Saigon Tour (Ho Chi Minh City)

It is well-known that the weather in Saigon is split into two totally different seasons: wet and dry. Of course tourists are advised to attend tours in Saigon that take place during the dry season because - well, no one wants to be all wet and muddy. 
The dry season starts from early December to late April with sunshine and moderate humidity, very suitable for traveling around and discover a new land. Each year, the city has approximately 150 rainy days, starting from  May to November, especially in June and September.
 

Generally, Vietnam is one of the safest places on this planet to travel, in contrast to some doubt. The UNESCO has recognized Vietnam as a new “destination for the new millennium". Therefore, you can wipe out all your worries about traveling here.
However, foreign tourists should be patient and use common sense to avoid incidences of personal misfortune like in any other tourist attractions in this world.
 

Vietnam, in general, is a safe destination for families with young kids to travel for a holiday. However, if you are heading for Saigon, do take note that the city is very hot and humid. Therefore, you should bring proper clothing, mosquito spray, hats, sun cream, etc. Should you have more worry, have some medicine packed with you.
 

No disability should prevent people from traveling and discovering new lands. And I think is safe to say that Vietnam is totally a wheelchair-friendly country. 
Vietnam’s tourism really cares about tourists with disabilities that these days, there are more and more choices or resources for them to have the trip of their life. Most major hotels in Vietnam’s large cities can accommodate travelers with wheelchairs. But if you go to hotels in rural areas, this kind of service may be off the limit.
Luxury Tour can provide all travellers with our customized trip to suit each customer's requirement. With our 100% tailor-made vacations, you can wipe out all your worries and enjoy your vacation at its finest.
Any disabilities should be informed to us as the booking is made so that your Saigon trip can be perfectly planned according to your preference and health condition.
 

If you want to ease your mind by escaping the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh, here is a list of beautiful places near Saigon that you can have a day trip to.

Cu Chi Tunnel

This is one of the easiest day trips from Saigon for those who prefer short tie travel. Just an hour and a half ride from the city center, tourists can witness the significance and unique features of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnel, utilized by Viet Cong military during the Vietnam War. This specialized tunnel connecting Cu Chi and Saigon used to be a nightmare to all the opposing forces at that time. Spread out like a matrix, this famous historical tunnel cover around 250 kilometers. 

Can Tho (Mekong Delta area)

It takes only 3 hours for tourists to travel to Can Tho from Saigon. Can Tho is a modern city with flashy restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. And yet, you can still find the vintage and touches of the old, simple Vietnam in the structures of houses, in the floating market that should not be missed by anyone.

Ho Tram

113 kilometers away from the bustling city, tourists can find themselves on a beautiful beach with sunshine and fresh coconut juice everywhere. This is, no lie, the cleanest beach tourists can find on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh city.
Ho Coc beach 
This is a quiet, mostly unpopulated beach where locals go to find some peace of mind for their own. The u-shaped coastline here overlooks the forest, and near those places, tourists can find some food stalls and restaurants of locals’, serving fresh and delicious seafood and beer.

Scorpion Island

Going to this island is quite an experience for some people since you have to buy tickets to travel by ferry to cross the river. This is a truly interesting thing to do since not many people can experience being carried by a noisy ferry, sit on your motorbikes with a bunch of Vietnamese locals and watch the scenery of a modern city fading, making a place for the evergreen forest, rice paddles bamboo villages.

Can Gio (Monkey Island)

Just over 70 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio is truly the most convenient day trip from there. Some people call Can Gio “Monkey Island” for the fact that this place is recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity with hundreds of wildlife and indigenous vegetation. So if you are a nature lover, and not afraid of monkey (there are a lot of monkeys on this Island and I have to say, they are quite familiar with tourists so they may want to approach you for food), this place is just a place for you!
 

War Remnants Museum

This is a quite special museum in Saigon with details of how a 30-year war between Vietnam and the USA has affected this S-shaped country. There are also tanks, damaged planes and other War weapons that are preserved for the exhibition. Tourists will be mind-blown with written letters, information and presentation of the War, seeing how a small, poor country regain their independence after 3 decades.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre

For those who love the culture, The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is an ideal place to visit. The water puppet shows in Vietnam is very unique and all age-appropriate. You can book a Saigon tour with Luxury Travel and enjoy the show here: https://luxurytravelvietnam.com/inquire

Thien Hau Temple, Chinatown

This famous Temple is a Buddhist temple, dedicated to the goddess of the Sea, Mazu. Due to Vietnam’s geography with long coastlines, this goddess plays an important role in the Vietnamese culture, since she is the one protecting ships and fishermen while they are on the sea. This temple is also known as one of the most beautiful temples in Vietnam, so you should give it a go!

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon 

The Cathedral was built in the late 19s by the French colonists and named after the statue “Peaceful Notre Dame”. It is one of the very few remaining structures of Catholicism in Vietnam, where most of the population are Buddhist. An interesting rumor about this Cathedral is, the Virgin Mary statue in front of it is believed to shred tear in October 2005. Today, many come to this religious place with the hope of witnessing a miracle.

Saigon Opera House

Another famous colonial building in Saigon is the Saigon Opera House, located at the cross on Le Loi Street, near the classic Central Post Office. It is a three-floor Opera house with a capacity of 800 seats. Built-in 1897, this stage is not only for Opera artists to perform, but many other kinds of arts have the chance, too, namely ballets, musical concerts, traditional play, dance, etc.

Jade Emperor Pagodas

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most revered temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Originally built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants, this Taoist temple now welcomes Buddhist worshippers and is incredibly atmospheric with incense smoke hanging heavy in the air. Intricate architecture, carvings, statues of Gods and Goddesses and Chinese characters create an exotic and timeless ambiance.

Ben Thanh Market

Saigon is home to many famous markets. Centrally located, Ben Thanh and its surrounding streets comprise one of Saigon’s liveliest areas. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is piled high, and souvenir items can be found in equal abundance. Vendors are determined and prices usually higher than elsewhere, so bargain vigorously and ignore any ‘Fixed Price’ signs. Good food stalls are usually open until mid-afternoon, and it’s an area where it pays to be extra vigilant about looking after personal items and smartphones.

Ho Chi Minh Reunification Palace

The center of the allied command and the place where the North Vietnamese claimed victory in the American War, the Reunification Palace has played its part in some incredible historic scenes. This palace has essentially been frozen in time since a North Vietnamese Army tank smashed through its gates in 1975. Visitors will get to discover secret rooms, grand reception halls and the command bunker where General Ngo Dinh Diem conducted his war strategies.

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a glorious example of French colonial architecture, perfectly preserved with as much style as when it first opened in 1891. The building still functions as the city’s main post office and sending a letter or postcard home is highly recommended for a taste of living history. Beautiful from any angle, this building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Reunification Palace

This place is seen as a symbol of Vietnam’s independence. The place gained its fame on the day a tank of the North Vietnamese Army hit its main gate, marking the end of a 30-year War - a claim to the whole world about the independence of Vietnam. Visiting here, tourists will have the chance to see hidden rooms, secret chambers with antique-look corridors, along with a beautiful tropical garden on the outside. 

Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels’ historical features set it apart from other modern landmarks in Saigon. There is no better way for tourists to experience how extreme and dangerous the Vietnam war is than the first-hand experience from visiting here. Foreigners will see how smart, creative Vietnamese people were in their war by turning their small built into an advantage in this war to defeat the tall, well-built and well-armed invaders. 
Visiting here, you will crawl through dark, narrow tunnels to reach all the underground facilities namely meeting room, kitchen, weapon storage. But, there will also traps and one-way-in with no-way-out tunnels.

War Remnants Museum

If you want more details about the infamous Vietnam War, there is no better place to go than the War Remnants Museum. This place has the most interesting exhibition and detailed documents about the French Domination period. Tourists will be shocked at all the war evidence displayed here and at how far Vietnamese people willing to take to gain their country back.
There are also themed rooms with photos of the war photojournalist Bun'yō Ishikawa, and thrilling preserved human fetus with the impact of Agent Orange.

Museum of Vietnamese History

This museum will show how different Vietnam is in periods of Vietnam's history, which is divided into two main parts: the Vietnamese history’s evolution from day one to the day the Vietnamese Communist Party was founded in 1930, and the other exhibits the cultural and ethnological aspects of several minority groups in the ancient Mekong Delta and Cham land. Tourists will also have the chance to witness the ancient Roman coins, stone tools, and cannons from Vietnam’s ethnic communities. 

Ho Chi Minh Museum – Dragon Wharf

The city is named after him, so of course, it has a museum dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh. Surprisingly, this place is built by the French in 1863 and is the place to show Uncle Ho’s items such as sandals, clothing, and spectacles. You will have the chance to see many photographs about him, to see how a young boy from a small family grows up into the nation’s greatest president
 

Giac Lam Pagoda 

This is the oldest pagoda in Saigon, recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as the national historical and cultural relic of Vietnam. Visiting here, tourists will be amazed by the complex of towers built in the 19th century. There are a total of 38 multi-sized towers, a balanced combination of the West and East style of architecture. This is also considered a historical place since it contains a lot of valuable historical and sculptural documents and items. With its long history, Vietnamese people believe that Giac Lam Pagoda is very sacred, therefore many Vietnamese people go here to burn the joss sticks to pray for every best wish. 

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda 

This is the tallest stone tower in Vietnam, built by a lot of skilled craftsmen. The pagoda was built in 2003, therefore its structure is an interesting mixture of traditional Vietnamese structures, with a light, modern touch of Japanese architecture style. This combination brings fame to this place, making it a popular destination for people who hope for a lucky and healthy life in the Lunar New Year's Eve. In the exam season, many students come here to wish for high scores and blessing.

Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda

There is a fact that the South and North Vietnam are of two main different Buddhism branches. This place is built in 1958 in order for Buddhists in the South to come and worship. At first glance, you may realize that this place is somehow similar to the one pillar pagoda in the North with the same spirit: a blooming flower in the lake. Many travelers visit the pagoda to witness the beautiful lotus lake and its unique architecture. 

Jade Emperor Pagoda 

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Jade Emperor is one of the most famous pagodas in Saigon. The pagoda bears a strong impression of China’s culture with the decoration and the Yin Yang inspired roofs. There are 100 well-preserved statues in this pagoda, all of which are made of cartridge papers totally. Not only famous for its styles, but the shrine is also famous among the Vietnamese locals for their sacred fame, which brings hundreds of worshippers to come and pray with light candles and flowers. This is a very Instagramable place and famous among the photographers' community all over the world.

Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai, also known as the Holy See, is the center of the Cao Dai faith - a Vietnam’s religion. It is the combination of teachings in Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity, so the temple’s architecture is a gorgeous combination of a little mosque, a pagoda, and a cathedral. If you visit this place, do not miss watching the prayers of Caodainist practicing their rituals. Each Caodainist is dressed according to their role. For example, followers wear white while priests’ coat is in yellow, blue or red, symbolling Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity respectively. Men will sit on the right while all women sit on the opposite.

Thien Hau Temple

Thien Hau Temple is reported to be built by Chinese immigrants from Guangzhou, which is the main reason why the architecture of this place reflects most Chinese features. Thien Hau or Lady of the Sea or Mazu is believed to be the protector of sailors and fishermen when they are on a cruise. There are legends and belief of Chinese decorated on the roofs, as long as many porcelain figurines. There are many Vietnamese people who take a tour to Saigon just to write their names on a red paper attached to each incense. Vietnamese people believe that the wish would follow the smoke of the incense to fly up to heaven, to the hand of God so that it will come true.
 

Street beer at Bui Vien - feel the busy and cross-cultural life

If you want other street experience aside from the walking street Nguyen Hue, we recommend Bui Vien street. This is also called “pho Tay”, which means “the street of the foreigners” since this place attracts travelers of all countries and nationalities with its cross-culture style. The beer that locals sell here is very famous and you can have that at a very reasonable price. A night out at Bui Vien street with friends or family members, munching on delicious Vietnamese snack with some beer here is the experience you should never miss. 

Classy cocktails at rooftop bars

If you love to see the whole city at night, do not miss the Ho Chi Minh City sky bar. There are plenty of sky bars you can try in this modern city, giving tourists a wide range of options: a vintage bar with mellow lounge music, or bar with a dance floor so customers can let loose after some shots. You can enjoy the view of Ho Chi Minh city in the sunset and at midnight, when the city is full of lightings. 

Jam to some live music

If you do not fancy the crowds, several coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh offers delicious drinks with live music - there is no better way to experience the life of a Vietnamese than that. You will have the chance to listen to almost everything, from trending pop music of famous Vietnamese singers to acoustic versions of Linkin Park’s albums.

Karaoke to let loose, why not?

I can’t think of any pastime activity that is more popular among Westerners than Karaoke, and trust me, Vietnamese takes Karaoke to a whole new level. You will find huge lounges, screaming luxury and royal. In the private room that customers book, you will find a large table full of fruits, finger food, and drinks of all kinds. The song list is very variated, too, from ABBA, Eminem to Kpop sensation BTS - it is all up to you. If you can’t find the song you want, you can ask the employers at that KTV and bam! There will be a whole karaoke video from youtube downloaded at your request. 

Wild nightclub in Saigon? You got it

Saigon is famous for having so many good bars and clubs with excellent services and amenities. And the “pho Tay” aka Bui Vien Street is considered the heart of it, with several bars with an impressive theme. And remember to dress accordingly because there is no way you are let in wearing flip-flops. Dress to impress - that’s what they say.
 

Canoeing in Saigon River 

Is canoeing exclusively in beach regions? I think not. Coming to the Saigon River, tourists will have the chance to experience a private canoe tour in the afternoon to watch the sunset or at any other times on the day. There will be luxury speed boat taking visitors to see the spectacular scene of Saigon safely and peacefully. According to a questionnaire from the locals, canoeing on Saigon River is one of the best water sports tourists can try here to unwind and chill. This is the perfect way for anyone to enjoy the beautiful, tranquil atmosphere of Saigon to see its true natural charm.

Jungle Cruise

And if you are more of a sporty person, try the Jungle Cruise with unique experience that you can never forget. You will take a tour to Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with trips will of forests exploring. You will ride small boats to discover the charm of the Mekong Delta area, travel to the floating market and sail your boats.

Kayaking

There are kayaking tours along the Mekong river that tourists can book with us. Travel by small kayak boats, tourists can visit famous canals with wonderful sights that only a tour in Saigon can provide.
 

Phu Quoc Island

If you don’t mind another flight and want to spend time exploring places near Saigon more, you need to book a flight to Phu Quoc island. Just a short flight and you are in Phu Quoc - home to several beautiful beaches and lavish resorts with all kinds of services you can think of. If you love party time, there will be events and water sports clubs available for you, and if you need chill space to escape from reality or the madness of all the metropolis, Phu Quoc is there for you.

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a paradise for those who love laying on the beach all day long and relaxing. If you are in Saigon, just catch a two-hour-shuttle bus to the Southwest of Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Tau is THAT near. There are two areas for tourists: the Front Beach and Back Beach. Both of them have similar amenities and qualities of services. You can rent a motorbike to explore whichever place you prefer: the Front Beach with an enormous Jesus statue or the lovely Back Beach on the East. Let's join our Vung Tau Day Trip Escape from Saigon

Ho Tram

Getting to Ho Tram will take you 30 more minutes in comparison to Vung Tau, but you are guaranteed that exceeded time worth it. This is the place that is much quieter than Vung Tau even though there are still various luxurious service tourists can think of. This place is also famous for its casino - one of the very few casinos in the country.

Mui Ne

Mui Ne will make you feel like you were in a sizable city, even though it is just a wand of Phan Thiet. The bus to get to Mui Ne is quite long, 5 hours but you can believe that it is worthy. The country is famous for its breath-taking beach coast and fresh seafood. This is also one of the top destinations for windsurfing, kite surfing, and other adrenaline-pumping water sports.  Let's take a relaxing trip to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City with us now!

Nha Trang

If you want to get to Nha Trang, the best choice is to book a flight - some people even book the straight flight to Nha Trang to enjoy their holiday instead of staying in Saigon, and well - they have a point. Nha Trang is the top beach destination not only in Ho Chi Minh city but in Vietnam generally. However, it doesn’t feel overcrowded at all despite all the shops, restaurants and bars developing like mushrooms after the rain.
 

If you went on a tour to Saigon Vietnam but haven’t tried at least 3 dishes of this list, chance are: You need to come back! Here are top food/cuisine you should try when visiting Saigon 
 
Bánh mì (banh mi)

Banh mi is a unique French-Vietnamese sandwich that you can buy and have a quick meal wherever you go. The dish consists of a toasted French baguette sandwich, pickled vegetables, pate, butter, and chilies or hot peppers. Banh mi can be eaten with a wide range of meat fillings, including roasted pork belly, fried egg, grilled pork loin or a flavored chicken

Bún bò Huế (bun bo Hue)

The dish is a popular Vietnamese noodle including big and thick rice vermicelli and beef with delicious broth made of pig’s bones. As you hear it from the name, this dish originated from Hue, but make it to Saigon and became a big hit ever since. If you have enough of Pho, Bun bo Hue is the perfect alternative with the lovely spicy flavor from lemongrass, cilantro, shrimp paste, and crab add-ons. 

Bún thịt nướng (bun thit nuong)

This dish is somehow similar to Bun Cha - a popular dish in Southern Vietnam. However, with a slight change in the cooking process and side dish, you will have cold rice-vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, all in one bowl. You can order extra nem nướng̣ or grilled prawns to eat this lovely dish to its full flavor.

Bánh xèo (Banh xeo)

If you observe the way people make it, you will see that this dish is somehow similar to a crepe or pancake with rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, beef slices, shrimps, sliced onions, beansprouts, and mushrooms filling. 

Bánh tráng trộn (banh trang tron)

This Vietnam mixed rice paper is a relatively recent Vietnamese dish which is very popular among youngsters in this country. Order this in any parks, or school canteens in Saigon at a reasonable price, you will have a snack of mixed rice paper with fried prawns and some chili sauce, toppings with shredded dried squid, quail eggs and spicy dried beef.

Cơm tấm sườn nướng (com tam suon)

Talking about an Asian country or an Asian city, there is no way rice is not mentioned. In Saigon, you can find Com Tam everywhere you go, from small, family-run food stalls to fancy restaurants. This dish is so famous that there is a saying “you can smell two things in Saigon generally: exhaust fumes from vehicles and pork barbecues from Com Tam restaurants. A dish of Com Tam is the combination of dried broken rice eaten with a big, smoky flavor-soaked pork chop and some pickled carrots and cucumber. There are many options that you can choose like sunny side eggs, shredded pork skin or Vietnamese meatloaf. Our recommendation? Just order a grand, mega plate so you can try this dish at its finest.
 

There is a saying that when it comes to local food and drink specials, you should go wherever the crowds are. Then you know how to start your Saigon food tour!

Iced coffee 

Never leave Vietnam without trying their strong, unique coffee that you can not find a similar taste anywhere else. Here, coffee is served with a small metal drip filter over ice and condensed milk. The black one is somehow like expresso and the brown one has condensed milk in it.  

Sugar Cane Juice 

It is not as sickly sweet as you'd expect. Sugar cane juice is, on the contrary, considered "cooling". You can buy the drink from street vendors, who use electric squashing machines to squeeze the juice from sugar cane. To balance the sweet, seller often mix the liquid with juice from kumquats, a cute tiny sour citrus fruit smelling like mandarins. The finished product is truly refreshing on a hot, sunny day. 

Coconut water

Fresh coconut water is a popular drink in Vietnam so tourists can easily find the drink on Vietnam’s streets. The process is this: you choose a coconut, then the vendor will chop its head, put a straw on it and you can drink coconut water straight from the coconut. The tips are, small coconuts tend to be sweeter than the large ones. Having coconut water on a hot day in Vietnam and you will fall in love with this simple drink immediately. 

Fruit mix (Che) 

In every corner of Vietnam, you can easily find a stall selling the popular sweet treat - Che. It often likes a bowl of colorful pudding with various toppings to eat. The dish usually includes fruit, sweet beans, seed, jelly, glutinous rice, coconut milk… This sweat drink comes with a vast variety and combinations because each region has its own style of mixing Che. Travelers should not miss this, but beware since this sweet treat could be addictive. 

If there are too many choices that you find it hard to make up your mind, here are some food review app that you can count on: Foody, Lozi or even Now has very credible review systems for every restaurant on its system. Your Saigon food tour can never be this easy and delicious!
 

Like any other Asian countries with famous street food, the answer for Vietnamese street food is: it depends. There are always some street food stall owners who do not follow the hygienic precautions, and there are always people who do, so you have to guess. There are some ways that tourists can apply when it comes o street food:

• Notice if the stall is busy or not. If it is busy with locals, there is a high chance that the food here is not only safe but also delicious. The opposite does not necessarily apply.
• If you eat fried food, check the bottle of oil that the cook used - is it have a dark color or not?
• Food stall with big glass cover will be cleaner
• Consult your local guide or friends - the locals know it all.
   

Ben Thanh Market

Address: Le Loi Street, District 1
This is undoubtedly one of the most famous spots in Vietnam, historically and locationally. Tourists and even Vietnamese local go here to buy things from food to souvenirs like Ao dai or Vietnamese artworks. Ben Thanh market is aesthetically Vietnam at its finest with the authentic atmosphere and old structure. Remember that there is no such thing as a fixed price in Ben Thanh, so you can bargain as much as you like to have the best deal.

Cho Lon (Cholon) Wanders

Address: District 5
Cholon is the old Chinatown in Vietnam and used to be the biggest Chinatown in the world. Not selling tourists items as Ben Thanh does, Cholon is more of a local thing, thus making it easier for tourist to take a look around and shop without the fear of being hassled.

An Dong Market 

Address: An Duong Vuong Street, District 10
An Dong Market is mostly a fashion wholesaler for locals but on the top floor, there are many crafts stalls, making this one of the best places in Ho Chi Minh to buy handicrafts from the skilled artisans who practice Vietnam’s proud heritage in lacquer and woodwork.

Ginkgo Concept Store

If you prefer more modern lace, Gingko Concept Store can be the place for you as this place is specialized in gifts and souvenirs which are eco-friendly or handmade by craftsmen. 

The House of Saigon 

Address: No.258 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
You can find everything you want here: from food to clothing, from handmade accessories to impressive arts made from recyclable materials

Authentique Home

Address: No.113 Le Thanh Ton, Ho Chi Minh City
This place is specialized in home decors such as dinnerware, wooden furniture or cutlery with touches of Vietnamese culture.

Where to buy handicrafts in Saigon?

Mai Handicrafts

298 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Tan Binh District
A fair-trade shop dealing in ceramics, ethnic fabrics and other
gift items that, in turn, support disadvantaged families and street children.

Saigon Kitsch Gifts & Handicrafts

33 Ton That Thiep, District 1
This colorful store specializes in reproduction propaganda posters, emblazoning its revolutionary motifs on coffee mugs, coasters, jigsaws and T-shirts. Also, cool laptop and tablet cover fashioned from recycled Vietnamese packaging.
 

Ao dai - Vietnamese Traditional Dress 

Of course, when talking about souvenirs in Vietnam, you can’t miss out on the Ao Dai - the Vietnamese national regalia. The design of Ao Dai embraces the beauty of the women, making them more attractive yet not lose the elegant inner. Many foreigner tourists have fallen in love with the charming Ao Dai. There are a lot of designs, from the original white one to the modern with short sleeves or tutu skirts - you can try them all to find the one that best suits you. There are also many stores in Saigon that you can buy ready-to-wear or the custom made Ao Dai, depending on your budget and preference.

Non La (Conical Hat) - The Cultural Icon of Vietnam 

Nowadays, not many people have not known about the famous Non La since it appears in most promotion pictures of Vietnam. Non La is not only the “Vietnamese hat” to protect Vietnamese people from the sun in this tropical climate country, but it is also a symbol of culture. This accessory embraces the beauty of Ao dai and Ao ba ba of the women, making them more charming and lovely with its simplicity.

Tea and coffee

Coming to Saigon and you’ll see how famous the coffee, especially the iced one is. People drink them almost every time of the day and you can buy coffee at any place in Saigon. And if you do not fancy caffeine, tea sold in many famous coffee shops (Trung Nguyen Legend, Phuc Long, The Coffee House) is the best choice. One sip of this lovely liquid and you will be transported back to Vietnam, to make those days in this tropical, noisy but friendly city live again.

Marou Chocolate

This brand of chocolate is created by the French, but the flavors of their chocolate are totally Vietnam-based. All ingredients are from Vietnam and factory-made s that the chocolate has its own complexity and variability. The chocolate here is famous for its shocking flavor: Pho spices, lemongrass, grapefruit, etc.

Propaganda Art

This is used to be a way that the government used to raise awareness for all aspects of life: sovereign, public health, or pet injection. This trend starts and bloomed at times of War when people need to raise the spirit of Vietnamese workers and military troops - the one producing and protecting the country. Now, as the retro trend is emerging again, this kind of art is finding its way in the modern life of Vietnamese youngsters with all kinds of propaganda art on t-shirts, tote bags, clothing, etc. If you got a hippie friend at home, or need a “cool” yet retro poster to hand on the wall, this may be the souvenir that you need after your tour in Saigon!
 

Insect-eating

If you are too familiar with the street food stalls on the street and want to bring your food tour to a new level, give those delicious insects a try. At a restaurant named Bo Cap Lua in Saigon, they serve scorpions, tarantulas, live larvae, lizards, and even fried worms to customers. If you want to be more extreme, tell the restaurant owner and they will have many more "crazy" items for you.

Visit the famous cafe apartment in District 1

Have you ever thought that an old, small apartment would be a perfect place to have a nice cup of coffee and chill? The Cafe Apartment is originally a housed military servant and it overlooks one of the most expensive streets in Saigon: the Nguyen Hue Street. Therefore nowadays, the old building is one of the most crowded places with a nice view and shops of all styles.

Eat the Trung Vit Lon (the embryos)

This kind of food is popular in Asian countries when you eat the fertilized duck eggs which are incubated for 14 to 21 days so that you will have a half-grown duck with the yellow chewy part attached. In fact, this kind of food is of all-age favorite in Vietnam and is very nutritious. However, this food is considered having the “cold aura”, therefore Vietnamese will eat it with some slices of ginger and herb to balance it.
 

Some people call Saigon “a city that never sleeps”, so there is no way you take a tour to Saigon and miss out on its brilliant hidden bars. Here is a list:

Chill Skybar Saigon

26 & 27th level, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai St. District 1
Chill Sky Bar sits on the 25th floor of Saigon’s AB Tower, attracting affluent locals and expats looking to party in style. The music policy here comprises of chill-out tunes in the early evenings before its resident DJ livens things with popular dance and hip-hop music from 22:00 onwards. The drinks here are very expensive but you can get half price

Glow Skybar Saigon

93 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe
It’s an ideal place for seeing the city’s modern and colonial architecture. Attracting well-dressed expats and locals looking to dance to deep and tropical house tunes, this rooftop bar is fitted with plenty of tropical trees, black-and-white furnishing, spacious dance floor, and a fully-stocked bar on the main deck.

The View Rooftop Bar

195 Bui Vien Street, District 1
The View Rooftop Bar is located on the ninth floor of Duc Vuong Hotel, one of the tallest buildings in Bui Vien Street. Well-frequented by backpackers worldwide for serving some of the cheapest drinks in Ho Chi Minh City,

Breeze Sky Bar

5th Floor, Hotel Majestic Saigon, 1 Dong Khoi Street
Breeze Sky Bar is an all-day alfresco venue atop Hotel Majestic Saigon, featuring the most spectacular attractions of Saigon. Featuring French architecture, classy décor, and a tranquil setting, Breeze Sky Bar is a great nightlife spot for watching the sunset over the city with a cold beer in hand.

Monde Bar & Restaurant

You can experience the authentic hospitality of Japan with a light touch of European in this bar with slow style and fine dining with delicious and classic cocktails. This vintage bar is ranked among the best bars in Ho Chi Minh city with old colonial architecture style with a huge courtyard and massive wooden wood. You can find this bar on the busy street next to the Independence Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral

QUI – CUISINE MIXOLOGY Lounge

This place has one of the best mixology and cuisine innovations in Saigon. The decor here is mostly based on Western and Asian cultural mixture with soothing lighting and mellow music for your night out or just after-work drinks. The best highlight here is the mixology inspired by seasonal Asian themes, along with fine dining cooked by famous chefs in Vietnam.

The Gin House 

If you are just in for a drink, do not miss out The Gin house, where you can experience the best gin cocktails in town. Talking about hidden bars, the Gin house is one of the most famous thanks to their terrific drinks and the convenient location on the “Tay Street” - Bui Vien. You are allowed to smoke inside and there is no way the cocktails here disappoint you. This place is famous among adventurous drinkers since the bartenders here are very experimental.

Rabbit Hole 

What can be cooler than an underground cocktail bar? From the name, you can see that this place is inspired by the world-famous book “Alice in Wonderland”, so there is no need to talk about how dope the decoration is. The menu is very unique and the biggest MUST TRY drink in this place is their signature The Mad Hatter.
 

Bitexco Financial Tower

Some people on Instagram even call this “the symbol of Ho Chi Minh city” since almost all tourists have pictures of the tower (or with the tower) on their social accounts. This is the tallest building in the city, giving you an overview of the whole place. A picture of you with the wonderful view from Bitexco Financial Tower is a big must when you go to Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Cathedral was built in the late 19s by the French and is one of the very few remaining structures of Catholicism in Vietnam, where most of the population are Buddhist. An interesting rumor about this Cathedral is, the Virgin Mary statue in front of it is believed to shred tear in October 2005. With its gothic structure, you can have some iconic shots to show off on Instagram fro the outside of the church.

Central Post Office

The Central Post Office is right next to the Cathedral so it is very convenient for you to take a photoshoot tour. Constructed in the late 19th century, from the first glance, the Post Office looks just like a railway station. You can go here and send some letters or photo cards to your loved ones at home, a traditionally romantic way people used to express love while having some photos with this iconic landmark.

Nguyen Hue walking street

This street can be considered the heart of Saigon since it is in the vicinity of so many popular sites that attracts not only tourists but also Vietnamese local like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, City Hall, etc. This street is always busy, especially at night when people fled to the street to enjoy themselves after a long day at work. You can show your Saigon trip to all your followers just by taking pictures with the colorful street food, people in smurf and Pikachu costumes, or occasional art exhibition.

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a glorious example of French colonial architecture, perfectly preserved with as much style as when it first opened in 1891. The building still functions as the city’s main post office and sending a letter or postcard home is highly recommended for a taste of living history. Beautiful from any angle, this building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedrals

Located next to the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral is another relic of French colonial times and is kept in perfect condition, still holding masses every Sunday. Many of the building materials were imported from France and it has an unmistakable Gallic touch with two long spires measuring 60m in height. In front of the cathedral is a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary or ‘Notre Dame’.

Travel to Saigon by air 

Ho Chi Minh is well connected to the world by a vast amount of airlines. Operating airlines to Ho Chi Minh city include big names such as Air France, Japan Airlines, Asiana, Lufthansa, United Airlines... The recently renovated international terminal made Tan Son Nhat airport the largest, both in size and capacity, among all airports in Vietnam. Domestically, there are daily flights such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Vietjet airlines to most of the attractions in Vietnam.

Travel to Saigon by bus

The bus runs from Phnompenh to Ho Chi Minh City every day, crossing Moc Bai border or ferry transfer in Chau Doc.

Travel to Saigon by train

It takes around 2 days from the North to South of Vietnam by train. Though it’s too slow, it’s a great way to appreciate the natural beauty and local culture of Vietnam that unfold along the way.
   

Getting around Saigon by taxi

Taxi is one of the most popular and convenient transportation you can find in Saigon. You can find several brands of taxi around your hotels, restaurants or any tourist hotspots in this city, and the price here is quite reasonable, just around VND 10,000 with every kilometer priced at VND 13,000 to 15,000.

Getting around Saigon by Motorbike

Xe om, the Vietnamese motorbike taxi can’t be ruled out when talking about transportation in Vietnam generally and Saigon especially. You can find “Xe om” in every corner of Saigon and have yourself an experienced driver to drive you through the street. Some drivers can show you the hidden gems of the cities: the best local shops or restaurants that no other tourists have reviewed before. 
Or, you can download Google Maps and rent yourself a motorcycle. You can find several rental shops on the Internet, or most hotels in Saigon can arrange that for you. Many tourists choose motor renting while having trips to Saigon. Our advice is the Pham Ngu Lao street. Where you can rent a bike or motorcycles with helmets at a reasonable price.

Getting around Saigon by Cyclo

If you come to Vietnam without trying to visit the street on a cyclo, that’s such a pity. The three-wheeled transportation is totally different from any other kind in Sagon. This is how you experience the old Vietnamese travel and have yourself a memorable experience.  

Vietnam, in general, is a safe destination for families with young kids to travel for a holiday. However, if you are heading for Saigon, do take note that the city is very hot and humid. Therefore, you should bring proper clothing, mosquito spray, hats, sun cream, etc. Should you have more worry, have some medicine packed with you.

NOVOTEL SAIGON CENTRE

Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3
The 247-room Novotel Saigon Centre is perfect for both leisure and business customers. It features an international buffet restaurant, The Square, a lobby lounge, a rooftop bar, and a wellness center which includes a swimming pool, fitness equipment, sauna, and spa. The hotel’s five meeting rooms offer the latest audio-visual equipment and can accommodate up to 350 people.

DUXTON HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 63 Nguyen Hue, District 1
The Duxton is within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions, the Saigon River, as well as chic cosmopolitan nightclubs and lounge bars. It has 198 elegant Deluxe and Executive rooms and suites, with views of the Saigon River and surrounding city, and it is furnished with contemporary Vietnamese artwork and traditional fabrics.

LIBERTY CENTRAL

Address: 179 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1
Located in the heart of Saigon, near Ben Thanh Market, shopping malls, and famous landmarks such as the Opera House, the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and Dong Khoi Street.

PARK ROYAL SAIGON HOTEL

Address: 309B – 311 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh
The first ‘atrium-style’ hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Park Royal Saigon offers 192 rooms and is located just five minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Ho Chi Minh International Exhibition and Convention Centre (HIECC). Relaxing, stylish rooms and suites or executive Orchid Club rooms. The Garden Brasserie offers an eclectic mix of local and international cuisines, and the Lobby Lounge and Lotus Bar offer signature cocktails and wines.

CONTINENTAL HOTEL

Address: 132 – 134 Dong Khoi, District 1
Built-in 1880, but relaunched in 1989, it retains much of its original French colonial architecture. It has been home to French writer Andre Malraux and Briton Graham Greene, who wrote the book “The Quiet American” about the declining days of French Indochina and the beginning of the American presence in Vietnam.

KIM DO ROYAL CITY HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 133 Nguyen Hue, District 1
A 4-star venue offering a level of service and comfort designed to ensure that both business and leisure travelers who visit will find charming hospitality and personalized service.

PALACE HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 56-66 Nguyen Hue, District 1
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Palace Hotel is one of the most well-known and comfortable hotels in the area. It is also in proximity to the shopping areas of Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Streets, the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh’s statue, and many traditional boutique shops and entertainment venues.

RAMANA HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 323 Le Van Sy, District 3
The Ramana Hotel Saigon is located within minutes of the major exhibition centers, international airport, downtown, and shopping areas. The 290 guestrooms and suites are furnished with extra touches aimed at making your stay truly comfortable and memorable.

FIRST HOTEL

Address: 18 Hoang Viet, Tan Binh
The First Hotel features 108 guestrooms and suites, fully equipped with IDD telephones, cable and satellite TV, in-room safe and minibar.

GRAND SILVERLAND HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 125 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
The Grand Silverland Hotel has 90 rooms and a roof garden restaurant where guests can enjoy a special evening under candle light, enjoying Western and Asian cuisine in unparalleled ambiance.

NEW PACIFIC HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 9 - 11 Ky Dong, District 3
The New Pacific Hotel is in the business and entertainment district within easy walking distance of the Opera House, Reunification Palace and a myriad of shops and restaurants. Overlooking the Saigon River, this luxury hotel has an impressive array of facilities including a relaxing pool and rooftop restaurant, while rooms are outstanding and spacious.

GOLDEN CENTRAL HOTEL SAIGON

Address: 140 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
Golden Hotel Saigon offers luxury accommodation, quality service, and great views over Ho Chi Minh City. It is right next to Ben Thanh Market and close to Tao Dan Park. In each of the 132 rooms in this popular 4-star hotel (many non-smoking) is air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, in-house movies, desks, hair dryers, and wi-fi. This charming property has long been a favorite in Ho Chi Minh City for both business and leisure travelers.

VISSAI SAIGON HOTEL

Address: 144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan District
The Vissai Saigon offers 200 rooms and suites, including an Executive floor for added value and benefits. All rooms have been designed based on the core concept of “Affordable yet comfortable and friendly.” The location is near the airport and not far from Royal Park Hotel Saigon.

MANDARINE

11A Ngo Van Nam Str., Ben Nghe, District 1
A dedication to serving the finest Vietnamese cuisine provides an elegant experience of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City,

HOI AN

11 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
A different style of dining with distinctive Vietnamese warmth and charm.

XU

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
This super-stylish restaurant-lounge serves up a menu of Vietnamese-inspired fusion dishes. It’s pricey but well worth the flutter for top service and a classy wine list. Innovative bar snacks and top-notch cocktails reinforce Xu’s status as one of the city’s most elegant lounge bars

PROPAGANDA

21 Han Thuyen, District 1
Colorful murals and retro Socialist posters brighten up this popular bistro with park views. The menu focuses on street food classics from around Vietnam, all enjoyed with a bustling and energetic ambiance.
 

AU MANOIR DE KHAI

251 Dien Bien Phu Street, District 3
It’s been known as the top-notch dining in Ho Chi Minh City An ancient villa nearly one hundred years old, lying silently in a quiet garden, lovers of French cuisine come to Au Manoir will not only enjoy fully authentic French dishes, but also discover a luxury space as a corner in King Louis XIV’s Palace.

TROIS GOURMANDS

39 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien
An elegant villa-with-swimming-pool setting is a venue for this impressive restaurant, overseen by the warm and welcoming former sommelier and Frenchman Gils Brault. Champions of fine food served through indulgent set menus, Trois Gourmands is worth the trek: cheese lovers can come for the selection alone, made in- house, while the wine choice is naturally strong.

VATEL SAIGON RESTAURANT

120 Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1
Vatel Saigon is the absolute must for lovers of authentic French food and real service to the French. The architecture of the restaurant Vatel Saigon, appearance and originally booked for the art of life, keep its serenity and privacy in the heart of a city as energetic Saigon.
 

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM

197 De Tham, District 1
The real Italian cuisine with an Italian chef.

R&J ITALIAN LOUNGE & RESTAURANT

B1, Times Square Building 22 -36 Nguyen Hue & 57-69F Dong Khoi, District 1
Taking its name from Shakespeare’s epic romance, Rome and Juliet, R& stokes a similar passion in lovers of traditional Italian cuisine.

KOBE TEPPANYAKI RESTAURANT

13A Tu Xuong, Ward 7, District 3
Located in a beautiful villa, the restaurant features 12 rooms and a Sushi bar with luxurious facilities. Food looks attractive. Staff is very professional. However, the price is quite expensive.

TOKYO DELI

240 Le Thanh Ton Street | District 1
The restaurant looks spacious and clean. The price is reasonable, suitable for everyone. The sushi here is very delicious.

BONSAI RIVER CRUISE

05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4.
Escape the bustle of the city and cruise the waters of the Saigon River. Savor a sumptuous dinner, accompanied by live entertainment, while floating past Ho Chi Minh’s enchanting nighttime cityscape.

INDOCHINA JUNK

05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4.
The wooden boat stroll around Saigon river to Gio waterways. It works every day on the Saigon River at Bach Dang Wharf,
With floating cruise Saigon River, guests have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food for their own in a romantic setting. They serve both Vietnamese and halal food. Each night, the yacht also has programs of dance music with bold ethnic-cultural characteristics Vietnam - Cham - Chinese - Khmer.

TANDOOR RESTAURANT

39A - 39B Ngo Duc Ke Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Traditional North Indian Cuisine, spacious party hall. Authentic Indian dining in the center of the city. Great value for money. Friendly service.

VIETNAM DELIGHTS HALAL RESTAURANT

174 Le Lai Street, District 1
Among the prominent Halal restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam Delights Halal Restaurant. It’s situated in the city’s center and on Le Lai Street, District 1, so it’s not so hard to get there. This is also seen as an ideal place for Muslims when you join Ho Chi Minh Muslim tours.

HALA SAIGON RESTAURANT

31 Dong Du Street, District 1
The Restaurant was opened in February 2009 by a person having passion and love for great food. Halal Saigon is the place to celebrate the fusion of Malaysian and Vietnamese flavors in a clean Halal environment

SAIGON GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT

52 Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh ward, District 1
Founded in 2012 with 2 branches at Ho Chi Minh city and Cu Chi, Saigon Green House will please most Muslim tourists due to its dishes meeting the Muslim diet specified in the Koran. Chefs and staff are friendly and kind Cham people. They serve both Muslim and Vietnamese cuisines.

D’NYONYA PENANG RESTAURANT

56 Dong Du, Ben Nghe ward, District 1
Founded in 2012 with 2 branches at Ho Chi Minh city and Cu Chi, Saigon Green House will please most Muslim tourists due to its dishes meeting the Muslim diet specified in the Koran. Chefs and staff are friendly and kind Cham people. They serve both Muslim and Vietnamese cuisines

THAO DIEN COFFEE

38 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2
Although its location is a bit far from the center, it’s worthy to visit. Green, quiet, full of natural light, with both indoor and outdoor spaces for your taste, delicious food with proper vegan options.

I.D. CAFE 2

61B Tu Xuong, District 3
The decor is cozy, industrial and urbane. The drinks are still always good and reasonably priced. The lighting and music create a soft, cool atmosphere. The chairs are comfy and the staff friendly and well-dressed.

LAROTONE SAIGON

77 Ham Nghi, District 1
La Rotonde channels the style and grace of old Saigon. The cafe boasts a lofty central space highlighted by high ceilings and soft egg color. Southeast Asian art and photos of vintage Saigon adorn the walls, but space feels very Parisian. Enormous windows frame a great view of the financial district.

UP CAFE

269 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Phu Nhuan
Up Cafe’s second floor is well-known for its ceiling decor, which consists of a piano, table, and chairs hung precariously upside-down overhead. However, they’ve recently made a huge flaw on the actual second floor by adding those huge, awful couches that create private partitions and ruin the space.

CAFE BAN SONATE

52 Dang Dung, Tan Dinh, District 1
Another huge, sprawling local café, it is more intimate than Du Mien, but just as local and just as huge. The place has a musical feel and I generally don’t have to resort to using my headphones while working here. The canopy of trees makes for a nice atmosphere in the rain.

THE FIG

15 Nguyen Thi Huynh, Phu Nhuan District
A relaxing cafe with a Thai style, The Fig is hard to find but worth the effort. The music is exotic and unpredictable- ranging from minstrel songs to sitar to new age. Fig feels a bit like a garden. The greenery gives it a fresh scent and it’s amazing to sit under an umbrella on a rainy day, listening to the sound of the rain in the elevated pool.

Ho Chi Minh city has a handful of art galleries, especially around the fine arts museum and along Dong Khoi street. That said, all the mainstream Vietnamese artists are represented here and there are a couple of standout galleries for the more esoteric. But, make sure you are getting authentic goods. Having a guide will help. For low-quality reproductions of famous paintings, visit the painting shops along Bui Vien street in Pham Ngu Lao

APRICOT GALLERY

50 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1
Established and up-and-coming artists are found here.

GALLERY VINH LOI

41 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city
All the usual suspects and a few more interesting lesser-known works.

MAI’S GALLERY

16 Nguyen Hue, District 1
This neat installation gallery has a regular turnover of work, so you never know what you’re going to see, but you know it will be interesting.

GALERIE QUYNH

1/F 25bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
Progressive gallery space in a whitewashed, exposed-brick warehouse. A mix of established and up-and-comers, showing a range of installations and performances.

GALLERY F11

23 Thao Dien, An Phu, District 2
Helen savory’s photographic gallery is filled with mostly black and white, and sepia prints of Vietnamese life. Prints can be ordered and shipped.

1 - Vietnam Luxury Golf & Country Club

This was the first 36-hole golf club in Vietnam and is widely regarded as Vietnam’s premier country club. Located just 20km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Golf and Country Club is also the closest club to the city. Set among 300 hectares of land, two great golf course have been carved out of the existing woodland.

2 - Long Thanh Golf Resort 

The Long Thanh Golf Club is 36 holes golf resort; it has been recognized by Members, Guests and Visitors as the best golf course in Vietnam for years. The Club is situated about 40 minutes from the center of Saigon.

3 - Twin Doves Golf Club 

Twin Doves is to be the first private and exclusive golf course in South of Vietnam with a truly “member only” policy which is dedicated to ensuring the requirement of privileged member. The golf course has 18 holes. Its facility will extend beyond those offered elsewhere in the country.

4 - Song Be Golf Club

Song Be Golf Resort first opened its doors in 1994 and is regarded as Vietnam’s first International Standard Championship Golf Course. Golfers marvel at the beauty of the natural landscape as they attempt to tame the challenges presented by the 27 holes par 72 golf course. Measuring 6,272 meters, the blue tee presents a formidable challenge.

5 - Tan Son Nhat Golf Course 

It is a public golf course located 4 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Built across 156 hectares, the 36-hole Tan Son Nhat Golf Course borders the Tan Son Nhat Airport – the busiest in Vietnam.