Buzz
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the city post office, and enjoy complimentary iced tea... these are the things that will make you fall in love with Saigon more than ever.
Many perceive Saigon as a bustling, opulent, and extravagant city where you have to pay for almost everything. However, disregard that notion and explore 8 entirely free things you can experience in the most dynamic city in Vietnam.
Indulge in live music at the City Theater
Every Saturday or Sunday from 8:15 to 9:30, a music performance is regularly held in front of the City Theater. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy various music genres or entertaining variety shows, spicing up a beautiful weekend morning.
Sidewalk iced tea
In Saigon, this refreshing beverage is practically free at most local eateries. It becomes even more special when served complimentary at some water stations set up along the sidewalks or street corners.
Initially, this beautiful gesture was limited to certain places, but nowadays the number of free iced tea stations is increasing, especially on hot days along streets like Ly Thai To (District 10), Vo Van Tan (District 3). Many poor workers, students, and learners stop by these free iced tea stations, taking a few sips to relieve the heat of summer afternoons.
Taste-test the food you want to buy
One impressive aspect for tourists in Saigon is that you can delight in free samples of fruits, preserved fruits, or sweets before making a purchase, with very welcoming invitations from the sellers.
You can stroll around Ben Thanh Market and try a variety of dried fruits or candied treats without spending a dime. The sellers are sure to receive warm smiles and friendly greetings instead of annoyance or haggling. If you're savvy, you might even sample fresh fruits and negotiate a lower price than the listed one.
Tourist map
City maps will be a useful tool for your exciting exploration of fascinating Saigon. Easily obtain them at the hotel reception, Tan Son Nhat Airport, City Post Office... Use the city map, combined with travel guidebooks and online search tools, for an engaging tour in the digital age.
Stroll around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica was constructed over three years and completed in 1880. All materials were specially transported from France for its construction. Today, the structure retains its ancient charm, standing as the most captivating attraction in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists.
This is not only a familiar meeting point for many Saigonese youth, alongside sidewalk cafes and Turtle Lake, but also the number one wedding photography location for couples. Every Sunday morning, sitting in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and admiring soon-to-be-married couples, you will feel a profound sense of tranquility.
Explore the Central Post Office
Located to the left of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the City Post Office is another free destination that most visitors to Saigon explore. It's an architectural landmark seamlessly blending European style with Eastern decorative elements. It also served as the workplace of Vietnam's last hired letter writer, sparking curiosity and exploration among many visitors.
Heartwarming Free Hugs
Saigon is one of the few places that regularly hosts warm embrace festivals, where strangers exchange affectionate hugs freely—Free Hugs. Originating from abroad, this 'free hug' event has only started to shape up in recent years, making it still quite novel to many.
However, why not indulge in a hug that brings smiles and a sense of comfort? And you don't have to pay a single penny for the warm joy you'll receive.
'5-star' Public Restrooms
Recently introduced at 3 locations: Tao Dan Park, 23/9 Park, and Le Van Tam Park, each public restroom costs from 800 million to 1 billion VND, covering an area of about 60m2 with high-quality facilities, leaving a positive impression on users and tourists.
These excellent service facilities, fully sponsored by businesses, are entirely free and will give you a perfect impression of a modern, friendly, and open Saigon.
According to iOne
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourMay 28, 2014
