop when everything else has already shut down.

  • Broma: Not a Bar – Sleek rooftop cocktail bar known for strong drinks, DJ nights, and skyline views over the river. It’s a polished social spot that works best after dark, when the music picks up and the crowd leans dressed up rather than messed up.

  • Chill Skybar – Upscale District 1 rooftop bar built for sunset views, a daily happy hour, and live DJ’s. They do food too, so it works as dinner and drinks before you decide whether you’re calling it or keeping it going. Dress code enforced.

  • Lost & Found – Laid-back hidden speakeasy known for creative house drinks, a relaxed crowd, and a come-as-you-are vibe that leans more conversation than chaos. It’s a good early-to-mid-evening stop when you want thoughtful cocktails without the rooftop gloss or club energy.

  • Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – With multiple locations in Saigon, Pasteur Street Brewing Co. taprooms are central to Saigon’s craft beer scene. Known for creative Vietnamese ingredient-driven beers like jasmine IPA and passionfruit wheat. They’re casual, social spots best for early evening sessions, often with food on hand or nearby.

  • Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar – While technically not ON a roof, Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is a classic hotel bar on the 10th floor of the Caravelle, known for live music, old-school cocktails, and a front-row view of downtown’s skyline. It skews more relaxed than flashy, best for sunset or early evening when you want a slower pace before the night ramps up elsewhere.

  • The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen – A speakeasy-style spot tucked behind an unmarked alley entrance, known for well-executed craft cocktails and a small but solid food menu. It’s dim, intimate, and rife with the hum of conversation and jazz.

  • Zion Sky Lounge & Dining – Riverside rooftop with DJs, skyline views, and a full kitchen, making it one of the few places that works for dinner, drinks, and a late night in one stop. The crowd skews dressed-up and social, especially after sunset.

  • Snuffbox Saigon – Discreet, dimly lit lounge with DJs and a strong insider feel. Sexy, quiet, and intentional, it’s a place people seek out rather than stumble into.

  • Qui Lounge – A long-running Saigon staple that still pulls a stylish local crowd. Expect DJs, cocktails, and a polished, social atmosphere that stays lively well into the night.

  • Sax n’ Art Jazz Club – The city’s most established jazz venue, built for focused listening in a candlelit, intimate room. Known for respected musicians and a crowd that’s there for the music, not background noise.

  • Canalis Club – High-energy late-night club known for hip hop and open-format DJs instead of EDM. Loud, packed, and built for dancing, especially after midnight.

  • Layla Eatery & Bar – Relaxed courtyard bar combining DJs, cocktails, and a solid food menu. Leans social rather than chaotic, making it a strong early-to-mid-evening stop.

  • Heart of Darkness Brewery – Lively craft brewery with bold beers, busy taprooms, and real nighttime momentum. Feels more like a night out than a quick pint, especially on weekends.

  • Air360 Sky Lounge – Sleek rooftop with wide city views and DJ-led evenings that ease from sunset into night. Polished and scenic, better for lingering than full-on partying.

  • Lush Nightclub – One of Saigon’s longest-running clubs, known for hip hop, open-format sets, and consistently packed nights. Straightforward, reliable party energy.

  • BiaCraft Artisan Ales – Social craft beer bar with food, rotating taps, and an easygoing crowd that sticks around. Works well as a starting point or a last stop.

  • Blank Lounge (Landmark 81) – Modern lounge inside Vietnam’s tallest building, delivering dramatic views, DJs, and a polished crowd. More about spectacle and setting than intimacy

  • Vĩnh Khánh Street – Saigon’s most iconic late-night open-air drinking strip, where seafood restaurants turn into full-blown nightlife with plastic stools, beer towers, and nonstop energy. Loud, social, and food-first, this is where nights stretch on without needing a club.

  • East West Brewing Co. – Large, open brewery space known for well-made craft beer, a full food menu, and a crowd that treats it as a night out rather than a quick pint. More relaxed than a club, but lively enough to anchor an evening.

  • 7 Bridges Brewing Taproom – Casual, social taproom focused on easy-drinking craft beer and food that keeps people around. Less rowdy than East West, but popular for long sessions and group hangs.

  • Landmark 81 open-air beer spots – A cluster of polished outdoor bars and beer gardens at the base of Vietnam’s tallest building, mixing open space, skyline views, and food-forward drinking. Feels upscale by Saigon standards while still staying casual and social at night.

Nature:

  • Binh Quoi Tourist Village – A peaceful getaway located on the Thanh Da Peninsula on the Saigon River with traditional Vietnamese countryside vibes. Known for peaceful gardens, wooden walkways, and nostalgic countryside atmosphere. Perfect for riverside eating and relaxing. 

  • Can Gio Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO-recognized wetland ecosystem south of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its mangrove forests, wildlife, and river canals. It’s a full day trip that feels far removed from the city, but one of the closest ways to experience real nature without straying too far from the metro area.

  • Củ Chi Wildlife Rescue Station – Conservation-focused animal rescue and rehabilitation center near Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to protecting native species affected by the illegal wildlife trade. It’s a quiet, educational stop best for travelers interested in conservation rather than spectacle, and it requires planning ahead to visit.

  • Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO-recognized protected forest area near Ho Chi Minh City, known for dense jungle, rivers, and serious wildlife. It’s home to birds, primates, deer, and reptiles, with occasional sightings of elephants in protected zones, and is best suited for guided visits or multi-hour day trips rather than casual sightseeing. One of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves. Home to rare species like gibbons and hornbills.

  • Saigon River Cruise – Saigon River cruises operate in Ho Chi Minh City and offer a slow, scenic look at the city from the water, passing colonial landmarks, modern skylines, and quieter riverbanks. Options range from short sightseeing loops to sunset and dinner cruises, best in the evening when the heat drops and the city lights come on.

  • Mekong Delta (Access from Saigon) – While not part of Ho Chi Minh City itself, the Mekong Delta is one of Saigon’s most accessible and defining nearby escapes, reachable in roughly 2–4 hours depending on destination. Known for its rivers, canals, fruit orchards, villages, and floating-market culture, it offers a sharp contrast to city life. Best approached as a guided day trip or overnight stay, it’s where Saigon’s relationship to the wider southern landscape really comes into focus.

  • Tao Dan Park – a central green space in Ho Chi Minh City known for shaded walking paths, old trees, and a slower local rhythm amid the surrounding traffic. Popular for morning exercise, tai chi, peaceful walks, and bird-watching.

  • Thao Dien Riverside Area – A trendy, green neighborhood along the Saigon River, known for cafés, outdoor dining, and a slower pace than central districts. Popular with expats and families, it’s a good place to walk, eat riverside, and take a breather from downtown traffic.

  • Vam Sat Ecotourism Area – part of the Cần Giờ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Ho Chi Minh City, known for dense mangrove forests and wildlife like crocodiles, bats, monkeys, and birdlife. It’s a structured day trip with boat rides, wildlife viewing, and nature-focused activities, all within a few hours of the city.

  • Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens – One of the city’s oldest green spaces combining mature trees, shaded paths, and a functioning zoo with animals like elephants, big cats, primates, and birds. Some of the animal enclosures and exhibits are a bit sad, so proceed with that in mind. It’s imperfect, but historically important, and still one of the few places in central Saigon where you can walk under dense canopy.

  • Gia Định Park – Large park near the airport with wide lawns, big trees, and constant community activity. Popular for jogging, picnics, and evening walks, and far calmer than central parks despite its size.

  • Vinhomes Central Park – Modern riverside park along the Saigon River with walking paths, lawns, and skyline views anchored by Landmark 81. Feels more manicured than traditional parks, but offers real breathing room and long river walks within the city.

  • Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal Greenway – A long tree-lined, canal-side walking and cycling corridor cutting through multiple districts. Best early morning or evening.

  • September 23 Park – Central linear park near Bui Vien with open lawns and pedestrian paths. More functional than scenic, but useful as a green buffer in one of the city’s busiest zones.

  • Le Van Tam Park – Smaller neighborhood park with shaded paths and a steady local crowd. Often used for walking, exercise, and quiet breaks rather than sightseeing.

  • Thanh Da Peninsula (general area) – A quieter, semi-rural peninsula jutting into the Saigon River with local eateries, greenery, and slower roads. Less polished than Thao Dien, but more atmospheric and still a mostly local presence.

  • Can Gio Beach – A muddy, windswept beach near Ho Chi Minh City, better for fresh air and seafood than swimming. Not a postcard beach, but notable for being the city’s closest coastline and tied closely to the mangrove ecosystem.

  • Tri An Lake – Large freshwater lake near Ho Chi Minh City surrounded by forest, popular for camping, boating, and birdlife. Less developed than coastal areas and best suited for overnight trips or long day escapes.

  • Công Viên Bờ Sông Sài Gòn – A newer riverside park stretching along the Saigon River with walking paths, open lawns, and clear skyline views. Popular in the evenings for strolling, jogging, and catching sunset, it’s a straightforward, modern green space that offers room to breathe.

Other:

  • Ben Thanh Market – One of Saigon’s most recognizable landmarks, known for souvenirs, street food stalls, and the nonstop flow of locals and tourists from morning to night. It’s hectic and heavily touristed, but still worth a walk-through for atmosphere, quick bites, and a sense of the city’s commercial heartbeat.

  • Bitexco Financial Tower – Was Vietnam’s tallest building when it opened in 2010 (Surpassed by Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower in 2011) and remains one of Saigon’s most distinctive skyline landmarks, known for its lotus-inspired design and dramatic helipad. It features a public Skydeck with city views, though many travelers are just as happy admiring it from the street or nearby rooftop bars.

  • Cholon (Chinatown) – Historic district centered around District 5, known for its Chinese temples, traditional medicine shops, and wholesale markets that have anchored the area for centuries. It’s worth visiting for spots like Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple, offering a very different rhythm from central Saigon.

  • Củ Chi Tunnels – Vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, offering a stark look at guerrilla warfare just outside Ho Chi Minh City. The site includes preserved tunnels, exhibits, tours, and demonstrations, making it one of the city’s most visited and historically significant day trips.

  • Independence Palace – Independence Palace is a preserved Cold War era landmark best known as the site where the Vietnam War effectively ended in 1975. Now a museum, visitors can walk through intact meeting rooms, war command bunkers, and period interiors that offer a clear snapshot of South Vietnam’s final years.

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda – Built in the early 1900s and known for its incense-filled halls, carved deities, and Taoist iconography. It’s still an active place of worship, worth a quiet visit for contrast with the city outside and its layered spiritual symbolism.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – French colonial era church built in the late 1800s using materials imported from France. Set in the heart of the city near the Central Post Office, it remains one of Saigon’s most recognizable landmarks, even when interior access is limited due to restoration.

  • Saigon Central Post Office – Beautifully preserved French colonial landmark built in the late 1800s, designed by architect Alfred Foulhoux and often mistakenly credited to Gustave Eiffel. It’s still a working post office, worth stepping inside for the vaulted ceilings, old maps, and a glimpse of Saigon’s colonial-era infrastructure.

  • War Remnants Museum – One of Saigon’s most powerful and sobering stops, documenting the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and firsthand accounts. It’s heavy but essential, offering context that’s difficult, unfiltered, and central to understanding the country’s modern history.

  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Pedestrian boulevard in the city center that functions as Saigon’s living room at night. Packed with locals, performers, cafés, and people watching. Best after sunset, when the city’s social energy spills into the street.

  • Binh Tay Market – Massive wholesale market in Cholon serving as the commercial heart of the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. Less touristy than Ben Thanh and more revealing of how the city actually buys, sells, and eats.

  • Saigon Opera House – Elegant French-colonial theater hosting ballet, concerts, and cultural performances. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a key architectural anchor.

  • Fine Arts Museum – One of the city’s most beautiful buildings, showcasing Vietnamese fine art inside a weathered colonial mansion. Worth visiting as much for the space as the collection.

  • Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – The city’s largest wholesale flower market, especially atmospheric late at night or early morning.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street – Backpacker-heavy but culturally unavoidable nightlife corridor.

  • Snow Town Saigon – Indoor snow park inside a mall, popular with locals for the novelty of winter sports in a tropical city. Strange, artificial, and oddly memorable.