Long’s guidebook 2019 Apr
Opening 24/7 at the Ground floor of the Tresor building (next to Ap2 gate), 7-eleven store is a gift for our valued guests. You can have something for your breakfast, lunch an even dinner in there. Many things for your travelling around Ho Chi Minh city as well as other travelling.
18 locals recommend
7-Eleven The Tresor Bến Vân Đồn
39 Bến Vân ĐồnOpening 24/7 at the Ground floor of the Tresor building (next to Ap2 gate), 7-eleven store is a gift for our valued guests. You can have something for your breakfast, lunch an even dinner in there. Many things for your travelling around Ho Chi Minh city as well as other travelling.
The most famous traditional dish of Vietnam - Pho (Beef Rice Noodle) is must - try for any foreigners. Pho Bac locates very closed to the Tresor building, that serve you from 6.00 am. to 13.00 pm. Pho Bac serve only 1 size of bowl of Pho and you can hardly feel enough for your breakfast.
7 locals recommend
Phở Bắc 30
30 Nguyễn Trường TộThe most famous traditional dish of Vietnam - Pho (Beef Rice Noodle) is must - try for any foreigners. Pho Bac locates very closed to the Tresor building, that serve you from 6.00 am. to 13.00 pm. Pho Bac serve only 1 size of bowl of Pho and you can hardly feel enough for your breakfast.
This place is an affordable oasis from the hectic walking area outside, with 2 floors of beautiful decor and an abundant variety of food and beverage choices. The vibe is relaxed, with air con, good (& not-too-loud) music, above-mentioned amazing decor, and comfy, spacious seating.
Purchasing is easy: you are given a plastic card, then go wandering to find what you like. Order & they will swipe your card & give you a number. Find your seat (hopefully rather close by), and they will find you. When you finish, you present your card to the cashier, who will tally up your food bill for you to pay.
Meals are about 75,000 VND on average, and drinks in the range of about 45,000-50,000VND. Everything looked to be great quality, and our meals were tasty and fresh. Service was friendly and quick.
18 locals recommend
Cocochin Foodcourt
77 Nguyễn HuệThis place is an affordable oasis from the hectic walking area outside, with 2 floors of beautiful decor and an abundant variety of food and beverage choices. The vibe is relaxed, with air con, good (& not-too-loud) music, above-mentioned amazing decor, and comfy, spacious seating.
Purchasing is easy: you are given a plastic card, then go wandering to find what you like. Order & they will swipe your card & give you a number. Find your seat (hopefully rather close by), and they will find you. When you finish, you present your card to the cashier, who will tally up your food bill for you to pay.
Meals are about 75,000 VND on average, and drinks in the range of about 45,000-50,000VND. Everything looked to be great quality, and our meals were tasty and fresh. Service was friendly and quick.
Nha Rong, which means House of Dragon, is one of the few remaining buildings in the French architectural style in Ho Chi Minh City. Situated by the Saigon River, it is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Thu Nguyet is a site guide: "This house was built by the French between 1862 and 1863. Two ceramic dragons turning to the moon are arranged symmetrically on its roof. That's why the house was called Dragon House. It is built on a harbor called "Nha Rong Port".
The Dragon House was originally the seat of the imperial couriers. Today, the site is best known for being the starting point of Ho Chi Minh’s quest for national salvation.
282 locals recommend
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
01 Nguyễn Tất ThànhNha Rong, which means House of Dragon, is one of the few remaining buildings in the French architectural style in Ho Chi Minh City. Situated by the Saigon River, it is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Thu Nguyet is a site guide: "This house was built by the French between 1862 and 1863. Two ceramic dragons turning to the moon are arranged symmetrically on its roof. That's why the house was called Dragon House. It is built on a harbor called "Nha Rong Port".
The Dragon House was originally the seat of the imperial couriers. Today, the site is best known for being the starting point of Ho Chi Minh’s quest for national salvation.
Ben Thanh Market is situated in District 1 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Ngh, Tan Hung and Le Lai streets. Shops close late afternoon with shopping best done in the morning before the heat of the day hits. The market is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most famous landmarks and is known by all taxi drivers, although if you are staying downtown check first to see if you can walk to it from your hotel as it’s very centrally located.
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs. Here, you’ll find eating stalls inside the market where you can get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or simply cool off with a cold drink when the bargaining becomes too much.
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 –24:00
Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: +84 83 521 0004
*** the square in front of the Ben Thanh Market is under construction ***
1702 locals recommend
Ben Thanh Market
Đường Lê LợiBen Thanh Market is situated in District 1 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Ngh, Tan Hung and Le Lai streets. Shops close late afternoon with shopping best done in the morning before the heat of the day hits. The market is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most famous landmarks and is known by all taxi drivers, although if you are staying downtown check first to see if you can walk to it from your hotel as it’s very centrally located.
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs. Here, you’ll find eating stalls inside the market where you can get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or simply cool off with a cold drink when the bargaining becomes too much.
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 –24:00
Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: +84 83 521 0004
*** the square in front of the Ben Thanh Market is under construction ***
The People’s Committee Building Saigon in central Ho Chi Minh City features well-preserved French colonial architecture in a spacious garden landscape. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now serves as a city hall and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Occupying the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it has three buildings with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, as well as a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. The best time to visit is in the evening, as these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
228 locals recommend
People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City
Số 86 Lê Thánh TônThe People’s Committee Building Saigon in central Ho Chi Minh City features well-preserved French colonial architecture in a spacious garden landscape. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now serves as a city hall and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Occupying the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it has three buildings with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, as well as a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. The best time to visit is in the evening, as these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia. Located next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, the two cultural sites can be visited together and offers visitors a chance to imagine life in Vietnam during the times of the Indochinese Empire. The building was designed by Alfred Foulhoux and features arched windows and wooden shutters, just as it would have in its heyday in the late 19th Century.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 19:00
Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 822 1677
832 locals recommend
Saigon Central Post Office
02 Công xã ParisThe Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia. Located next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, the two cultural sites can be visited together and offers visitors a chance to imagine life in Vietnam during the times of the Indochinese Empire. The building was designed by Alfred Foulhoux and features arched windows and wooden shutters, just as it would have in its heyday in the late 19th Century.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 19:00
Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 822 1677
The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-storey 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and is used for staging not only opera but also a wide range of performing arts including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. Performances are advertised around the building and information can be found in the state-operated tourist information centre close by.
The exterior has the appearance of polished pearl and makes a great place to photograph – especially at night when bathed in a soft, orange light. The entrance is through a vaulted archway that is kept in immaculate condition; inside, expect swathes of red velvet, classical friezes and hardwood floors. Although the official name of the building is The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh it is by far more commonly known as the Saigon Opera House and after the restoration work in 1995, the building is just as it was at the turn of the 19th Century.
Location: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1,
Tel: +84 (08) 3823 7419
687 locals recommend
Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City
07 Công Trường Lam SơnThe Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-storey 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and is used for staging not only opera but also a wide range of performing arts including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. Performances are advertised around the building and information can be found in the state-operated tourist information centre close by.
The exterior has the appearance of polished pearl and makes a great place to photograph – especially at night when bathed in a soft, orange light. The entrance is through a vaulted archway that is kept in immaculate condition; inside, expect swathes of red velvet, classical friezes and hardwood floors. Although the official name of the building is The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh it is by far more commonly known as the Saigon Opera House and after the restoration work in 1995, the building is just as it was at the turn of the 19th Century.
Location: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1,
Tel: +84 (08) 3823 7419
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican conferred the Cathedral status as a basilica and gave it the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Measuring almost 60 metres in height, the cathedral’s distinctive neo-Romanesque features include the all-red brick façade (which were imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers containing six bronze bells that still ring to this day, and a peaceful garden setting in the middle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
Aside from its status as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most prominent attractions, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still serves as a religious institution for the local population. The best time to visit is during Sunday mass at 09:30. As with any holy places around the world, do dress appropriately and refrain from disturbing the worshippers when you’re exploring (and photographing) Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
*** Note: this place is under maintenance***
1155 locals recommend
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
01 Công xã ParisSaigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican conferred the Cathedral status as a basilica and gave it the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Measuring almost 60 metres in height, the cathedral’s distinctive neo-Romanesque features include the all-red brick façade (which were imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers containing six bronze bells that still ring to this day, and a peaceful garden setting in the middle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
Aside from its status as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most prominent attractions, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still serves as a religious institution for the local population. The best time to visit is during Sunday mass at 09:30. As with any holy places around the world, do dress appropriately and refrain from disturbing the worshippers when you’re exploring (and photographing) Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
*** Note: this place is under maintenance***
Starbucks Gold View
346 Bến Vân ĐồnShop locates in the ground floor of the Gold View building.
Shop locates in the ground floor of the Gold View building, opposite the Starbucks coffee shop.
10 locals recommend
Wayne’s Coffee
346 Đường Bến Vân ĐồnShop locates in the ground floor of the Gold View building, opposite the Starbucks coffee shop.
Every day, thousands of street-side eateries offer up delicious, cheap food in an informal environment on the city’s sidewalks. But street food is about more than just food: it’s about atmosphere and ambiance. Eating street food is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The street food scene in Ho Chi Minh City permeates through every district, neighborhood, an alleyway. The city boasts so many street food outlets that, at times, it feels like one gigantic, open-air restaurant. District 4 is the smallest district in Ho Chi Minh City with a total of area of 4km2. It’s also the most notorious. Located next to District 1 and acting as a connection to the suburbs of District 7. It’s also well-known as a place to eat seafood. Vinh Khanh is a great place to sample some shellfish as seafood restaurants run all the way down the street.
Vĩnh Khánh Street is one of the most popular places for street food in Ho Chi Minh City, especially seafood. Every night young people fill the sidewalks sporting trendy hairdos, tattoos, and the latest fashions from South Korea. The atmosphere is electric: hundreds of small and large groups of friends hunker down at tiny red and blue plastic tables, splitting shells, cracking crab legs, clinking beer glasses and having a really good time.
85 locals recommend
Vinh Khanh Food Street
40 Vĩnh KhánhEvery day, thousands of street-side eateries offer up delicious, cheap food in an informal environment on the city’s sidewalks. But street food is about more than just food: it’s about atmosphere and ambiance. Eating street food is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The street food scene in Ho Chi Minh City permeates through every district, neighborhood, an alleyway. The city boasts so many street food outlets that, at times, it feels like one gigantic, open-air restaurant. District 4 is the smallest district in Ho Chi Minh City with a total of area of 4km2. It’s also the most notorious. Located next to District 1 and acting as a connection to the suburbs of District 7. It’s also well-known as a place to eat seafood. Vinh Khanh is a great place to sample some shellfish as seafood restaurants run all the way down the street.
Vĩnh Khánh Street is one of the most popular places for street food in Ho Chi Minh City, especially seafood. Every night young people fill the sidewalks sporting trendy hairdos, tattoos, and the latest fashions from South Korea. The atmosphere is electric: hundreds of small and large groups of friends hunker down at tiny red and blue plastic tables, splitting shells, cracking crab legs, clinking beer glasses and having a really good time.
Lush Nightclub in Ho Chi Minh is a sleek and fashionable nightspot where the young and beautiful party the night away to different styles of music, depending on the evening. On Fridays and Sundays Lush is taken over by some of the best hip hop DJs in the city while Saturday night is the real highlight of the week with International funky house ensuring Lush is packed by a crowd of locals and foreigners. There is an amazing ladies night on Tuesday when the fairer sex drink free until midnight and on Thursdays there is a buy one get one free deal on beers and mixed drinks that lasts until closing.
Lush Nightclub is located on Ly Trong Street in District 1, close to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 20:00 but we wouldn’t advise arriving before 21:30. The club is open seven nights a week and is consistently busy. For a modern, funky and fashionable nightclub in Ho Chi Minh, Lush is the obvious choice.
Address: 2 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
Tel: +84 (0) 9 1863 0742
283 locals recommend
Lush
2 Lý Tự TrọngLush Nightclub in Ho Chi Minh is a sleek and fashionable nightspot where the young and beautiful party the night away to different styles of music, depending on the evening. On Fridays and Sundays Lush is taken over by some of the best hip hop DJs in the city while Saturday night is the real highlight of the week with International funky house ensuring Lush is packed by a crowd of locals and foreigners. There is an amazing ladies night on Tuesday when the fairer sex drink free until midnight and on Thursdays there is a buy one get one free deal on beers and mixed drinks that lasts until closing.
Lush Nightclub is located on Ly Trong Street in District 1, close to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 20:00 but we wouldn’t advise arriving before 21:30. The club is open seven nights a week and is consistently busy. For a modern, funky and fashionable nightclub in Ho Chi Minh, Lush is the obvious choice.
Address: 2 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
Tel: +84 (0) 9 1863 0742
Carmen is a curious Saigon live music space. Flamenco - yes in Spanish - is performed by a mainly Vietnamese band. It's surprisingly well done too - at least until the usual set of schmaltz ballads (in English - think Air Supply), kicks in. But schmaltz is all part of the Saigon experience so lap it up. The atmosphere is intimate. This is definitely not a sweaty live music venue. Drinks are on the expensive side for Saigon - in fact, the prices are high by international standards and astronomical in Vietnam. It's a bit hit and miss. Can be lots of fun and this is definitely a unique Saigon night out in a convenient downtown location nearby Lush. Carmen is probably Saigon's most meticulously engineered fire-trap.
63 locals recommend
Carmen Bar
8 Lý Tự TrọngCarmen is a curious Saigon live music space. Flamenco - yes in Spanish - is performed by a mainly Vietnamese band. It's surprisingly well done too - at least until the usual set of schmaltz ballads (in English - think Air Supply), kicks in. But schmaltz is all part of the Saigon experience so lap it up. The atmosphere is intimate. This is definitely not a sweaty live music venue. Drinks are on the expensive side for Saigon - in fact, the prices are high by international standards and astronomical in Vietnam. It's a bit hit and miss. Can be lots of fun and this is definitely a unique Saigon night out in a convenient downtown location nearby Lush. Carmen is probably Saigon's most meticulously engineered fire-trap.
Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Also known as Cholon Chinatown Market, Binh Tay Market occupies a two-storey building along Thap Moui Street. Travellers can also find an assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, and textiles that are sold in bulk, though goods are not varied compared to other (more touristy) markets in downtown Hanoi. Along with the interesting historical and cultural aspect of Cholon, Binh Tay Market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies.
Binh Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market)
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Address: 57A Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
32 locals recommend
Bình Tây Market
57A Tháp MườiBinh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Also known as Cholon Chinatown Market, Binh Tay Market occupies a two-storey building along Thap Moui Street. Travellers can also find an assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, and textiles that are sold in bulk, though goods are not varied compared to other (more touristy) markets in downtown Hanoi. Along with the interesting historical and cultural aspect of Cholon, Binh Tay Market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies.
Binh Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market)
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Address: 57A Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck stands 262 metres high at the centre of the city’s business district and offers visitors an unparalleled city view from its Sky Deck. Designed by renowned American Architect Carlos Zapata, this 68-storey tower houses offices, shops, restaurants, and a helipad. CNNGo recently ranked the building fifth in their listing of the world’s 20 most iconic skyscrapers.
The structure also received an ‘Excellence in Structural Engineering’ award from NCSEA in 2011 and is currently the 124th tallest building in the world. The main attraction at the tower is the Sky Deck where visitors can enjoy dramatic views across the bustling city below. Sky Deck visitors are accompanied by an English-speaking guide and can also enjoy interactive touch screen fact boxes delivering information on points of interest regarding city landmarks seen from above.
The Sky Deck delivers breathtaking 360 degree views across the city and the Saigon River. Visitors can also use one of the binocular stands to get a closer look. Great views are also enjoyed from the 50th and 51st-floor restaurants, particularly at night when the metropolis below glitters above. There are also local art exhibitions held on the Sky Deck, where you can also purchase souvenirs, including textiles and locally produced tea. Opening Hours: The Sky Deck is open daily from 09:30-21:30
Location: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street in District 1
487 locals recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower
2 Hải TriềuHo Chi Minh City’s Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck stands 262 metres high at the centre of the city’s business district and offers visitors an unparalleled city view from its Sky Deck. Designed by renowned American Architect Carlos Zapata, this 68-storey tower houses offices, shops, restaurants, and a helipad. CNNGo recently ranked the building fifth in their listing of the world’s 20 most iconic skyscrapers.
The structure also received an ‘Excellence in Structural Engineering’ award from NCSEA in 2011 and is currently the 124th tallest building in the world. The main attraction at the tower is the Sky Deck where visitors can enjoy dramatic views across the bustling city below. Sky Deck visitors are accompanied by an English-speaking guide and can also enjoy interactive touch screen fact boxes delivering information on points of interest regarding city landmarks seen from above.
The Sky Deck delivers breathtaking 360 degree views across the city and the Saigon River. Visitors can also use one of the binocular stands to get a closer look. Great views are also enjoyed from the 50th and 51st-floor restaurants, particularly at night when the metropolis below glitters above. There are also local art exhibitions held on the Sky Deck, where you can also purchase souvenirs, including textiles and locally produced tea. Opening Hours: The Sky Deck is open daily from 09:30-21:30
Location: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street in District 1
Bui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
The total ‘backpackers area’ consist of roughly four streets and some small interconnecting alleys. To have dinner here is very affordable and will cost you around VND 100-200.000 (US$ 4-8), for this amount you will have a decent meal including a drink. The options vary from Vietnamese, Indian, Italian to Chinese and Western. On Bui Vien street you also find many bars that offer drinks with a view of the busy city life. Depending on the location you can have a beer for VND 10.000 to VND 80.000 (US$ 0.5-3). Besides this there are many souvenir shops that sell affordable gifts ranging from paintings, statues to clothing and bags. As this is the heart of the city centre it can easily be reached by foot or taxi and almost all locals in here speak English. It gets busiest from early evening, around 18:00, with the many bars and pubs popular until 02:00 or even later.
453 locals recommend
Bui Vien Walking Street
Đường Bùi ViệnBui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
The total ‘backpackers area’ consist of roughly four streets and some small interconnecting alleys. To have dinner here is very affordable and will cost you around VND 100-200.000 (US$ 4-8), for this amount you will have a decent meal including a drink. The options vary from Vietnamese, Indian, Italian to Chinese and Western. On Bui Vien street you also find many bars that offer drinks with a view of the busy city life. Depending on the location you can have a beer for VND 10.000 to VND 80.000 (US$ 0.5-3). Besides this there are many souvenir shops that sell affordable gifts ranging from paintings, statues to clothing and bags. As this is the heart of the city centre it can easily be reached by foot or taxi and almost all locals in here speak English. It gets busiest from early evening, around 18:00, with the many bars and pubs popular until 02:00 or even later.
A LITTLE PIECE OF GARDEN IN THE CITY’S HEART
Located on the well-known Pedestrian Nguyen Hue Street, Saigon Garden is an entertainment and commercial center with unique and environmental-friendly architecture, featuring a green hanging garden right in the heart of the city.
It gathers famous brands with diversified commercial services. From European style cafeterias such as Starbucks, and Coffee Bean; the luxurious restaurants serving European-Asian specialties like Wrap & Roll, Beer 2F, Mexitaco, to the Eve Flowers shop or Samsung electronics store... All are arranged in a logical and harmonious manner in the airy, fresh and colourful architectural space of Saigon Garden.
With the outstanding advantages of location and architecture, Saigon Garden is a breath of fresh, youthful, and lively air attracting nearly 5,000 local and international visitors every day.
Opening hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
Address: 99 Nguyen Hue Str, Dist.1, HCMC
Tel: 0981815817
Email: info@saigonsignature.com
Facebook: Saigongarden.vn
17 locals recommend
Saigon Retro
99 Nguyễn HuệA LITTLE PIECE OF GARDEN IN THE CITY’S HEART
Located on the well-known Pedestrian Nguyen Hue Street, Saigon Garden is an entertainment and commercial center with unique and environmental-friendly architecture, featuring a green hanging garden right in the heart of the city.
It gathers famous brands with diversified commercial services. From European style cafeterias such as Starbucks, and Coffee Bean; the luxurious restaurants serving European-Asian specialties like Wrap & Roll, Beer 2F, Mexitaco, to the Eve Flowers shop or Samsung electronics store... All are arranged in a logical and harmonious manner in the airy, fresh and colourful architectural space of Saigon Garden.
With the outstanding advantages of location and architecture, Saigon Garden is a breath of fresh, youthful, and lively air attracting nearly 5,000 local and international visitors every day.
Opening hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
Address: 99 Nguyen Hue Str, Dist.1, HCMC
Tel: 0981815817
Email: info@saigonsignature.com
Facebook: Saigongarden.vn
Rising in levels like a manor from a medieval fairytale, Quan An Ngon is one of the most popular restaurants in Ho Chi Minh, housed in a renovated Vietnamese mansion with a tree lined garden and staff waiting to greet guests wearing traditional silk outfits (complete with wooden shoes). Inside Quan An Ngon Restaurant, the expanse of teak, ornate Chinese inspired lattices and surrounding balcony have all the hallmarks of a classic kung-fu movie. Visitors are often delighted with the classically styled interior. If you are looking to try many casual Vietnamese dishes – spring rolls, black pepper crab, noodle soup – in a clean and friendly environment then this is an excellent option. Located opposite the Reunification Palace on Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Quan An Ngon Restaurant is centrally located in District 1.
72 locals recommend
Quán Ngon 138
138 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaRising in levels like a manor from a medieval fairytale, Quan An Ngon is one of the most popular restaurants in Ho Chi Minh, housed in a renovated Vietnamese mansion with a tree lined garden and staff waiting to greet guests wearing traditional silk outfits (complete with wooden shoes). Inside Quan An Ngon Restaurant, the expanse of teak, ornate Chinese inspired lattices and surrounding balcony have all the hallmarks of a classic kung-fu movie. Visitors are often delighted with the classically styled interior. If you are looking to try many casual Vietnamese dishes – spring rolls, black pepper crab, noodle soup – in a clean and friendly environment then this is an excellent option. Located opposite the Reunification Palace on Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Quan An Ngon Restaurant is centrally located in District 1.
The Botanical Gardens has a vast array of flora and fauna including 20 different orchid types, 32 species of cactus and 34 species of bonsai in addition to trees, plants and ferns some of which are as old as the gardens. The zoo exhibits a diverse range of animals including monkeys, tigers, hippos, lions, elephants; turtles and snakes. There are also rarer animals such as the white tiger that are being displayed for the first time ever in Vietnam. The zoo aims to help animal conservation of endangered species through a breeding-in-captivity program and recently bred the crested argus pheasant – being the only zoo in the world to do so. The Botanical Gardens are striving to use the area as a knowledge centre where visitors can learn more about the species on display and how to protect them for the future. In addition to creatures and plants, the zoo and botanical gardens also have the Saigon National Museum and the World War I monument within its vicinity. The museum covers the entire history of Vietnam and includes war weapons from the French colonial era and thousands of important documents within its walls.
The zoo is located close to Saigon District 1 and the easiest way to reach it is via taxi. The entrance fee allows you to visit both the zoo and gardens, although you will need to pay more if you wish the feed any animals. There are two main gates, one on Nguyen Binh Khiem and the other on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.
462 locals recommend
Zoo and Botanical Gardens
2 Nguyễn Bỉnh KhiêmThe Botanical Gardens has a vast array of flora and fauna including 20 different orchid types, 32 species of cactus and 34 species of bonsai in addition to trees, plants and ferns some of which are as old as the gardens. The zoo exhibits a diverse range of animals including monkeys, tigers, hippos, lions, elephants; turtles and snakes. There are also rarer animals such as the white tiger that are being displayed for the first time ever in Vietnam. The zoo aims to help animal conservation of endangered species through a breeding-in-captivity program and recently bred the crested argus pheasant – being the only zoo in the world to do so. The Botanical Gardens are striving to use the area as a knowledge centre where visitors can learn more about the species on display and how to protect them for the future. In addition to creatures and plants, the zoo and botanical gardens also have the Saigon National Museum and the World War I monument within its vicinity. The museum covers the entire history of Vietnam and includes war weapons from the French colonial era and thousands of important documents within its walls.
The zoo is located close to Saigon District 1 and the easiest way to reach it is via taxi. The entrance fee allows you to visit both the zoo and gardens, although you will need to pay more if you wish the feed any animals. There are two main gates, one on Nguyen Binh Khiem and the other on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.
Saigon’s new Walking Street offers many historic, modern, and culinary attractions. But, one place in particular has undergone such a metamorphosis since the opening of the pedestrian walkway, in April 2015, that it’s now the coolest address on the entire street: the old apartment block at N°42 Nguyen Hue. Built sometime in the middle of the 20th century*, the apartment has a history of housing government and military personnel: from US advisors in the 1950s and 1960s to naval officers in the post-war period, after reunification in 1975. Today, however, this characterful, crumbling, nine-storey apartment block is a veritable chocolate box of hip, independent cafes, fashion boutiques and co-working spaces, which seem to grow in number each week. Wander from floor to floor – up the twisting stone staircase and along the tiled corridors – ducking into any coffee shop that takes your fancy. Local, trendy, and abuzz with Vietnamese youth, this old Saigon edifice is reborn.
21 locals recommend
The Cafe Apartments
42 Nguyễn HuệSaigon’s new Walking Street offers many historic, modern, and culinary attractions. But, one place in particular has undergone such a metamorphosis since the opening of the pedestrian walkway, in April 2015, that it’s now the coolest address on the entire street: the old apartment block at N°42 Nguyen Hue. Built sometime in the middle of the 20th century*, the apartment has a history of housing government and military personnel: from US advisors in the 1950s and 1960s to naval officers in the post-war period, after reunification in 1975. Today, however, this characterful, crumbling, nine-storey apartment block is a veritable chocolate box of hip, independent cafes, fashion boutiques and co-working spaces, which seem to grow in number each week. Wander from floor to floor – up the twisting stone staircase and along the tiled corridors – ducking into any coffee shop that takes your fancy. Local, trendy, and abuzz with Vietnamese youth, this old Saigon edifice is reborn.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are part of a massive war museum in Ho Chi Minh. They offer visitors a sneak-peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. The site has over 120km of underground tunnels, with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armory, hospitals, and command centres. After the war against the French, Vietnamese soldiers expanded the tunnels and included effective air filtration systems, which helped them survive the Cu Chi carpet-bombings
It is now one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic attractions. You can enjoy plenty of activities during your visit. A popular option is following the narrow routes of the underground tunnel. Before entering the underground tunnels, visitors watch a short film of Cu Chi Tunnels so that they understand how the tunnel system works. Parts of Cu Chi Tunnels are also cemented and widened, so that the crawl is less harrowing than it would have been in the past.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 17:00
Location: 45km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 28 3794 8830
160 locals recommend
Cu Chi Tunnel Ben Duoc
Tổ 6 -ấp QL22The Cu Chi Tunnels are part of a massive war museum in Ho Chi Minh. They offer visitors a sneak-peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. The site has over 120km of underground tunnels, with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armory, hospitals, and command centres. After the war against the French, Vietnamese soldiers expanded the tunnels and included effective air filtration systems, which helped them survive the Cu Chi carpet-bombings
It is now one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic attractions. You can enjoy plenty of activities during your visit. A popular option is following the narrow routes of the underground tunnel. Before entering the underground tunnels, visitors watch a short film of Cu Chi Tunnels so that they understand how the tunnel system works. Parts of Cu Chi Tunnels are also cemented and widened, so that the crawl is less harrowing than it would have been in the past.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 17:00
Location: 45km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 28 3794 8830
Despite sounding like an android from outer space, Pho 2000 will forever be remembered as the place where President Bill Clinton tried his first bowl of pho in Vietnam during his state visit in...the year 2000. He was so taken with the delicious beef marrow broth and glutinous noodles that he ordered a second bowl – or so the story goes. The fresh spring rolls are also excellent at Pho 2000 and together with your pho noodles can turn a tasty snack into a full meal. Pho 2000 is very close to Ben Thanh Market so it makes sense to use this famed pho restaurant as a place to take a break from shopping and cool off. English is widely spoken here too, making ordering a hassle free experience.
Location: 1-3D Phan Chu Trinh Street, District 1
17 locals recommend
Phở 2000
210 Phan Chu TrinhDespite sounding like an android from outer space, Pho 2000 will forever be remembered as the place where President Bill Clinton tried his first bowl of pho in Vietnam during his state visit in...the year 2000. He was so taken with the delicious beef marrow broth and glutinous noodles that he ordered a second bowl – or so the story goes. The fresh spring rolls are also excellent at Pho 2000 and together with your pho noodles can turn a tasty snack into a full meal. Pho 2000 is very close to Ben Thanh Market so it makes sense to use this famed pho restaurant as a place to take a break from shopping and cool off. English is widely spoken here too, making ordering a hassle free experience.
Location: 1-3D Phan Chu Trinh Street, District 1
A restaurant with a long legacy, Pho Hoa consistently ranks as one of the best places to sample Vietnam’s most popular noodle soup. Pho Hoa Restaurant has been run by successive generations of the same family which adds a little history to your meal. The broth recipe here is a family secret which helps create a little mystique around the flavours. Served with your bowl of pho is a plate of deep fried bread called qouy. This bread is actually of Chinese origin but it is finding favour as a daytime side dish. Our favourite option here is the pho with beef tendon, which is chewy and succulent. Pho Hoa is on Pasteur Street in District 1, with two floors and air-conditioning upstairs.
Location: 260C Pasteur Street, District 1
143 locals recommend
Phở Hòa Pasteur
260C PasteurA restaurant with a long legacy, Pho Hoa consistently ranks as one of the best places to sample Vietnam’s most popular noodle soup. Pho Hoa Restaurant has been run by successive generations of the same family which adds a little history to your meal. The broth recipe here is a family secret which helps create a little mystique around the flavours. Served with your bowl of pho is a plate of deep fried bread called qouy. This bread is actually of Chinese origin but it is finding favour as a daytime side dish. Our favourite option here is the pho with beef tendon, which is chewy and succulent. Pho Hoa is on Pasteur Street in District 1, with two floors and air-conditioning upstairs.
Location: 260C Pasteur Street, District 1
Unlike many local restaurants in this list, Nguyen Thi Tanh (or Lunch Lady) only cooks one dish per day, changing the dish according to the day. Set along Hoang Sa Street, this food stall has been operating for more than a decade with locals flocking there for its goi cuon (summer rolls) and bun Thai (Vietnamese-Thai noodle soup). Priced at VND 40,000, bun Thai is only served on Mondays, comprising rice noodles in a sweet sour broth, topped with generous amounts of pre-blanched shrimps, beef slices, squid rings, chopped herbs, and assorted vegetables. Nguyen Thi Thanh is located in District 1, close to the river and a 10-minute walk from the Saigon Zoo. Due to its popularity, make sure you get there early as the stall closes once it runs out of ingredients.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 15:00 Address: 23 Hoang Sa Street, Phuong Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Cuisine: Noodle Soups
32 locals recommend
The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)
Nguyễn Đình ChiểuUnlike many local restaurants in this list, Nguyen Thi Tanh (or Lunch Lady) only cooks one dish per day, changing the dish according to the day. Set along Hoang Sa Street, this food stall has been operating for more than a decade with locals flocking there for its goi cuon (summer rolls) and bun Thai (Vietnamese-Thai noodle soup). Priced at VND 40,000, bun Thai is only served on Mondays, comprising rice noodles in a sweet sour broth, topped with generous amounts of pre-blanched shrimps, beef slices, squid rings, chopped herbs, and assorted vegetables. Nguyen Thi Thanh is located in District 1, close to the river and a 10-minute walk from the Saigon Zoo. Due to its popularity, make sure you get there early as the stall closes once it runs out of ingredients.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 15:00 Address: 23 Hoang Sa Street, Phuong Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Cuisine: Noodle Soups
A simple food cart that’s set along Nguyen Trai, Banh Mi 37 is one of the best places in the city to get your hands on Vietnam’s uniquely fusion street food. Priced at VND 17,000, its signature nem nuong banh mi is a crispy baguette sandwich with several charcoal-grilled pork patties, tangy sauce, cucumbers, cilantro, green onions, Vietnamese pickles, and topped with sweet chili sauce. Although Banh Mi 37 officially opens at 17:00 every day, it’s not surprising to see a long queue forming as early as 16:00 but it’s definitely well worth the wait.
Opening Hours: Daily 16:00 – Late
Address: 37 Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Cuisine: Vietnamese Baguettes
53 locals recommend
Bánh Mì 37 Nguyễn Trãi
39 Nguyễn TrãiA simple food cart that’s set along Nguyen Trai, Banh Mi 37 is one of the best places in the city to get your hands on Vietnam’s uniquely fusion street food. Priced at VND 17,000, its signature nem nuong banh mi is a crispy baguette sandwich with several charcoal-grilled pork patties, tangy sauce, cucumbers, cilantro, green onions, Vietnamese pickles, and topped with sweet chili sauce. Although Banh Mi 37 officially opens at 17:00 every day, it’s not surprising to see a long queue forming as early as 16:00 but it’s definitely well worth the wait.
Opening Hours: Daily 16:00 – Late
Address: 37 Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Cuisine: Vietnamese Baguettes
Nhu Lan Saigon’s speciality lies within its pre-packaged banh mi sandwiches, but a wide range of Vietnamese desserts, smoothies, pork buns, and patesto (French-style pastry with pork filling are also available. Open 24 hours daily, the local bakery is set opposite the Bitexco Financial Tower in District 1. Try the banh mi thit patem which is a baguette sandwich filled with pork-liver paté, pork ham slices, mayonnaise, pickled carrots and radishes, cucumber, fresh cilantro, and sliced chilli. While Nhu Lan Saigon has an indoor dining area, many locals order banh mi for takeaway or simply enjoying it by the roadside.
Opening Hours: Daily
Address: 50-64-68 Ham Nghi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 829 2970
Cuisine: Vietnamese Baguettes
69 locals recommend
Như Lan bakery
Nhu Lan Saigon’s speciality lies within its pre-packaged banh mi sandwiches, but a wide range of Vietnamese desserts, smoothies, pork buns, and patesto (French-style pastry with pork filling are also available. Open 24 hours daily, the local bakery is set opposite the Bitexco Financial Tower in District 1. Try the banh mi thit patem which is a baguette sandwich filled with pork-liver paté, pork ham slices, mayonnaise, pickled carrots and radishes, cucumber, fresh cilantro, and sliced chilli. While Nhu Lan Saigon has an indoor dining area, many locals order banh mi for takeaway or simply enjoying it by the roadside.
Opening Hours: Daily
Address: 50-64-68 Ham Nghi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 829 2970
Cuisine: Vietnamese Baguettes
A ten-minute walk away of the backpacker district of Dong Khoi is Apocalypse Now, a legendary bar with an upstairs nightclub that draws a steady following of backpackers, expats and well-dressed locals. While it isn’t the most sophisticated of clubs, Apocalypse Now still offers a fun night out, with cheap drinks promotions, good mix of pop and trance tunes, as well as plenty of space for dancing and enjoying the evening with a few drinks. Unlike most nightclubs in Saigon, Apocalypse Now stays open until 04:00, making it a great place for when you’re in the mood for that one more drink. Do be aware that Apocalypse Now draws in a fair share of working girls.
Opening Hours: Daily 19:00 – 04:00
Address: 2B-C-F Thi Sach Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 825 6124
95 locals recommend
Apocalypse Now Bar
2B Thi SáchA ten-minute walk away of the backpacker district of Dong Khoi is Apocalypse Now, a legendary bar with an upstairs nightclub that draws a steady following of backpackers, expats and well-dressed locals. While it isn’t the most sophisticated of clubs, Apocalypse Now still offers a fun night out, with cheap drinks promotions, good mix of pop and trance tunes, as well as plenty of space for dancing and enjoying the evening with a few drinks. Unlike most nightclubs in Saigon, Apocalypse Now stays open until 04:00, making it a great place for when you’re in the mood for that one more drink. Do be aware that Apocalypse Now draws in a fair share of working girls.
Opening Hours: Daily 19:00 – 04:00
Address: 2B-C-F Thi Sach Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 825 6124
Republic Club Ho Chi Minh is a modern nightclub in District 1’s backpacker district. Staff are fluent in English and DJs here spin a good mix of EDM, trance and hip hop tunes. There’s a cover charge of VND 220,000, which includes a free drink. Happy hours are from 21:00 until 22:30 every Tuesday and Wednesday. You get to enjoy cocktail towers for VND 299,000 and Bottega Gold champagne for VND 1,100,000. On Thursdays, ladies in groups of 4 get a free cocktail tower worth VND 590,000 between 21:00 and 23:00. If you prefer beers over cocktails, expect to pay VND 40,000 for a Tiger and VND 60,000 for Heineken, Strongbow, and Corona.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 21:00 – 02:00
Address: 19 Do Quang Dau, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 91 726 2663
15 locals recommend
Republic Club
19 Đỗ Quang ĐẩuRepublic Club Ho Chi Minh is a modern nightclub in District 1’s backpacker district. Staff are fluent in English and DJs here spin a good mix of EDM, trance and hip hop tunes. There’s a cover charge of VND 220,000, which includes a free drink. Happy hours are from 21:00 until 22:30 every Tuesday and Wednesday. You get to enjoy cocktail towers for VND 299,000 and Bottega Gold champagne for VND 1,100,000. On Thursdays, ladies in groups of 4 get a free cocktail tower worth VND 590,000 between 21:00 and 23:00. If you prefer beers over cocktails, expect to pay VND 40,000 for a Tiger and VND 60,000 for Heineken, Strongbow, and Corona.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 21:00 – 02:00
Address: 19 Do Quang Dau, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 91 726 2663
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City first opened to the public in 1975. Once known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it's a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. Graphic photographs and American military equipment are on display. There's a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft. You can also see a conventional bomb that weighs at 6,800kg. American troops had used these weapons against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.
The most talked-about exhibits at the War Remnants Museum are the ‘tiger cages'. The South Vietnamese government kept their political prisoners in these confinements. Locals believe the cages imprisoned up to 14 people at a time. The museum also has a guillotine brought in by the French government. Both the French and South Vietnamese used it to execute their prisoners until 1960. Also featured are grisly photos of victims that had suffered ‘Agent Orange’. As many as 4.8 million people were exposed to strong pesticide and chemical spray. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs believed 500,000 children were born with birth defects. The War Remnants Museum is in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It's every day from 07:30 to 17:00. A visit to this war museum can be disturbing experience for most people. Although children can enter, we highly advise against it.
Opening Hours: Daily 07.30 - 12.00 & 13:30 – 17:00
Location: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
1053 locals recommend
War Remnants Museum
28 Võ Văn TầnThe War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City first opened to the public in 1975. Once known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it's a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. Graphic photographs and American military equipment are on display. There's a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft. You can also see a conventional bomb that weighs at 6,800kg. American troops had used these weapons against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.
The most talked-about exhibits at the War Remnants Museum are the ‘tiger cages'. The South Vietnamese government kept their political prisoners in these confinements. Locals believe the cages imprisoned up to 14 people at a time. The museum also has a guillotine brought in by the French government. Both the French and South Vietnamese used it to execute their prisoners until 1960. Also featured are grisly photos of victims that had suffered ‘Agent Orange’. As many as 4.8 million people were exposed to strong pesticide and chemical spray. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs believed 500,000 children were born with birth defects. The War Remnants Museum is in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It's every day from 07:30 to 17:00. A visit to this war museum can be disturbing experience for most people. Although children can enter, we highly advise against it.
Opening Hours: Daily 07.30 - 12.00 & 13:30 – 17:00
Location: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
This Korean brand 'box' store is popular with the local of District 7, as it has a full grocery section as well as home goods, all varieties of designer clothing and lots more. If you are looking for a day of away from the hustle and bustle from the city than this is a good place to go.
You can shop in the many retail stores they have under the roof, go relax and play bowling in the state of the art bowling alley, catch a movie at the modern cinema with latest movies 2D and 3D and to not go hurry while doing this grab something to eat at the food court with plenty of choices.
114 locals recommend
Lotte Mart
469 Đ.Nguyễn Hữu ThọThis Korean brand 'box' store is popular with the local of District 7, as it has a full grocery section as well as home goods, all varieties of designer clothing and lots more. If you are looking for a day of away from the hustle and bustle from the city than this is a good place to go.
You can shop in the many retail stores they have under the roof, go relax and play bowling in the state of the art bowling alley, catch a movie at the modern cinema with latest movies 2D and 3D and to not go hurry while doing this grab something to eat at the food court with plenty of choices.
Bach Dang including Bach Dang park and ferry and located besides the bank of Saigon bank has become an interesting destination of city residents and tourists visiting Sai Gon. View of Nha Rong wharf by night from Bach Dang is really brilliant.
Being a wonderful relatively cheap old Saigon terrace to sip beer, drink a coconut or eat ice cream while people and traffic wonder by. To various parts of the city whether it is a quick hop to go and have dinner at some of the places on the river (riverside, Thao Dien village, the deck, villa romaine) or explore the canals of HCMC with a sunset cruise.
There you will see the continuous dance like movements of the Thu Thiem ferries connecting the other side of the river (district 2 apparently) to the CBD and bringing over every few minutes hundreds of motorbikes and all sorts of vehicles. You will also see some Russian type fast ferries going towards the Southern coastline (Vung Tau etc) and the numerous shipping boats on the river.
The authenticity of the place and the natural hubbub happening from all the boats coming and going is definitely attractive.
29 locals recommend
Bach Dang Waterbus Station
10B Đ. Tôn Đức ThắngBach Dang including Bach Dang park and ferry and located besides the bank of Saigon bank has become an interesting destination of city residents and tourists visiting Sai Gon. View of Nha Rong wharf by night from Bach Dang is really brilliant.
Being a wonderful relatively cheap old Saigon terrace to sip beer, drink a coconut or eat ice cream while people and traffic wonder by. To various parts of the city whether it is a quick hop to go and have dinner at some of the places on the river (riverside, Thao Dien village, the deck, villa romaine) or explore the canals of HCMC with a sunset cruise.
There you will see the continuous dance like movements of the Thu Thiem ferries connecting the other side of the river (district 2 apparently) to the CBD and bringing over every few minutes hundreds of motorbikes and all sorts of vehicles. You will also see some Russian type fast ferries going towards the Southern coastline (Vung Tau etc) and the numerous shipping boats on the river.
The authenticity of the place and the natural hubbub happening from all the boats coming and going is definitely attractive.
Elisa restaurant is a unique floating restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at Saigon Port, No. 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
The restaurant has a ideal location. One side is the busy and luxurious of downtown - District 1, one side is romantic Saigon River. This is the largest floating restaurant in Vietnam with maximum capacity up to 1,000 guests, consist of 5 floors, 2 Elevators, 2 Stair case...
Elisa Floating Restaurant has special design which is highly evaluated by lots of International Experts, it was called that Elisa is the second to none restaurant in Asia.
As Uzi Gasty, Global Vice President of Fashion TV said, "This is the most exclusive ship in the world that I have never met",
Or according to the letter of an Italian journalist, Mr Anthony Fu, which was sent back after visiting the ship: "This is the best boat I have ever seen though I went through 48 countries around the world ..."
From the entrance, Elisa look impressive with 3 large signature sails which can be changed many color at night. Getting on board, customers could be attracted with luxurious interior and decoration, designed by the top architect of Viet Nam.
Elisa has many banquet halls in different areas from Indoor to Outdoor. Should you need a private dinner with your partners or friends, VIP rooms can be met your satisfaction.
With ability to serve diversify menu with Fusion style cuisines (Vietnamese, Chinese, European, Japanese ...) by our 5 star standard – chefs, Our slogan is “ Serve with Heart and Smile “, every single guest will be taken the best care by the professional server team.
Elisa can brought the incredibly memorable experience beyond the expectations of customers
With non-stop effort to improve quality food and services, Elisa Floating Restaurant had recorded some achievements :
* 2 continuously years ( 2015 , 2016 ) Award of the First Ranking in Top 10 Leading Restaurants in Viet Nam.
* 3 continuously years ( 2014 , 2015 , 2016 ) Award of the First Ranking in Top 5 Leading Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tàu Elisa
Elisa restaurant is a unique floating restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at Saigon Port, No. 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
The restaurant has a ideal location. One side is the busy and luxurious of downtown - District 1, one side is romantic Saigon River. This is the largest floating restaurant in Vietnam with maximum capacity up to 1,000 guests, consist of 5 floors, 2 Elevators, 2 Stair case...
Elisa Floating Restaurant has special design which is highly evaluated by lots of International Experts, it was called that Elisa is the second to none restaurant in Asia.
As Uzi Gasty, Global Vice President of Fashion TV said, "This is the most exclusive ship in the world that I have never met",
Or according to the letter of an Italian journalist, Mr Anthony Fu, which was sent back after visiting the ship: "This is the best boat I have ever seen though I went through 48 countries around the world ..."
From the entrance, Elisa look impressive with 3 large signature sails which can be changed many color at night. Getting on board, customers could be attracted with luxurious interior and decoration, designed by the top architect of Viet Nam.
Elisa has many banquet halls in different areas from Indoor to Outdoor. Should you need a private dinner with your partners or friends, VIP rooms can be met your satisfaction.
With ability to serve diversify menu with Fusion style cuisines (Vietnamese, Chinese, European, Japanese ...) by our 5 star standard – chefs, Our slogan is “ Serve with Heart and Smile “, every single guest will be taken the best care by the professional server team.
Elisa can brought the incredibly memorable experience beyond the expectations of customers
With non-stop effort to improve quality food and services, Elisa Floating Restaurant had recorded some achievements :
* 2 continuously years ( 2015 , 2016 ) Award of the First Ranking in Top 10 Leading Restaurants in Viet Nam.
* 3 continuously years ( 2014 , 2015 , 2016 ) Award of the First Ranking in Top 5 Leading Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
The travel stories with cups of coffee at a coffee house had inspired the foundation of a travel agent named Sinh Cafe in 1993.
A coffee house located in Pham Ngu Lao Street had welcomed many travelers throughout the world who wanted to stop for a cup of coffee and making plan for their upcoming travel. Since then “The travel stories with cups of coffee” had begun its first pages.
The need of travelers had made Sinh Cafe feel that it is necessary to introduce travelers its Vietnam country, its culture, its people with its friendly instinct and hospitality. Sinh Cafe was the first in Saigon who has provided travelers with travel information and transport to ease their travel.
Sinh Cafe had witnessed a variety of market segments of the tourist industry with different types of travelers ever increasing in a potential market in blossom. Sinh Cafe has diversified its products to please the travelers in the spirit of keeping up its traditional core business: To introduce its Vietnam country and Vietnamese people to friends all over the world. This is the initial mission of the inborn concept of founding Sinh Cafe.
Sinh Cafe has made every effort to develop a stable system of human resources to improve know how and professionalism of its staff. Sinh Cafe has strengthened ceaselessly the quality its services i.e. package tours, tailored tours, open bus at a reasonable price. Additionally, Sinh Cafe has developed its strength in building and designing open tours with multiple choices which can meet diversiform requirements of local and international travelers.
Today Sinh Cafe is an internationally-renowned, award-winning travel agent. Our first cafeteria serving as a travel office in Ho Chi Minh City has grown with the establishment of local offices in Da Lat, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi and international offices in Phnom Penh, Siem Riep.
Though it has grown significantly over years, its philosophy for business has not changed: To introduce Vietnam to worldwide friends with passion to please them is its principal mission as initially set.
To mark the growth of a coffee house organizing travel to become a professional travel agent, it decided to change its trademark and logo from Sinh Cafe to TheSinhTourist.
Travel stories with cups of coffee had inspired the foundation of Sinh Cafe in 1993, and has given birth to TheSinhTourist in 2009. TheSinhTourist will keep on developing sustainably “The travel stories with cups of coffee” from now on to satisfy all travel needs of the world people
36 locals recommend
신투어리스트
The travel stories with cups of coffee at a coffee house had inspired the foundation of a travel agent named Sinh Cafe in 1993.
A coffee house located in Pham Ngu Lao Street had welcomed many travelers throughout the world who wanted to stop for a cup of coffee and making plan for their upcoming travel. Since then “The travel stories with cups of coffee” had begun its first pages.
The need of travelers had made Sinh Cafe feel that it is necessary to introduce travelers its Vietnam country, its culture, its people with its friendly instinct and hospitality. Sinh Cafe was the first in Saigon who has provided travelers with travel information and transport to ease their travel.
Sinh Cafe had witnessed a variety of market segments of the tourist industry with different types of travelers ever increasing in a potential market in blossom. Sinh Cafe has diversified its products to please the travelers in the spirit of keeping up its traditional core business: To introduce its Vietnam country and Vietnamese people to friends all over the world. This is the initial mission of the inborn concept of founding Sinh Cafe.
Sinh Cafe has made every effort to develop a stable system of human resources to improve know how and professionalism of its staff. Sinh Cafe has strengthened ceaselessly the quality its services i.e. package tours, tailored tours, open bus at a reasonable price. Additionally, Sinh Cafe has developed its strength in building and designing open tours with multiple choices which can meet diversiform requirements of local and international travelers.
Today Sinh Cafe is an internationally-renowned, award-winning travel agent. Our first cafeteria serving as a travel office in Ho Chi Minh City has grown with the establishment of local offices in Da Lat, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi and international offices in Phnom Penh, Siem Riep.
Though it has grown significantly over years, its philosophy for business has not changed: To introduce Vietnam to worldwide friends with passion to please them is its principal mission as initially set.
To mark the growth of a coffee house organizing travel to become a professional travel agent, it decided to change its trademark and logo from Sinh Cafe to TheSinhTourist.
Travel stories with cups of coffee had inspired the foundation of Sinh Cafe in 1993, and has given birth to TheSinhTourist in 2009. TheSinhTourist will keep on developing sustainably “The travel stories with cups of coffee” from now on to satisfy all travel needs of the world people
This island is home to a monkey sanctuary, which houses at least a hundred wild but unafraid simians. Take care: like monkeys everywhere, the line between cheeky charmer, thieving pest and dangerous beast is very fine. Keep a firm hold on your possessions.
While this is the most accessible part of the forest to visit, it’s hard to stomach the cruel conditions in which the stars of the adjacent animal circus (including bears, dogs and monkeys) are kept.
The circus operates mainly on holiday weekends for domestic Vietnamese tourists, and has been criticised strongly by animal rights organisation Animals Asia. See www.animalsasia.org for the latest information and a petition to close this circus on what is a Unesco-accredited island reserve.
The motorboat ride (about 250,000d) through the waterways to the VC’s Rung Sac base is the absolute highlight of a visit. At the reconstructed base, dummies portray VC cadres sawing open unexploded American bombs in order to salvage the explosives, and wrestling with crocodiles, which were once common here but are now confined to crocodile farms like the one by the entrance. A small museum has wildlife displays, along with exhibits relating to local war history and archaeological finds.
Coming from HCMC, Monkey Island is to the right of the main road, about 34km past the ferry.
18 locals recommend
Monkey Island
This island is home to a monkey sanctuary, which houses at least a hundred wild but unafraid simians. Take care: like monkeys everywhere, the line between cheeky charmer, thieving pest and dangerous beast is very fine. Keep a firm hold on your possessions.
While this is the most accessible part of the forest to visit, it’s hard to stomach the cruel conditions in which the stars of the adjacent animal circus (including bears, dogs and monkeys) are kept.
The circus operates mainly on holiday weekends for domestic Vietnamese tourists, and has been criticised strongly by animal rights organisation Animals Asia. See www.animalsasia.org for the latest information and a petition to close this circus on what is a Unesco-accredited island reserve.
The motorboat ride (about 250,000d) through the waterways to the VC’s Rung Sac base is the absolute highlight of a visit. At the reconstructed base, dummies portray VC cadres sawing open unexploded American bombs in order to salvage the explosives, and wrestling with crocodiles, which were once common here but are now confined to crocodile farms like the one by the entrance. A small museum has wildlife displays, along with exhibits relating to local war history and archaeological finds.
Coming from HCMC, Monkey Island is to the right of the main road, about 34km past the ferry.
The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.
The bustling commerce of its towns contrasts sharply with the languid, almost-soporific pace of life in the countryside. Here buffalo wallow in rice paddies, coconut- and fruit-laden boats float slowly along the mud-brown waters, and two-wheeled exploration of the narrow lanes is amply rewarded with a true taste of rural hospitality (and delicious river fish).
Elsewhere, mangrove forests teem with a wealth of bird life and bristle with the remains of Viet Cong bunkers, ornate Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temples reaching for the sky, while off-coast islands offer white-sand beaches and tropical hideaways to some, and pirate havens to others.
21 locals recommend
Mekong River Delta
The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.
The bustling commerce of its towns contrasts sharply with the languid, almost-soporific pace of life in the countryside. Here buffalo wallow in rice paddies, coconut- and fruit-laden boats float slowly along the mud-brown waters, and two-wheeled exploration of the narrow lanes is amply rewarded with a true taste of rural hospitality (and delicious river fish).
Elsewhere, mangrove forests teem with a wealth of bird life and bristle with the remains of Viet Cong bunkers, ornate Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temples reaching for the sky, while off-coast islands offer white-sand beaches and tropical hideaways to some, and pirate havens to others.
Cooling air-con, a handy location near accommodation in Pham Ngu Lao, and a huge selection of street food from around Vietnam and the rest of the Asia are the highlights of this excellent new undercover food court. There's a convenient supermarket, pharmacy and English-language bookshop as well.
Address: 4 Pham Ngu Lao street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Opening hour:
94 locals recommend
Asiana Food Town (Chợ Ẩm Thực Dưới Lòng Đất)
4 Phạm Ngũ LãoCooling air-con, a handy location near accommodation in Pham Ngu Lao, and a huge selection of street food from around Vietnam and the rest of the Asia are the highlights of this excellent new undercover food court. There's a convenient supermarket, pharmacy and English-language bookshop as well.
Address: 4 Pham Ngu Lao street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Opening hour:
Ben Thanh night market is more common to foreigners. Because of the location in the center of the city, foreigners who enjoyed walking around at nights can take the chance to visit Ben Thanh night market. This market also sells clothes with a wider variety of styles which are suitable for different ages. Moreover, it also sells some Vietnamese souvenirs which are unique like handmade stuffs, handicrafts, accessories and many more. Ben Thanh night market also includes some traditional food for you to enjoy.
10 locals recommend
Night Market vendors (night only)
13 Phan Chu TrinhBen Thanh night market is more common to foreigners. Because of the location in the center of the city, foreigners who enjoyed walking around at nights can take the chance to visit Ben Thanh night market. This market also sells clothes with a wider variety of styles which are suitable for different ages. Moreover, it also sells some Vietnamese souvenirs which are unique like handmade stuffs, handicrafts, accessories and many more. Ben Thanh night market also includes some traditional food for you to enjoy.
Early in 2012, glassy-eyed entrepreneurs Linh and Ha stacked 3 retro fitted shipping containers in an empty lot in D2, HCMC.
Although it was not much to look at then, the risky venture paid off and now Saigon Outcast has become one of the most important cultural spaces in Saigon.
Today, walking through the I-beam Torii gate and across the manicured Zen garden, brings you to those same containers, now, office space and an alternative skate-and-paint shop. Surrounded by graffitied walls painted by top local and international artists, Saigon Outcast encourages creative expression in all shapes and forms.
As host to international musicans, local theatre, skateboarding, BMX, and even rock climbing, Saigon Outcast continues to scrape out a space for all with BBQ’s, market’s, charitable events, and open mic’s. Open Tuesday to Sunday as cafe/bar and nightly venue offering workshops, outdoor cinema and weekly events like life-drawing and family friendly Sundays including kids cinema and live music.
75 locals recommend
Saigon Outcast
188/1 Nguyễn Văn HưởngEarly in 2012, glassy-eyed entrepreneurs Linh and Ha stacked 3 retro fitted shipping containers in an empty lot in D2, HCMC.
Although it was not much to look at then, the risky venture paid off and now Saigon Outcast has become one of the most important cultural spaces in Saigon.
Today, walking through the I-beam Torii gate and across the manicured Zen garden, brings you to those same containers, now, office space and an alternative skate-and-paint shop. Surrounded by graffitied walls painted by top local and international artists, Saigon Outcast encourages creative expression in all shapes and forms.
As host to international musicans, local theatre, skateboarding, BMX, and even rock climbing, Saigon Outcast continues to scrape out a space for all with BBQ’s, market’s, charitable events, and open mic’s. Open Tuesday to Sunday as cafe/bar and nightly venue offering workshops, outdoor cinema and weekly events like life-drawing and family friendly Sundays including kids cinema and live music.
Little Japan, an area around Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung streets in downtown HCMC where there are over 70 restaurants, spas and other businesses of the Japanese community, is appealing to not only tourists but also locals who want to discover Japanese culture and gastronomy. The location has got increasing public attention since a graffiti alley of Le Thanh Ton Street was created and has become a popular rendezvous for local youth and foreign tourists.
Different from other streets for foreign communities in town, like the backpacker area on Pham Ngu Lao, Bui Vien and De Tham streets or the Korean area on Pham Van Hai Street in Tan Binh District or a mixed community in HCMC’s District 7, Little Japan doesn’t have an animated look or exciting atmosphere but the simple wooden doors of the restaurants there covered by the curtains hung under the signs mostly in red, black and white colors and the tranquility make the place attractive.
Little Japan Town
Little Japan, an area around Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung streets in downtown HCMC where there are over 70 restaurants, spas and other businesses of the Japanese community, is appealing to not only tourists but also locals who want to discover Japanese culture and gastronomy. The location has got increasing public attention since a graffiti alley of Le Thanh Ton Street was created and has become a popular rendezvous for local youth and foreign tourists.
Different from other streets for foreign communities in town, like the backpacker area on Pham Ngu Lao, Bui Vien and De Tham streets or the Korean area on Pham Van Hai Street in Tan Binh District or a mixed community in HCMC’s District 7, Little Japan doesn’t have an animated look or exciting atmosphere but the simple wooden doors of the restaurants there covered by the curtains hung under the signs mostly in red, black and white colors and the tranquility make the place attractive.
Tan Dinh Church, better known as Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was painted with the vibrant pink color for both the exterior and interior of the cathedral, making it more special amidst the heart of the modern city and drawing huge attention of passers-by and those from abroad.
Taking a stroll around the busy Hai Ba Trung Street in HCMC’s District 3, it comes as no surprise that everyday hundreds of local youths and foreign tourists, regardless of their religions, are gathered at one of the oldest and most striking churches of the city to visit and pose for photos.
172 locals recommend
Tan Dinh Church
289 Hai Bà TrưngTan Dinh Church, better known as Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was painted with the vibrant pink color for both the exterior and interior of the cathedral, making it more special amidst the heart of the modern city and drawing huge attention of passers-by and those from abroad.
Taking a stroll around the busy Hai Ba Trung Street in HCMC’s District 3, it comes as no surprise that everyday hundreds of local youths and foreign tourists, regardless of their religions, are gathered at one of the oldest and most striking churches of the city to visit and pose for photos.
Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Shows remain one of the cultural draws for most travellers to Ho Chi Minh City. Originating in the sodden rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, the two most popular places to see a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh are at The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre and at the Villa Song Saigon (formerly Thao Dien Village). Depicting the culture, traditions and folklore of Vietnamese life, visitors are entertained by puppets acting on a ‘stage’ of water accompanied by live old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments. Shows are performed entirely in Vietnamese which is not a problem for the visiting tourist as the puppet gestures are obvious enough to keep the audience enthralled. The musicians are often positioned to one side of the stage adding in sound effects and songs as the people-styled puppets, dragons, fairies and other ornamental figures dance across the stage.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre is located at 55B Nguyen Thi Ming Khai Street at the City Labour Cultural House inside Tao Dan Park. Show times are daily at 18:30 and 20:30 and shows last 50 minutes.
45 locals recommend
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
55B Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiTraditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Shows remain one of the cultural draws for most travellers to Ho Chi Minh City. Originating in the sodden rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, the two most popular places to see a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh are at The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre and at the Villa Song Saigon (formerly Thao Dien Village). Depicting the culture, traditions and folklore of Vietnamese life, visitors are entertained by puppets acting on a ‘stage’ of water accompanied by live old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments. Shows are performed entirely in Vietnamese which is not a problem for the visiting tourist as the puppet gestures are obvious enough to keep the audience enthralled. The musicians are often positioned to one side of the stage adding in sound effects and songs as the people-styled puppets, dragons, fairies and other ornamental figures dance across the stage.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre is located at 55B Nguyen Thi Ming Khai Street at the City Labour Cultural House inside Tao Dan Park. Show times are daily at 18:30 and 20:30 and shows last 50 minutes.