Exploring Saigon for 24 hours during holidays for long-distance travelers

From dawn till dusk, you can experience a Saigon ranging from tranquility to vibrancy with a vastly different ambiance from regular days.

Exploring Saigon for 24 hours during holidays for long-distance travelers

Every nook and cranny in Saigon may seem overly familiar to the locals, but it always holds many curious and exciting discoveries for distant travelers. During the extended holiday on April 30th - May 1st, HCMC becomes a destination for many families and young people due to its lively atmosphere, charming cafes, and countless tantalizing street foods. Especially, Saigon during these days becomes unusually quiet and peaceful, enticing even the locals to hit the streets to experience it. Below is a suggested itinerary for 24 hours of exploring a different Saigon for you in the upcoming 5-day holiday.

Morning: Early rise

On normal days, everyone has to wake up early for work, so during holidays, there tends to be a tendency to sleep in. However, this is also a rare opportunity to enjoy a strangely quiet Saigon with 'not a soul in sight', peaceful and comfortable to breathe in the fresh, cool air, not the hustle and bustle of regular Saigon. Don't forget to start your morning with a hearty bowl of piping hot noodle soup.

Indulge in a refreshing iced coffee

In this city, it's effortless to stroll into a sidewalk café, savoring a cup of robust coffee to kickstart a vibrant day. Grab a to-go coffee, wander along the streets. The blend of coffee enjoyment and observing the bustling flow of people and vehicles has its unique charm, definitely worth experiencing a day in Saigon.

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon - Saigon Central Post Office

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, and the Book Street are must-visit spots when you're in this city. Don't just rush through or snap a few quick check-in photos; take your time to wander around, explore these historic landmarks from various angles to discover their intriguing hidden corners.

Strike a pose at Ho Chi Minh City Museum

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum might not be unfamiliar to many, yet not many have ventured here for a visit. Located right in the city center on Ly Tu Trong Street, this establishment boasts a vintage charm, designed uniquely and intricately in Gothic style. Snap some photos, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the museum's beauty in every corner, every frame, resembling European sky villas, especially the brick-paved hallway which exudes an artistic vibe when captured.

Noon: Japanese dining at the street

Lê Thánh Tôn – Thái Văn Lung area, also known as the Japanese street with its small eateries and cafes exuding the vibes of the land of the rising sun. This street isn't too vast; a stroll of 1-2 rounds covers it all, yet the dining spots are aplenty. Choose a restaurant and recharge with sushi, sashimi, ramen... after a half-day exploration of Saigon.

Lively Café

Besides sidewalk coffee, beautifully designed cafes are another specialty of Saigon, of which the local youths take great pride. Saigonese thrive on coffee in all four seasons—morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. For countless years, this cultural trait has endured. It's not too challenging to pick a good coffee shop, with many picturesque corners for avatar-worthy photos. There are plenty of suggestions like Thinker&Dreamer, Saigon Retro, Cô Ba Đồng Khởi, Năm Mười Mười Lăm, Work Saigon Cafe, The Open Space...

Afternoon: Chinatown vibes

Saigon is a melting pot of cultures, prominently featuring the Chinese community. The Chinatown here is beloved by many, often referred to as Saigon's own China town, embodying the age-old Chinese culture. The first settlers arrived in the 18th century, primarily from Chiu Chow and Fujian. Here, you'll immerse yourself in a somewhat cramped space but rich in cultural values, from temples, architectural styles, to eateries... If hunger strikes, don't forget to indulge in the famous Chinese-origin dishes in this area.

Savoring Saigon's Snails

Saigon is renowned for its variety of snail dishes, and no trip is complete without indulging in this delicacy. From juicy escargot to crunchy periwinkles, savory snails sautéed with tamarind or garlic, or succulent steamed clams, there's something to please every palate. While there's no shortage of snail eateries in Saigon, the truly delectable ones include Oc Nhu, Oc Dao, Oc Mam Sua, and Oc Beo in Binh Thanh district.

Evening Delight: Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

Rather than getting lost in the bustling crowd, opt for a serene café where you can observe the lively throngs from a distance. Sip on a hot cup of tea or a fragrant coffee while enjoying some chill tunes, and you'll find your own slice of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Don't forget to visit the building at No. 42 on Nguyen Hue for a diverse array of shops. A leisurely stroll and some window shopping, accompanied by dazzling displays, make for a perfect evening activity.

Admiring Saigon from Above

Saigon takes on a mesmerizing charm when the lights come on, unlike anywhere else. Ascend to the top floor of Landmark 81 and behold the glittering beauty of the city at night. Saigon boasts numerous rooftop bars where you can admire the city skyline while sipping on sweet cocktails. Alternatively, opt for a high-rise homestay, and wake up to a panoramic view of the city or enjoy the cityscape at night, right from your bedroom window.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Street at midnight.

Returning home at midnight is considered early in Saigon, the city that never sleeps. Bui Vien Street comes alive with more people. You can choose any beer pub, enjoy a glass of beer, chat with friends, and watch the unique hustle and bustle.

Sink into a different sleeping experience.

Many young people nowadays prefer renting homestays over hotels due to their youthful and artistic designs. Even locals in Saigon want to experience waking up in a different place during holidays to feel a sense of novelty, as if they are traveling in their own city.

As reported by The Star.

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