Exploring Saigon through the eyes of The Guardian journalist

Rich history, exquisite cuisine, modern art galleries, and vibrant atmosphere have made Saigon one of the most exciting cities in Asia. Once you master the art of dodging scooters on the streets, a trip to Saigon will always be an unforgettable experience!

If you only had 3 days to travel to Saigon, where would you go and what would you do?

Claire Boobbyer's 3-day Saigon travel experience, as a journalist for The Guardian (UK), will provide you with intriguing suggestions for both familiar and new destinations in this seemingly familiar city!

Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam, has undergone many ups and downs in its history, but over time, the city has put on a 'new coat,' with skyscrapers and a lively, energetic lifestyle.

Once you get used to the tropical heat of a city adorned with colorful floral displays, in the magical light of every Christmas, as well as learn how to navigate through the bustling traffic, Saigon will become an addictive substance, always keeping you intrigued with the most interesting city in Southeast Asia.

Day 1: Exploring Saigon's Central Area

Morning:

Influenced by its colonial past under French rule, most iconic architectural landmarks in Saigon carry the breath of French architecture. You can visit from the Opera House, Lam Son Square, where you can spot two famous hotels: Continental Saigon – known as the inspiration for English writer Graham Greene's novel 'The Quiet American,' and next to it is the towering Caravelle Hotel – where foreign correspondents often gather at the 10th-floor bar during the Vietnam War.

Or you can stroll westward along Le Loi Street to admire the City People's Committee Building, before heading north to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a modest cathedral built with red bricks from Marseille, France. Right next to Notre-Dame Cathedral is the Central Post Office, upon entering the Post Office in the main hall area, you will be impressed by a gigantic portrait of Uncle Ho – the great leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

If you feel weary after a walk, you can sit back and enjoy coffee or fresh fruit juice at La Fenetre Soleil (44 Ly Tu Trong, at the corner of Pasteur Street), before exploring other enticing shops on Dong Khoi Street, District 1. You can kick off your shopping spree with jewelry, clothes, and collectibles at L’Usine, you can stop by Liti store if you want to pick up vintage items, clothes, or French-style accessories, or you can visit The House of Saigon to purchase shoes from the Fashion4Freedom brand.

What's special about L’Usine is that you can have lunch with typical Vietnamese dishes and enjoy delicious drinks in an elegant, light-filled space.

Afternoon:

Independence Palace is an intriguing place to start your afternoon exploration. It served as the headquarters of the former South Vietnamese government, becoming a historical witness when on April 30, 1975, a Vietnamese People's Army tank crashed through the main gate, marking the end of 20 years of brutal war.

History enthusiasts and modern style admirers will appreciate the elegance and well-preserved interior of the Palace. Other interesting places you can explore include: Vietnam History Museum, located right next to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, or you can visit War Remnants Museum – where you'll learn more about the losses of the Vietnamese people during the war, and cute logo-printed T-shirts related to Saigon tourism are also sold here.

Another fascinating yet lesser-known spot is the Weapon Storage Bunker located at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3. This is a secret bunker hidden within a small house, used as a hiding place for weapons in preparation for the 1968 Tet Offensive. When you visit, you will be led down to the bunker by Former Soldier Nguyen Quang Vinh for a tour.

Evening:

It's no exaggeration to say that Saigon is a great place to enjoy exquisite cuisine. Here, you can find not only traditional Vietnamese dishes but also many international culinary brands. It all depends on your mood or your wallet. An interesting dining spot you shouldn't miss is Luong Son Quan (31 Ly Tu Trong, District 1), where you can savor delicious grilled beef rolls.

If you want to enjoy a dinner in a relaxed atmosphere on a rooftop, you can visit Pacharan to explore Spanish cuisine, or head to Tash Blanchy for lively music by DJs and beautiful cocktails. To end a great evening on the first day of your Saigon trip, you can relax at Last Call Saigon Bar.

Day Two: Exploring Other Interesting Areas

Morning

Joining the Tim Doling Tour will be an interesting way for you to learn more about other aspects of Saigon tourism. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit landmarks such as the French Customs building, the State Bank of Vietnam...

Located on the 4th floor of a French-style old apartment building at 14 Ton That Dam, District 1, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings, Mockingbird Cafe is also an interesting stop on the journey, where you can enjoy some pastries, and relax in a rather nostalgic space. Additionally, you can also visit the nearby Bitexco Tower, go to some rooftop restaurants and bars, and admire the cityscape from above.

Afternoon:

Some interesting experiences you can do in the afternoon include: Taking a motorbike taxi to The Lunch Lady at 23 Hoang Sa Street, to enjoy delicious soups; visiting the Craig Thomas Gallery to appreciate impressive artworks; relaxing at Café If (38 Dang Dung) to enjoy the romantic garden scenery in a French-style villa.

If you're interested in artworks, there are plenty of interesting suggestions for your exploration: Sàn Art is a non-profit space, aiming to promote artistic exchange and provide opportunities for young Vietnamese artists to practice contemporary art. Besides, Sao La, Sophie’s Art Tours, or Saigon Rangers are also interesting destinations to appreciate art.

Evening:

Located in a corner of District 1, Cục Gạch Quán is a place where you'll find the fresh, rustic atmosphere amidst the beautiful charm of the city, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes. The nearby Decibel Restaurant (79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh) is also a wonderful place to enjoy unique dishes and drinks.

Day Three: Visiting Suburban Areas

Daytime:

You can head to the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, located in a coastal district east of the city. Les Rives will take you on a high-speed boat tour, passing through mangrove forests, visiting markets, fishing villages, and having lunch here.

If you still feel like two days is too short to explore Saigon, you can join the 'Vespa Vietnam Adventures' tour, where beautiful vintage Vespa scooters in various colors will take you on a tour of the city's most impressive landmarks. Additionally, you can also join Xo Tours, where beautiful ladies in traditional Ao Dai costumes will take you to visit Chinatown and enjoy delicious street food.

At night:

On the last night in Saigon, you can visit Shri Restaurant on the 23rd floor to admire the sparkling city lights from above. You can also head to the entertainment hub Saigon Outcast in District 2, to relax with a variety of exciting entertainment options. Cargo Bar is where you can dance to music and enjoy colorful cocktails. And most notably, Pham Ngu Lao Western Quarter is where you can party with friends until... 5 in the morning.

By San San (Source: The Guardian)

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour