Buzz
Stepping into Saigon, a land filled with renowned and unique dining experiences. From places exuding ancient charm to modern elegance, you can find your perfect dining spot.
Wondering where to dine in Saigon?
1. Cafes and Coffee Houses
Café beverages have ingrained themselves in the lifestyle of Saigonese for ages. Each morning, they typically indulge in a cup of morning coffee to kickstart a day brimming with vitality and energy.
Café 81
Address: 216B Nguyen Van Nguyen, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Average price: 10,000VND – 30,000VND
Café 81 (Photo by ST)
A simple beauty that visitors here will surely feel. The space is adorned with vintage items from old chairs, tables to radios and water pitchers. Paired with bright glass ceilings, harmoniously arranged plants create brightness and natural scenery.
The drinks here are as simple and humble as the style of the place. Richly flavored coffee cups, cool iced milk tea, or perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemonade. All contribute to a nostalgic atmosphere, seemingly transporting diners to a serene and tranquil life.
Inside Café 81 (Photo by ST)
Hello Saigon
Address: 5th floor, Apartment 42, Nguyen Hue, District 1
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Average price: 40,000VND – 100,000VND
Saigon Hello Café (Photo by ST)
Situated in a picturesque location offering a panoramic view of Saigon's lifestyle from above. This is the perfect spot for young people to enjoy a unique drink while gazing at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.
The menu here is quite diverse with many creatively crafted and visually appealing drinks such as Saigon Hello! Unique Lychee, Hibiscus Tea, Toxic Blood,... The names are very imaginative and truly reflect the character of the café.
Saigon Entertainment Spots (Photo by ST)
Chợ Thiếc Shuttlecock Café
Address: Alley 313 Tan Phuoc, Ward 6, District 11
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Average price: 10,000VND – 15,000VND
This is a Café that's over 30 years old. Locals affectionately call it 'Uncle Thanh's Shuttlecock Café'. The café exudes an old-world charm, reminiscent of old Saigon. It attracts visitors with its authentic Saigonese lifestyle experiences. Moreover, you can listen to Uncle Thanh's captivating stories from the past, adding to the charm.
Chợ Thiếc Shuttlecock Café
The coffee here is very affordable, mainly traditional types like filter coffee and milk coffee. It's aromatic and rich, with creamy milk that doesn't overpower. This familiar yet unique drink leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Uncle Thanh's Shuttlecock Café.
Chợ Thiếc Shuttlecock Café Saigon (Photo by ST)
2. Saigon Flea Markets
True to Saigon's unique dining and entertainment scene, the city also hosts weekend flea markets to cater to the shopping needs of locals and tourists alike.
Rubik Zoo
Address: 1Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saigon Entertainment Spot Rubik Zoo (Photo by ST)
Rubik Zoo is the first Container Market in Vietnam. With a brilliant concept, it transforms shipping containers into unique stalls, attracting a large crowd every week.
Visiting this market, you won't need an entrance ticket. You can shop to your heart's content for unique accessories designed by young locals. From notebooks to clothing from many major fashion brands.
Rubik Zoo is the Container Market Entertainment Spot in Saigon (Photo by ST)
Or wander into the snack stalls offering hot and visually appealing Korean or Japanese snacks.
The snack stalls with Korean treats (Photo by ST)
Additionally, the market is set up for young people to freely take photos with the most beautiful corners, bright lights, and decorations that blend traditional and modern styles. There's also a film set area and an artistic photo studio.
Film set area, Artistic photo studio (Photo by ST)
Hello Weekend Market
Address: 2 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Open days: Every Saturday and Sunday
Hello Weekend Market HCMC Entertainment Spot (Photo by ST)
If you're someone who loves staying updated with the latest fashion trends each season, then this market is the perfect destination for you. You'll encounter many trendy outfits with unique styles. Or witness the creativity of the youth through their clothing and accessories.
A photo spot at Hello Weekend Market (Photo by ST)
Hand-made goods stalls (Photo by ST)
Here, besides the prominent fashion stalls, the hand-made goods stalls also attract a lot of attention. And the food area is an indispensable part of every market session. Here, you'll find a wide range of familiar snacks beloved by the young Saigonese like mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, skewers, sweet soup, sandwiches,...
Gathering of familiar snacks (Photo by ST)
Saigon Flea Market
Address: 107 Ton Dat Tien, Tan Phu, District 7
Saigon Flea Market Entertainment Area (Photo by ST)
Perhaps one of the oldest weekend markets in Saigon. Since 2011, the market has been embraced by the people of Saigon and international visitors alike. You can witness the multiculturalism here and learn many new things from different cultural backgrounds.
Saigon and International Friends (Photo by ST)
Moreover, you can find some incredibly cool and unique items at this market. From jewelry accessories, clothing, to creatively crafted shoes and bags.
Shopping spot for jewelry accessories, clothing (Photo by ST)
Or you may stumble upon skillfully hand-made items like paper flowers or multi-colored bamboo creations.
Hand-made items (Photo by ST)
3. Vibrant Bars in Saigon
One cannot talk about Saigon's nightlife without mentioning the vibrant bars and pubs.
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar
Address: 2, International Square, District 1
Entertainment area at Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar in Saigon (Photo by ST)
Located on the 9th floor of the building, visitors step into a different world enveloped in wood, glass, and panoramic views of Saigon. A space of extreme sophistication for entertainment, not too bustling, not too noisy, yet very poetic.
Sip on glasses of red wine or colorful cocktails professionally crafted by the bar's staff. They are skilled in every cocktail-shaking move, making the drinkers indulge in the sweetness of the drinks.
Savoring Drinks at Saigon's Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar (Photo by ST)
Carmen Bar
Address: 8 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Stepping inside the bar's space, you feel like entering a stone castle, with cellar doors and enchanting dim lights.
The music here carries an enchanting vibe, with Latin tunes that are both powerful and gentle, playing old tracks with a unique twist.
Carmen Bar boasts its own signature cocktail concoctions. The drinks aren't too strong, just enough to sway along with the music. If you don't drink alcohol, you can order some light cocktails instead.
Drinks at Carmen Bar in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo by ST)
Cargo Bar
Address: 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4
Cargo Bar is designed in a modern style with circular seating arrangements and spacious surroundings. It's not just suitable for evening gatherings with friends but also for birthday parties or prom nights.
With 4 floors, you can comfortably choose your seat and gaze far to admire the city lights. To ensure the best spot for enjoying both drinks and the magnificent scenery, you can call the bar in advance to make a reservation.
Cargo Bar Saigon (Photo by ST)
If you've become too familiar with places like Ben Thanh Market, Turtle Lake, or Tao Dan Park,... why not try something different for a change? Explore the bustling weekend markets, relax at cafes with stunning city views, or enjoy the vibrant bar scene.
